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Wicked Things

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A boy and a girl met one night and fell in love.

One was broken and delicate.

The other was callous and violent.

They hid their true selves from each other until it was no longer possible.

They both know that people are cruel.

They see what’s on the outside and never care to look past the surface.

Secrets are kept close within, and while some are never shared, others come to light bringing to bear the starkest truths.

And this?

This is the story of how the delicate girl and the violent boy began their love affair.

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2021

60 people are currently reading
304 people want to read

About the author

Yolanda Olson

222 books1,885 followers
Yolanda Olson is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author. Born and raised in Bridgeport, CT where she currently resides, she usually spends her time watching her favorite channel, Investigation Discovery.

Occasionally, she takes a break to write books and test the limits of her mind. Also an avid horror movie fan, she likes to incorporate dark elements into the majority of her books.

You can keep in touch with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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5 stars
58 (23%)
4 stars
75 (30%)
3 stars
57 (22%)
2 stars
40 (16%)
1 star
18 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for MadameD.
585 reviews56 followers
November 9, 2022
Story 5/5
Narration 4/5

I love Yolanda Olson's writing. I was not disappointed with this book. There's always an unusual dark ending to all of her stories.
I liked Wicked Things! I'm going to listen to the second volume of this series.
Profile Image for vxhexn reads.
527 reviews168 followers
September 19, 2021
Love truly is blind in all the right ways

I fell in love with Hollis and Bates when I first read their story in the original 2016 Delicate Things. They were authentically real and a couple that depicted how love doesn’t pick genders, love picks souls.

In that story I glimpsed how these two met, but actually experiencing how their first date played out, in real time, was breathtaking. I knew Bates loved his Pretty Girl but I didn’t realize it was more than instalove. It was an all consuming, overtaking, mind altering, at first sight, set in the stars type of romance.

I mean talk about melt your heart, who knew Bates was such a romantic!!
“𝑫𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒇 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍.”

Wicked Things has me wanting to dive right back into the story of these two. I’m so excited for the newly expanded Delicate Things and can’t wait to read more!!

And then there’s this!! I mean any girl would love this!!
“𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒇 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒕.”

And as with all things Yolanda Olson we’re left with the mother of all endings with that bombshell reveal. Sit back and ponder how Hannibal’s meals always made you salivate before you realized what they were. I think Bates and his pretty girl could out serve him.

𝓋𝓍𝒽𝑒𝓍𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹𝓈
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Profile Image for 25 Readings Or More.
790 reviews164 followers
January 7, 2022
3.5
I went into this blind, and before the end I thought it was a beautiful twisted fairy tale.
Bates was a dark knight with something shy and sweet in his manners; and Hollis was the damsell in distress...
But they are so much more.
They hide a sick soul under a pretty
Profile Image for Kade Gulluscio.
975 reviews64 followers
July 5, 2022
If you've previously read any books by Yolanda, you absolutely know how dark, twisted, taboo or just crazy her books can be. Wicked Things is quite similar.

It's a dark romance with some ...interesting twists. It's wholesome in a dark, twisted way.
It's brilliant. If you're into this style of book, you'll absolutely adore Hollis and Bates.

It's a short, easy read, and honestly, I want to read so much more about this couple. This love is brilliant and bright and all-consuming... but absolutely ..... dark in many ways. It's hard to say much without giving away from spoilers, so I will end it at this......

Read this. Read all of Yolanda Olson's books. Do it now.
Profile Image for ashlee ❤.
1,885 reviews103 followers
June 3, 2024
Hollis + Bates

-insta obsession
-dark pasts
-they both have secrets
-he reveals he likes to…eat people? uhh like what? okay hahaha 😂
706 reviews55 followers
June 6, 2024
This was my second book by this author and I am quickly learning the endings really throw you for a loop. Never would I have guessed that THAT was his secret lol. Needless to say, I am intrigued and will definitely be reading the other books in this series.
Profile Image for Laura.
980 reviews48 followers
April 28, 2024
Rating this low purely on the fact that not much happened in this. The writing wasn't great but I could just read it quickly and mindlessly. The epilogue went in a direction I wasn't expecting and based purely on how shocked I was, I will continue in this series. I am both disturbed and intrigued 🤔
Profile Image for Sela (Skullinda) .
441 reviews7 followers
September 13, 2025
Yolanda has always had a way of captivating me with her words. If you want to take a glimpse into the mind of this horror queen, then give this a try. Read this short story in an hour and am already downloading book 2 and 3.
Profile Image for EroticaAfterDark (Lilith).
2,780 reviews957 followers
Want to read
January 14, 2022
FREE
→ Free for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←

dark


→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←

cover

Blurb:
Anya has served as a talent slave for one of the four families since she was kidnapped three years ago. She has accepted her fate, knowing that the four families are everywhere and escape is impossible. She belongs to Nikolai who abuses her in unspeakable ways. He's a villainous master and head of the Mikhailov family. She has learned to live the life of a slave, complacent in her misery, until a new captive arrives and changes everything.

Ezra has just been violently kidnapped and brought to the Mikhailov family home. He is given to Anya as her new dance partner. Sarcastic, stubborn, and impulsive, he refuses to recognize a master, but Anya knows her fate rests in his hands. His cooperation is crucial to their survival. If their performance at the next quarterly meeting of the four families doesn't meet Nikolai's strict expectations, it could mean death for them both.

As Anya tries to break Ezra into compliance and train him in her style of dance, her walls are broken down, and a bond unlike any other is formed.

It's dangerous to fall in love when you're a slave.

Merged review:

FREE
→ Free for maybe a limited time. Grab your copy now! ←

dark


→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←

cover

Blurb:
Anya has served as a talent slave for one of the four families since she was kidnapped three years ago. She has accepted her fate, knowing that the four families are everywhere and escape is impossible. She belongs to Nikolai who abuses her in unspeakable ways. He's a villainous master and head of the Mikhailov family. She has learned to live the life of a slave, complacent in her misery, until a new captive arrives and changes everything.

Ezra has just been violently kidnapped and brought to the Mikhailov family home. He is given to Anya as her new dance partner. Sarcastic, stubborn, and impulsive, he refuses to recognize a master, but Anya knows her fate rests in his hands. His cooperation is crucial to their survival. If their performance at the next quarterly meeting of the four families doesn't meet Nikolai's strict expectations, it could mean death for them both.

As Anya tries to break Ezra into compliance and train him in her style of dance, her walls are broken down, and a bond unlike any other is formed.

It's dangerous to fall in love when you're a slave.
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,936 reviews987 followers
August 7, 2023
👏 There. Are. No. Words 👏
Except I wish it was longer. It was too short, I wanted more, more MORE of them. I've already read and reviewed book 2 - Delicate Things & Book 3 - Violent Things, so I know where they started and where they ended
But the onset of relationship of these two mutilated souls, Esp Hollis Jones...

"Be it physical or emotional; it didn't matter which. I had my soul shattered years ago,and my body quickly followed"

description

I. Can't. Breathe 😭
Her pain, her intended abuse ripped my heart, I so wanted to hug her, console her.
So Yolanda created Bates Murphy. Her saviour. Her lover. Her soulmate.

description

"she wanted to be wild, I wanted to be used.
we were a match made in hell and she didn't even know it yet"


He's the best Hero for any heroine ever created.
And for him I may just...🤏🤏just forgive Yolanda for making me sob my guts out.
5 stars for A Modest Proposal
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Profile Image for Mel.
220 reviews4 followers
August 7, 2024
My Rating: ★★★★☆

Wicked Things by Yolanda Olson is a thought-provoking and emotional entry into the Cruelly Beloved series. The novel intertwines romance and societal issues with a poignant narrative that engages from start to finish.

The story centers on a boy and a girl who, despite their stark differences—one being broken and delicate, the other callous and violent—forge a deep connection one unforgettable night. As their secrets and true selves come to light, the novel explores the harsh realities faced by transgender individuals, blending a sensitive portrayal of identity with a touching love story.

Compared to Olson's more intense horror and thriller works, Wicked Things is notably softer in tone. However, this shift does not detract from its impact. The novel effectively highlights the fear and challenges experienced by transgender people, adding a layer of social commentary that enriches the romance.

The character development is compelling, particularly the way the protagonists navigate their internal conflicts and societal judgments. Olson's ability to balance romance with serious themes demonstrates her versatility as an author.

While the softer approach might differ from Olson’s usual style, it still offers a gripping and emotional experience. The writing is engaging, though some readers might miss the darker edge found in her other works.

Overall, Wicked Things is a memorable and meaningful read that will resonate with fans of romance and social issues. Yolanda Olson delivers a powerful story that combines tenderness with a critical examination of societal attitudes, making it a worthwhile addition to her literary repertoire.
Profile Image for Daria.
268 reviews6 followers
September 19, 2021
This was quite the dark romance. It did feel like a prequel to another story since there wasn't much to the story besides the romance. There also wasn't much for the short length of the story for big character development in the story that it tries to show. I wished that it would have been longer so could've gotten some development for the characters especially when it come to their secrets mostly Bates.

As far as the romance, although it was instalust I am curious to learn more about them. I like bates and how sweet he was to her. He was very wholesome considering the story. Hollis, though I had problems with. The trans representation was pretty good for the most part aside from one part that was rather questionable .

Other than that, it was a pretty enjoyable dark read.

TW:
105 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2022
Not enough to be a standalone book

There’s just nothing that really happens in this book apart from 2 people meeting! I can only assume it was written as a prequel after the other 2 books in the series to describe how they met for those that wanted more?? Otherwise I just don’t understand it as there really is nothing here that can be described as a story. It’s desperately in need of a good editor.
But, given it’s so short and the other books in the series are too I’ll continue reading the series for now to see if they get any better as I do love a good psycho character in a dark story and they can be hard to find so I’m prepared to give it a chance!
Profile Image for Selena Michaels.
Author 32 books417 followers
September 19, 2021
Gave away nothing while also giving me everything

And I’m here for it! Yolanda could tell me to follow an unknown assailant into an abandoned warehouse so he could feast on my flesh and I’d ask for me. I’d do it with a smile! I have no idea what’s happening but you bet your sweet arse I looked for the link to follow the story so I can read more. I’ve got my own ideas on what’s happening but I wanna see it in the flesh so to speak…teeheehee! Anyway read this and groan in masochistic pleasure as you seek more 🥳
Profile Image for Emily (emilysdarkcorner).
397 reviews82 followers
July 26, 2022
This is my first book from this author and I will definitely be reading more.

This book is about a girl named Hollis who all she knows is pain. She has never not experienced some kind of pain.

Bates is hiding a secret. When he goes to a bar to meet his friends he does not expect to meet the most gorgeous person he ever seen.

Please keep in mind that this book is dark and there are some very dark themes that are talked about in this book.

I was not fully expecting the twist of this book. But also I thought it could have been a possibility

Will be reading book two now
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
September 6, 2022
i really enj0yed the read. i am not sure if i have read YO before or not?? i think it is funny how she just ends in the book as such ...that cliffhanger kind of style. now i don't frustrated because i think another is out?? "Cruelly Beloved series". 2. Delicate Things & 3. Violent Things. now if you were a person who might have started book 1 before books 2 and 3 were out that might be annoying but for me ...both are out. we will see how i feel after those are read. gorgeous cover. laters. read.
Profile Image for Bethanne Sterry.
26 reviews7 followers
September 24, 2021
#Baetes

Omg it's perfect! It's everything I hoped it would be and so much more. I loved the work up to how they met. And how Bates gentle heart shows with how much he already loves her just made me love him so much more
If you liked Delicate Things your going to love this beginning of their beautifully depraved love story

Thankyou so much for letting me read it. I can't wait for the next one 😁
Profile Image for Jackie.
145 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2021
Bates and Hollis *sigh* I love all of Yolandas stories and these 2 really round out the story of 2 souls becoming completely intertwined together. This brings you to when they met and become wickedly all encompassing on their journey. Delicate Things was an absolutely amazing story and I am so glad we got to see a peak into the beginning with this. Yolanda always finds a way to reach into your dark little heart and get you all in your feels. Loved this one! Must read!
Profile Image for Samantha.
392 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2023
⭐️⭐️
🌶

To say I'm confused would be an understatement. I'm not sure if this was supposed to be a glimpse into the full story but I have no idea what was happening through 99% of this novella. Hollis' "chapters" were vague...extremely vague. While I think I get where the author was going with her story, I'm still not 100% sure. The ending, when Bates reveals his secret was possibly the only part of this story that piqued my interest. This left a lot to be desired, including an editor.
52 reviews
January 26, 2022
Wow!! This story took an unexpected turn!!

I was really surprised at the turn of events in this story. I had my suspicions about Hollis in the beginning and it was confirmed in the middle of the story. I was shocked about Bates, but glad they got their HEA. I couldn't put it down and finished the book in three hours. I totally enjoyed reading it !!
Profile Image for Shelby (BookLoversHaveMoreFun).
1,347 reviews43 followers
March 16, 2022
We were a match made in hell and she didn’t even know it yet.

I already loved Hollis and Bates but after reading Wicked Things, which told the story on how they met, I love them even MORE. I couldn't tell you how many times I wanted to give Hollis a hug or the times Bates made me swoon. This was a little different from Yolanda's other works but man do I love it!!!
Profile Image for Zoe-Amelia Harris.
553 reviews16 followers
July 11, 2022
Bates and Hollis 🖤

This story is wrapped in secrets, and if I've learnt anything from this author - it's to expect the unexpected! And that's definitely what happened 😂

I pretty much went in blind but I loved every page, how Bates and Hollis have come together because of their secrets! I can't wait to dive into the next book 😍
Profile Image for Lucid Quill.
Author 10 books24 followers
May 8, 2024
Not an epilogue I was expecting. Lol I decided that as I complete the Olson catalogue, I will not be reading blurbs first. I'm raw dogging this experience. LMAO!

This was a super short introductory story for the following 2 books so there was limited information. However, there's a lot to digest. I'm loving Hollis, and Bates was certainly interesting. I'm excited for these books.
Profile Image for Antoinette.
358 reviews
October 7, 2021
FANTASTIC!!!!!

I loved meeting Hollis and Bates in Delicate Things (which you must read its also a great book). This is the story of how they meet. And what a meeting it is.
This is a love story only Yolanda can tell an I loved it!
Profile Image for Jenny.
144 reviews
May 21, 2022
wow

I have no triggers so went into this blind. It was a great novella to give you a glimpse of how Bates and Hollis met and about some of their secrets. Definitely some twists I did not expect. I will do a more in depth review on the whole series once I read the last book!
Profile Image for Shawna Marshall .
387 reviews2 followers
July 27, 2022
This books was short but tell me why did it grip me the way it did. I LOVE BATES AND HOLLIS! They just became my top Yolanda Olson characters ! There is beauty & pain, Secrets & truths, dark and twistedness but they are perfect🖤
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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