Red Thorns: A Dark New Adult Romance

Rina’s most twisted, depraved, and psychologically complicated series to date. Naomi is my favorite Rina heroine of all time- and her relationship with Sebastian is so deliciously unusual. This series is a story wildly consuming and emotionally trying.If you are Rina fan, this is definitely going to feel a bit different- we’ve got more triggering kink at play (and one that I don’t often seen handled transparently and with kink-cognizance in the new adult genre), and here the kinks come into play before we have any real emotional attachment- in fact, it becomes the springboard for it. This story centers on eroticism and then layers some other more suspenseful elements around it- which is a different storytelling approach from Rina, but one I’m here for.Nao is one of my favorite Rina heroines-she’s so distinctive and special. I love her quirkiness and her sass- and I think her sarcastic internal monologue adds much needed levity to the darker and more mysterious components to this story. I really related to parts of her- and well others, perhaps not as much- but the reasons behind some of her choices felt very personal to me- her family issues, her buried resentment and anger and her self-imposed emotional isolation as a defense mechanism. She's incredibly emotionally self-sufficient and refreshingly dialed into her own baggage- and she’s so transparent when it comes to processing her unusual dynamic with Sebatian.Like Nao, Sebastian is emotionally detached, and like her, he too needs control- but his needs manifest in entirely different ways, and unlike her isolation he’s found a home as a lion disguised amongst the sheep (whose leader you’ll recognize from prior stories). He’s borderline psychopathic in the way he views the world, and he finds the perfect match for his particular procivities in Nao. Theri story is twisted and unusual- and emotionally violent.The chemistry here is complicated and messy- intriguing, confusing, uncomfortable at first, but also addictive. And then volcanically consuming. Their romance will not be for everyone- and takes a minute to find any stability because they are both so complicated, but it is fascinating - the kind that both arouses and pushes your boundaries. It is intense and palpable and volatile, and ultimately their erotic needs build a psychological connection that establishes a more emotional one.This isn’t just about the psychological aspect of their physical needs (though it starts there), its about these two characters embracing parts of themselves, expressing what they’ve repressed, finding power in ways we might not understand but they need. The sexual tension is delicious, but what I love most is how you built their emotional chemistry. We understand it before they even do- the beast and prey, how their damage and needs are compatible. They find safety in what some would consider an incredibly unsafe dynamic - but it works for them. You don’t tell us this, you SHOW this to us over and over again- and it’s not only sexy and taboo, it's psychologically interesting. I love how you let them talk about, too. You let them unpack it. And the contrasts (especially that party scene) in their dynamics are *chef’s kiss*- the carnal and dark with the sweet and more emotionally intimate- just really beautifully rendered. I FEEL the energy between them.This first book is really about establishing their connection and laying the groundwork for the bigger narrative, and creating our base of moral depravity- so our story builds towards some shocking surprises that will definitely be unresolved. You’ll be desperate to figure out just where this is going - and let me tell you, YOU HAVE NO IDEA.

Ah. I love reading books with CNC in it… throw in some primal play and I’m sold… but there was something missing to really sell it to me.The book starts off by giving us the perspective of Naomi‘s pan buddy. Then we get Naomi‘s perspective and we find out that she’s a cheerleader, she’s Japanese, and she has a very sarcastic sense of humor. Although she’s a cheerleader, she doesn’t hang out with the “in crowd” or care to fit in with other people. She’s had a crush on her college’s quarterback, Sebastian, and he just so happens to bump into her when she’s distracted.Sebastian is an all star athlete, well-liked, popular, has political connections, and is extremely handsome. One of his friends dares him to sleep with Naomi, and he takes the bet. He tells me oh me to meet him and she stands him up, so he shows up at her house and gets her to go with him. When they go to his location in the middle of nowhere, their CNC games begin.I am a huge fan of CNC 🤤🔥🥵 (and noncon/dubcon) so when they started with their scenes, 👏🏻I was all for it😉. Buuuuuut… I didn’t feel the build up to it. So Sebastian takes her to the forest and assumes she would be game to play? How did he know that she would be into it? They barely had any interactions or talked beforehand and all of a sudden he knows she’s into it? I don’t know. This was sketchy to me.Don’t give me wrong; all of their smexx scenes were hot🔥🥵😅. Buuuut I needed more leading up to them. I get it. There is necessary setting components and characterization that we need to know, but how did Sebastian magically surmise Naomi’s kink is CNC and primal play? Did he sense it somehow? Is there a pheromone he smelled? I mean- I enjoyed the intimate scenes, but I definitely found myself scratching my head before they began.I also loooove me a surprise virgin… I like when the H finds out the good old-fashioned way 😉😅 but here, it was lacking in emotion for me. It’s a CNC/primal play scene and he just leaves her after- no aftercare- no cuddling- no “hey, you okay?” Nothing 😐. And suddenly, it’s a new chapter. Wasn’t she bruised? Bleeding like crazy? I don’t know. I needed more.I also found a lot of telling versus showing. I looooove the Royal Elite series (Aiden🤤), but I found myself double checking this was the same author. Maybe because this book is on the shorter side? I also didn’t care for the xenophobic comments, but unfortunately, those are the types of comments POC deal with.Back to what I liked- the physical component of their relationship was there and their emotional one was building. They each shared personal information that was essential to solidify connection between them. Plus, they know that their “kink” is heavily judged and frowned upon, so they have that connection as well. I loooove that we have an interracial couple 🥰👏🏻. I also love how DIRTY Sebastian’s mouth is💦- oh dear Lord that man can talk DIRRRRRTY 🔥🥵. Annnnnd I liked that his j/p side came out (but I needed more of his protective side to come out sooner)Overall, I enjoyed it and want to read book 2 since it ends on a cliffhanger.⚠️safety squad⚠️-no cheating/owd/omd/sharing-CNC/primal play-noncon/dubcon-breath play-xenophobic comments-parent with cancer-death of parents-the H calls the h names during their scenes

I was not expecting this kind of story after having read so many of Rina's books. For me it was very different, but not in a negative way at all. However I think it could very well be uncomfortable for some readers. It was quite intriguing as far as being a kink taboo and something that most people would shame you for wanting. Naomi and Sebastien definitely are meant for one another so I'm definitely rooting for them.

This isnt an easy book to read especially as these are college kids who seem to prefer the sort of sex that is sadistic. Sebastian is the star QB, a handsome guy and from old money but he is controlled by is grandfather who expects him to go into politics and drop the sport. He has serious issues that he manages to keep hidden most of the time. Naomi is new the this college and doesnt ride with the in crowd. A bet is made and Sebastian lets his sadistic side come out finding Naomi and very willing partner. He is shocked how much he wants her and the sex is vicious. Her mother is dying and she finds out about the bet but Sebastian feels she is his partner in life and will not allow her to get away. Danger comes though. Intense read.

I'm finding that the more books I read by Rina the more I love them. I don't want to come over as some gushing ninny, but her writing really is that good!!So yes I recommend this book and all of the others she's written too!!I've read most of them now and can say that she really does tackle the hard issues, whereas other authors shy away from them.Even the taboo of sex that isn't seen as being "the norm!!" Because of both of these combined, it makes Rina's books more gripping and biting. She really is an all rounder as far as authors go! !

I haven't read anything g from this author but found the synopsis and cover appealing. I was !ent a bit disappointed. There is a very clear trigger warning at the beginning and I cruelly appreciate that. I did however still find some of the consensual non consent difficult. The premis is pretty straightforward a get that appears to start as one thing and end in another, but The sub plots are much more interesting. Nao's absent father, her mother's business was and Weavers family legacy. I may read the send book in the future but I don't feel connected to the lead characters enough to rush into book two. I felt !like there was so much I sent learn and couldn't empathise with.

I'm a bit conflicted. I saw this on Instagram and love the author- I didn't read the description before reading the story. I've give 5 stars because I was hooked- I couldn't put it down, I am enthralled by the story and anticipating the release of the next book. However...I'm not comfortable with Naomi and Sebastian relationship, but maybe that's why I want to read more and see were it will go? Plus the anime references aren't for me, I might just be too old!

I'm new to the author, and will definitely be adding the rest of her books to my TBR!I was recommended this duet when looking for CNC books. They can be difficult to find, and this one ticked all the boxes.I could not put this down. The feelings, the writing, the steam...it was just perfection. I can't wait to dive into book 2!⚠️ Consensual non-consent, r@pe fantasy play, mentions of child harm.