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Mortem
Love shouldn’t hurt. Love shouldn’t come at night with a knife.
Two years after she was almost killed by her abusive boyfriend, Bree Elliott still struggles to move on, alcohol and sleeping pills her only support. She meets her soulmate, in a most unexpected way, when she’s taken hostage by Roarke in a bank robbery that goes to hell.
Ruthless hitman Roarke Brennan thought he had everything under control, but when a mysterious girl catches his attention, and a bullet nearly ends his life, he sets out on a chaotic path to destruction. Bree took everything from him. It’s time to return the favor.
Mortem is a PITCH BLACK romance that takes you to the deepest pits of obsession and passion.
Warnings for abuse, mentions of horrible assaults, blood play, dark themes and a descent into mad obsession. This book skirts the Russo Saga universe but it’s a standalone with its very own version of HEA. Suitable for an adult audience, read at your own discretion.
Two years after she was almost killed by her abusive boyfriend, Bree Elliott still struggles to move on, alcohol and sleeping pills her only support. She meets her soulmate, in a most unexpected way, when she’s taken hostage by Roarke in a bank robbery that goes to hell.
Ruthless hitman Roarke Brennan thought he had everything under control, but when a mysterious girl catches his attention, and a bullet nearly ends his life, he sets out on a chaotic path to destruction. Bree took everything from him. It’s time to return the favor.
Mortem is a PITCH BLACK romance that takes you to the deepest pits of obsession and passion.
Warnings for abuse, mentions of horrible assaults, blood play, dark themes and a descent into mad obsession. This book skirts the Russo Saga universe but it’s a standalone with its very own version of HEA. Suitable for an adult audience, read at your own discretion.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2019
53 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Nicolina Martin
30 books910 followersUSA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Nicolina Martin is a Swedish born lady who escapes the long, dark winter nights by writing hot contemporary romance/suspense.
Nicolina is a mother of three, a medical doctor, a quirky loner, and a social human being. She has traveled the globe, has had more lovers than she can count, has loved and hated, succeeded and failed, has gone through marriage and divorce. She has seen darkness and despair, as well as light and happiness.
All these experiences, she pours into her tales, taking her readers for a wild ride while twisting their minds. She loves showing that stories can be different even if the trope is the same.
Nicolina is a mother of three, a medical doctor, a quirky loner, and a social human being. She has traveled the globe, has had more lovers than she can count, has loved and hated, succeeded and failed, has gone through marriage and divorce. She has seen darkness and despair, as well as light and happiness.
All these experiences, she pours into her tales, taking her readers for a wild ride while twisting their minds. She loves showing that stories can be different even if the trope is the same.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 1, 2021
Lights out, bitches…
This book is pitch dark.
It may be too early to say, but this is definitely a contender for my book of the year. Yes, I love it that much.
I first got a glimpse of this book when I saw it floating around in one of my dark, taboo groups. They were saying it was beyond dark but I didn’t believe them. Usually everyone else’s idea of pitch black is still too tame for me. So, I kept putting this book off. What a dumb ass I was. I fully admit it. This book is everything my little dark heart desires.
The couple in this book are so fucking wrong together, beyond broken. The push and pull. The take and give. The violence they inflict on each other. The utter contempt they have for one another.
One wishing to die, the other wanting to kill. Both loving the pain.
I’m hurting her. I know I am. I feel no remorse. She gave herself to me willingly. To my surprise, she hurts me too. A lot. I like that. A lot.
This dark and twisted tale is one that shouldn't be missed. Knife play, blood play, murderous intent. Theirs is a relationship of chaos and madness. And I am all here for it.
It isn’t love. Love isn’t for our kind. Love is weak. Love is an illusion. Love is nothing but a four letter word. We know no love. All we know is each other. Life. Destruction. Death. And rebirth.
This book is pitch dark.
It may be too early to say, but this is definitely a contender for my book of the year. Yes, I love it that much.
I first got a glimpse of this book when I saw it floating around in one of my dark, taboo groups. They were saying it was beyond dark but I didn’t believe them. Usually everyone else’s idea of pitch black is still too tame for me. So, I kept putting this book off. What a dumb ass I was. I fully admit it. This book is everything my little dark heart desires.
The couple in this book are so fucking wrong together, beyond broken. The push and pull. The take and give. The violence they inflict on each other. The utter contempt they have for one another.
One wishing to die, the other wanting to kill. Both loving the pain.
I’m hurting her. I know I am. I feel no remorse. She gave herself to me willingly. To my surprise, she hurts me too. A lot. I like that. A lot.
This dark and twisted tale is one that shouldn't be missed. Knife play, blood play, murderous intent. Theirs is a relationship of chaos and madness. And I am all here for it.
It isn’t love. Love isn’t for our kind. Love is weak. Love is an illusion. Love is nothing but a four letter word. We know no love. All we know is each other. Life. Destruction. Death. And rebirth.
December 26, 2021
Mortem may be short,but it sure packs a hell of a punch!
You can’t call it a love story,not in the usual sense,but in a way it still is…
If that makes any sense?
What it is,is two damaged people meeting,and the consequences of that meeting.
The damage they recognize in eachother,and the actions that follow.
Bree has nearly been killed by her abusive ex.
Correction,she died twice,once in the ambulance,and once in the OR.
Now,she’s struggling through the days,needing sleepingpills to find a little peace at night.
Wondering how it would be if it all ended….permanently.
When the opportunity presents itself,as she’s taken hostage at a bank robbery,she starts to wonder if it was meant to be.
Only,it all turns out very different from what she thought it would be….
Roarke has turned off his feelings a long time ago.
At age 12,to be precise….when his mom OD’d on drugs and he killed his abusive a**hole father.
Working for the mob,doing their wetwork,is keeping his urges in check.
Until that day at the bank,when he’s asked to help someone rob it,and it goes wrong.
The girl he was checking out before,the one with the darkness in her eyes,ends up being his way out.
But she’s not coming without a fight,and he finds himself intrigued by her.
Her background gives him even more,and he wants to get to know her better before granting the wish that so clearly shines in those eyes.
Only,it turns out to be so much better than he thought…..
This short story shows there’s someone for everyone.
And that even though you think there’s no way out,there’s always someone that sees you,that understands you.
It may have been a dark story,but i still found a little light in there.
And i loved it!
You can’t call it a love story,not in the usual sense,but in a way it still is…
If that makes any sense?
What it is,is two damaged people meeting,and the consequences of that meeting.
The damage they recognize in eachother,and the actions that follow.
Bree has nearly been killed by her abusive ex.
Correction,she died twice,once in the ambulance,and once in the OR.
Now,she’s struggling through the days,needing sleepingpills to find a little peace at night.
Wondering how it would be if it all ended….permanently.
When the opportunity presents itself,as she’s taken hostage at a bank robbery,she starts to wonder if it was meant to be.
Only,it all turns out very different from what she thought it would be….
Roarke has turned off his feelings a long time ago.
At age 12,to be precise….when his mom OD’d on drugs and he killed his abusive a**hole father.
Working for the mob,doing their wetwork,is keeping his urges in check.
Until that day at the bank,when he’s asked to help someone rob it,and it goes wrong.
The girl he was checking out before,the one with the darkness in her eyes,ends up being his way out.
But she’s not coming without a fight,and he finds himself intrigued by her.
Her background gives him even more,and he wants to get to know her better before granting the wish that so clearly shines in those eyes.
Only,it turns out to be so much better than he thought…..
This short story shows there’s someone for everyone.
And that even though you think there’s no way out,there’s always someone that sees you,that understands you.
It may have been a dark story,but i still found a little light in there.
And i loved it!
May 30, 2019
Where do I start? This book was darker than a dogs guts but totally compelling. I was immediately captivated in its madness - the fatal attraction that was Bree and Roarke. Two damaged souls, in a sliding door moment, thrown together, opposites attract,Yin and Yang, feeding off the terror but also uniting them in a sinister twisted way. I got caught up in their murderous but so damn erotic connection. It was car crash reading, where I couldn’t look away even if I wanted to
I was totally addicted, turning those crazy pages. The way the author wrote it, so damn powerful and magical even in its darkness. It’s definitely five dark stars from me and she’s a one click author
Don’t read this unless you crave a walk on the truly dark side.....
I was totally addicted, turning those crazy pages. The way the author wrote it, so damn powerful and magical even in its darkness. It’s definitely five dark stars from me and she’s a one click author
Don’t read this unless you crave a walk on the truly dark side.....
May 29, 2019
Dark and Twisted!
This book is not for the faint of heart. It is dark, twisted and gut wrenching. A roller coaster ride of pain and heartache. The main characters are damaged in the most horrid ways. Their souls seem to scream out for each other. Their destruction and cravings for pain and death bring them closer together. I crave more of their story.
Utterly fantastic.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It is dark, twisted and gut wrenching. A roller coaster ride of pain and heartache. The main characters are damaged in the most horrid ways. Their souls seem to scream out for each other. Their destruction and cravings for pain and death bring them closer together. I crave more of their story.
Utterly fantastic.
February 24, 2022
This was a really good read. Two years ago Bree Elliott was almost killed by an abusive boyfriend she copes with the pain and memories by use alcohol and pills. Bree who has been going through the motions of life has had thoughts of ending it all. Roarke Brennan is a hitman when he catches a glimpse of Bree while robbing a bank. Both of these characters are damaged souls Roake turned his feelings off years when his mother died of a drug overdose and he killed his abusive father. I liked both of these characters. This was a dark twisted read that I liked. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
October 5, 2019
I loved this story of two very twisted lovers who seem to
have no boundaries and thrive with physical violence.
Surprisingly, they get what passes for their own version
of a HEA.
have no boundaries and thrive with physical violence.
Surprisingly, they get what passes for their own version
of a HEA.
May 30, 2019
This story is definitely not a love story. Or at least, not "love" in the typical sense. This is dark and destructive, and often times painful to read. It also has so many hidden messages and prose that was so beautifully portrayed that despite the darkness made me feel. That takes skill. She painted a picture and although it might not be a romantic or beautiful one it still had an impact and elicited emotions.
October 6, 2020
Dark, sexy read
This is yet another simply spectacular read by this wonderful author, I hate to give anything away about the plot or the characters as I do not want to spoil the read for others.
Filled with plenty of suspense and breath holding instances, you find yourself totally drawn into the story and captivated by the plot and although it is not a typical romance there are plenty of hot, sexy scenes.
This is a real thriller that is not for those that like to hide behind pillows when the lights are low and the thriller is on the box, plenty of white-knuckle moments that will simply captivate and titillate.
A highly enjoyable read, quite different from the nor but equally as cleaver and well written with wonderful characters, you will be totally blown away.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
This is yet another simply spectacular read by this wonderful author, I hate to give anything away about the plot or the characters as I do not want to spoil the read for others.
Filled with plenty of suspense and breath holding instances, you find yourself totally drawn into the story and captivated by the plot and although it is not a typical romance there are plenty of hot, sexy scenes.
This is a real thriller that is not for those that like to hide behind pillows when the lights are low and the thriller is on the box, plenty of white-knuckle moments that will simply captivate and titillate.
A highly enjoyable read, quite different from the nor but equally as cleaver and well written with wonderful characters, you will be totally blown away.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
June 3, 2019
I loved it but I like the pitch dark and this is darkness in all its glory full of madness and destructive love maybe but its theirs and this is their way of showing their feelings and let me tell you it is way beyond intense pure hatred/love and a whole lot of hurt. The things they crave are beyond any reasoning but makes them think a whole lot and are proud of each other maybe this could be it finally my soulmate and each others equal match as they and stalk go at each other with no holding back god I loved it, it was exciting and thrilling with Roarkes black heart and Bree's attitude they were the perfect match. So well written I was glued to their story and it was nice having some background into the past just to see what made these fascinating creatures.
June 7, 2019
Ahhhh! I want to scream about how much I know I shouldn’t love this, and these characters, but really, really do! This is darker than I usually read but delicious, but also not romanticised. These are messed up characters in a messed up situation and that’s how it reads. Brilliantly done!
April 9, 2021
Wow!!! Let me tell you book world this is a dark emotional roller coaster ride!!! The suspense of what the H and the h was going to do to each other keep you on edge. A fantastic read
October 5, 2019
Despite a few minor mechanical errors, this was a freaking fantastic read! Ms. Martin actually knows how to write a dark (non) romance; more like a hate -mance. Most writers think that throwing a bit of BDSM in a story will make it dark. Ms. Martin realizes it's the psychological element, the destruction of a soul or the reconstitution of such that drives a dark story. She gets how to get us there with her on the page. She draws into the characters like reeling in a fish on a hook, slow and steady; no rush needed.
Rourke and Bree are severely damaged people. Their headspaces are all screwed up; but upon meeting through just a simple glance and touch, they recognize the void in one, the dark in the other. The missing pieces in each hide the angry acceptance of a world that let them down. They each believe that hate attacked them, so only through hate can they redeem themselves. They make a pretty good show for us of what hate-mance looks like; and yet there's an HEA.
Ya' gotta read for yourself to see how that works out. It only requires a newsletter signup, but you won't regret it. I'm definitely ecstatic I downloaded Ms. Martin from Bookbub and have listed her books on my Wishlists.
Thank you, Nicolina, for Rourke and Bree.
Rourke and Bree are severely damaged people. Their headspaces are all screwed up; but upon meeting through just a simple glance and touch, they recognize the void in one, the dark in the other. The missing pieces in each hide the angry acceptance of a world that let them down. They each believe that hate attacked them, so only through hate can they redeem themselves. They make a pretty good show for us of what hate-mance looks like; and yet there's an HEA.
Ya' gotta read for yourself to see how that works out. It only requires a newsletter signup, but you won't regret it. I'm definitely ecstatic I downloaded Ms. Martin from Bookbub and have listed her books on my Wishlists.
Thank you, Nicolina, for Rourke and Bree.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2023
Here take all the starts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I can’t even explain how much I loved this story. This is the kind of darkness I love. Why this isn’t rec’d or has more reviews is beyond me. And y’all call yourself dark readers. Ugh I just loved it.
There was a review I read that said putting some BDSM in a book isn’t going to make it dark and that review couldn’t have explained how I feel about my books lately. There needs to be emotion and some psychological shit happening. And you’ll get just that with this book.
Just a lil peeved that after I read it w my eyes I see the link for audio. Put that in front next time lol
I can’t even explain how much I loved this story. This is the kind of darkness I love. Why this isn’t rec’d or has more reviews is beyond me. And y’all call yourself dark readers. Ugh I just loved it.
There was a review I read that said putting some BDSM in a book isn’t going to make it dark and that review couldn’t have explained how I feel about my books lately. There needs to be emotion and some psychological shit happening. And you’ll get just that with this book.
Just a lil peeved that after I read it w my eyes I see the link for audio. Put that in front next time lol
July 31, 2020
This is a crazy ride but worth it!!!
This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go. You have a woman that is barely surviving and a man who likes to kill. This story is about survival, love and hate. Two totally different people with different lives, both dead inside find a way to use each other to live. I could read this book over and over. It is beautifully written, and also beautifully dark.
This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go. You have a woman that is barely surviving and a man who likes to kill. This story is about survival, love and hate. Two totally different people with different lives, both dead inside find a way to use each other to live. I could read this book over and over. It is beautifully written, and also beautifully dark.
March 9, 2020
Dark and Twisted
This book is so much darker than expected and amazing to read. Right from the beginning, draw into the madness of Bree and Roarke's relationships. The two are both broken damage souls that just seem to cry out to each and they have their own version of love. Not your typical HEA, but utterly fantastic.
Not for the faint of heat.
This book is so much darker than expected and amazing to read. Right from the beginning, draw into the madness of Bree and Roarke's relationships. The two are both broken damage souls that just seem to cry out to each and they have their own version of love. Not your typical HEA, but utterly fantastic.
Not for the faint of heat.
October 5, 2020
A gritty, violent, dark and fantastic story
July 11, 2020
Holy moly
This book comes with a warning and with good reason.....its brilliantly written and very very dark. Its not your average HEA book but it is in its own way I guess.....there are so so many triggers that if you have any you can more than guarantee its in here in some form so don't read it. If you are OK with very dark and don't have triggers you are going to love love it.
This book comes with a warning and with good reason.....its brilliantly written and very very dark. Its not your average HEA book but it is in its own way I guess.....there are so so many triggers that if you have any you can more than guarantee its in here in some form so don't read it. If you are OK with very dark and don't have triggers you are going to love love it.
February 9, 2021
Great story
If you love dark edgy violent love stories then this is for you. What a crazy ride. I loved it.
If you love dark edgy violent love stories then this is for you. What a crazy ride. I loved it.
August 10, 2020
Intense
Wow, this book was intense and very dark. Amazing storytelling and amazing characters that are fully realized quickly. The blood and weapons play was believable and beyond intense.
Wow, this book was intense and very dark. Amazing storytelling and amazing characters that are fully realized quickly. The blood and weapons play was believable and beyond intense.
April 10, 2020
It's incredible and terribly beautiful. Ms. Martin has managed the impossible, to tell this story in a credible way and to develop the characters sensitively, so that they stay true to themselves at the same time and understandable in the madness of their broken emotions.
The idea that two broken souls can find each other and find a solution for themselves in chaos is a wonderful thought.
The idea that two broken souls can find each other and find a solution for themselves in chaos is a wonderful thought.
February 9, 2021
This is a dark and twisted story of two damaged people who meet one day. He kidnaps her and what follows is a tale of violence and surender
July 10, 2020
Darkness with sex appeal
I don't know what to say except perfection, brilliant, 5000 stars, spine tingling, soul stirring,
overwhelmingly raw, and depraved. Could not believe this suspenseful thrill ride doesn't have a part 2. Amazing Read. Hi
I don't know what to say except perfection, brilliant, 5000 stars, spine tingling, soul stirring,
overwhelmingly raw, and depraved. Could not believe this suspenseful thrill ride doesn't have a part 2. Amazing Read. Hi
September 18, 2020
Amazing
It is a very different kind of romance than I'm used to but I liked because Roarke and Bree loved each other in their own crazy way that makes it work well done I'm kind of addicted to these type of stories.
It is a very different kind of romance than I'm used to but I liked because Roarke and Bree loved each other in their own crazy way that makes it work well done I'm kind of addicted to these type of stories.
April 17, 2020
.This book is a mind warp. The whole thing made me speechless it was dark, depraved, and crazy. I can't even tell you how I felt about the end but it is very unique. It's deadly. It's very psychological I don't really know how to describe it. How can you price you live someone by murder.
June 29, 2019
For once, I'm not in the minority when it comes to liking a book! Brilliant writing, moving plot, deep dark sexy, and clean editing add up to one very disturbing read. And I loved it! Is this really romance? Who knows. But it's definitely good. Kudos to Martin!
March 17, 2021
A dark and interesting read... definitely not "romance", but an almost dance between dark souls?
August 12, 2019
Just finished this in one sitting, it’s very compelling, incredibly intense but one of those reads that you simply cannot put down until the last page. I am a huge fan of Nicolina and most especially her current series the Russo Saga and I can see the idea for that forming in this one off earlier story. I cannot say I enjoyed this book although it did fascinate me, it is very dark and violent and there is no real romance but that doesn’t detract from the fact that it is an accomplished piece of writing, excruciatingly accurate description of the interaction between Roarke and Bree two deeply wounded and emotionally paralysed people who meet accidentally and ultimately cannot stay apart. I think if, as I suspect, this was Nicolina’s first serious publication, it was an accomplished and promising beginning to what is turning out to be an excellent story teller’s career. Thanks.
May 26, 2021
Life. Death. Blood. Sex. Possession. Obsession. Madness.
As a woman who's known mental and emotional pain my entire life, never truly knowing happiness or peace, I can with 100000% certainty say that I know what it felt like when Roarke and Bree met; the connection and sparks, the soul aching awareness of each other, of the rightness in finally finding each other. Because that's exactly the same way I felt when I found my own Demon. For so long I'd been a ghost, drifting through day after day, wishing for a spark. And now that I have it, I'm as obsessed with my Dominant as Roarke and Bree are with each other.
So poignant and touching and brutal and raw - my wee sadomasochistic soul loved every fkn second and I need more!
As a woman who's known mental and emotional pain my entire life, never truly knowing happiness or peace, I can with 100000% certainty say that I know what it felt like when Roarke and Bree met; the connection and sparks, the soul aching awareness of each other, of the rightness in finally finding each other. Because that's exactly the same way I felt when I found my own Demon. For so long I'd been a ghost, drifting through day after day, wishing for a spark. And now that I have it, I'm as obsessed with my Dominant as Roarke and Bree are with each other.
So poignant and touching and brutal and raw - my wee sadomasochistic soul loved every fkn second and I need more!
July 31, 2019
Extremely dark and twisted! Bree survived abuse and death by her ex-boyfriend. She hasn't been the same since, barely living like a hollowed out husk. She goes to the bank to retrieve her mother's jewelry to sell and meets Roarke who was going to rob the bank. Instead he takes her hostage and their journey begins. Both have been abused, beaten and are scarred physically and emotionally in their lives. They don't know how to feel or love. Good ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews