If you love your dark romance truly dark - think morally twisted with jaw-dropping, taboo themes - this book is going to grab you and not let go. The intense, obsessive dynamic between Joan and Elliot is both disturbing and weirdly captivating, making it perfect for fans of books with Stockholm syndrome, antiheroes, and messy, unconventional love stories. The writing is sharp and unflinching, the emotions raw, and the pacing relentless. Think of it as a blend between psychological thriller and a love story that asks "just how far is too far?"

Who May Not Like This Book:

This is absolutely not for everyone. The story features extremely graphic violence, multiple non-consent scenes, and very questionable character choices. If you need your romance to come with a dash of sweetness, health, or realism, you’ll want to skip this one. Sensitive readers and those triggered by scenes of sexual violence or toxic relationships should steer clear, as the darkness is not just surface-level but baked into every chapter.

Challenging and deeply unsettling, "I Know What Love Is" is a masterclass in dark, twisted romance. You’ll either be glued to the pages or need a comfort read - maybe both. Check all the trigger warnings before diving in!

About:

'I Know What Love Is' by Whitney Bianca is a dark and twisted love story that delves into the intense and complex relationship between Joan and Elliot. The plot follows the disturbing encounter between the two characters, exploring themes of abduction, obsession, and mutual self-destruction. The writing style is described as intense, fast-paced, and unapologetically raw, with scenes that push the boundaries and challenge readers' comfort levels.

Characters:

The characters are deeply flawed and psychologically complex, reflecting a relationship marked by obsession and emotional entanglement.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is gripping, dark, and immersive, effectively conveying the harrowing emotional landscapes of the characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The storyline intricately explores a tumultuous five-year relationship shaped by dark and obsessive dynamics stemming from a single weekend.

Setting:

The setting is contemporary and urban, enhancing the themes of isolation and disconnection from societal norms.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk and engaging, effectively maintaining tension throughout the story.

The flat, red desert horizon stretches for miles all around me as I speed down the seemingly never-ending black asphalt road. I've been driving for a day straight but I don't have time to stop. I'm on...

Notes:

The relationship between the main characters, Elliot and Joan, starts during a traumatic weekend.

The story spans five years, showing the consequences of their connection.

Elliot displays obsessive love, which borders more on infatuation than genuine love.

Joan experiences suffering and enjoys some aspects of her relationship with Elliot.

The book features themes of rape, captivity, and graphic violence, making it realistically dark and disturbing.

Readers have mixed feelings about the characters, especially Elliot's dark and sadistic nature.

Joan fantasizes about Elliot and keeps her interactions with him a secret from others.

The book covers the complexities of toxic relationships and their emotional impact.

Elliot is described as a physically strong and controlling alpha male, with a troubling past.

Joan is depicted as a college-educated Texan seeking freedom away from her overbearing family.

The dual POV style reveals the inner thoughts of both main characters, enhancing the story's intensity.

Despite its dark themes, some readers found the story enthralling and gave it high ratings.

The sequel continues the story, but character development issues persist, leaving readers wanting more background on Elliot.

The book is recommended for readers who can handle disturbing content and have a specific taste for dark romance.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include non-consensual acts, rape, violence, kidnapping, and emotional abuse, making it unsuitable for sensitive readers.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

This is not a love story.

A chance encounter in a dark bar changed my life forever. I'll never forget the events of that night and the days that followed. I'll never be the same. He tried to break me, but now I'm stronger than ever.

I want him to pay. I want him to suffer. I want to be just as much of a monster as he is.

But maybe, deep down... I want him just as much as he wants me. Maybe we deserve each other. Maybe he knows me better than I know myself.

Maybe.

But I know what love is, and this is not it.

Warning: This dark erotic tale contains violence, explicit sexuality, and adult situations. The content may be considered objectionable, so please read at your own discretion. more

2014

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216 pages

Ratings (16)

Incredible (5)
Loved It (8)
Did Not Like (2)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (87):

Read It (22)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (52)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (10)

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I Know What Love Is?

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I Know What Love Is

Whitney Bianca

Book 1 in the series:I Know...

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