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Existential Angst #2
What Love
It doesn’t help to face monsters. They catch up with you no matter what.
Bars and doors aren’t what hold me captive now. It’s the hope of something more that cages me still.
“Love is a choice, even under the worst circumstances.”
It’s as if the clock has rewound, and I’m back to being the sheltered girl he’d seen in a park. The two years with him are like the books on my shelf—as faded as an unread tale.
“I want your tears, Larissa.”
Though the players have changed, it’s still a game we play, neither of us aware of any rules, or who’s winning. He treats me the way a man does when he knows exactly what he wants. And he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
“Your heart never belonged in a cage.”
One word—free—eclipses everything. Nothing else matters. Turns out, though, just as many bad things happen in the light as in the dark.
What was once lost doesn’t have to be all that’s found…if I can survive.
What Lies is a prequel to What Love and should be read before starting this book.
Trigger Warning: Contains explicit scenes, deep dive into trauma bonding / Stockholm syndrome aftermath, referenced self-harming, blood, a twisted dark romance, a jealous / possessive / obsessive antihero, and gripping psychological suspense. Also loads of angst (it’s in the title after all). No cheating. A well-paced, slow burn to author’s version of happy ever after.
Bars and doors aren’t what hold me captive now. It’s the hope of something more that cages me still.
“Love is a choice, even under the worst circumstances.”
It’s as if the clock has rewound, and I’m back to being the sheltered girl he’d seen in a park. The two years with him are like the books on my shelf—as faded as an unread tale.
“I want your tears, Larissa.”
Though the players have changed, it’s still a game we play, neither of us aware of any rules, or who’s winning. He treats me the way a man does when he knows exactly what he wants. And he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
“Your heart never belonged in a cage.”
One word—free—eclipses everything. Nothing else matters. Turns out, though, just as many bad things happen in the light as in the dark.
What was once lost doesn’t have to be all that’s found…if I can survive.
What Lies is a prequel to What Love and should be read before starting this book.
Trigger Warning: Contains explicit scenes, deep dive into trauma bonding / Stockholm syndrome aftermath, referenced self-harming, blood, a twisted dark romance, a jealous / possessive / obsessive antihero, and gripping psychological suspense. Also loads of angst (it’s in the title after all). No cheating. A well-paced, slow burn to author’s version of happy ever after.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2021
25 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Willow Madison
10 books271 followersFor new release info, sign up for her (never spammy) newsletters:
http://willowmadisonbooks.com
Willow Madison enjoys writing in a variety of genres including dark psychological suspense, contemporary romance, and dark romance. All her books have one thing in common: an unflinching, unapologetic, uncompromising exploration into what dark corners our desires can take us.
Find yourself in Willow Madison Books
More About Willow . . .
Willow came into this world hand first, clutching a No 2 pencil between her chubby baby fingers. Coming up with ways to twist the lives of her Barbies and Kens was a favorite pastime from her towheaded youth.
In the wilds of the Windy City, her imagination really took off, resulting in all sorts of dramas, big and small.
Speaking of size, she prefers her male characters to be larger than life, unapologetically Alphaholish, and as close to so wrong he’s right as she can write.
Willow embodies a wanderlust, having explored five continents and called seven states home so far, with a hope to never lose her tumbling tumbleweed status unless it’s for the chance to live out her ultimate fantasy.
She’s had many loves, some four-legged and viciously fanged, others high in calories and covered in chocolate. Tacos are hard for her to resist, and she’s a firm believer that chili sauce makes most anything better.
A perfect day ends with stretching and a new book.
Some of this is fictitious. But you can’t fault her—Willow is a writer.
Connect with Willow . . .
https://www.facebook.com/willowmadiso...
http://willowmadisonbooks.com
Willow Madison enjoys writing in a variety of genres including dark psychological suspense, contemporary romance, and dark romance. All her books have one thing in common: an unflinching, unapologetic, uncompromising exploration into what dark corners our desires can take us.
Find yourself in Willow Madison Books
More About Willow . . .
Willow came into this world hand first, clutching a No 2 pencil between her chubby baby fingers. Coming up with ways to twist the lives of her Barbies and Kens was a favorite pastime from her towheaded youth.
In the wilds of the Windy City, her imagination really took off, resulting in all sorts of dramas, big and small.
Speaking of size, she prefers her male characters to be larger than life, unapologetically Alphaholish, and as close to so wrong he’s right as she can write.
Willow embodies a wanderlust, having explored five continents and called seven states home so far, with a hope to never lose her tumbling tumbleweed status unless it’s for the chance to live out her ultimate fantasy.
She’s had many loves, some four-legged and viciously fanged, others high in calories and covered in chocolate. Tacos are hard for her to resist, and she’s a firm believer that chili sauce makes most anything better.
A perfect day ends with stretching and a new book.
Some of this is fictitious. But you can’t fault her—Willow is a writer.
Connect with Willow . . .
https://www.facebook.com/willowmadiso...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 15, 2022
The prequel must be read first before reading the novel. There are two big events towards the beginning of the novel that create a large shift for Larissa. I think this is going to make some readers upset. I say this, because it made me upset while beta reading. I included this in my feedback--to the point of even whining about the direction the author took & having difficulty believing she actually did this.
There is an Alfred Hitchcock like twist towards the end I did not see coming that flipped everything on its head. This will be a spoiler-free review. This is the kind of twist where if it's revealed it will ruin the reading experience for others. I know there aren't reviews up yet, but seriously beware of spoilers when reading reviews. If you've seen Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock, you know the twist at the end? If you know it before watching the movie it totally ruins the thrill of the story. This is just like that. For other readers who are just as upset about what happens at the beginning of the novel--I was too. My advice would be to keep reading for the twist.
For those wondering if this book will be up your alley:
✢✢✢✢✢Original Review✢✢✢✢✢
It’s as if the clock has rewound to before my cage, and I’m back to being that sheltered girl He’d seen in a park. I live in my head and hold back my emotions. I live for hope and a love unknown.
In the dark of each night, alone, I replayed the birth of each scar and the covenant I shared. On my darkest nights, I thought of adding more. But I was His canvas.
By giving him exactly what he demands, will I push him away for good?
No matter the answers to my questions, I need to know—can his monster and mine play nice together?
In order to rise
From its own ashes
A phoenix
First
Must
Burn.”
― Octavia Butler
✢✢✢✢✢
Fav quotes:
There is an Alfred Hitchcock like twist towards the end I did not see coming that flipped everything on its head. This will be a spoiler-free review. This is the kind of twist where if it's revealed it will ruin the reading experience for others. I know there aren't reviews up yet, but seriously beware of spoilers when reading reviews. If you've seen Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock, you know the twist at the end? If you know it before watching the movie it totally ruins the thrill of the story. This is just like that. For other readers who are just as upset about what happens at the beginning of the novel--I was too. My advice would be to keep reading for the twist.
For those wondering if this book will be up your alley:
✢✢✢✢✢Original Review✢✢✢✢✢
It’s as if the clock has rewound to before my cage, and I’m back to being that sheltered girl He’d seen in a park. I live in my head and hold back my emotions. I live for hope and a love unknown.
In the dark of each night, alone, I replayed the birth of each scar and the covenant I shared. On my darkest nights, I thought of adding more. But I was His canvas.
By giving him exactly what he demands, will I push him away for good?
No matter the answers to my questions, I need to know—can his monster and mine play nice together?
In order to rise
From its own ashes
A phoenix
First
Must
Burn.”
― Octavia Butler
✢✢✢✢✢
Fav quotes:
October 6, 2021
Firstly you have to read the prequel. This won’t make a lot of sense without it.
And after reading said prequel I wondered where the author would go with this. I mean seriously what was left?
But then I forgot how mean, devious, cruel, evil....(just pick one) this author actually is. So no I didn’t consider the path she chose at all.
I mean who would?
Seriously who would?
So I put the book down and sulked. I just couldn’t get my head round it. I bet her ears were burning at some point.
Anyway I calmed down (a little) and finished it.
Now I don’t want to spoil this book or inadvertently give anything away. So I’m just going to say it’s a real gem of a book and so beautifully written.
The prequel was a difficult read at times. Who am I kidding it was a difficult read most of the time. I mean seriously it opens with Larissa waking up in a cage.
But while it was uncomfortable and disturbing it was also riveting and addictive.
This book is an easier read but it’s no less riveting.
I read my first Willow book back in 2015. It took me well outside my comfort zone. In fact I couldn’t even see my comfort zone in my rear view mirror. I had to read some really sappy books to get my equilibrium back I can tell you. But I was hooked and decided then a walk on the dark side was a good thing occasionally.
This book won’t be for everyone. A few years ago I would have said it wasn’t for me.
But I loved it.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author.
And after reading said prequel I wondered where the author would go with this. I mean seriously what was left?
But then I forgot how mean, devious, cruel, evil....(just pick one) this author actually is. So no I didn’t consider the path she chose at all.
I mean who would?
Seriously who would?
So I put the book down and sulked. I just couldn’t get my head round it. I bet her ears were burning at some point.
Anyway I calmed down (a little) and finished it.
Now I don’t want to spoil this book or inadvertently give anything away. So I’m just going to say it’s a real gem of a book and so beautifully written.
The prequel was a difficult read at times. Who am I kidding it was a difficult read most of the time. I mean seriously it opens with Larissa waking up in a cage.
But while it was uncomfortable and disturbing it was also riveting and addictive.
This book is an easier read but it’s no less riveting.
I read my first Willow book back in 2015. It took me well outside my comfort zone. In fact I couldn’t even see my comfort zone in my rear view mirror. I had to read some really sappy books to get my equilibrium back I can tell you. But I was hooked and decided then a walk on the dark side was a good thing occasionally.
This book won’t be for everyone. A few years ago I would have said it wasn’t for me.
But I loved it.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author.
Read
August 2, 2021Existential Angst Duet is finished.
This is the officially unofficial call out for anyone interested in ARCs.
Keep a look out for the Newsletter next week!
Oh, no - not on the list already? *gasp. Sign up to stay up-to-date on all official announcements (as Willow's pretty hit/miss on social media these days):
http://willowmadisonbooks.com/index.html
This is the officially unofficial call out for anyone interested in ARCs.
Keep a look out for the Newsletter next week!
Oh, no - not on the list already? *gasp. Sign up to stay up-to-date on all official announcements (as Willow's pretty hit/miss on social media these days):
http://willowmadisonbooks.com/index.html
October 12, 2021
I am still giving this a 5-stars because of how much I enjoyed it, but this is probably closer to a 4.5 since I can’t say I enjoyed it quite as much as What Lies. Close, but not quite. This one is so much harder to review because there’s really nothing specific that can be said about the story without giving the big spoiler away. Granted, it happens right at the beginning of the book, but still. It should be read without knowing what’s going to happen. I would say this story revolves around Larissa even more that the first one. What Lies was about a very specific circumstance. What Love is really more about Larissa growing as a character and coming to terms with herself and what she wants out of life. No longer wanting to hide behind the façade she had created for herself prior to What Lies, but also not knowing how to get to where she wants to be.
I will say that it’s almost strange that this one is called What Love rather than What Lies given what we find out about the MC in this one. The first one wasn’t lies at all! The MC was entirely honest about what he wanted and why he was doing what he was doing, and he was way more of a ‘man’. In this one, What Love, I felt like the MC was the erotica version of the YA “bad boy”. Which isn’t really a compliment in my opinion. However, having said all that, Willow brought me around to the story more as it developed, and I enjoyed watching Larissa growing into and accepting herself more. With or without a man. I did appreciate that it wasn’t an entirely happy story with a traditional HEA. Honestly, I hate that crap. This duology was more realistic in the fact that you have two imperfect people just trying to make the best of the situations they are in and trying to figure it and themselves out along the way. The characters aren’t exactly mentally healthy. But. Then Again. Are any of us?
Received via author in exchange for an honest review.
I will say that it’s almost strange that this one is called What Love rather than What Lies given what we find out about the MC in this one. The first one wasn’t lies at all! The MC was entirely honest about what he wanted and why he was doing what he was doing, and he was way more of a ‘man’. In this one, What Love, I felt like the MC was the erotica version of the YA “bad boy”. Which isn’t really a compliment in my opinion. However, having said all that, Willow brought me around to the story more as it developed, and I enjoyed watching Larissa growing into and accepting herself more. With or without a man. I did appreciate that it wasn’t an entirely happy story with a traditional HEA. Honestly, I hate that crap. This duology was more realistic in the fact that you have two imperfect people just trying to make the best of the situations they are in and trying to figure it and themselves out along the way. The characters aren’t exactly mentally healthy. But. Then Again. Are any of us?
Received via author in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2021
I’ve been absent from here for a very long time due to personal reasons, but when your favorite author tells you they’ve finished a book an equally long time in the making, what do you do? You read it, and, of course, you leave a truthful review...
Writing :
This author delivers. She delivers everything you want in a book - poignant writing and thought; light and dark of human nature; complex characters; sex, love, and pain; self-discovery; and endings true to nature, not expectation. It’s why I’d read her grocery list if published. From writing style to character and plot development, I appreciate a wordsmith with a vivid imagination, and Willow is every syllable of a wordsmith.
Characters :
“It’s not a fairy tale, and I wouldn’t want it to be.” - Larissa.
The FMC, Larissa has been through a captured love tale in the prequel, which I’d strongly recommend reading prior to the novel for comprehension of the backstory. Larissa is a complex character navigating the past, present, and future collision of her own truths. To thine own self be true is her plight, and the demand for normalcy is her burden. In the real world, can she be and thrive as the highest sense of self she was forced to become in the prequel’s cage? Can she accept herself uncaged? If she allows that self to spread its wings, will others try to put her in a new cage, judge her, or dismiss her?
The MMC, Corey, is perhaps even more complex, as task not easily accomplished when he doesn’t have his own POV. Readers will puzzle over him, his motives, his desires, and even his purpose. At times, he feels like a prop - a means to awaken our FMC to an acceptance of truths, even under the dark shroud of his own character’s mystery. There’s an itch that the author teases the reader with to know Corey as he demands to know Larissa, but be patient.... good things come to those who wait, curse, and kick their Kindle (gently, though.) Is anything ever as simple as it seems in a Willow Madison book.? .... uhm, no.
Plot :
This plot is a slow burn ... a journey through the mind, emotions, pulls, basic instincts, and deepest and darkest desires of a woman who’s as afraid to be free as she was caged. It’s a walking path to explore the most furtherest boundaries and limits of love, acceptance, and justification of desire. How far would you go to hold that most coveted thing? Are you willing to set free that most misunderstood thing about yourself for someone else to explore and judge?
The End:
It’s been a long, winding road to the conclusion. I was full, but I was left wanting a mint. A cleanser for all that I had consumed so eagerly. Everything wrapped up nice and neat in the author’s now famous style of keeping everything true to nature, not expectation.
Who Is This Book For?
The prequel is dark and a trigger for confinement. The novel is the gentler erotic balm to the darkness of the prequel, and it will soothe the ache you feel for the FMC to truly uncage herself from her own fears and doubts. The prequel and novel are a pair, and they’re for the reader who enjoys mental stimulation of ALL the senses and isn’t afraid to let go of expectations and be TAKEN on a journey of fulfillment of one’s nature.
Writing :
This author delivers. She delivers everything you want in a book - poignant writing and thought; light and dark of human nature; complex characters; sex, love, and pain; self-discovery; and endings true to nature, not expectation. It’s why I’d read her grocery list if published. From writing style to character and plot development, I appreciate a wordsmith with a vivid imagination, and Willow is every syllable of a wordsmith.
Characters :
“It’s not a fairy tale, and I wouldn’t want it to be.” - Larissa.
The FMC, Larissa has been through a captured love tale in the prequel, which I’d strongly recommend reading prior to the novel for comprehension of the backstory. Larissa is a complex character navigating the past, present, and future collision of her own truths. To thine own self be true is her plight, and the demand for normalcy is her burden. In the real world, can she be and thrive as the highest sense of self she was forced to become in the prequel’s cage? Can she accept herself uncaged? If she allows that self to spread its wings, will others try to put her in a new cage, judge her, or dismiss her?
The MMC, Corey, is perhaps even more complex, as task not easily accomplished when he doesn’t have his own POV. Readers will puzzle over him, his motives, his desires, and even his purpose. At times, he feels like a prop - a means to awaken our FMC to an acceptance of truths, even under the dark shroud of his own character’s mystery. There’s an itch that the author teases the reader with to know Corey as he demands to know Larissa, but be patient.... good things come to those who wait, curse, and kick their Kindle (gently, though.) Is anything ever as simple as it seems in a Willow Madison book.? .... uhm, no.
Plot :
This plot is a slow burn ... a journey through the mind, emotions, pulls, basic instincts, and deepest and darkest desires of a woman who’s as afraid to be free as she was caged. It’s a walking path to explore the most furtherest boundaries and limits of love, acceptance, and justification of desire. How far would you go to hold that most coveted thing? Are you willing to set free that most misunderstood thing about yourself for someone else to explore and judge?
The End:
It’s been a long, winding road to the conclusion. I was full, but I was left wanting a mint. A cleanser for all that I had consumed so eagerly. Everything wrapped up nice and neat in the author’s now famous style of keeping everything true to nature, not expectation.
Who Is This Book For?
The prequel is dark and a trigger for confinement. The novel is the gentler erotic balm to the darkness of the prequel, and it will soothe the ache you feel for the FMC to truly uncage herself from her own fears and doubts. The prequel and novel are a pair, and they’re for the reader who enjoys mental stimulation of ALL the senses and isn’t afraid to let go of expectations and be TAKEN on a journey of fulfillment of one’s nature.
September 15, 2021
After What Lies left it’s mark on my soul,it needed a lot of TLC,badly.
What i got,was What Love….and,even though i didn’t think it could, it left an even bigger mark!
Larissa’s journey was so painful to watch….what she had,where she was….and what she needed, to be able to show who she really was.
Kudos to Willow for expressing those feelings so perfectly!
Reviewing the ARC of What Love without giving away too much will be difficult,expressing my own feelings will be even harder.
Because Larissa’s story broke my heart,but not for the reasons you might think.
After returning home,she wasn’t able to leave her past behind.
Her feelings kept firmly inside,were constantly messing with her.
Hiding her true self from the world made it even harder to find a way forward.
What happened while she was with Him changed her,but who would understand?
Until she meets someone that might, at one of her group therapy sessions…..
Will he be able to see her? And like what he sees?
And can she trust him to give her what she needs?
Larissa’s journey may have been painful to watch,but there was an inner strenght she needed to find.
And once she allowed herself to see,to be herself…..the girl she became was so beautiful to watch!
The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat,and though they made her stronger still,they were heartbreaking all the same….
The end,though? Só very satisfying!!
Her story will stay with me,forever,in the deepest part of my heart and soul.
And it shines in all of its beautiful dark glory!
What i got,was What Love….and,even though i didn’t think it could, it left an even bigger mark!
Larissa’s journey was so painful to watch….what she had,where she was….and what she needed, to be able to show who she really was.
Kudos to Willow for expressing those feelings so perfectly!
Reviewing the ARC of What Love without giving away too much will be difficult,expressing my own feelings will be even harder.
Because Larissa’s story broke my heart,but not for the reasons you might think.
After returning home,she wasn’t able to leave her past behind.
Her feelings kept firmly inside,were constantly messing with her.
Hiding her true self from the world made it even harder to find a way forward.
What happened while she was with Him changed her,but who would understand?
Until she meets someone that might, at one of her group therapy sessions…..
Will he be able to see her? And like what he sees?
And can she trust him to give her what she needs?
Larissa’s journey may have been painful to watch,but there was an inner strenght she needed to find.
And once she allowed herself to see,to be herself…..the girl she became was so beautiful to watch!
The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat,and though they made her stronger still,they were heartbreaking all the same….
The end,though? Só very satisfying!!
Her story will stay with me,forever,in the deepest part of my heart and soul.
And it shines in all of its beautiful dark glory!
September 12, 2021
I really wasn't sure what to expect going into this book after finishing What Lies. But I did not expect that! Certain things happen early on in the book that had me quite upset and unsure if I was going to enjoy the story. I might have thrown a bit of a tantrum and closed the book. I'm so happy I came back to it though. What Love is a continuation of Larissa's story and it's truly a psychological exploration of this young woman's journey. This book isn't heavy on the triggers like What Lies and has a different tone to it. There's a love story here but, for me, What Love is more of Larissa's personal journey. That's not to say that the romance isn't there. It definitely is and it's central to the story. We do get a yummy dominant alpha male and lots of steam. There's a huge twist towards the end and I implore you to go in blind or you'll ruin your own experience of the book. Existential Angst duet was certainly not what I expected. It's not an easy read nor a standard dark romance. It will, however, stay with me for a while.
June 28, 2023
I loved it. This book was so damn good!
Dark romance at it's best.
Willow Madison is a new favorite author for me!
Dark romance at it's best.
Willow Madison is a new favorite author for me!
September 13, 2021
Book two of the Existential Angst duet, another solid story. The author’s writing is honestly quite impressive, I can see how much effort has gone into every sentence to get the wording just right, and it’s very well done.
This book was definitely sexier then the first- which, not gonna lie, was lots of fun. The sex scenes were intense and dramatic (also plentiful lol) but they were well written and hot so I’m 100% not complaining about that 😉
My issues with the book… I really wanted to love it more. I got about 60% through and stopped for several days, and very nearly didn’t pick it back up. It seemed to drag, and I missed the dark and suspenseful atmosphere of the first book.
This book was so different to the first considering it’s a duet, which I didn’t expect- the story was slow for most of the first half, we were instead delving deep into the protagonists thoughts and how she adjusted to her new reality. The first book did this too, but it also had more tension and it was definitely darker.
That being said, I am glad I persevered. The last quarter or so of the book did pick up the pace, and it was a satisfying conclusion on the whole. There was something about this whole story that felt very unique to me, in a good way- can’t put my finger on exactly why, despite reading similar stories in the past, this one did stand out.
Summing up, thanks again to the author for my first two ARCs and thanks to anyone who bothered to read my rambling review. Despite a few issues, I’d recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good dark romance.
This book was definitely sexier then the first- which, not gonna lie, was lots of fun. The sex scenes were intense and dramatic (also plentiful lol) but they were well written and hot so I’m 100% not complaining about that 😉
My issues with the book… I really wanted to love it more. I got about 60% through and stopped for several days, and very nearly didn’t pick it back up. It seemed to drag, and I missed the dark and suspenseful atmosphere of the first book.
This book was so different to the first considering it’s a duet, which I didn’t expect- the story was slow for most of the first half, we were instead delving deep into the protagonists thoughts and how she adjusted to her new reality. The first book did this too, but it also had more tension and it was definitely darker.
That being said, I am glad I persevered. The last quarter or so of the book did pick up the pace, and it was a satisfying conclusion on the whole. There was something about this whole story that felt very unique to me, in a good way- can’t put my finger on exactly why, despite reading similar stories in the past, this one did stand out.
Summing up, thanks again to the author for my first two ARCs and thanks to anyone who bothered to read my rambling review. Despite a few issues, I’d recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good dark romance.
October 5, 2021
This second psychological thriller in a long awaited series!! These stories
really make me think and I am so impressed with this writing!!! It has been
well worth the wait!!!
really make me think and I am so impressed with this writing!!! It has been
well worth the wait!!!
May 31, 2024
I had to wait a day to really get my thoughts together about this book. I wanted to be able to express how much I loved this book and how brilliant I think this writer is, but I didn't want to give anything away about the plot.
You definitely must read What Lies before reading this one. It just won't make sense if you don't. And you need to go into this one blind. If you loved the first book, I guarantee you will love this one, maybe even more. However, you will probably start questioning where this is going, or be upset by what happens in the first few chapters, and even wondering if it was written by the same author that wrote the first book, because of the change of pace and intensity....or so you think. Hold on, you WILL get there.
I am not going to tell you this is an easy read, even though you may feel like it is for a while. When it starts to gain speed you will start to think of different senarios that might happen, feel that anxiety start to build, anticipate what the next page, the next chapter will bring...well think again. If you actually figure this one out, you are way more cunning and devious than I am. I definitely did not, and the hugh double/triple twists coming blew me away. Man they were they good. I have found a new favorite author.
I have nothing but good things to say about this duet. 5 stars, and worth every hair pulling one!!
You definitely must read What Lies before reading this one. It just won't make sense if you don't. And you need to go into this one blind. If you loved the first book, I guarantee you will love this one, maybe even more. However, you will probably start questioning where this is going, or be upset by what happens in the first few chapters, and even wondering if it was written by the same author that wrote the first book, because of the change of pace and intensity....or so you think. Hold on, you WILL get there.
I am not going to tell you this is an easy read, even though you may feel like it is for a while. When it starts to gain speed you will start to think of different senarios that might happen, feel that anxiety start to build, anticipate what the next page, the next chapter will bring...well think again. If you actually figure this one out, you are way more cunning and devious than I am. I definitely did not, and the hugh double/triple twists coming blew me away. Man they were they good. I have found a new favorite author.
I have nothing but good things to say about this duet. 5 stars, and worth every hair pulling one!!
October 16, 2021
So... I'm not really sure what I can say about this book that isn't a spoiler for anybody that hasn't read it... I hate spoilers! So what can I say about it... It was a great read.. I'm not really sure what I was expecting in this book after reading the first one... was this what I was expecting?... No it was far from what I was expecting. Am I happy about that?... I'm really not sure. Do I still think Larissa is deluding herself about what happened in the first book? Yes I most certainly do. Has she learned anything from it?.. I'm not sure that she has. I think she still has her head buried in the sand about what she went thru in the first book and what happens to her in this book also. I'm not sure what else I can say without giving out spoilers... You will have to read it for yourself and make your own decisions about it. It was a very intriguing read and I couldn't put it down once I started it.. but I'm not entirely happy with it either.. I found myself shouting at Larissa while I was reading it... Maybe you will also lol.
7-tbr-ooit
November 5, 2021
September 28, 2021
4.5 Stars
My best advice is to read this book and decide for yourself, but before that, read What Lies. This is a sequel and it is most definitely not standalone.
So, the first of this duet scared the living daylights out of me; that's how impactful it was. It was dark and twisted with a whole sh**load of mind games. This second instalment has twists and turns but isn't twisted in that same Stockholm Syndrome sense. It has the lighter feel of a survivor's journey; the story of a darkly damaged woman learning which parts of her inner world are caused by trauma and which ones are integral parts of her.
And it was kinda...romantic. I'm aiming for a spoiler-free review so no details here, but just to say she meets someone who is plenty sexy in a darkly dominant way, and he delivers his own brand of mindf**k which I must say I was thoroughly entranced by.
I also want to mention the author's writing style. It is smooth, well developed, and fast-paced; it delivers an up-close view of the main character's experience which is positively dripping with tension and...angst. I'd probably happily sit down to read her weekly shopping list.
So why the 4.5* rather than 5*? Only a small quibble really. I didn't love the final twist - not the fact of it so much as the execution. I don't think I'd have had any objection if there had been a little more signposting earlier in the novel. As it is, the twist came so far out of the blue that I didn't find it all that believable. It felt a bit rushed, but that's just me. Overall this was a fantastic read and I would recommend it to lovers of dark romance.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author.
My best advice is to read this book and decide for yourself, but before that, read What Lies. This is a sequel and it is most definitely not standalone.
So, the first of this duet scared the living daylights out of me; that's how impactful it was. It was dark and twisted with a whole sh**load of mind games. This second instalment has twists and turns but isn't twisted in that same Stockholm Syndrome sense. It has the lighter feel of a survivor's journey; the story of a darkly damaged woman learning which parts of her inner world are caused by trauma and which ones are integral parts of her.
And it was kinda...romantic. I'm aiming for a spoiler-free review so no details here, but just to say she meets someone who is plenty sexy in a darkly dominant way, and he delivers his own brand of mindf**k which I must say I was thoroughly entranced by.
I also want to mention the author's writing style. It is smooth, well developed, and fast-paced; it delivers an up-close view of the main character's experience which is positively dripping with tension and...angst. I'd probably happily sit down to read her weekly shopping list.
So why the 4.5* rather than 5*? Only a small quibble really. I didn't love the final twist - not the fact of it so much as the execution. I don't think I'd have had any objection if there had been a little more signposting earlier in the novel. As it is, the twist came so far out of the blue that I didn't find it all that believable. It felt a bit rushed, but that's just me. Overall this was a fantastic read and I would recommend it to lovers of dark romance.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author.
May 10, 2022
Well my first time reading this author and I found myself intrigued by the first book and this one was surprisingly good but boy was it twisted! Enjoyable and entertaining.
December 20, 2021
I think
Willow Madison
broke my brain and I'm not sure if I will ever recover.
***I'm going to keep this as spoiler free as possible because whilst you need to read this - after having read What Lies of course - you also need to go in blind! So stick to the vague reviews otherwise it will kill this book dead in the water.***
At the end of What Lies I not only had reservations as to how He would be redeemed, I also had lots of idea's of white might/would happen. Turns out those guesses were totally, utterly and completely wrong. Wrong with a capital "W". As wrong as it was possible to be. I could never have suspected the direction Ms Madison would choose for the story, but with hindsight I can't think of a better decision to have made. It took what could have been a "been there, read that" book to something distinctly unique and special.
Bloody hell, that first event came out of left field and I spent most of the book expecting it to be one of those "Ha! Surprise! Actually....!" twists. Wrong again! Though I could feel the portends building up and knew there was something unexpected in the pipeline. The urge to hop to the last few chapters to see just where we were heading rode me hard, but like a "good girl" I resisted, and am glad I did. This is a book with many pages, but every single one was necessary in order to slowly unwrap Larissa and reveal the monster inside.
This was such an emotional journey, a very difficult and soul bearing journey, a journey of tears, fears and trying to be free. A sensual journey and a learning journey too. Do I think there should have been more grovelling or an apology at the end for the lies told? No. Normally I would, but on this occasion, with this story and these protagonists I truly don't think it would have felt right.
***I'm going to keep this as spoiler free as possible because whilst you need to read this - after having read What Lies of course - you also need to go in blind! So stick to the vague reviews otherwise it will kill this book dead in the water.***
At the end of What Lies I not only had reservations as to how He would be redeemed, I also had lots of idea's of white might/would happen. Turns out those guesses were totally, utterly and completely wrong. Wrong with a capital "W". As wrong as it was possible to be. I could never have suspected the direction Ms Madison would choose for the story, but with hindsight I can't think of a better decision to have made. It took what could have been a "been there, read that" book to something distinctly unique and special.
Bloody hell, that first event came out of left field and I spent most of the book expecting it to be one of those "Ha! Surprise! Actually....!" twists. Wrong again! Though I could feel the portends building up and knew there was something unexpected in the pipeline. The urge to hop to the last few chapters to see just where we were heading rode me hard, but like a "good girl" I resisted, and am glad I did. This is a book with many pages, but every single one was necessary in order to slowly unwrap Larissa and reveal the monster inside.
This was such an emotional journey, a very difficult and soul bearing journey, a journey of tears, fears and trying to be free. A sensual journey and a learning journey too. Do I think there should have been more grovelling or an apology at the end for the lies told? No. Normally I would, but on this occasion, with this story and these protagonists I truly don't think it would have felt right.
December 31, 2023
Wow I love Stockholm syndrome in my dark romance as much as the next gal but this
Took it too a whole new level. Not your traditional anti-feminist ending where the bad guy stays bad and wins like you would find in Twist me or Bought and Paid for.
The twist # 1 happens in the first 5% of the book, I was shocked but had an inking it was going to happen when she eluded to it the end of the first book. But I just didn’t expect it (I was in denial for about 30% of following)I couldn’t believe the author made the decision to turn this story away from the anti-feminist ending I was expecting given the content and the warnings she gave regarding the type of dark romance she intended to write and wrote(surpassing all expectations going 180 a, 360 and completely shocking me to the CORE in the best way). Only that was completely thrown out the window with this neo anti feminist ending. The story got even better after the first twist. Next the middle was giving us all the character build up and development the story needed to get us morn and move on and fight to survive the next day. Let me tell you it was done so meticulously how every new character was placed new light was brought in to the old one’s why adding just the right amount of info about the new ones to keep us guessing. I was thrilled, in suspense and kicking my feet. Finally when you think it’s going to be a cookie cutter HEA the rug it RIPPED OUT right under you and everything stops, you scream at the revelations, questions everything, can’t believe you missed the little hints and realize you will after all get you anti-feminist ending just a new version of it. And I really enjoyed it for this story.
If this Happened in any of my other fav books I would have never been the same again. One trope in this reminds me of the book Dubious by Charmaine Paul’s
(Son falling for his Dad’s victim) is this really a trope? Like really? Seems unethical 😂😅 I get the suspense factor in a movie or telenovela/ tv series
Also reminds me or the moral dilemma in the Minnie Driver movie where she falls for the husband of the Woman’s heart she received. Scandalous!
Took it too a whole new level. Not your traditional anti-feminist ending where the bad guy stays bad and wins like you would find in Twist me or Bought and Paid for.
The twist # 1 happens in the first 5% of the book, I was shocked but had an inking it was going to happen when she eluded to it the end of the first book. But I just didn’t expect it (I was in denial for about 30% of following)I couldn’t believe the author made the decision to turn this story away from the anti-feminist ending I was expecting given the content and the warnings she gave regarding the type of dark romance she intended to write and wrote(surpassing all expectations going 180 a, 360 and completely shocking me to the CORE in the best way). Only that was completely thrown out the window with this neo anti feminist ending. The story got even better after the first twist. Next the middle was giving us all the character build up and development the story needed to get us morn and move on and fight to survive the next day. Let me tell you it was done so meticulously how every new character was placed new light was brought in to the old one’s why adding just the right amount of info about the new ones to keep us guessing. I was thrilled, in suspense and kicking my feet. Finally when you think it’s going to be a cookie cutter HEA the rug it RIPPED OUT right under you and everything stops, you scream at the revelations, questions everything, can’t believe you missed the little hints and realize you will after all get you anti-feminist ending just a new version of it. And I really enjoyed it for this story.
If this Happened in any of my other fav books I would have never been the same again. One trope in this reminds me of the book Dubious by Charmaine Paul’s
(Son falling for his Dad’s victim) is this really a trope? Like really? Seems unethical 😂😅 I get the suspense factor in a movie or telenovela/ tv series
Also reminds me or the moral dilemma in the Minnie Driver movie where she falls for the husband of the Woman’s heart she received. Scandalous!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2022
I liked the second book—-felt like it was more in depth with the story, however it felt pretty repetitive to me at times. The story was very psychological in the sense your reading about the MCs crazy thoughts over and over for a lot of the time…almost felt more like I was in a psychology class rather than reading a story at times, which made the book a little slow moving for me. There is a crazy twist in this book that was a little bit cringe worthy for me🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ I was hoping for like cellmate instead we got cringe…haha if you read it you will get it🤷🏻♀️ Don’t get me wrong I did like the characters with exception of MCs best girlfriend—-didn’t seem like a great friend to me. I just idk I was rooting for the dead guy🤣 for some reason…guess I’m dark like that idk😬 Overall…I was pretty conflicted with these books, but I’m not sorry I read them. I just wish thinks ended differently—-to each their own.
September 14, 2025
It’s a good read
I liked this book much more than book one. Likely because I liked the MMC in this better than the one in the last book. As with the last book, there are times the inner dialogue is too much. And in this book, there are so many times where the MMCs dialogue is repetitive. Nonetheless, it was an interesting read. The characters are certainly interesting. There is a twist and although I knew something was coming, I didn’t quite figure it out. So kudos to the author on that. But yeah overall it was a good read that I recommend.
I liked this book much more than book one. Likely because I liked the MMC in this better than the one in the last book. As with the last book, there are times the inner dialogue is too much. And in this book, there are so many times where the MMCs dialogue is repetitive. Nonetheless, it was an interesting read. The characters are certainly interesting. There is a twist and although I knew something was coming, I didn’t quite figure it out. So kudos to the author on that. But yeah overall it was a good read that I recommend.
December 9, 2021
𝑾𝑯𝑨𝑻 𝑫𝑰𝑫 𝑰 𝑱𝑼𝑺𝑻 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫?!
This I did not expect. But it was kinda predictable on the other had.
IDK, I wanted more... was His name Sean? I forgot. The whole He this, His that thing got on my nerves -- just freaking use his name, you know, he said it to you?
And don't get me started on the whole "woman"/"girl" thing. Ugh.
This I did not expect. But it was kinda predictable on the other had.
IDK, I wanted more... was His name Sean? I forgot. The whole He this, His that thing got on my nerves -- just freaking use his name, you know, he said it to you?
And don't get me started on the whole "woman"/"girl" thing. Ugh.
December 20, 2023
Everyone complaining about book #1 not giving any background to the characters, well you find it all here, it even comes with a nice twist but again the execution is too clumsy. it's a 2 star book, but I like the idea so upping it to 3.
April 20, 2022
I loved this, but I've got to admit that I held out hope until the very end of the novel that there would be plot twist to undo the tragedy of the first couple chapters. It really didn't make sense, but I was expecting some sort of ending in the vein of A Lost Love by Carole Mortimer or A Man to be Feared by Anne Hampson just so I could stop feeling so sad.
Honestly, the ending of What Love is way more realistic and powerful than what I was thinking would happen, so I definitely appreciate it now even though it wasn't what I was expecting. It kind of reminded me of the Love is Strange duology by Whitney Bianca, and I adore those books.
TW: dubious consent
Honestly, the ending of What Love is way more realistic and powerful than what I was thinking would happen, so I definitely appreciate it now even though it wasn't what I was expecting. It kind of reminded me of the Love is Strange duology by Whitney Bianca, and I adore those books.
TW: dubious consent
May 28, 2023
Quite boring compared to #1. Nothing happened until 85%.
January 5, 2024
All tell, no show. 😴
July 13, 2024
3,6 (?)
I didn’t like the final twist, I don’t know… it seems a bit out of the blue, rushed and unnecessary. Loved the rest of the writing, however
I didn’t like the final twist, I don’t know… it seems a bit out of the blue, rushed and unnecessary. Loved the rest of the writing, however
Read
November 12, 2024Hero died so now she dates another dude who happens to be the son of the other hero in book 1. ( Surprise surprise)
lol
yeah talk about clusterfuck 🙃
lol
yeah talk about clusterfuck 🙃
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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