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Rose De Muerte
Roselynn ‘Rose' Morgue is in love.
That sounds good on the surface, but nothing about Rose’s life is ever simple.
The object of her affection is not only her stalker, he’s also supposed to be dead, and that little fact throws a wrench in her plan to reinvent herself.
You see, Rose is far more twisted than anyone would ever believe, and will do whatever it takes to ensure no one ever finds out the truth about her past. But when a series of murders begin, Rose’s secrets rise to the surface, and one extremely pissed off secret can’t wait for her to get what she deserves.
*Trigger Warning*
Bad Sh*t happens.
This book will not entice warm fuzzy feelings.
(This book is a standalone prequel that sets the stage for Pernicious Red)
That sounds good on the surface, but nothing about Rose’s life is ever simple.
The object of her affection is not only her stalker, he’s also supposed to be dead, and that little fact throws a wrench in her plan to reinvent herself.
You see, Rose is far more twisted than anyone would ever believe, and will do whatever it takes to ensure no one ever finds out the truth about her past. But when a series of murders begin, Rose’s secrets rise to the surface, and one extremely pissed off secret can’t wait for her to get what she deserves.
*Trigger Warning*
Bad Sh*t happens.
This book will not entice warm fuzzy feelings.
(This book is a standalone prequel that sets the stage for Pernicious Red)
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2017
About the author
Natalie Bennett
144 books2,483 followersLover of all things pǝʇsıʍʇ & unusual.
I write unconventional 'romance' with strong elements of horror.
Find all my links here!
linktr.ee/AuthornatB
I write unconventional 'romance' with strong elements of horror.
Find all my links here!
linktr.ee/AuthornatB
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 6, 2017
Pretty decent cover on this one. A great representation of the story. Good composition and title work. My only issue, the title is too far to the left. It should probably be centered.
I have pretty much said this a million times now but I will say it yet again. I do not think this author can write a book that I don't love. And again this one was no different. This was classic Natalie Bennett. Dark, twisted delicious mindfuckery at it's best.Well written and well paced with an interesting plot that kept me turning the pages. It was dark. It was twisted. It had twists and turns. It had some hot dubious consent sex (don't judge me *lol*). Obsession and crazy combined in this one to give us two deeply fucked up main characters that I loved. Con....I love you. I don't even want to examine too carefully what that says about me. And Rose...well she was a woman after my own heart. I loved her as much as Con. BTW, don't think the secondary characters were any saner because they were NOT.
My only small issue was that I found the past/present timeline a little confusing at the beginning. The transition from prologue to chapter one was a bit clunky and left me confused. I think maybe a few transitional scenes between the two would have been beneficial in bridging them more coherently. I wanted to know what happened to Rose from the end of that prologue to the beginning of chapter one. One minute something happens to her and then she is in an entirely different place living a different life. It left me scratching my head a bit.
That issue aside, I loved this one. It was a great set up for Pernicious Red which you know I will be ALL over as soon as it's in my hot little hands. This gets a solid two thumbs up from yours truly.
December 4, 2017
"Some people liked cake; I liked serial killers."
C'è stato un plot twist assurdo in questa storia, che un po' mi ha condizionata nel cambiare il mio voto. Inizialmente ero per le 3 stelle e mezzo, e spiego perchè. Rose De Muerte non è poi così diverso dai libri di Natalie Bennett che ho letto, è sempre molto dark e molto deviato, e io lo dirò sempre che la apprezzo tantissimo per questo, perchè mi fa provare tantissime cose con le sue storie. Ma mi sembrava un po' lento inizialmente, le scene pesanti c'erano, ma forse non mi prendevano come magari aveva fatto il duet Corrupted Love e il duet UltraViolence.
Rose è una ragazza che ha vissuto una vita veramente pesante. Da piccola, viene affidata agli zii e proprio nella casa dove doveva ricevere amore e cure, veniva violentata. E aveva appena 14 anni. Queste cose l'hanno fatta crescere con una mentalità completamente sbagliata sulla vita, e sopratutto sul sesso. Il sesso le piace, e lei stessa ammette che ciò che le faceva suo zio, alla fine, non sembrava dispiacerle così tanto. E già da qui, vi posso assicurare che se non siete in vena di leggere una storia del genere, non leggetela.
Rose sta anche scappando da un uomo. Costantine. Un ragazzo che ha conosciuto tramite un amica, quando era ancora una ragazzina. Lui era il fratello di questa sua amica, e una sera, mentre è insieme alle sue amiche la sfidano di andare nella sua camera e farsi baciare da lui. Ma non succede niente di tutto ciò. Costantine quella sera, la possiede, e non la lascerà più andare.
Inizialmente Rose si sente innamorata di quest'uomo, sente che può sopportare tutto quello che lui fa, che non sono cose belle. Perchè Costantine è un serial killer. Ossessionato dall'idea di trovare la sua Rose dai capelli rossi e stare con lei per sempre. Ma è una ricerca lunga, una ricerca che si porta dietro una scia di sangue.
Nonostante la sua fuga duri qualche anno, viene ovviamente ritrovata. Ma nel frattempo, lei ha conosciuto Max. Max è un detective, o così lui dice di essere, perchè alla fine niente è come sembra, e quando è saltata fuori la verità, ci sono rimasta veramente male, perchè non me lo aspettavo. E ci sono rimasta ancora più male nel vedere Rose, che nonostante tutto ciò che Con le ha fatto, capisce fino in fondo che lui è una mente malata come lei, e che dovrebbero stare insieme. Questi due, fidatevi, non hanno nessuna rotella a posto. Non vi dico che finisce con un HEA o NON HEA - come Natalie spiega all'inizio del romanzo, non aspettatevi cuori, fuori e neanche un HEA come capita di vedere in giro. Se Rose e Costantine vorranno stare insieme, prima di tutto dovranno curarsi, e questo loro lo sanno. E qui, mi fermo.
Rose De Muerte è un prequel standalone che apre le porte alla serie Pernicious Red, dove immagino ci sia la ricerca delle altre Rose da parte della famiglia deviata di Costantine, non oso immaginare che cosa combineranno gli altri membri della sua famiglia. Qualcuno si conosce già in questa storia, ma ho idea che la famiglia sia grande tanto quanto la sua instabilità mentale.
November 13, 2017
Twisted and sick!
Ok I don’t even know what to say except this story is sick. In a good and bad way. If you like dark reads where the anti-hero is more anti than hero, then you should read this. It’s a bit twisty, but I read so much of this stuff that I sort of saw it coming. That doesn’t take anything away from this author though, because the twists were still good IMO.
Dark. Full of triggers. Sick. Not romantic per say, but twisted love and smutty.
Ok I don’t even know what to say except this story is sick. In a good and bad way. If you like dark reads where the anti-hero is more anti than hero, then you should read this. It’s a bit twisty, but I read so much of this stuff that I sort of saw it coming. That doesn’t take anything away from this author though, because the twists were still good IMO.
Dark. Full of triggers. Sick. Not romantic per say, but twisted love and smutty.
July 30, 2018
"Was I in heaven, or on my way to hell?"
Anyone who reads my reviews regularly knows I am an absolute softy when it comes to assigning stars. Rarely do I ever assign a book a 3-star rating, especially in my beloved “Dark Erotica”and “Dark Romance” genres. I love me a walk on the “dark” side and oh…do I love a mysterious twisted dark lover and/or protagonist (male or female). Actually, I am still currently in love with my last BBF, Naz who is an unapologetic murderer “trying” to reform his ways, not out of some sense of right or wrong but for the sake of his beloved. In other words, I'm in love with a stone-cold murderer. So, my lesser rating is not out of repulsion for the dark themes of murder or mayhem described in this book.
The author is clear from the outset that this book is not a “traditional romance” and I am also very comfortable with this idea as well. I did however have certain expectations apart from any “romantic” ideas, themes or tropes.
I never felt a connection to the character who narrated most of the story in the first person, Roselynn “Rose” Morgue. I’m not sure if it is because of the time jumps or the varied and numerous life altering events in this character’s life that happen in so short a novel or that the story itself had no discernible shape. Or that...ultimately, Rose proves to be an unreliable narrator in the end.
Constantine the antihero in this book remained extremely unknowable to me. A haphazard motive was attributed to his serial killing ways but then he kills for other reasons and so on and there is this other thing at the end??? Three chapters are told in the first person POV of Constantine wherein he is mostly describing his actions from watching to killing. I know he was obsessed with Rose. I think I know why...but I don't really know how he feels about Rose. Is he angry? Has he missed her for the 4 years they have been apart? Is he that volatile that he changes his mind from minute to minute?
Dark themes generally deal with complex emotions and deep dives into the psyche of characters. I did not understand either main character. My lack of understanding is not a function of my inability to grasp the workings of a deviant mind but rather the result of a story that did not lay the foundation for most of the character’s actions or revelations. Events occurred, or a character’s thoughts were revealed that directly conflicted with earlier events. There were huge holes in the story that begged for an explanation.
Even in the erotic scenes...I never knew how either of them truly felt. The action was described but the characters never told me how they felt or what they felt emotionally during any of their intimacies. I personally cannot relate to the pictures conjured up in my mind by the author's words. I needed to feel something if nothing else. There was little to nothing to feel or even contemplate. There weren't even any clues or hints to lead the reader astray in their thinking or analysis. Events and revelations just jumped out at you out-of- the -blue...not so much as a surprise element but more like a WTF element not fully conceptualized or developed within the plot?
Just because a book is dark certainly doesn’t mean it should be nonsensical – lacking in sense. Even the most twisted mind has a certain “sensibility”. Neither main character was imbued with any “sensibility”. They did things…even horrific things but the motive was never clear and/or always shifting. So many ideas were thrown into the storyline with little to no support or explanation as the “why” or the “how”. Throwing in a “hodge-podge” of dark occurrences doesn’t even work existentially, meaning...existing for itself alone…because the elements that were thrown in this book were supposed explanations. These explanations only added more confusion. Cult…what cult?
How I dislike writing a review like this, but I did pay for the book and well…there’s that. Will I read this author again? You know the adage, “Once burned; twice shy.” Maybe when I am finished with the 2100 books on my TBR and I can pick up one of her other books for free...perhaps then I will give this author another try.
Anyone who reads my reviews regularly knows I am an absolute softy when it comes to assigning stars. Rarely do I ever assign a book a 3-star rating, especially in my beloved “Dark Erotica”and “Dark Romance” genres. I love me a walk on the “dark” side and oh…do I love a mysterious twisted dark lover and/or protagonist (male or female). Actually, I am still currently in love with my last BBF, Naz who is an unapologetic murderer “trying” to reform his ways, not out of some sense of right or wrong but for the sake of his beloved. In other words, I'm in love with a stone-cold murderer. So, my lesser rating is not out of repulsion for the dark themes of murder or mayhem described in this book.
The author is clear from the outset that this book is not a “traditional romance” and I am also very comfortable with this idea as well. I did however have certain expectations apart from any “romantic” ideas, themes or tropes.
I never felt a connection to the character who narrated most of the story in the first person, Roselynn “Rose” Morgue. I’m not sure if it is because of the time jumps or the varied and numerous life altering events in this character’s life that happen in so short a novel or that the story itself had no discernible shape. Or that...ultimately, Rose proves to be an unreliable narrator in the end.
Constantine the antihero in this book remained extremely unknowable to me. A haphazard motive was attributed to his serial killing ways but then he kills for other reasons and so on and there is this other thing at the end??? Three chapters are told in the first person POV of Constantine wherein he is mostly describing his actions from watching to killing. I know he was obsessed with Rose. I think I know why...but I don't really know how he feels about Rose. Is he angry? Has he missed her for the 4 years they have been apart? Is he that volatile that he changes his mind from minute to minute?
Dark themes generally deal with complex emotions and deep dives into the psyche of characters. I did not understand either main character. My lack of understanding is not a function of my inability to grasp the workings of a deviant mind but rather the result of a story that did not lay the foundation for most of the character’s actions or revelations. Events occurred, or a character’s thoughts were revealed that directly conflicted with earlier events. There were huge holes in the story that begged for an explanation.
Even in the erotic scenes...I never knew how either of them truly felt. The action was described but the characters never told me how they felt or what they felt emotionally during any of their intimacies. I personally cannot relate to the pictures conjured up in my mind by the author's words. I needed to feel something if nothing else. There was little to nothing to feel or even contemplate. There weren't even any clues or hints to lead the reader astray in their thinking or analysis. Events and revelations just jumped out at you out-of- the -blue...not so much as a surprise element but more like a WTF element not fully conceptualized or developed within the plot?
Just because a book is dark certainly doesn’t mean it should be nonsensical – lacking in sense. Even the most twisted mind has a certain “sensibility”. Neither main character was imbued with any “sensibility”. They did things…even horrific things but the motive was never clear and/or always shifting. So many ideas were thrown into the storyline with little to no support or explanation as the “why” or the “how”. Throwing in a “hodge-podge” of dark occurrences doesn’t even work existentially, meaning...existing for itself alone…because the elements that were thrown in this book were supposed explanations. These explanations only added more confusion. Cult…what cult?
How I dislike writing a review like this, but I did pay for the book and well…there’s that. Will I read this author again? You know the adage, “Once burned; twice shy.” Maybe when I am finished with the 2100 books on my TBR and I can pick up one of her other books for free...perhaps then I will give this author another try.
November 5, 2018
Well, that’s human nature, isn’t it? To want what we can’t have. To crave what’s bad for us. There’s something about the forbidden that makes it irrevocably desirable.
ay yemin ederim hayatımda ilk defa böyle bir psikopatlık okuyorum. bu okuduğum çok ayrı bir psikopatlıktı.. açıklayamıyorum.
o ortamda, öyle bir adamı, yaptıkları yüzünden kaçmana, saklanmana, onu ölüme terk etmene rağmen hala nasıl sevebilirsin Rosie? ANLAYAMADIM KUSURA BAKMA DA YANİ?!
ama kitap psikopatlık boyutunda çok iyiydi. bazı yerleri cidden anlayamadım, mesela o yangın nasıl çıktı, Rosie ne sözü verdi de tutmadı? bazı sahneler hangi zaman diliminde oldu? Rosie Max denen adamla ilk birlikte olduğunda Con arabasından izliyordu.. yani öyle bir bölüm vardı
kitabın sonuna doğru bir de baktık Max diye biri yok.. şu an orayı açıklamıyorum spoi olur diye ama cidden orası aşırı saçmaydı.
Rosie desen ayrı kafa. ikisi de birbirinden ruh hastasıydı. her şeyin suçu, bütün bu olanların sebebi Con mu? Rose mu?
çıkmazdayım.
Con ve Rose arasında 9 yaş var.
şimdi Con'un Rose takıntısı mı var kızıl kafa takıntısı mı var orayı da tam çözemedim. Üvey annesiyle başlamış Rose takıntısı.. bizim Rose'da 12. Rose ve sonuncu elbette.
Con, bizim Rose'u Rose 14 yaşındayken görmüş, Rose ona gülümsemiş ve böylece takıntı resmileşmiş. Stalk falan dibine kadar. Sapıklık derecesinden bahsetmiyorum bile.
Rose, bir gün kız arkadaşlarıyla doğruluk mu cesaret mi oynarken kızlardan biri gidip Con'u öpmesini söylüyor.
Rose, o ine giriyor ve her şey orada başlıyor. Con, Rose'un ona gelmesini bekliyor yıllardır. En sonunda kendi isteğiyle gelmiş... bırakır mı?
bu yap-boz da benim yerine yerleştiremediğim bir sür�� parça var ama genelini anladım. Anlamadığım yerlerde yazarın atlayıp, ortaya dökmediği noktalardı.
Puanım 4, bu kitaba 4 vererek bende hasta ruhlu mu oluyorum bilmem.. ve yazarın diğer hastalıklı kitaplarını da okumayı düşünüyorum HAYIR PSİKOPAT DEĞİLİM.
Do you know how much you can tell about someone with a single smile?
I wanted to smother her and steal the air from her lungs, pull it into mine so we would be together, even in death.
Everyone picks their poison—a sick little addiction you know is detrimental to your health but you just can’t help yourself. You blatantly don’t give a damn.
ağzımın açık kaldığı sahneyi eklemek istiyorum eöheömm:
October 18, 2017
Each book I’ve read by this author has me falling in love with her books even more and now here I am with a new favourite.
This is a standalone prequel to Pernicious Red. The story is told in past and present and although it confused me at the start once I got into it I was glued.
I loved Rosie and Con, yeah I’m weird and love the bad ones lol
Fantastic read and a great start to the story. If your like me and you enjoy dark and twisted then I highly recommend you read this book.
This is a standalone prequel to Pernicious Red. The story is told in past and present and although it confused me at the start once I got into it I was glued.
I loved Rosie and Con, yeah I’m weird and love the bad ones lol
Fantastic read and a great start to the story. If your like me and you enjoy dark and twisted then I highly recommend you read this book.
Read
July 21, 2017 *Rose De Muerte*
(Standalone Prequel to Pernicious Red)
The release date has been moved up to the 16th of October instead of the 31st.
The tour for this (& all of my books) is being hosted by Enticing Journey Book Promo. <3
~Pre-order links are live~
Amazon->http://bit.ly/RoseAmz
Ibooks->http://bit.ly/RoseIbooks
Kobo->http://bit.ly/RDMKobo
B&N->http://bit.ly/RMBarnes
(Standalone Prequel to Pernicious Red)
The release date has been moved up to the 16th of October instead of the 31st.
The tour for this (& all of my books) is being hosted by Enticing Journey Book Promo. <3
~Pre-order links are live~
Amazon->http://bit.ly/RoseAmz
Ibooks->http://bit.ly/RoseIbooks
Kobo->http://bit.ly/RDMKobo
B&N->http://bit.ly/RMBarnes
September 12, 2017
Advance Readers Copy (ARC) was provided to me by the lovely author herself for an honest review
I believe Natalie Bennett's writing will be the death of me. I love it so much. This book has got to be the best of hers yet. my heart aches for Con & Rose. I'm speechless like always after reading Natalie's novels. But please they need another book.. much longer book. I'm begging
I believe Natalie Bennett's writing will be the death of me. I love it so much. This book has got to be the best of hers yet. my heart aches for Con & Rose. I'm speechless like always after reading Natalie's novels. But please they need another book.. much longer book. I'm begging
October 19, 2017
The relationship that Rose has with her aunt and uncle isn't normal. It isn't normal and any way. There are so many things that happen behind closed doors, which never should occur. The author has you, as the reader, saying damn before chapter one concludes. By then, there is already a wtf moment.
It seems when Constantine stepped into her life everything went down hill. Rose is trying as best as she can to step away from her past but it wasn't working. Con kept popping up in her thoughts but also literally in her life. They have a history that I won't get into but it sure as the makings of a criminal minds episode.
Con takes the if I can't have you no one can pretty seriously. The events which unfold because of his obessession and "love" of Rose is absolutely psychotic. I mean did Rose know that Con was that messed up? Did she follow him blindly?
I loved how the author painted the past with the present. The past told a vivid picture on how Rose became the person she is today. The past lets you, as the reader, know what she was running from.
There wasn't one chapter that could be read with ease. Each one had some sort of wtf moment. I was questioning Rose half the time and praying things would end well. There was definitely questions that I had concerning Con. I know one thing for sure you can't question his authority. Don't poke the damn bear.
If I can sit down with the author, I would and discuss those last few chapters. I have so many questions. I'm just going to leave this one question here. Who was playing who?
It seems when Constantine stepped into her life everything went down hill. Rose is trying as best as she can to step away from her past but it wasn't working. Con kept popping up in her thoughts but also literally in her life. They have a history that I won't get into but it sure as the makings of a criminal minds episode.
Con takes the if I can't have you no one can pretty seriously. The events which unfold because of his obessession and "love" of Rose is absolutely psychotic. I mean did Rose know that Con was that messed up? Did she follow him blindly?
I loved how the author painted the past with the present. The past told a vivid picture on how Rose became the person she is today. The past lets you, as the reader, know what she was running from.
There wasn't one chapter that could be read with ease. Each one had some sort of wtf moment. I was questioning Rose half the time and praying things would end well. There was definitely questions that I had concerning Con. I know one thing for sure you can't question his authority. Don't poke the damn bear.
If I can sit down with the author, I would and discuss those last few chapters. I have so many questions. I'm just going to leave this one question here. Who was playing who?
April 18, 2018
Rose De Muerte
I was looking for a super dark read, and boy did I find it!! I love it when I read something that disturbs me to my core and this was definitely disturbing! This book is a prologue to a series and I can’t wait to see where it will go. Recommended for those who can handle the darkest of dark.
I was looking for a super dark read, and boy did I find it!! I love it when I read something that disturbs me to my core and this was definitely disturbing! This book is a prologue to a series and I can’t wait to see where it will go. Recommended for those who can handle the darkest of dark.
Shelved as 'i-tried'
November 29, 2017Too sick and messed up!!!
November 12, 2017
There are certain authors I look too when I want some of a 'certain' type. If I want pure smut I look at Jade West, if I want a cooky romance I look at Tracy Wolff... And if I want some a little dark with a hint of smut that seems to work for my twisted mind I look at Natalie Bennett. See, if there was ever an author I felt I was kin too, who I felt I could write like, it would be Natalie. I loved her Obscene Duet series and when I stumbled upon Rose De Muerte in a slight reading funk I knew it would lift me right out. And boy did it!
The characters are out there, real yet so wrong. Twisted yet compassionate about what they do. In fact I couldn't make up my mind if I liked Con or not. As f*cked up as it sounds, I think I did and can see why Rose fell for him. He certainly was captivating! Rose was.... again I'm not sure I liked her. I don't want to give too much away as things were revealed throughout the book and I don't do spoilers.
This was such a short story for me, I read it really quick in 1 sitting and I did want more. I've now started Pernicious Red which is the follow on I believe although am confused with inconsistencies with this one (Not sure if that will change as I read the book). Either way I really enjoyed rose De Muerte, that opening chapter with her aunt, uncle and dog... WOW that was an eye opener.
If you love romances, skip this. If you offend easily, skip this. If you don't like dark twisted erotica then ditch this. But if you have a slightly depraved mind (God I sound a psycho!) then give this a go! 4 stars and kindle unlimited.
The characters are out there, real yet so wrong. Twisted yet compassionate about what they do. In fact I couldn't make up my mind if I liked Con or not. As f*cked up as it sounds, I think I did and can see why Rose fell for him. He certainly was captivating! Rose was.... again I'm not sure I liked her. I don't want to give too much away as things were revealed throughout the book and I don't do spoilers.
This was such a short story for me, I read it really quick in 1 sitting and I did want more. I've now started Pernicious Red which is the follow on I believe although am confused with inconsistencies with this one (Not sure if that will change as I read the book). Either way I really enjoyed rose De Muerte, that opening chapter with her aunt, uncle and dog... WOW that was an eye opener.
If you love romances, skip this. If you offend easily, skip this. If you don't like dark twisted erotica then ditch this. But if you have a slightly depraved mind (God I sound a psycho!) then give this a go! 4 stars and kindle unlimited.
October 17, 2017
I was captivated by the cover, didn't even know what the book was about. Just knew the cover spoke to my dark heart.. All I can say, this book was frickin dark and disturbing with a capital "D!" I love dark erotica and this one didn't disappoint. From opening page, I was sucked in.. This book was about extreme obsession and possession - twist and turns - and so much deceit and betrayal! Left my mind spinning.. And don't get me started on that ending!! WTF! Smh.
Cringe/Gag Worthy Scene: {OMG! That's Some Nasty Shit, Constantine! *BARF* I CAN'T!!}
Cringe/Gag Worthy Scene: {OMG! That's Some Nasty Shit, Constantine! *BARF* I CAN'T!!}
October 26, 2017
REVIEW TO COME
February 9, 2023
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November 13, 2017
I honestly don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't this.
I also didn't read this as a twisted, messed-up romance. Nope. Had I read it that way, it would have been only 1 star because jesusmaryandjoseph, I don't care what people say, what happened between the main characters isn't love. And no, I'm not accepting philosophies about how there are all types of love. Nope. No way. Nuh-uh.
But luckily I read this book as anything BUT a romance - simply a sick, twisted, effed up story that was written in such a way, that had me turning the pages even when I was all wide-eyed and muttering WTH under my breath. Or thinking it.
So that is why my rating is 4 stars.
Let me tell you my opinion. I don't know if I liked it or not. I mean I have no idea how I feel about it. Okay, it kind of scares me how true all of these things could be - and am sure were because there have been many psychos out there - yet I have to admit it was a good story. So to make myself feel better and being able to sleep at night, that is what I'm considering this to be. A story.
Rose, the main female character - don't really know if I can call her a heroine since there were too many things that pointed to the opposite - is royally messed up. She's been through a lot of bad things, things I won't expand on because one should read the book, so no wonder she founds herself attracted to the happy psycho of the story. And his happy psycho family.
Man, I think the Addams family were down-right boring compared to the Burrows. Okay, so not the best comparison but just to give you an idea. Or maybe the Mansons and his cult of crazies?
Anyway, it's all so complex and complicated and a sick game of cat-and-mouse ensues between Rose and Constantine, making the story end on a bang. Not exactly the outcome I was expecting but eh.
In a nutshell, as long as you detach yourself from the story, not think of it as dark romance - believe you me, I have read a few of those and this isn't it - all should be well.
It's the prequel to a series and I'm sure you're wondering - as am I - if I'll be reading that series.
I might. Not today, not tomorrow. Not next week. But I might.
Oh, who am I kidding? It could totally happen tomorrow.
What can I say, Ms. Bennett except job well done, you delivered a story that got me out of a funk and was just the story I needed - not a romance novel.
I also didn't read this as a twisted, messed-up romance. Nope. Had I read it that way, it would have been only 1 star because jesusmaryandjoseph, I don't care what people say, what happened between the main characters isn't love. And no, I'm not accepting philosophies about how there are all types of love. Nope. No way. Nuh-uh.
But luckily I read this book as anything BUT a romance - simply a sick, twisted, effed up story that was written in such a way, that had me turning the pages even when I was all wide-eyed and muttering WTH under my breath. Or thinking it.
So that is why my rating is 4 stars.
Let me tell you my opinion. I don't know if I liked it or not. I mean I have no idea how I feel about it. Okay, it kind of scares me how true all of these things could be - and am sure were because there have been many psychos out there - yet I have to admit it was a good story. So to make myself feel better and being able to sleep at night, that is what I'm considering this to be. A story.
Rose, the main female character - don't really know if I can call her a heroine since there were too many things that pointed to the opposite - is royally messed up. She's been through a lot of bad things, things I won't expand on because one should read the book, so no wonder she founds herself attracted to the happy psycho of the story. And his happy psycho family.
Man, I think the Addams family were down-right boring compared to the Burrows. Okay, so not the best comparison but just to give you an idea. Or maybe the Mansons and his cult of crazies?
Anyway, it's all so complex and complicated and a sick game of cat-and-mouse ensues between Rose and Constantine, making the story end on a bang. Not exactly the outcome I was expecting but eh.
In a nutshell, as long as you detach yourself from the story, not think of it as dark romance - believe you me, I have read a few of those and this isn't it - all should be well.
It's the prequel to a series and I'm sure you're wondering - as am I - if I'll be reading that series.
I might. Not today, not tomorrow. Not next week. But I might.
Oh, who am I kidding? It could totally happen tomorrow.
What can I say, Ms. Bennett except job well done, you delivered a story that got me out of a funk and was just the story I needed - not a romance novel.
October 17, 2017
I want to start out by saying that if you're looking for a review that will give some semblance of a description, then mine isn't the one for you! First of all, the twists & turns were so diabolically insane, that the only words that I could use were loud f-bombs, which review sites frown upon. Second, I'm still a tad confused, and that's when spoiler douchery is at it's most dangerous to come out inadvertently. See, this is the prequel before book 1, as it's purpose is to lay the groundwork for Pernicious Red, so I'm going to state that everyone NEEDS to read this one first. Now onto my dramatic feelings...most of the time I keep my dark & twisty self buried deep, but the diabolically brilliant Natalie Bennett pulled it out, with her brilliant & originally dark writing style. My feelings are swirling around me in confusion, as I have a love/hate relationship with Rose & Con, but I won't expound on that because I want everyone to form their own opinions, as they are definitely realistic characters with serious flaws. And the very colorful cast of secondaries add in to the insanity with either more chaos, and/or perfectly placed humor. I know this review is all over the place, #sorrynotsorry, but this is how the brilliant author left me, and you too, can join the crazy train by reading Rose De Muerte immediately! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL WHO ARE BRAVE ENOUGH!
October 18, 2017
Twisted and dark, filled with suspense and a whole lot of WTF is going on.
This book is told in both the past and present and alternating POV, which made for a tale that you needed to pay attention to. Rose is a bit dark, a bit evil and trying to run away from a tarnished past. Thinking that perhaps she has found a safe place she has a job, house and even a dive bar to haunt. But is she really safe?
Rose's past is out of the ordinary which made for an intriguing read. She comes from a place where everyone she has loved she has lost. She fell for the devil himself and in doing so she lost pieces of her soul. There were some aspects of the overall story that I couldn't quite piece together and felt like they weren't fully explained. Perhaps that was intentional since this is a prequel and it was meant to be something that leaves you questioning and thirsty for more.
This was definitely on the dark side, there wasn't much light to be had. The whole concept was wild and certainly not predictable. I did find myself going back a couple of times to be sure I read things right because there was some messed up stuff happening. As a first book by this author I wasn't sure what to expect and I was pleasantly intrigued with these messed up characters and story. It will be interesting to see where this story goes and what other dark corners are to be had.
April 28, 2023
This was a great dark romance novella. I thought it would be over before the story ended, but the author managed it without leaving me feeling like there should be more.
It's a dark romance featuring Constantine (Con) and Rosalynn (Rose). It in dual pov, setting is both present and past.
It's a story about a woman who is running from her past, and the man who is quietly stalking her. We know that Con and Rose were together and she managed to get away from him.
Past: Rose lived across the street from Con's home as a teenager. She used to watch him from her window, fantasizing about him. What she didn't know was that he was doing the same.
Present: It's been 4 years and Rose is finally feeling like she got away. However, Con managed to get under her skin enough that even though she knows he was evil, she still loved him in her heart. She doesn't think she is worthy of second chances or love. She only thinks she got away. We see Con's pov watching her from afar, letting the reader know that he wants her back and is going to get her.
There are mindfucks galore in this book!
It may be a novella, but it didn't leave me wanting more.
It's a dark romance featuring Constantine (Con) and Rosalynn (Rose). It in dual pov, setting is both present and past.
It's a story about a woman who is running from her past, and the man who is quietly stalking her. We know that Con and Rose were together and she managed to get away from him.
Past: Rose lived across the street from Con's home as a teenager. She used to watch him from her window, fantasizing about him. What she didn't know was that he was doing the same.
Present: It's been 4 years and Rose is finally feeling like she got away. However, Con managed to get under her skin enough that even though she knows he was evil, she still loved him in her heart. She doesn't think she is worthy of second chances or love. She only thinks she got away. We see Con's pov watching her from afar, letting the reader know that he wants her back and is going to get her.
There are mindfucks galore in this book!
It may be a novella, but it didn't leave me wanting more.
August 17, 2023
This was a great dark romance novella. I thought it would be over before the story ended, but the author managed it without leaving me feeling like there should be more.
It's a dark romance featuring Constantine (Con) and Rosalynn (Rose). It in dual pov, setting is both present and past.
It's a story about a woman who is running from her past, and the man who is quietly stalking her. We know that Con and Rose were together and she managed to get away from him.
Past: Rose lived across the street from Con's home as a teenager. She used to watch him from her window, fantasizing about him. What she didn't know was that he was doing the same.
Present: It's been 4 years and Rose is finally feeling like she got away. However, Con managed to get under her skin enough that even though she knows he was evil, she still loved him in her heart. She doesn't think she is worthy of second chances or love. She only thinks she got away. We see Con's pov watching her from afar, letting the reader know that he wants her back and is going to get her.
There are mindfucks galore in this book!
It may be a novella, but it didn't leave me wanting more.
It's a dark romance featuring Constantine (Con) and Rosalynn (Rose). It in dual pov, setting is both present and past.
It's a story about a woman who is running from her past, and the man who is quietly stalking her. We know that Con and Rose were together and she managed to get away from him.
Past: Rose lived across the street from Con's home as a teenager. She used to watch him from her window, fantasizing about him. What she didn't know was that he was doing the same.
Present: It's been 4 years and Rose is finally feeling like she got away. However, Con managed to get under her skin enough that even though she knows he was evil, she still loved him in her heart. She doesn't think she is worthy of second chances or love. She only thinks she got away. We see Con's pov watching her from afar, letting the reader know that he wants her back and is going to get her.
There are mindfucks galore in this book!
It may be a novella, but it didn't leave me wanting more.
August 17, 2023
This was a great dark romance novella. I thought it would be over before the story ended, but the author managed it without leaving me feeling like there should be more.
It's a dark romance featuring Constantine (Con) and Rosalynn (Rose). It in dual pov, setting is both present and past.
It's a story about a woman who is running from her past, and the man who is quietly stalking her. We know that Con and Rose were together and she managed to get away from him.
Past: Rose lived across the street from Con's home as a teenager. She used to watch him from her window, fantasizing about him. What she didn't know was that he was doing the same.
Present: It's been 4 years and Rose is finally feeling like she got away. However, Con managed to get under her skin enough that even though she knows he was evil, she still loved him in her heart. She doesn't think she is worthy of second chances or love. She only thinks she got away. We see Con's pov watching her from afar, letting the reader know that he wants her back and is going to get her.
There are mindfucks galore in this book!
It may be a novella, but it didn't leave me wanting more.
It's a dark romance featuring Constantine (Con) and Rosalynn (Rose). It in dual pov, setting is both present and past.
It's a story about a woman who is running from her past, and the man who is quietly stalking her. We know that Con and Rose were together and she managed to get away from him.
Past: Rose lived across the street from Con's home as a teenager. She used to watch him from her window, fantasizing about him. What she didn't know was that he was doing the same.
Present: It's been 4 years and Rose is finally feeling like she got away. However, Con managed to get under her skin enough that even though she knows he was evil, she still loved him in her heart. She doesn't think she is worthy of second chances or love. She only thinks she got away. We see Con's pov watching her from afar, letting the reader know that he wants her back and is going to get her.
There are mindfucks galore in this book!
It may be a novella, but it didn't leave me wanting more.
June 16, 2020
I would truly have liked to give this 4 stars because the premise behind this tale was awesome. Although there is a lot of negative comments to follow in this review it is not a bad book, it's just that it could have been great.
I felt the transitions between time lines was not smooth and could be a bit confusing at times. Also if we had got more back story and insight into the minds of our two MCs the story would have been great and not just good. All the depravity and sex scenes were described physically, however they somehow lacked passion.
Finally and not for the first time in one of Natalie's books, sort out the formatting! Various fonts, underlines, highlights, these should be sorted before publishing. Even self publishers need to polish their art if they are going to truly make it as a creditable author.
Natalie Bennett clearly has talent, she just needs to refine her work.
I felt the transitions between time lines was not smooth and could be a bit confusing at times. Also if we had got more back story and insight into the minds of our two MCs the story would have been great and not just good. All the depravity and sex scenes were described physically, however they somehow lacked passion.
Finally and not for the first time in one of Natalie's books, sort out the formatting! Various fonts, underlines, highlights, these should be sorted before publishing. Even self publishers need to polish their art if they are going to truly make it as a creditable author.
Natalie Bennett clearly has talent, she just needs to refine her work.
Shelved as '8-tbr-nooit'
March 11, 2021March 2021: Twelve of Roses is the updated and extended Rose De Muerte. This is a complete standalone with an open ending. Also, please note, TOR is not a romance, but contains romantic elements.
Rose De Muerte is a standalone prequel that sets the stage for Pernicious Red.
Rose De Muerte is a standalone prequel that sets the stage for Pernicious Red.
November 2, 2017
Oh so dark. Guys. This book had my heart thumping!
It was a quick, twisted game of cat and mouse. Constantine is the dangerous cat and Rose is the terrified little mouse. They fit together so perfectly, two dark souls, no matter the demons that haunt them.
I have been a huge fan of Bennett's since I read Mercy, Bound, Released. Her writing captivates me and I cannot look away! Bennett writes the dark twists, the epic storylines, and the tragic tales of her characters.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the fact that the past and the present were so intricately laced. You can't have one without the other.
This was a fantastic read by an even more fantastic author. I would highly recommend this book if you love dark reads. I will say that this book is a standalone prequel to Pernicious Red, which will be my next read!
It was a quick, twisted game of cat and mouse. Constantine is the dangerous cat and Rose is the terrified little mouse. They fit together so perfectly, two dark souls, no matter the demons that haunt them.
I have been a huge fan of Bennett's since I read Mercy, Bound, Released. Her writing captivates me and I cannot look away! Bennett writes the dark twists, the epic storylines, and the tragic tales of her characters.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the fact that the past and the present were so intricately laced. You can't have one without the other.
This was a fantastic read by an even more fantastic author. I would highly recommend this book if you love dark reads. I will say that this book is a standalone prequel to Pernicious Red, which will be my next read!
June 12, 2018
This is not love
So a couple of things. This book is short. The main character talks about love a lot but is actually a horrifically abused woman with Stockholm syndrome that needs a ton of therapy. This book is not well written.
This book is torture porn through and through. Lots of rape and murder. There is a plot with some twists in it but the author has a lot of plot holes which renders these twists more like deus ex machina rather than brilliant events. There are also a lot of grammatical errors and typos.
I gave it three stars because I read the whole thing but it wasn't a big hit for me. Perhaps because it was so short helped me get through it. I like twisted stuff but this fell flat for me. Between the poor writing and the weak plot at the end it just wasn't a winner.
So a couple of things. This book is short. The main character talks about love a lot but is actually a horrifically abused woman with Stockholm syndrome that needs a ton of therapy. This book is not well written.
This book is torture porn through and through. Lots of rape and murder. There is a plot with some twists in it but the author has a lot of plot holes which renders these twists more like deus ex machina rather than brilliant events. There are also a lot of grammatical errors and typos.
I gave it three stars because I read the whole thing but it wasn't a big hit for me. Perhaps because it was so short helped me get through it. I like twisted stuff but this fell flat for me. Between the poor writing and the weak plot at the end it just wasn't a winner.
January 22, 2018
Rose De Muerte by Natalie Bennet. As an experienced reader of all genres, I totally understand what the author was trying to do here. This book had a serial killer, his girl obsession, her addiction to him... you get the idea. Unfortunately, it just didn’t come together as well as it could have. I think the story got rushed at the end. More time could have been taken to really build the suspense and the mystery. Instead, the reveal and climax of the story seemed harried and not in a good mood-building way. However, if you like dark romance and serial killers and a heroine with a haunted past, go ahead and give this one a try. I’m pretty picky. This title is free on KU and $3.99 for purchase on Kindle.
Rose De Muerte
by Natalie Bennett et al.
Link: http://a.co/a7rea7n
Rose De Muerte
by Natalie Bennett et al.
Link: http://a.co/a7rea7n
September 21, 2018
I feel let down, this book promised much but didn't deliver, I wasn't over struck on Constantine or Rose, and for the life of me could not see how you can love someone who is a total Psycho, there was nothing about him to like, or her for that matter, how can you love someone who forces you to kill other people or abuses you, I suppose in life people do fall for each other. Constantine was a one man killing machine, there were so many questions left unanswered and untidy ends, I didn't know who was who half the time, the good part is Natalie Bennett is an awesome writer and I have devoured a lot of her books over the last few days, I loved THE BADLANDS SERIES, I will read this again and see if I think of it differently but for me this one is a miss.
October 25, 2017
This is the first book of Natalie Bennett's that I've read and I'm seriously impressed! Rose De Muerte was amazingly good. This is a story were obsession and possession combine, and combust into an explosion that will destroy everything its path. It’s a good thing this story comes with a warning because you are going to need it. You will be confused, and experience heart palpitations, and many jaw-dropping moments. This is a twisted psychotic love story. I have so many questions which I’m sure will be answered in the next Pernicious Red. If you love a dark, twisted read that fucks with your head this is for you... I loved it...
October 31, 2017
*Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC from Enticing Journey Book Promotions. The following review is my own with no input, promises, nor compensation from Enticing Journey or the author*.
This book was so very fantastically dark and twisted. The story leads you into the darkness of places, torture, murder, and sex are a few of the things involved. Ms. Bennett weaves a beautifully dark tale with Roselynn as the main character and her ‘boyfriend’ Con, who is so damn sick. Ms. Bennett weaves a wonderfully disgusting ‘love story’ and her characters are wonderfully tormented by the seriously demented ‘bad’ guys. And HOLY sh*t that ending!!! I cannot wait to read Pernicious Red!
October 16, 2017
Wow, once again this author has totally blown me away!! This story has it all; murder, secrets, stalker, mind games, twists, suspense, mystery, crazy psycho, which all lead to one hell of a dark and twisted rollercoaster ride! I can never read enough of this author’s work, and I highly recommend her work for all lovers of the dark and twisted. There are trigger warning for a reason, so if you are sensitive to these, stay clear. I loved Rose and Con, so I am not sure what that says about me lol!! Brilliant work Natalie!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book!
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