IT’S A TURBULENT EMOTIONAL HOT VOLCANO

I spent yesterday shocked and in awe at the unpredictable, uniquely twisted, demonically dark and unapologetically flawed relationship that developed between twenty one yr old Blackwood College Seniors Sebastian and Naomi after the dare in Book 1. And today I really didn’t think this genius of an author could do much to up her game in this book.. wow.. wow.. wow I was so wrong. After the brutal and bloody cliffhanger that ended book one, it will be seven years before Sebastian and Naomi will come face to face again.. but it’s a very different world for both of them. It’s a danger-filled world of secrets, enemies, walls, invisible boundaries, blurred lines, Mafia treachery, power-plays, mind games, misconception, malicious moves.. and pen pal Akira. As Sebastian and Naomi circle each other, their explosive kinky attraction and chemistry flares.. and the sadistic moods and lust-filled looks makes Sebastian’s bitter beast roar with revenge darkening the turbulent skies foretelling doom.. or salvation, for two totally screwed-up souls.

There’s filthy words, sex games and scorching hot claiming as the beast captures his prey.. but there’s also a wide web of twists, revelations, shocks and much more along the way too (no spoilers). And Teddy, Rose and Jacob brought the characters, the fireworks, the frenzy, the friction and the feels to life and absolutely made it a well-everything’d five star audiobook.

Worth a credit? Absolutely I loved it.. but beware it’s dark, it totally deviates from the ’normal’ romance and it’s deliciously debauched too.

8 people found this helpful

Duet Review

I was so excited to start this duet I could barely stand it but I waited for part two to release before beginning book one so as not to frustrate myself with a cliffhanger. Book one in this duet was somewhat of a disappointment for me, and that was very surprising because Rina Kent is one of my absolute favorite authors. I devour everything she writes. I’m a lover of dark romance and I’m definitely not faint at heart...BUT I do not enjoy rape fantasies and the storyline was centered around that particular kink. My goal in this review isn’t to judge someone’s sexual preferences...it just makes for an unsatisfactory read when you are disturbed or turned off by said kinks. For Sebastian, sex is synonymous with violence. He loves the hunt, the begging, the infliction of pain. The way he pursued Naomi and took her virginity so cruelly was difficult for me to digest. Naomi is his toy, his good whore, his filthy slut. And she loves it. Sebastian and Naomi have traumatic pasts and dysfunctional upbringings that have molded them into the people they become. I almost stopped several times but tried to keep an open mind and give into Kent’s masterful storyline and character development. Multiple elements of suspense and intrigue propel you forward as you become a part of a different world. By the time I got to book two, I was hooked and found that my issues with the first book were almost non-existent (almost!!). Naomi and Sebastian went to hell and back and grew so much individually and as a couple. Their HEA was hard fought and well-deserved. Fantastic narration that truly elevates the story! Is this my favorite Kent book? No. Would I recommend? Yes, unless you don’t think you would enjoy due to above-stated issues.

3 people found this helpful

Rina Kent is amazing!!

loved the series and loved that she used some of the characters from her other series royal elite. loved Teddy Hamilton's narration. All in all to fight for love is always a book worthy of reading.

2 people found this helpful

Perfection

I absolutely loved the second half of Naomi and Sebastian’s story. Despite having some questions at the start, by the end every hurt is soothed and every detail explored to it’s conclusion, the standout being the identity of the elusive third narrator Akira. Early on, it’s clear that there are changes. One minute, he is the forthright and filthy pen pal. The next chapter, he is cold and aloof. For the longest time, I couldn’t decide if I hated him or if he was simply misunderstood. The reality is perfectly devious. It’s a great moment.

One thing that is maintained in both books is the couple’s penchant for deviance and the taboo. If you are triggered by certain acts between consenting adults, you may not enjoy reading about what couples get up to in houses, on decks, on rocks, in the forest, etc. if you’re like me and agree people can share and enjoy their bodies however they choose, then, also like me, you will enjoy the shear novelty of what takes places between these sheets. I didn’t find a single moment unsavory, but I enjoy reading on the darker side of the spectrum. You may also agree that Kent affords more leeway in what Nao and Sebastian experience as a couple because of how deliciously depraved she allow them to be in Red Thorns. It’s almost a free pass, and it’s truly inspired.

Don’t wait to read it!

2 people found this helpful

Excellent narrative performance

Fabulous actors, Teddy, Rose, and Jacob, brought Sebastian and Naomi's romance to life. This book takes place seven years later when Sebastian re-encounters Naomi and decides to insert himself in her life and husband's due her ill-fated departure. This was an angst, more emotional story with the usual dose of Kent mystery, and there is definitely more to it than an enemies to lovers match up.

I loved Sebastian's character and the re-introduction of favorites of past books including Ashe and Knox. And Nate just seemed heavenly. Less a fan of the heroine this time, especially after book one, though I loved the Japanese cultural references and their creative influences.

The three actors' portrayal of the main characters and influential Akira was sublime. Whether in character, switching to side characters, or simple narration of thoughts, they had huge range and excellent inflection so that everyone felt individual and distinct. Additionally, I liked the rendition of accents, light Japanese interlaced with American accents, though I can’t attest to their authenticity. Overall, I enjoyed the audiobook performance more than I could have achieved reading of the book itself, definitely produced a great mental depiction to further boost the story's appeal.

1 person found this helpful

DARK ROMANCE MUST LISTEN!! #Scorching

What can I say, man? This book. This duet! Rina Kent pushed the boundaries of what I considered dark romance and gave me a storyline, characters, and love that I won’t soon forget. 

Black Thorns picks up where Red Thorns left off on that *massive* cliffhanger and from there it’s a rollercoaster of events and emotions that culminate in epically calculated revelations that I never saw coming. Sebastian claimed my heart in the previous book, but he absolutely seared himself onto my bookish soul in this book. His love and hunger for Naomi is so dark and twisted, but just….*swoon!* This duet was Rina Dialed up to MAX volume. I couldn’t get enough! Dark romance lovers, this is a true MUST READ!! 

Narration was performed by Teddy Hamilton and Rose Dioro and featuring Jacob Morgan. First of all, OH MY GOD. This was casting was spot on! Secondly, I am forever changed. I was used to Teddy Hamilton as my go-to for swoony, sweet heroes, but DAMN! I am forever changed. Teddy as this slightly depraved, deliciously dirty hero was EVERYTHING I didn’t know I needed. Credit worthy just right there, but then you add in the fabulous narration by Rose Dioro (her accents are just effortlessly good) and the sprinkle of yum we call Jacob Morgan, and this is an audio and duet that is not to be missed!

1 person found this helpful

Okay

I liked this but I think I hyped myself for this too much 😔 the story progression was okay and some parts seemed convenient, but omfg I hate Naomi so much as a character and I lost some respect for Sebastian. Also, was really hoping for MFM with Akira lol. The mispronunciation of Japanese words grated hard on my ears too much but I still have to give props to Rose for her consistent effort.

1 person found this helpful

Really Great Ending to a Duet

Black Thorns by Rina Kent

Formats Read: Ebook & Audiobook

I Give this Book a 4-4.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 4.

No Spoilers.
This Review mainly is going to be Rating list for Book & Audiobook, due to not wanting to spoil anything about this book. Cause if I start I’ll end up giving things away 🤣😅

HEA(?): Yes!
Relationship Type: MF
Dark(?): Not to me, no :)
Heat: 4/5, Loved the heat that is in this book, but it’s not the focus ☺️
Romance: 4.5-5/5
Pacing: Mid, pacing is pretty good throughout, I do wish I did have Naomi’s POV at certain points but then again I liked how it went anyways ☺️
Drama: 3.5-4/5
Suspense: 3.5-4/5

I’m need Mio’s Book So Bad!! 😍

Audiobook Review:
Overall: 4.5/5, Listing as 5 in audiobook format.
Narrator: Teddy Hamilton, Jacob Morgan & Rose Dioro
Performance: 4.5-5/5
Story: 4-4.5/5

I sincerely love all of these Narrators, they captured each character very well.

1 person found this helpful

It's sad to let this duet go!

“It’s hard to put in words this conclusion. Can’t believe the due it over and I’m sad to let it go but also in love with how things end up. I love reading the story but listen to the audio was beyond amazing! Teddy, Jacob and Rose slayed the narration. They portrayed Sebastian, Akira and Naomi so perfect that everything felt real not just the suspense and mystery but also their story. Both had hard past and their story isn’t for the faint heart but so worth for their relationship. Highly recommended ! There’s no doubt how great this duet was.”

Part 2 did not disappoint...

Without giving anything away; it went in an unexpected direction, which was a very welcome surprise. I love when a storyline goes somewhere I don't see coming. Definitely binge reading her back log of books.