A Blog of Books and Tea

(ARC/Kindle Unlimited) (Contains spoilers)

Tropes:

• 🥀Pet Sematary Retelling
• 🥀Horror Erotica
• 🥀Stalker
• 🥀Grieving FMC
• 🥀Paranormal Horror
• 🥀Multiple Person POV
• 🥀Obsessed MMC
• 🥀No Happily Ever After

Stars – 🫖🫖🫖🫖

Synopsis –

Taylor: What would you do when someone takes the most important person in your life away? I don’t remember him, but I do remember her. I had to do it, even if it meant losing myself along the way.

Ryan: I thought this accident was a blessing. For far too long, I have been watching her from the sidelines, hoping she’d finally notice me. But now I suspect it was a curse– one that might destroy us both if I don’t play my cards right

Thoughts – 👏Another brilliant story by Amaya Jax!👏

I read this book in about an hour as it’s a short, snappy read but it had me SHOOK! The pacing was just perfect, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I was already intrigued when I saw “Pet Sematary retelling” as I love Stephen King, and I was not disappointed!! Jax masterfully weaves suspense and emotion throughout the narrative, capturing the essence of King’s original work while adding her own unique twist. Each character felt richly developed, evoking a sense of empathy and dread simultaneously. The exploration of themes such as loss, grief, and the consequences of resurrecting the past made it not just an entertaining read, but an impactful experience that lingers long after the last page. I can’t recommend it enough to fans of horror and supernatural fiction!

Their Darkest Needs is a dark tale about the dangers of obsession, illustrating how grief can warp the boundaries of reality. Taylor struggles with her grief and cannot say goodbye to her best friend, Mara, who was a guiding light in her life. Her loss leaves a haunting emptiness in her heart that echoes with every day that passes. In her desperate attempt to hold on to Mara’s memory, Taylor begins to blur the lines between the living and the deceased, spiraling into a world where her obsession takes root. Sometimes love drives us to utter insanity, and this story does a fantastic job of highlighting this, showcasing how a heart can be both a sanctuary and a prison, where the lines of loyalty and sanity intertwine.

While Taylor is obsessed with Mara, Ryan is equally consumed by his fixation on Taylor. He has been stalking her for years, quietly shadowing her every move and collecting details about her life like a treasure trove of secrets. When a shocking incident leaves Taylor with amnesia, Ryan jumps at the chance to step in as her “husband,” believing that this could finally be his opportunity to win her heart. His intentions may appear romantic on the surface, but the reality is much darker and more unsettling. Is he truly in love, or is he merely seeking to fulfill his twisted obsession? Unhinged? Absolutely! In saying this, I really feel that Ryan’s love for Taylor is real, albeit a tad twisted.

And then the return of Felix 😍 (I know, I must be cracked 😂). I love that he returns in this book, alongside Evelyn! His character seems to have had so much growth since the first book, which allows you to fall in love with him even more deeply. The journey he embarks on is one of self-discovery and transformation, making him not only more relatable but also incredibly admirable. Especially when you recall how he is described! His friendship with Ryan seems so genuine, characterised by mutual respect and understanding, and he is there for his friend even though he knows he could be risking himself in some precarious situations. It’s heartwarming to witness such loyalty and courage, drawing me further into the story. His experiences in the previous book have made him into a more compassionate (but still utterly sexy) character, and I’m here for it! Each interaction he has now resonates with a depth that was absent before, showcasing how life’s challenges have sculpted him into a more nuanced version of himself, and I can’t help but root for him as he navigates the complexities of his relationships and newfound responsibilities.

This was a quick and spooky read; I loving my romance with a sprinkling of horror, and Their Darkest Needs delivered on that front brilliantly. The characters were intriguing and well-developed, pulling me into their tumultuous relationships and haunting dilemmas. Each twist and turn in the plot kept me on the edge of my seat, immersing me deeper into the eerie atmosphere crafted by the author. The blending of romance and horror was expertly done, allowing the reader to feel both the thrill of passion and the chilling sensation of suspense that lingered in the air, making it an unforgettable reading experience. I found myself reflecting on the complex motivations driving each character, and the way their intertwined fates unfolded was both captivating and disturbing, leaving a lasting impression long after I turned the final page.

I recommend this book but caution about potential triggers, particularly for those with traumatic experiences from controlling relationships. It may evoke uncomfortable feelings, so I advise sensitive individuals against reading it. However, open-minded readers might gain insights and support an Indie author by engaging with the story.