The good thing is that this book comes with the TWs at the beginning so no one gets any surprises (and even then I was surprised).

This book reads VERY FAST. I mean... it was all pretty forced.

When you write a book, or at least as a reader I look for that, I like certain things to make sense. I'm not going to continue reading because while I knew I was going to find a pretty perverse story, I also like certain things to be coherent.

It was an intense read, not for everyone, and it had more spicy moments than I'd liked because they didn't fit the story at all. But that's totally personal.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC I read on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sinister and seductive, Haunting Hearts: A Dark College Romance by Camelia Varga isn’t for the faint of heart. Seriously. This is no gentle romance. It’s a tale riddled with shadows and scars, where every chapter gets a little darker. Check the triggers, because it has every traumatizing subplot you could think of. This book doesn’t whisper warnings, it screams them.

This twisted tale follows Layla, a tormented young woman suffering through the worst abuse, as she’s forced into devastatingly cruel situations by her father. Exploited and controlled, she is not only abused, but forced to pose as a college student, where she meets Enzo. Layla and Enzo have intense, instant chemistry which leads to a brutal game of survival against the men terrorizing Layla. In the end, they must fight for their love… and their lives.

Haunting Hearts is dark, raw, and brimming with potential. The plot is strong, with a dark and compelling premise that fits the genre well. It’s very fast paced, with scenes jumping quickly from one to the next with little time to process what’s happening. So much happens so quickly in this book! So, if you’re looking for a fast paced, action packed, unhinged escape, this one is for you.

Layla: survivor who has been through hell. Enzo: Protector, sweet, devoted but sometimes insecure. The book had many mentally challenging subject matters. However, the author tackled them, and the characters chemistry was undeniable. I felt it was sort of a quick relationship that turns to love. The book is about survival, vengeance, and two souls who find solace in each other. Even though the subject matters can be dark, it is the shadows that keep you wanting to read, I can’t wait for the next book.

Review: The Beauty and the Monster Duet by Camelia Varga
Rating: 4.5/5
Review posted on Instagram and Goodreads, also.

The Beauty and the Monster Duet by Camelia Varga is a compelling and emotionally charged romance novel that skillfully combines depth with raw intensity. The narrative immerses readers in a world of trauma, obsession, and unexpected redemption, providing a captivating and addictive reading experience.
The main female character, Layla, emerges as a resilient survivor, enduring unimaginable horrors. When she encounters Enzo Salvatore, her life takes a dramatic turn. Enzo embodies the anti-hero archetype, refusing forgiveness and harboring self-doubt. However, his unwavering devotion and intricate moral compass make him irresistibly drawn to.
Camelia Varga’s writing is characterized by its atmospheric and evocative qualities. It draws readers into a narrative where love serves both as a weapon and a sanctuary. The chemistry between the characters is electrifying, yet their raw, fractured, and painfully authentic emotional bond steals the show.
Unapologetically dark, the author fearlessly confronts challenging themes. The story explores the concepts of survival, vengeance, and a love that does not promise healing but offers understanding in the shadows.
Highly recommended for readers of dark romance who appreciate intricate character-driven narratives and are not averse to exploring the more unsettling aspects of love.
Trigger warnings are provided, as the duet contains mature and potentially distressing content.