Jescie Hall

So SIK

I'll start by warning you that this book is heavy. There's a lot to unwrap and deal with. If you are like me, insanely empathetic, you will probably spend a lot of this book taking breaks to scream, cry and try to figure out a way to get into this book and help them enact their well deserved revenge. It took me 2 days to read it, when I probably would have stayed up all night and read it cover to cover, but I couldn't handle all of the emotions, all at once. It's super dark and messed show more up and there's probably a picture of the cover in the dictionary next to "Trigger". It's also one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read. You will become the characters emotionally. You'll hate the people who wronged them. You'll love how they save each other. They are both broken, having been betrayed in some of the worst ways by the people around them. In the beginning, they are opposites, one pure, devoted to God and morally perfect. The other, a product of unspeakable cruelty and more horror than anyone should have to endure, all in the name of God. Together, they avenge one life that was spent suffering, and another that didn't realize they had so many wrongs to right. Their love is sik, in the most dark, beautiful way. This is one that I'll be getting a hard copy of to keep in my collection of favs. I can't wait to read it again!! Jescie Hall is a Goddess!! show less

There’s something dangerously addictive about a story that pulls you in by the collar and whispers, “figure me out.” That’s exactly what Hawke did to me.

From the very beginning, the tension between Hawke and Patrick hums beneath every interaction—sharp, charged, and impossible to ignore. That frenemies or worse 👀 dynamic? Absolutely delivered. Every smirk, every veiled comment, every subtle jab felt like a breadcrumb leading to something bigger… and I was hooked.

But where this show more book really shines is in the connection between Hawke and Cole. Their banter? Effortless. Electric. Real. It gave the story a pulse. And Cole—honestly—was such a refreshing character. Instead of staying stuck in the “naive heroine” lane, she evolves. She questions, she sees, she chooses. Watching her step into her awareness instead of shrinking from the truth was one of my favorite parts of the entire book.

💫 Tropes You’ll Find Inside
Frenemies / Rivalry Tension 🔥
Morally Gray Love Interest 🖤
Slow Burn Romance (at least at first…) 🕯️
Found Truth / Awakening Heroine 🌙
Banter-Heavy Dynamics 💬
Dark Romance Elements ⚠️
🎧 What Didn’t Quite Hit (for me)

Now… let’s talk about the parts that didn’t land as well.

Listening via audiobook, some of Hawke’s more vulnerable moments—especially the emotional breakdowns—didn’t translate the way I wanted them to. Instead of feeling raw and powerful, they pulled me out of the story a bit. This might just be one of those cases where reading vs. listening creates a completely different experience, and I suspect I might’ve connected more if I’d physically read those scenes.

And the spice… 🌶️
Look, I’m here for it. Truly. But only when it feels like a natural extension of the story. Some of the scenes felt overly drawn out or inserted rather than earned, which disrupted the flow for me. The early slow burn? Chef’s kiss. The tension, the buildup, the subtlety—perfect. But once feelings were fully acknowledged, the romance leaned into a kind of cheesiness that didn’t quite land the same way. (And that’s saying something, because I love a good cheesy romance moment.)

🖤 Final Thoughts

Despite those critiques, Hawke was undeniably entertaining and engaging. It kept me invested, curious, and flipping (or listening) to the next chapter to see how everything would unfold.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
Not a miss—just not quite a full emotional knockout for me.

If you’re a fan of dark romance, morally gray characters, tension-filled dynamics, and sharp banter, this is absolutely worth picking up.

And one last thing—Kid.
Easily one of my favorite side characters. Intriguing, layered, and just mysterious enough to make me immediately want more. You can bet I’ll be diving into his story next 👀📚 show less

I was drawn into a whirlwind of raw emotion and tumultuous romance, depicting the stark realities of addiction and the power of toxic love. The protagonists, each battling their own demons, find a complicated solace in each other, making their story not just about love but survival. The story, laden with mature themes, didn't shy away from the harshness of drug dependency and emotional scars, presenting a romance that was as heart-wrenching as it was passionate. The depth of character show more development and the intensity of their relationship kept me hooked, making this dark romance a poignant exploration of the human spirit's resilience and the complex dance between destruction and redemption. This story left a lasting impression, showcasing the thin line between love and addiction. The audiobook narration added a whole new dimension to the already intense narrative. Joe Arden and CJ Bloom brought the characters to life with such authenticity and emotional depth that it felt like I was living through each moment alongside them. Their ability to convey the complex emotions and the rawness of the characters' journeys made the story even more gripping. The nuances in their performances highlighted the turmoil and passion between the protagonists, enriching the dark romance with a palpable sense of reality. The immersive experience provided by the narration amplified the book's impact, making the tumultuous journey of love and addiction even more memorable. Their exceptional delivery truly elevated the story, making the audiobook an unforgettable experience. show less

This was so good! This book was completely unhinged. The author was definitely working through some religious trauma. As as non-Catholic who went to Catholic school throughout (almost) my entire mandatory school career, I had some serious flashbacks to the hypocrisy. I loved everything about this story. I loved the journey Aero took Briony. She became so much more with him. Aero was insane. He was so tormented! Joe Arden...he had me feeling everything. I believed he was Aero and I hurt for him.