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Deadly Virtues #1
Raphael
They are the Fallen. A brotherhood of murderers whose nature compels them to kill. But guided by their leader, Gabriel, the Fallen have learned to use their urges to rid the world of those it is better off without.
For Raphael, sex and death are intertwined. Where there is one, there must be the other. He is a lust killer, luring his victims with the face of an angel and a body built for sin.
And Raphael lives to sin.
His newest mission takes him into the sadistic underworld of Boston’s secret sex clubs, and puts him face to face with his greatest fantasy made flesh.
Maria is everything he’s ever dreamed of, the kill he’s always longed for. She’s not his target. And he knows he must resist. But the temptation is too strong…
Yet Raphael is not the only one with a mission. Maria is not quite what she seems. And as her secrets and Raphael’s unravel, Maria begins to question everything she thought she knew—about evil, about the place she calls home, and about the beautiful sinner she was sent to destroy.
Dark Contemporary Romance. Contains sexual situations, violence, sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language and topics some may find triggering. Recommended for age 18 years and up.
The Fallen: Genesis a prequel novella in The Deadly Virtues Series and MUST be read before RAPHAEL (DV: book one).
For Raphael, sex and death are intertwined. Where there is one, there must be the other. He is a lust killer, luring his victims with the face of an angel and a body built for sin.
And Raphael lives to sin.
His newest mission takes him into the sadistic underworld of Boston’s secret sex clubs, and puts him face to face with his greatest fantasy made flesh.
Maria is everything he’s ever dreamed of, the kill he’s always longed for. She’s not his target. And he knows he must resist. But the temptation is too strong…
Yet Raphael is not the only one with a mission. Maria is not quite what she seems. And as her secrets and Raphael’s unravel, Maria begins to question everything she thought she knew—about evil, about the place she calls home, and about the beautiful sinner she was sent to destroy.
Dark Contemporary Romance. Contains sexual situations, violence, sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language and topics some may find triggering. Recommended for age 18 years and up.
The Fallen: Genesis a prequel novella in The Deadly Virtues Series and MUST be read before RAPHAEL (DV: book one).
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2019
About the author
Tillie Cole
48 books22.7k followersAmazon & USA Today Best Selling Author, Tillie Cole, is a Northern girl through and through. She originates from a place called Teesside on that little but awesomely sunny (okay I exaggerate) Isle called Great Britain. She was brought up surrounded by her English rose mother -- a farmer's daughter, her crazy Scottish father, a savagely sarcastic sister and a multitude of rescue animals and horses.
Being a scary blend of Scottish and English, Tillie embraces both cultures; her English heritage through her love of HP sauce and freshly made Yorkshire Puddings, and her Scottish which is mostly demonstrated by her frighteningly foul-mouthed episodes of pure rage and her much loved dirty jokes.
Having been born and raised as a Teesside Smoggie, Tillie, at age nineteen, moved forty miles north to the 'Toon', Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, where she attended Newcastle University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Religious Studies. She returned two years later to complete a Post-Graduate Certificate in Teaching High School Social Studies. Tillie, regards Newcastle to be a home from home and enjoyed the Newcastle Geordie way of life for seven 'proper mint' and 'lush' years.
One summers day, after finishing reading her thousandth book on her much loved and treasured Kindle, Tillie turned to her husband and declared, "D'you know, I have a great idea for a story. I could write a book." Several months later, after repeating the same tired line at the close of another completed story, she was scolded by her husband to shut up talking about writing a novel and "just bloody do it!" For the first time in eleven years, Tillie actually took his advice (he is still trying to get over the shock) and immediately set off on a crazy journey, delving deep into her fertile imagination.
Tillie, ever since, has written from the heart. She combines her passion for anything camp and glittery with her love of humour and dark brooding men (most often muscled and tattooed – they’re her weakness!). She also has a serious side (believe it or not!) and loves to immerse herself in the complex study of World Religions, History and Cultural Studies and creates fantasy stories that enable her to thread serious issues and topics into her writing -- yep, there's more to this girl than profanity and sparkles!
After six years of teaching high school Social Studies and following her Professional Rugby Player husband around Europe, they have finally given up their nomadic way of life and settled in Calgary, Alberta where Tillie spends most of her days (and many a late night) lost in a writing euphoria or pursuing a dazzling career as a barrel-racing, tasselled-chap wearing, Stetson-sporting cowgirl... Ye-haw!
Being a scary blend of Scottish and English, Tillie embraces both cultures; her English heritage through her love of HP sauce and freshly made Yorkshire Puddings, and her Scottish which is mostly demonstrated by her frighteningly foul-mouthed episodes of pure rage and her much loved dirty jokes.
Having been born and raised as a Teesside Smoggie, Tillie, at age nineteen, moved forty miles north to the 'Toon', Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, where she attended Newcastle University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Religious Studies. She returned two years later to complete a Post-Graduate Certificate in Teaching High School Social Studies. Tillie, regards Newcastle to be a home from home and enjoyed the Newcastle Geordie way of life for seven 'proper mint' and 'lush' years.
One summers day, after finishing reading her thousandth book on her much loved and treasured Kindle, Tillie turned to her husband and declared, "D'you know, I have a great idea for a story. I could write a book." Several months later, after repeating the same tired line at the close of another completed story, she was scolded by her husband to shut up talking about writing a novel and "just bloody do it!" For the first time in eleven years, Tillie actually took his advice (he is still trying to get over the shock) and immediately set off on a crazy journey, delving deep into her fertile imagination.
Tillie, ever since, has written from the heart. She combines her passion for anything camp and glittery with her love of humour and dark brooding men (most often muscled and tattooed – they’re her weakness!). She also has a serious side (believe it or not!) and loves to immerse herself in the complex study of World Religions, History and Cultural Studies and creates fantasy stories that enable her to thread serious issues and topics into her writing -- yep, there's more to this girl than profanity and sparkles!
After six years of teaching high school Social Studies and following her Professional Rugby Player husband around Europe, they have finally given up their nomadic way of life and settled in Calgary, Alberta where Tillie spends most of her days (and many a late night) lost in a writing euphoria or pursuing a dazzling career as a barrel-racing, tasselled-chap wearing, Stetson-sporting cowgirl... Ye-haw!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 762 reviews
June 16, 2019
4.5 StarsAs soon as this little number landed on my tablet this morning, I knew I had to stop everything and read it. Four hours later and I have finally come up for air.
I will keep my review relatively vague. I don't want to intentionally give anything away. I also think this is the type of book you just want to go into blind. If you've read the prologue (you have to read that first to know what is going on in this book) then you already know what you are getting yourself in to. It is dark. It is twisted. There are triggers.
I LOVED Raphael's book just as much as I loved the prologue. Same great writing. That said, the pace of this one was a little on the slow side for me. Based on the synopsis I expected a little more action regarding Raphael and his lust killing. It didn't affect my rating at all, but a lot of plot focus is on Raphael and Maria's relationship. Which was fine as it made the connection between them stronger. The plot itself remains unique and wildly intriguing. The sex was hot. We get a little forward movement with the BRETHEN situation. We get to see cameos of the other members of THE FALLEN. I am not sure whose book is up next, but each and everyone one of them hold so much potential. Last, this ended with a satisfying conclusion that sets us up going forward.
So yea, I loved it...bring on the next book!
June 21, 2019
*****FIVE+++++++ STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
She was perfection. Of course, she would taste that way too. It was his soul telling him he had finally found the one. It just affirmed to Raphael that she was it. He had found his lusts perfect half, his sacrificial lamb.
RAPHAEL is a deliciously dark and sultry read. The most beautiful and equally as deadly as his six brothers who are labeled ”The Fallen”, Raphael captured my curiosity since the incredible prequel. At the moment, he is my absolute favorite dark angel, but I am sure each brother will eventually own a piece of my heart. I am so in love with this series and wish that I could get my hands on each and every brother’s story right this very minute. I have no doubt that readers are going to be completely spellbound by Tillie Cole’s latest epic saga.
Raphael, the beautiful dark angel with a penchant for strangling his victims never expected to find the living breathing embodiment of his ultimate fantasy when he was on a mission to kill another. Maria is his dream come true, but she’s hiding a huge secret. One that could potentially destroy him and his brothers. Raphael’s lust can’t be denied. He will break all the rules to have his ”little rose”. Will she be his ultimate redemption or his complete ruin?
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Plot: 5++++++
Darkness: 5
Violence: 5
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
”RAPHAEL” is currently available! This is a book you’ll get completely lost in!!
Amazon https://amzn.to/2MXaQsm
Nook - http://bit.ly/2WRctfA
Kobo - http://bit.ly/2MQpotI
iBooks - smarturl.it/RaphaelTCB
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
She was perfection. Of course, she would taste that way too. It was his soul telling him he had finally found the one. It just affirmed to Raphael that she was it. He had found his lusts perfect half, his sacrificial lamb.
RAPHAEL is a deliciously dark and sultry read. The most beautiful and equally as deadly as his six brothers who are labeled ”The Fallen”, Raphael captured my curiosity since the incredible prequel. At the moment, he is my absolute favorite dark angel, but I am sure each brother will eventually own a piece of my heart. I am so in love with this series and wish that I could get my hands on each and every brother’s story right this very minute. I have no doubt that readers are going to be completely spellbound by Tillie Cole’s latest epic saga.
Raphael, the beautiful dark angel with a penchant for strangling his victims never expected to find the living breathing embodiment of his ultimate fantasy when he was on a mission to kill another. Maria is his dream come true, but she’s hiding a huge secret. One that could potentially destroy him and his brothers. Raphael’s lust can’t be denied. He will break all the rules to have his ”little rose”. Will she be his ultimate redemption or his complete ruin?
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Plot: 5++++++
Darkness: 5
Violence: 5
Steam: 5
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
”RAPHAEL” is currently available! This is a book you’ll get completely lost in!!
Amazon https://amzn.to/2MXaQsm
Nook - http://bit.ly/2WRctfA
Kobo - http://bit.ly/2MQpotI
iBooks - smarturl.it/RaphaelTCB
July 18, 2019
Full RTC in the morning
The first book gave us a teaser taste of what’s to come, and once this hit those kindle outlets my finger eagerly hit that purchase button!!
We had a power cut yesterday so when I’m not distracted by the internet it just goes to show that I can read a full length novel in a day!!
There is no better feeling in the world other than opening up that first page of a most highly anticipated book and then getting so lost within those pages that the outside world ceases to exist, oh how I love this author! She just goes from strength to strength and makes me fall so deeply in love with each and every character she introduces me to. And that is why book after book she has me one clicking no matter what even if I’ve been granted an arc.
God how I loved this story, these characters. Shamelessly I inhaled this, devoured it, loved it.
The first book gave us a teaser taste of what’s to come, and once this hit those kindle outlets my finger eagerly hit that purchase button!!
We had a power cut yesterday so when I’m not distracted by the internet it just goes to show that I can read a full length novel in a day!!
There is no better feeling in the world other than opening up that first page of a most highly anticipated book and then getting so lost within those pages that the outside world ceases to exist, oh how I love this author! She just goes from strength to strength and makes me fall so deeply in love with each and every character she introduces me to. And that is why book after book she has me one clicking no matter what even if I’ve been granted an arc.
God how I loved this story, these characters. Shamelessly I inhaled this, devoured it, loved it.
June 26, 2019
How do I express how greatly I'm loving this series without spoiling it for you? With my heart feeling like it's about to burst through my chest, how can I make it clear to you how very much I loved this book?
All seven of The Fallen have suffered atrocities that no one should ever have to endure. No one! Yet, they survived. And really, that's all they've done. The darkness that flickered in them before has now taken over. They are killers, wiping out those who deserve to be killed (like traffickers), and each has their own unique way of accomplishing the kill. Raphael's got his own special signature. He, like his brothers, enjoys reliving his kills. When his fantasy is offered up on a silver platter, how could he refuse?
Maria was innocent and her purity was never in question. While at first she was armed with misinformation, she quickly learned that she had no clue about the world she lived in. She was the complete opposite of Raphael, but she was exactly what he needed. She made him feel, for the first time in forever, and he gave her the same. Even surrounded by his darkness, her trust and her faith kept her strong, able to reach him in ways neither of them expected.
These young men are owning me, one story at a time, taking me apart piece by piece, leaving me feeling as broken as they are, taking me on a journey of pain, damage, hatred, self-loathing, the love of a good kill, brotherhood, hope and love. I'm willingly sacrificing my sanity and I encourage you to do the same.
Blog | FB | Twitter | IG | Tumblr | Pinterest | BookBub
All seven of The Fallen have suffered atrocities that no one should ever have to endure. No one! Yet, they survived. And really, that's all they've done. The darkness that flickered in them before has now taken over. They are killers, wiping out those who deserve to be killed (like traffickers), and each has their own unique way of accomplishing the kill. Raphael's got his own special signature. He, like his brothers, enjoys reliving his kills. When his fantasy is offered up on a silver platter, how could he refuse?
She would be the saint to his sinner.
The light to his dark.
The chastity to his lust.
Maria was innocent and her purity was never in question. While at first she was armed with misinformation, she quickly learned that she had no clue about the world she lived in. She was the complete opposite of Raphael, but she was exactly what he needed. She made him feel, for the first time in forever, and he gave her the same. Even surrounded by his darkness, her trust and her faith kept her strong, able to reach him in ways neither of them expected.
These young men are owning me, one story at a time, taking me apart piece by piece, leaving me feeling as broken as they are, taking me on a journey of pain, damage, hatred, self-loathing, the love of a good kill, brotherhood, hope and love. I'm willingly sacrificing my sanity and I encourage you to do the same.
Blog | FB | Twitter | IG | Tumblr | Pinterest | BookBub
June 25, 2019
I need to clarify from the get go why I didn’t rate one of Tillie Cole’s stories five stars. The first half or more of this book was really hard to read majority of the time. Considering it is labeled as a dark read, I did expect to be disturbed by what was going on. Believe me, the dark themed book is very dark... at times I struggled to swallow the torture and depravity that was dished out by those evil Priests. Then it was hard to witness how our hero came across to Maria; the heroine. I really started to fear that there would be no humanity or redemption found in Raphael.
Of course, I should have had faith in brilliant writer Tillie Cole, and how she can get us to empathize with some very hard to love characters! By about 60% on, the love story that begun to blossom between Raphael and Maria, was heartbreaking beautiful to witness. It truly was! I devoured the last 40% of the book, and didn’t go to bed until 4am!! All I can say is that if you have doubts about the story and how it will pan out... stick with it! I promise you will be rewarded for having faith !
I can’t wait to see who’s story we will be getting next!
Thanks Steph for another amazing Buddy Read!❤️
Of course, I should have had faith in brilliant writer Tillie Cole, and how she can get us to empathize with some very hard to love characters! By about 60% on, the love story that begun to blossom between Raphael and Maria, was heartbreaking beautiful to witness. It truly was! I devoured the last 40% of the book, and didn’t go to bed until 4am!! All I can say is that if you have doubts about the story and how it will pan out... stick with it! I promise you will be rewarded for having faith !
I can’t wait to see who’s story we will be getting next!
Thanks Steph for another amazing Buddy Read!❤️
June 17, 2019
5 DARK STARS
"He is not an angel, but the devil indisguise."
I'm blown away with this brilliant story, I found myself mesmerized and obsessed with this world.Tillie Cole delivers a dark,sexy,captivating and unique story.I didn't know what to expect in this one when I first started it but what I came upon was amazing.
"I will make you feel, little rose.Feel things you have never even entertained."
Get ready for Raphael and Maria, their story kept me hooked from page one.This isn't your typical romance it's so much more!
"Two broken souls entwined."
The story is original and it has epic proportions.It isn't for everyone but I think you must give it a try.Tillie Cole knows exactly how to write the best dark stories!
"He is not an angel, but the devil indisguise."
I'm blown away with this brilliant story, I found myself mesmerized and obsessed with this world.Tillie Cole delivers a dark,sexy,captivating and unique story.I didn't know what to expect in this one when I first started it but what I came upon was amazing.
"I will make you feel, little rose.Feel things you have never even entertained."
Get ready for Raphael and Maria, their story kept me hooked from page one.This isn't your typical romance it's so much more!
"Two broken souls entwined."
The story is original and it has epic proportions.It isn't for everyone but I think you must give it a try.Tillie Cole knows exactly how to write the best dark stories!
��
October 17, 2021
This series is my new religion.
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!
Raphael was such a beautiful sorrowful mess.
Maria so serene and compassionate.
It’s not a secret that I truly love messed up “love in the darkness” stories.
Unconventional love.
I am quite frankly trash for those. 😈
The story centres around Raphael. A lust-killer, who finds his ultimate fantasy in Maria.
A “nun in training”, who agrees to help the Brethen as her final test before she can take her final vows to God and become a nun.
The same Brethen that abused, beat, raped and tortured Raphael and his fellow brothers as young boys. (The Fallen Brotherhood).
I was filled with white hot RAGE when reading it. What was done to those children. Beyond horrible.
The story crippled me. It tore at my heart. It was earth-shattering in its rawness. In its pain.
Read: 28/05/2020
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre/tropes: Dark romance/abuse/religion/murder/Dom-sub/dark&twisted
Cover: 4 stars
POV’s: Multiple - 3rd person (Primarily Raphael & Maria)
Will I recommend: Yes - (Must read Fallen Genesis prior! )
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!
Raphael was such a beautiful sorrowful mess.
Maria so serene and compassionate.
It’s not a secret that I truly love messed up “love in the darkness” stories.
Unconventional love.
I am quite frankly trash for those. 😈
The story centres around Raphael. A lust-killer, who finds his ultimate fantasy in Maria.
A “nun in training”, who agrees to help the Brethen as her final test before she can take her final vows to God and become a nun.
The same Brethen that abused, beat, raped and tortured Raphael and his fellow brothers as young boys. (The Fallen Brotherhood).
I was filled with white hot RAGE when reading it. What was done to those children. Beyond horrible.
The story crippled me. It tore at my heart. It was earth-shattering in its rawness. In its pain.
Read: 28/05/2020
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre/tropes: Dark romance/abuse/religion/murder/Dom-sub/dark&twisted
Cover: 4 stars
POV’s: Multiple - 3rd person (Primarily Raphael & Maria)
Will I recommend: Yes - (Must read Fallen Genesis prior! )
June 3, 2021
2nd re-read 02/06/2021
5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🌷🌷🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟s❗️
Due to Jegudiel’s release, I wanted to re read Raphael’s story and it was as outstanding as the first time!!
So dark and twisted.... 😱😱♥️♥️
1st read 23/06/2019
5 🖤🌹🖤🌹🖤🌹🖤🌹🖤👏👏👏🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟s‼️❗️‼️
Raphael ➖ Chastity Will Cure Lust
Tillie Cole’s writing is gripping and entirely captivating!! The story of the Fallen Raphael is full of angst, battles and torture. His character is successfully developed as well as his evolution from killer to lover. Maria was the ultimate gift to Raphael’s life, contriving to bring the light to his deviant darkness.
I loved the strength of the brotherhood bond!!! Each one of them is carrying his sins and when they are united it’s a spectacular vision! Their “meeting” with the Brethren was epic and left me in awe!
If you are among the readers who loved this book, then you are in the most difficult state of wondering what to read after this!!!!!
5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🌷🌷🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟s❗️
Due to Jegudiel’s release, I wanted to re read Raphael’s story and it was as outstanding as the first time!!
So dark and twisted.... 😱😱♥️♥️
1st read 23/06/2019
5 🖤🌹🖤🌹🖤🌹🖤🌹🖤👏👏👏🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟s‼️❗️‼️
Raphael ➖ Chastity Will Cure Lust
Tillie Cole’s writing is gripping and entirely captivating!! The story of the Fallen Raphael is full of angst, battles and torture. His character is successfully developed as well as his evolution from killer to lover. Maria was the ultimate gift to Raphael’s life, contriving to bring the light to his deviant darkness.
I loved the strength of the brotherhood bond!!! Each one of them is carrying his sins and when they are united it’s a spectacular vision! Their “meeting” with the Brethren was epic and left me in awe!
If you are among the readers who loved this book, then you are in the most difficult state of wondering what to read after this!!!!!
November 26, 2019
"Maria was fucking his."
Raphael is the first book in the Deadly Virtues. Tillie Cole has delivered a dark and deliciously twisted series full of damaged heroes and the women who help them find redemption. The Brethren have escaped the terrors of evil and are now on a quest for revenge. When a wounded woman named Maria is sent on a quest to trap Raphael and his brothers, everyone's world is turned upside down. Maria and Raphael connect on a spiritual level and although both know they are never meant to find peace in each other, they are inexplicably drawn to each other and no one or nothing can tear them apart.
"I will care for you. I will look after you for as long as I am here."Told in third person POV, Raphael is an explosive read full of intrigue, passion, and dark romance. The characters are complex and the world in which they live is truly dark and yet somehow these characters find light and love in each other.
"I won't let you ever leave me."Overall, the Deadly Virtues Series will appeal to readers who enjoy a darker romance. Tillie Cole fans will be overjoyed to have another dark world to escape to. The Brethren are powerful alphas who will certainly hold a special place on my heart (and my shelf) forever!
🖤This is an (F)BR with my girls CC and WAR!!! 🖤
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
July 29, 2019
Wow just wow, I absolutely inhaled this book, I mean I was expecting great things here but this surpassed all my exceptions with its addictive and unique storyline and I can't wait for the next one in this series to release so I can continue my onward journey alongside the Fallen and The Brethren.
We are originally introduced to "The Fallen" in the prequel to this, so you really do need to read that before this just to get a heads up into the way this world has been set up.
This one concentrates on Raphael and Maria it's dark, depraved and twisted from the onset.
Just how I like them
The reality that we face here is so far from the normally accepted view of what is morally right but Gabriel The Fallens kind of self-appointed priest has put in place a set of tenent's to protect not only the innocent but to also shield his brothers while also sating their inner monsters by setting them free on those that he feels deserve there particular type of justice.
So Maria manages to get herself caught in the crosshairs of both The Fallen and The Brethren, sort of collateral damage if you will.
The dance then between her and Raphael was just so intense from the minute he lays eyes on her he knows shes it and the commandments hes lived by up until now take second place to his new obsession, his Rose.
This was a battle between light and dark and Raphael to me was all about contrasts.
Take Raph's Roses the similarities there were in the way he nurtures and coax's them to full bloom before plucking the flower and the way he views his Rose.
The same hands that seem to deliver both life and death.
Raphael's own internal image of love has been completely warped by his past affecting all his interactions beyond what's considered normal and Maria's own dark past has also damaged her leaving her very susceptive to Raphael's unique brand of care.
This was everything I adore in a new series and I was gripped and invested instantly.
The ongoing battle with the Brethren was nicely continued and set-up for future story growth and I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us.
Highly recommend this one especially if you like them dark and unusual on that front this one delivers in spades, bring on the next.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Raphael (Deadly Virtues, #1).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
July 23, 2019
Genre: Dark Suspense
Type: Book 1 of Deadly Virtues series
POV: Third Person
Rating:
10 years since they escaped The Brethren, The Fallen continued the rituals that allowed them to live a relatively normal life. Raphael had patiently waited for the One. When Maria walked into his life, he knew she’d be his ultimate fantasy, until she turned out to be a complication he wasn’t ready to face.
I liked Raphael in the prequel novella and I enjoyed seeing how he indulged in his proclivities. I appreciated how Maria had inner strength even though it was misplaced at times. What I enjoyed the most about this book is how the other characters had significant appearances without taking the spotlight from the main characters.
I enjoyed the darkness and sexiness of the story, however, 2/3 of the book was slow for me due to too much emphasis on the couple. It wasn’t until towards the end that The Brethren was included in the storyline. I also had a certain expectation before starting the book and was a little disappointed it veered away from the direction I preferred based on the immense potential of the prequel novella.
Raphael is a story of overcoming inner demons. This series would appeal to fans of dark and erotic story.
Books in the series:
💠 🔪 💠 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Liz . . . 💠 🔪 💠
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Book 1 of Deadly Virtues series
POV: Third Person
Rating:
10 years since they escaped The Brethren, The Fallen continued the rituals that allowed them to live a relatively normal life. Raphael had patiently waited for the One. When Maria walked into his life, he knew she’d be his ultimate fantasy, until she turned out to be a complication he wasn’t ready to face.
I liked Raphael in the prequel novella and I enjoyed seeing how he indulged in his proclivities. I appreciated how Maria had inner strength even though it was misplaced at times. What I enjoyed the most about this book is how the other characters had significant appearances without taking the spotlight from the main characters.
It was brotherhood in its strongest form. They didn’t know how to live without one another—they didn’t care to find out.
I enjoyed the darkness and sexiness of the story, however, 2/3 of the book was slow for me due to too much emphasis on the couple. It wasn’t until towards the end that The Brethren was included in the storyline. I also had a certain expectation before starting the book and was a little disappointed it veered away from the direction I preferred based on the immense potential of the prequel novella.
It was the scars underneath that cut the deepest. The scars that sliced into the soul, that clawed at the flesh of the heart. That mutilated the mind. She knew. She knew that all too well . . .
Raphael is a story of overcoming inner demons. This series would appeal to fans of dark and erotic story.
Books in the series:
💠 🔪 💠 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC & Liz . . . 💠 🔪 💠
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
June 20, 2019
*** 5 Little Rose STARS ***
Después de haber leído la precuela NECESITABA este libro en mi vida, confieso que tenía demasiado miedo porque tengo mucho miedo que no andaba en un mood dark y temía no disfrutarlo pero ya se habrán dado cuenta lo equivocada que estaba. LO DEVORÉ.
Antes de comenzar con la reseña, ya vieron que le di 5 estrellas? Son mis primeras 5 estrellas del año para un libro que no es una relectura y me siento demasiado happy.
Ahora si …
WARNING: Va a contener spoilers de la precuela
En el libro anterior vimos cómo se formó esta hermandad de The Fallens con este grupo de hombres que tienen necesidades especiales sobre todo de matar y para eso su líder Gabriel la formó y tienen ciertas reglas.
No matar inocentes
No atacarse entre ellos
No llevar su objetivo a su casa.
Entre otras…
En esta ocasión tenemos como protagonista a uno de los miembros Raphael que su necesidad muy particular es el estrangulamiento que siempre va ligado con el sexo a él le encanta ver como dejan de respirar y se les va la vida.
Su máxima fantasía es una mujer con cabello largo para poder estrangularla con él.
A Raphael se le ha dado una revelación o misión y su objetivo es una mujer que trafica con niños, ella frecuenta un club de sexo por lo que él va ahí.
Los sacerdotes que habían los torturado y violado cuando eran niños todavía no se olvidan de ellos y tienen la misión de encontrarlos y mandarlos al infierno.
Uno de ellos el que era encargado de Raphael lo divisa en ese club, él sabe su debilidad y la van a usar para darle caza. Usan como cebo a María una novicia.
PERSONAJES
María Al principio no me convencía del todo pero me llegó a gustar. No es una protagonista fuerte, valiente ni decidida todo lo contrario es sumisa y le gusta ceder el control, se siente cómoda recibiendo órdenes pero esas cualidades son las que van ayudar a Raphael y sobre todo lo que los hacen el uno para el otro.
Raphael Él es todo lo que deberíamos temer en un hombre, es el hombre del cual nuestras madres nos advierten caras vemos corazones no sabemos. Es un hombre hermoso, Sexy as hell, una sonrisa deslumbrante y unos Golden eyes que hipnotizan y todo en el grita vamos a PECAR. Su mayor arma es la lujuria y es como atrae a sus víctimas.
Me gustó como la autora fue desarrollando a este personaje y hace que lo ames a pesar de todo, si es peligroso si es oscuro es un asesino le gusta matar pero tiene un origen que a mí me destrozó el corazón. También es un hombre torturado que por años le dijeron que era un demonio, nunca le demostraron afecto y no sabe cómo amar.
No pensé que sería mi tipo de prota pero LO AMOOOO!! Sufrí demasiado con lo que le pasó
María y Raphael son un perfect match, me gustó como se fue dando su relación, si es cierto que no es nada normal y muy dependiente pero en este tipo de historias sabemos que nada es normal sooo.. Me encanta este tipo de desarrollo como es que ella le tenía miedo pero que poco a poco fue conociéndolo y se iba enamorando al igual que él.
En el libro anterior yo pedía un pov desde el punto de vista de los sacerdotes y lo tuvimos y neta que son unos sick motherfuckers, sus pensamientos eran asquerosos pero me gustó que lo tuviéramos.
Y pensar que estas cosas no están muy lejos de la realidad.
Y en cuanto a lo de la venganza hacía los villanos y que paguen creo que ya me rendí no es suficiente una muerte rápida al menos en este no fue un simple shooting.
Es una historia dark, fucked up que muy característica de la autora, me mantuvo en vilo en toda la lectura en muchas partes tenía los nervios de punta pero sobre todo me provocó muchos feelings es por eso que le doy mis 5 estrellas tan escasas últimamente.
La parte de la acción si estuvo buena sobre todo la parte de Bara como se divierte quemando cosas y estoy en una disyuntiva porque no sé si quiero que el siguiente libro sea de Michael o de él peor lo estaré esperando con ansia.
Pd. Siento que no exprese todo lo que quería en esta review pero últimamente me cuesta hacerlas.
Después de haber leído la precuela NECESITABA este libro en mi vida, confieso que tenía demasiado miedo porque tengo mucho miedo que no andaba en un mood dark y temía no disfrutarlo pero ya se habrán dado cuenta lo equivocada que estaba. LO DEVORÉ.
Antes de comenzar con la reseña, ya vieron que le di 5 estrellas? Son mis primeras 5 estrellas del año para un libro que no es una relectura y me siento demasiado happy.
Ahora si …
WARNING: Va a contener spoilers de la precuela
En el libro anterior vimos cómo se formó esta hermandad de The Fallens con este grupo de hombres que tienen necesidades especiales sobre todo de matar y para eso su líder Gabriel la formó y tienen ciertas reglas.
No matar inocentes
No atacarse entre ellos
No llevar su objetivo a su casa.
Entre otras…
En esta ocasión tenemos como protagonista a uno de los miembros Raphael que su necesidad muy particular es el estrangulamiento que siempre va ligado con el sexo a él le encanta ver como dejan de respirar y se les va la vida.
Su máxima fantasía es una mujer con cabello largo para poder estrangularla con él.
A Raphael se le ha dado una revelación o misión y su objetivo es una mujer que trafica con niños, ella frecuenta un club de sexo por lo que él va ahí.
Los sacerdotes que habían los torturado y violado cuando eran niños todavía no se olvidan de ellos y tienen la misión de encontrarlos y mandarlos al infierno.
Uno de ellos el que era encargado de Raphael lo divisa en ese club, él sabe su debilidad y la van a usar para darle caza. Usan como cebo a María una novicia.
PERSONAJES
María Al principio no me convencía del todo pero me llegó a gustar. No es una protagonista fuerte, valiente ni decidida todo lo contrario es sumisa y le gusta ceder el control, se siente cómoda recibiendo órdenes pero esas cualidades son las que van ayudar a Raphael y sobre todo lo que los hacen el uno para el otro.
Raphael Él es todo lo que deberíamos temer en un hombre, es el hombre del cual nuestras madres nos advierten caras vemos corazones no sabemos. Es un hombre hermoso, Sexy as hell, una sonrisa deslumbrante y unos Golden eyes que hipnotizan y todo en el grita vamos a PECAR. Su mayor arma es la lujuria y es como atrae a sus víctimas.
Me gustó como la autora fue desarrollando a este personaje y hace que lo ames a pesar de todo, si es peligroso si es oscuro es un asesino le gusta matar pero tiene un origen que a mí me destrozó el corazón. También es un hombre torturado que por años le dijeron que era un demonio, nunca le demostraron afecto y no sabe cómo amar.
No pensé que sería mi tipo de prota pero LO AMOOOO!! Sufrí demasiado con lo que le pasó
María y Raphael son un perfect match, me gustó como se fue dando su relación, si es cierto que no es nada normal y muy dependiente pero en este tipo de historias sabemos que nada es normal sooo.. Me encanta este tipo de desarrollo como es que ella le tenía miedo pero que poco a poco fue conociéndolo y se iba enamorando al igual que él.
"She would be the saint to his sinner. The light to his dark. The chastity to his lust."
En el libro anterior yo pedía un pov desde el punto de vista de los sacerdotes y lo tuvimos y neta que son unos sick motherfuckers, sus pensamientos eran asquerosos pero me gustó que lo tuviéramos.
Y pensar que estas cosas no están muy lejos de la realidad.
Y en cuanto a lo de la venganza hacía los villanos y que paguen creo que ya me rendí no es suficiente una muerte rápida al menos en este no fue un simple shooting.
Es una historia dark, fucked up que muy característica de la autora, me mantuvo en vilo en toda la lectura en muchas partes tenía los nervios de punta pero sobre todo me provocó muchos feelings es por eso que le doy mis 5 estrellas tan escasas últimamente.
La parte de la acción si estuvo buena sobre todo la parte de Bara como se divierte quemando cosas y estoy en una disyuntiva porque no sé si quiero que el siguiente libro sea de Michael o de él peor lo estaré esperando con ansia.
Pd. Siento que no exprese todo lo que quería en esta review pero últimamente me cuesta hacerlas.
June 1, 2021
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: Dang. You can’t deny that Ms. Cole has quite the imagination! This was darrrk! Gore Galore! Not for the lighthearted and not for those with triggers! I was engaged, I read it all, I wanted to see some semblance of a happy ending — and I got all those things! I, however, don’t really think I liked it all that much. It just felt too dark to the point I found it kind of depressing. It might have been my mood too, since I’ve liked her dark books before like the Hades Hangmen series with Flame being a majorly messed up character. It was just missing something for me. I’m not a religious person, so it might have also been the h’s inner dialogue and all the pious thoughts...🤷🏻♀️ I don’t know! A little bit better than 3 “just okay” stars for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Maria and Raphael’s story. I’m going to keep this vague because I think it’s best to go in somewhat blind and after completing the prequel, The Fallen: Genesis. Maria is about to become a nun and she is given one last order to help catch a dangerous man, Raphael. Raphael is an organized killer and he has a perfect kill fantasy and Maria fits right into that and throws his carefully ruled life into a spin. There is a lot of violence, some rather icky scenes, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Maria and Raphael’s POV (with a few small parts focusing on side characters)
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove:No, but instant connection and lust
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Raphael. He was a hot mess! Just like the other Hs in this series! I’m not sure I really liked him, but I liked him more than disliked him 🤦🏻♀️
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Maria. She was good...period. Couldn’t help but like her.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Not really
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Yes, but only physically
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a pretty good place but open for the next books in the series. I would call it a HFN ending.
Safety: This one should be Not Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: Dang. You can’t deny that Ms. Cole has quite the imagination! This was darrrk! Gore Galore! Not for the lighthearted and not for those with triggers! I was engaged, I read it all, I wanted to see some semblance of a happy ending — and I got all those things! I, however, don’t really think I liked it all that much. It just felt too dark to the point I found it kind of depressing. It might have been my mood too, since I’ve liked her dark books before like the Hades Hangmen series with Flame being a majorly messed up character. It was just missing something for me. I’m not a religious person, so it might have also been the h’s inner dialogue and all the pious thoughts...🤷🏻♀️ I don’t know! A little bit better than 3 “just okay” stars for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Maria and Raphael’s story. I’m going to keep this vague because I think it’s best to go in somewhat blind and after completing the prequel, The Fallen: Genesis. Maria is about to become a nun and she is given one last order to help catch a dangerous man, Raphael. Raphael is an organized killer and he has a perfect kill fantasy and Maria fits right into that and throws his carefully ruled life into a spin. There is a lot of violence, some rather icky scenes, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Maria and Raphael’s POV (with a few small parts focusing on side characters)
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove:No, but instant connection and lust
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Raphael. He was a hot mess! Just like the other Hs in this series! I’m not sure I really liked him, but I liked him more than disliked him 🤦🏻♀️
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Maria. She was good...period. Couldn’t help but like her.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Not really
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Cheating: Yes
Separation: Yes, but only physically
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a pretty good place but open for the next books in the series. I would call it a HFN ending.
Safety: This one should be Not Safe for most safety gang readers
July 9, 2019
RATING: 4.5 'The Lord & his Little Rose' HEARTS!
Raphael is a dark atmospheric read that allows readers to be voyeurs into the darker side of humanity; stimulating our morbid fascination for a character without conscience, while at the same time inspiring awe, revulsion, fear and lust as we live alongside such a character.
Raphael is a horrifying, alluring and heartbreaking amalgamation of an abused boy and an unstable man trying to understand and compensate for an appalling past. His compulsions are terrifying, and made even more so as they merge with his desires, namely Maria. She is his opposite in every way—demure, compassionate, patient and forgiving—yet makes the perfect match for Raphael as he needs someone of her characteristics while he learns how to navigate his emotions for the very first time in his life.
Ms. Cole is no amateur when it comes to creating a chilling story or characters that are morally corrupt, and it is because there are no punches pulled, her stories are almost visceral in their intensity of emotion. Maria and Raphael’s relationship is unconventional, but it is no less consuming or moving than the traditional romance.
Overall, Raphael is a masterful dark romance that is riveting, intense and sexy, a story that leaves readers breathless and reeling in the best possible way. I cannot wait for the next "Fallen" man to take the spotlight and reveal his story! Oh, and a word of caution, Diel is mine...
Posted: July 9, 2019
Raphael is a dark atmospheric read that allows readers to be voyeurs into the darker side of humanity; stimulating our morbid fascination for a character without conscience, while at the same time inspiring awe, revulsion, fear and lust as we live alongside such a character.
Raphael is a horrifying, alluring and heartbreaking amalgamation of an abused boy and an unstable man trying to understand and compensate for an appalling past. His compulsions are terrifying, and made even more so as they merge with his desires, namely Maria. She is his opposite in every way—demure, compassionate, patient and forgiving—yet makes the perfect match for Raphael as he needs someone of her characteristics while he learns how to navigate his emotions for the very first time in his life.
Ms. Cole is no amateur when it comes to creating a chilling story or characters that are morally corrupt, and it is because there are no punches pulled, her stories are almost visceral in their intensity of emotion. Maria and Raphael’s relationship is unconventional, but it is no less consuming or moving than the traditional romance.
Overall, Raphael is a masterful dark romance that is riveting, intense and sexy, a story that leaves readers breathless and reeling in the best possible way. I cannot wait for the next "Fallen" man to take the spotlight and reveal his story! Oh, and a word of caution, Diel is mine...
Posted: July 9, 2019
June 18, 2019
**SPOILER FREE REVIEW – Note: The Fallen: GenesisThe Fallen: Genesis a prequel novella in The Deadly Virtues Series MUST be read before RAPHAEL**
‘Now, they were all as dark as midnight, not a single star illuminating their godless worlds.’
Tillie Cole warned us this series was going to be dark….dark has nothing on this series. Where The Fallen was indeed heartbreakingly dark and disturbing, Raphael raised the stakes in its horrific black abyss of psychological terror and physical violence. We knew from the prequel that this book was going to break us -and it did- to the point where we at times had to stop reading, play a meditation video on YouTube and pop an anxiety pill in order to continue. We kid you not. Whilst we’ll happily read a psychological serial killer book any day of the week or a dark romance; bring kids into the mix and we struggle with our hearts and the contents of our stomachs.
‘Gabriel moved his heavy head and focused on Jesus’ face. “Forgive me,” he whispered, his voice drifting away with the breeze. “They know not what they do.” He would consume their sins and save their souls. After everything they had been through, they at least deserved that.’
It’s a strange thing reading a book that is everything we abhor yet we cannot stop; we were compelled by this brilliantly written story of utter depravity, injustice and psychological fucked-up-ness. How can you justify or even say you enjoyed a book that violated you as a reader in this manner? Or even write a review about it? So read ahead for our spoiler-free 5 star review.
‘They had been conditioned to hate humanity. And with the Brethren as their example, who could blame them?’
Without question this is the darkest of dark penned by Tillie Cole, however, it takes an author of her magnificent calibre to successfully weave in a somewhat unconventional romance, which in some eyes would be inconceivable. Make it believable with the trademarks of a romance albeit quite unique. There’s no clear line drawn between the crux of the story nor the romance aspect, rather it is flawlessly interlaced into a story of healing and sacrifice in a vicious manner.
‘She would be the saint to his sinner. The light to his dark. The chastity to his lust.’
So just who are The Fallen? Like we mentioned earlier, we first met them as children in the prequel; The Fallen. Now, they’re seven young men who, as children, escaped purgatory at the hands of the Brethren at the Holy Innocents Home for Children. Seven men who had to endure horrific violation by Catholic Priests who justified their actions in the name of exorcising the boys of their demons. We shudder at the barbaric-ness of it all and cry tears for the fact that this, in some aspects, mirror what we know of our world both set in history and current day. How many ‘blind’ eyes are turned to this issue?!
‘He was beautiful. A fallen angel in the flesh. She wondered if this was what Satan looked like. The most beautiful of men but with the wickedest of souls. He too was a fallen angel, after all. The first. He hadn’t always been evil; he was a child of God. There had been good in him once.’
This story belongs to Raphael who, as a child, suffered severe emotional trauma from an evil tragedy which then saw him placed at the Holy Innocents Home for Children. Raphael was deemed evil hence placed in Purgatory by the Brethren. He was renamed after the archangel and tortured to rid his young body of the evil demon residing within. He was not alone. Now living with his band of brothers who suffered a similar fate, he is part of a pact led by Gabriel, who was the catalyst for their freedom from the hands of their abusers. The rules these brothers now live by ensures that their controlled evil actions never harm the innocents. However, Raphael has a fantasy and when that fantasy is placed on his dark path in order to lure and trap, everything spirals into a crescendo so magnificently horrific that we furiously turned the pages unable to stop.
‘It was lust and want and his greatest fantasy within arm’s reach that was in control. And he happily surrendered himself to them.’
“One day, Raphael, I’ll destroy you and you will finally repent.”
Amidst the darkness, the evil and the graphic vileness, a sweet innocent marked by evil herself becomes a catalyst for retribution and introspection. She is a teacher of love and healing, but not of change. Only controlled change, if you will. Nothing changes yet everything changes.
‘Save him, she thought. You are here to save him. By any means. You are here to save his damned soul.’
Our hearts have embraced these broken souls who kill, who do not understand, who do not feel, despite their ways and their path. How could we not feel such a powerful need to protect those who have been hurt so despicably? How could our hearts not bleed for them, how could we not have this tremendous inner desire to see them achieve retribution for the sins of others? This is a classic example of books we almost reluctantly love and it all comes down to the quality of writing, the haunting and eerie atmosphere and the incredible emotions it elicits. Our hearts are already broken but we will be first in line for the next instalment in this journey.
‘Mercy was never awarded by the Fallen. No one was ever spared. There was no goodness in their souls. Tears and cries rolled off their consciences like raindrops; protests and pleas made them smile.’
A note to Tillie Cole from us: You are a magnificent Author. You are brave and unique. You are incredibly special and unrivalled in your all-encompassing ability to write anything with such tremendous conviction. There are no half measures when you decide to write a story, rather you go all in and sacrifice yourself wholeheartedly. We so admire this about you.
‘Could they be healed? Could that kind of love save them, save their lost souls? Was that the answer? Love? He sighed, shaking the farfetched notion from his head. It was an impossible dream.’
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December 9, 2022
2.5 stars
I think Tillie Cole tried to go even darker and more sinister with this book but for me the darkness wasn’t the problem but rather the plot itself which was supposed to follow a love story.
It wasn’t for me.
Spoilers ahead.
This made me feel like I was reading off a Criminal Minds unsub profile. Nothing loving or sexy about that.
The heroines, Maria’s martyrdom was too much. Letting yourself be killed by a man you love just because he “needs” it .. that’s not kindness, you need a therapist girl.
As for Raphael, he was beyond messed up. I know I like dark, damaged heroes in books but not like this. Up until 95% of the book he still wanted to kill her. He had a coffin of glass made where he kept putting her and made her pretend to be dead so he can just stare at her. I’m sorry but no. Just no. I couldn’t get on board. I suppose the story showed that Raphael and Maria were messed up even if it was in different ways and so that’s why they fit and I get it, she clearly wasn’t sane herself, but the dynamic was just too much obsession and not enough genuine feelings developed.
I think Tillie Cole tried to go even darker and more sinister with this book but for me the darkness wasn’t the problem but rather the plot itself which was supposed to follow a love story.
It wasn’t for me.
Spoilers ahead.
This made me feel like I was reading off a Criminal Minds unsub profile. Nothing loving or sexy about that.
The heroines, Maria’s martyrdom was too much. Letting yourself be killed by a man you love just because he “needs” it .. that’s not kindness, you need a therapist girl.
As for Raphael, he was beyond messed up. I know I like dark, damaged heroes in books but not like this. Up until 95% of the book he still wanted to kill her. He had a coffin of glass made where he kept putting her and made her pretend to be dead so he can just stare at her. I’m sorry but no. Just no. I couldn’t get on board. I suppose the story showed that Raphael and Maria were messed up even if it was in different ways and so that’s why they fit and I get it, she clearly wasn’t sane herself, but the dynamic was just too much obsession and not enough genuine feelings developed.
June 23, 2019
Let me start this review by saying that you will absolutely need to read the prequel novella, The Fallen: Genesis, before you can start this one. Now it's pretty awesome, so it's not like it will a chore. I myself really enjoyed it and it definitely left me with hundreds of questions and a craving for more...
So...those of you who have already met "The Fallen", know who Raphael is. He is one of the 7 men in the brotherhood of murderers. He is the man with the face of an angel...but don't let his good looks fool you :P
An angel he is definitely not....especially since strangulation is what really get's his blood pumping...Even cutting off the blood supply to his own finger gives this guy a hard-on.
Like all the others, Raphael has his own bloodthirsty fantasy...and his new mission has led him right to it...or I should say her.
Maria is everything he has ever wanted...to be with..and to kill...
She is pure and innocent and the perfect bait for The Brethren to use against Raphael. They know about his ultimate fantasies...they know what he dreams of.
Maria is was the exact opposite of Raphael....and yet...she was perfect for him. She was his Rose.
She is just as broken as he is inside. I actually felt so sad for both of them.
"She would be the saint to his sinner. The light to his dark. The chastity to his lust"
How can he just pass up a chance to fulfill his utmost fantasy...he just can't.
I was absolutely intrigued once again, by this book. That said, I do have to be honest and say that this series does bore some resemblance to the Hades Hangmen series. Not that I'm complaining about that fact, because I love that series.
That said, The Hades series is still my favorite so far, especially Ky 
...but who knows what will happen in the future. I am particularly curious about Michael's story, so far he is my favorite and I have good feelings about him and his book ;)
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
August 20, 2021
2,5 'Little rose' stars
I'm not as much disappointed as I'm sad that I didn't like this book that much. I love this author's Hades Hangmen series and I also really liked Sick Fux, so I know she's a brilliant writer. The Fallen: Genesis - the prequel to this series was quite disturbing and I have to admit that I postponed starting this book because I was gathering courage. However, after reading Raphael, I have to say that most of the time I was rather... bored(?!)
Ok, let me explain so that I won't sound like a total psycho. What's happening in this book is very twisted and sick!! Was it uncomfortable reading about this? Yes! Was I shocked? Well, no. I've read my share of disturbing books and I could say I became a little immune to it, especially when the sole reason is for shock value. I have a feeling the author wanted to go even further than she did in Hangmen and Sick Fux. And I have to say the horrors indeed go beyond what's happened in the previous series. But everything about this book is so hollow. I might have not survived this story if it would've been described more vividly. But I'd rather cry while reading than feel nothing.
And honestly, I felt zero for anything. Where was the connection between Raphael and Maria? How am I supposed to root for them if there's no chemistry, no feelings between them? He's still fantasizing about putting her dead body in a coffin at % and he only change his mind about killing her at %! No, thank you. Maria had more chemistry in one single conversation with Gabriel than she did with Raphael throughout the whole book. And I know, I should feel sorry for Raphael for everything he went through but that doesn't excuse his treatment of Maria, who was as much a victim as he was. She indeed decided to play a martyr and we could say that for that reason it was kind of consensual but his action still repulsed me.
As I already said, there was too much 'tell' instead of 'show' in this book. We were told about the bond between The Fallen but we've never really seen it. And truthfully I'm not interested in anyone among them except Gabriel. Unfortunately, I have a feeling his book will be the last and I'm not sure if my minimum interest will hold until then. I'll give the next book another chance because I hope to see Tillie Cole's amazing writing in it.
BR with my darlings Ursy and Whitney 💙💙
Her hair. Her long blond hair was a halo on her pillow. An angel. His very own angel to keep.
I'm not as much disappointed as I'm sad that I didn't like this book that much. I love this author's Hades Hangmen series and I also really liked Sick Fux, so I know she's a brilliant writer. The Fallen: Genesis - the prequel to this series was quite disturbing and I have to admit that I postponed starting this book because I was gathering courage. However, after reading Raphael, I have to say that most of the time I was rather... bored(?!)
Ok, let me explain so that I won't sound like a total psycho. What's happening in this book is very twisted and sick!! Was it uncomfortable reading about this? Yes! Was I shocked? Well, no. I've read my share of disturbing books and I could say I became a little immune to it, especially when the sole reason is for shock value. I have a feeling the author wanted to go even further than she did in Hangmen and Sick Fux. And I have to say the horrors indeed go beyond what's happened in the previous series. But everything about this book is so hollow. I might have not survived this story if it would've been described more vividly. But I'd rather cry while reading than feel nothing.
And honestly, I felt zero for anything. Where was the connection between Raphael and Maria? How am I supposed to root for them if there's no chemistry, no feelings between them? He's still fantasizing about putting her dead body in a coffin at % and he only change his mind about killing her at %! No, thank you. Maria had more chemistry in one single conversation with Gabriel than she did with Raphael throughout the whole book. And I know, I should feel sorry for Raphael for everything he went through but that doesn't excuse his treatment of Maria, who was as much a victim as he was. She indeed decided to play a martyr and we could say that for that reason it was kind of consensual but his action still repulsed me.
As I already said, there was too much 'tell' instead of 'show' in this book. We were told about the bond between The Fallen but we've never really seen it. And truthfully I'm not interested in anyone among them except Gabriel. Unfortunately, I have a feeling his book will be the last and I'm not sure if my minimum interest will hold until then. I'll give the next book another chance because I hope to see Tillie Cole's amazing writing in it.
The cry that ripped from Maria’s throat was nothing short of demonic. Her angel soul ravaged by his satanic ways.
BR with my darlings Ursy and Whitney 💙💙
June 22, 2019
3.5⭐️’s
Book 1- you must read the prequel before you dive into this book. Also, this series is extremely heavy on Christian references as it’s foundation is the Seven Deadly sins (for Raphael his sin is Lust) juxtaposed with the Seven Heavenly virtues (for Maria her virtue is Chastity). The Catholic Church and the priests are at the center of this story.
It’s been 10 years since Raphael and his fellow “Fallen” brothers were rescued from the priests who abused and tortured them and they have spent the last decade fulfilling their dark desires with the help of Gabriel.
Six of the boys “need” to kill and Raphael’s preferred method is strangulation.
”They liked to kill. Needed to as much as they needed to breathe. It wasn’t abnormal to them. Blood and flesh and cries of pain inflicted by their hands didn’t bring repulsion, only satisfaction.”
Raphael has been waiting for “The One”. The one person who will fulfill all his fantasies of the perfect kill and when he sees Maria he knows she is meant for him.
”Raphael’s breathing became deep and labored as he imagined the scene—the king-sized bed, the red rose petals thrown on the pure white Egyptian cotton comforter. And her, the one, sprawled out for him on her back, naked, a temptation made true. Her cheeks would be flushed, and her lips would be cherry red. Her skin would be so soft, no blemish in sight, eyes bright and fixed on Raphael, piercing his gaze with nothing but adoration. She would be his, and he would be hers. There would be nobody else for either of them. She would be his one possession that he would have for all of his days.”
Of course, having her for “all his days” is not what a normal person imagines. His fantasy is twisted and it will not be a HEA for the girl “As he closed his eyes, he saw her in her coffin, clutching long stems in her hands, red rose petals crowning her head.
Raphael smiled.
What a sweet and decadent sight that would be.”
So, as you can guess, this is certainly an unconventional romance. At times I felt like Maria was just too timid and subservient. She just accepted her fate without a fight. I didn’t get that, but that’s probably a “me” issue as I would have fought tooth and nail. These two have lots of sex scenes and there were a few times where I skipped the scenes because I was actually interested in the story outside of the bedroom. But, with Raphael’s deadly sin being lust, I guess it makes sense to have a lot of sexy scenes.
With a plot centered around serial killers who need to inflict pain in order to “survive” and some twisted thoughts and depraved minds, I was expecting a really, really dark read. Maybe my expectation was set too high, but honestly I didn’t feel like it was that dark. I didn’t really have any edge of my seat, cringe-worthy moments. I don’t read a lot of dark books, so it’s not like I’m immune. This just didn’t take me to the place where I was blown away. Once again, probably a me issue.
The writing is flawless and this is an engaging story, but there was just a little something lacking for me. I think I would like to read the stories of some of the other boys and I would imagine there will be much darker books coming as some of the other boys are truly disturbed. My heart hurt for Gabriel and I will definitely read his story whenever it is published.
Book 1- you must read the prequel before you dive into this book. Also, this series is extremely heavy on Christian references as it’s foundation is the Seven Deadly sins (for Raphael his sin is Lust) juxtaposed with the Seven Heavenly virtues (for Maria her virtue is Chastity). The Catholic Church and the priests are at the center of this story.
It’s been 10 years since Raphael and his fellow “Fallen” brothers were rescued from the priests who abused and tortured them and they have spent the last decade fulfilling their dark desires with the help of Gabriel.
Six of the boys “need” to kill and Raphael’s preferred method is strangulation.
”They liked to kill. Needed to as much as they needed to breathe. It wasn’t abnormal to them. Blood and flesh and cries of pain inflicted by their hands didn’t bring repulsion, only satisfaction.”
Raphael has been waiting for “The One”. The one person who will fulfill all his fantasies of the perfect kill and when he sees Maria he knows she is meant for him.
”Raphael’s breathing became deep and labored as he imagined the scene—the king-sized bed, the red rose petals thrown on the pure white Egyptian cotton comforter. And her, the one, sprawled out for him on her back, naked, a temptation made true. Her cheeks would be flushed, and her lips would be cherry red. Her skin would be so soft, no blemish in sight, eyes bright and fixed on Raphael, piercing his gaze with nothing but adoration. She would be his, and he would be hers. There would be nobody else for either of them. She would be his one possession that he would have for all of his days.”
Of course, having her for “all his days” is not what a normal person imagines. His fantasy is twisted and it will not be a HEA for the girl “As he closed his eyes, he saw her in her coffin, clutching long stems in her hands, red rose petals crowning her head.
Raphael smiled.
What a sweet and decadent sight that would be.”
So, as you can guess, this is certainly an unconventional romance. At times I felt like Maria was just too timid and subservient. She just accepted her fate without a fight. I didn’t get that, but that’s probably a “me” issue as I would have fought tooth and nail. These two have lots of sex scenes and there were a few times where I skipped the scenes because I was actually interested in the story outside of the bedroom. But, with Raphael’s deadly sin being lust, I guess it makes sense to have a lot of sexy scenes.
With a plot centered around serial killers who need to inflict pain in order to “survive” and some twisted thoughts and depraved minds, I was expecting a really, really dark read. Maybe my expectation was set too high, but honestly I didn’t feel like it was that dark. I didn’t really have any edge of my seat, cringe-worthy moments. I don’t read a lot of dark books, so it’s not like I’m immune. This just didn’t take me to the place where I was blown away. Once again, probably a me issue.
The writing is flawless and this is an engaging story, but there was just a little something lacking for me. I think I would like to read the stories of some of the other boys and I would imagine there will be much darker books coming as some of the other boys are truly disturbed. My heart hurt for Gabriel and I will definitely read his story whenever it is published.
July 4, 2021
☆4.5 Stars☆
“𝐈 . . . 𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞.” 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐡𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐛𝐲 𝐚 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝. “𝐈 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 𝐀𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦, 𝐧𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦.
This is the first book (excluding the prequel) of my first Tillie Cole series and damn, talk about being enthralled from the get-go.
Raphael was...insanely captivating, a dark story sewn together with haunting words that reverberated with me. My heart ached for these two broken people, one who embraced light and the other who wielded darkness as his weapon of choice.
Raphael and Maria. Their love is so exquisite, it's divine. The sinner and the saint, the killer and the nun. So beautifully and poignantly written, the sheer emotions swirling in the words as I read them were ahh everything.
After reading this book, it's pretty much impossible not to mention the Fallen. A band of terrifying, messed up men who live to end life. A brotherhood formed in hell and forged through the fire of the most deadliest, saddest circumstances and tied by a bond so strong it's inherent. I'm. So. Damn. Excited for the rest of the Fallen because omg they have me utterly bewitched and curious about how their books are going to be!
TW : I cannot stress this enough, this book contains very dark themes. I'm usually never affected, but this book had me tearing up quite a lot. The fact that it pushed my boundaries is a testament to how impactful it was.
𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐎𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐨. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞
“𝐈 . . . 𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞.” 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐡𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐛𝐲 𝐚 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝. “𝐈 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐮𝐩 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 𝐀𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦, 𝐧𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦.
This is the first book (excluding the prequel) of my first Tillie Cole series and damn, talk about being enthralled from the get-go.
Raphael was...insanely captivating, a dark story sewn together with haunting words that reverberated with me. My heart ached for these two broken people, one who embraced light and the other who wielded darkness as his weapon of choice.
Raphael and Maria. Their love is so exquisite, it's divine. The sinner and the saint, the killer and the nun. So beautifully and poignantly written, the sheer emotions swirling in the words as I read them were ahh everything.
After reading this book, it's pretty much impossible not to mention the Fallen. A band of terrifying, messed up men who live to end life. A brotherhood formed in hell and forged through the fire of the most deadliest, saddest circumstances and tied by a bond so strong it's inherent. I'm. So. Damn. Excited for the rest of the Fallen because omg they have me utterly bewitched and curious about how their books are going to be!
TW : I cannot stress this enough, this book contains very dark themes. I'm usually never affected, but this book had me tearing up quite a lot. The fact that it pushed my boundaries is a testament to how impactful it was.
𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐎𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐨. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞
![Profile Image for Lori [semi-hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1652024485i/125758944._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
June 1, 2021
This book won't be for everyone but I freaking loved it. The gothic atmosphere was super well captured and the dynamic between the two MCs worked great, despite the fact that the h was depicted as an extreme martyr (but I don't think anyone else would have worked to balance out the H's tendencies)
Safety:
Safety:
June 18, 2019
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
"Mercy was never awarded by the Fallen. No one was ever spared. There was no goodness in their souls. Tears and cries rolled of their consciences like raindrops; protests and pleas made them smile."
Tillie Cole is my favorite dark romance author and she just doesn't disappoint. Raphael was perfect. The anti-heroes in this book/series are the type you normally would find in paranormal romances. Death, blood, and violence are the things that excites the Fallen. A brotherhood of murderers whose nature compels them to kill. I am a huge fan of villains so these guys are just the type of characters I love to read about. I didn't know what to expect, but I did know that Tillie would create a very engaging, dark, twisted, and emotional story. This book made me feel so many different emotions. My heart broke for these abused and broken characters. This is a very dark and twisted book, and definitely isn't for the faint of heart.
"You will be reborn in these rooms. Under my instructions and care you will flourish like you never have before. I will take you to heights you have only ever imagined in your most vivid fantasies."
Raphael is the first to have his story told. When he meets Maria he knows that he needs to have her. She is his dream kill, and the one he has been looking for. Maria is submissive, sweet, silent but also broken like Raphael. She is also strong and caring. I loved her so much and thought she was a perfect match for Raphael. There were so many scenes that had me in tears and my heart went out to both of the main characters. I just loved how everything unfolded in this book. There was enough action, suspense, romance, and sex. I loved getting to know Raphael better, and see the dynamics between him and his brothers. Raphael was the perfect first book to the new Deadly Virtues series, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
"She would be the saint to his sinner. The light to his dark. The chastity to his lust."
"Mercy was never awarded by the Fallen. No one was ever spared. There was no goodness in their souls. Tears and cries rolled of their consciences like raindrops; protests and pleas made them smile."
Tillie Cole is my favorite dark romance author and she just doesn't disappoint. Raphael was perfect. The anti-heroes in this book/series are the type you normally would find in paranormal romances. Death, blood, and violence are the things that excites the Fallen. A brotherhood of murderers whose nature compels them to kill. I am a huge fan of villains so these guys are just the type of characters I love to read about. I didn't know what to expect, but I did know that Tillie would create a very engaging, dark, twisted, and emotional story. This book made me feel so many different emotions. My heart broke for these abused and broken characters. This is a very dark and twisted book, and definitely isn't for the faint of heart.
"You will be reborn in these rooms. Under my instructions and care you will flourish like you never have before. I will take you to heights you have only ever imagined in your most vivid fantasies."
Raphael is the first to have his story told. When he meets Maria he knows that he needs to have her. She is his dream kill, and the one he has been looking for. Maria is submissive, sweet, silent but also broken like Raphael. She is also strong and caring. I loved her so much and thought she was a perfect match for Raphael. There were so many scenes that had me in tears and my heart went out to both of the main characters. I just loved how everything unfolded in this book. There was enough action, suspense, romance, and sex. I loved getting to know Raphael better, and see the dynamics between him and his brothers. Raphael was the perfect first book to the new Deadly Virtues series, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
"She would be the saint to his sinner. The light to his dark. The chastity to his lust."
March 4, 2020
Despues de terminar de leer The Fallen: Genesis, me quede tan intrigada por lo que iba suceder, así que me leí Raphael e igual lo termine en nada, como el anterior.
No e leído mucho a esta autora antes pero de ahora en adelante lo haré, porque woow este libro fue intenso con una historia oscura y perturbadora pero a su vez hermosa que habla sobre el sacrificio y el amor. Me encanta que Raphael encuentra su redención con su Rosa y al mismo tiempo, sigue siendo quien es, un asesino y ella lo acepta así tal como es.
Le doy 4 estrellas porque a pesar que me encanto la historia, hay algo que si me disgusto mucho fue que lo Caídos después de que escaparon del purgatorio cuando eran adolescentes no tomaron acciones contra esos malditos de los sacerdotes arrgghh es que si, eso me enojo, que pasaran tantos años y ellos no hicieron nada contra la iglesia en donde los malditos seguían abusando de mas niños, y pues aunque ya cuando termine de leerlo todo entendí porque así era como se desarrollaba la trama para dar paso al romance y todo eso, porque si no hubiera sido así Raphael no habría conocido a Maria y otra uviera sido la historia; hayyy pero es que sigo algo molesta y ponle que los Caídos mientras tanto continuaron si matando a otros Psicópatas y Asesinos y no inocentes, pero los verdaderos monstruos eran los sacerdotes y ya al ultimo pues si recibieron algunos su merecido, esos capítulos fueron los mejores porque no veía la hora de que pagaran por todas las atrocidades que hicieron, pero como dije lo que me molesto fue que pasaran 10 años y los Caídos no fueran por ellos en todo este tiempo, porque bien pudieron acabar con ellos ya que aparte de los 7 que son tenían recursos y a mas gente que trabaja para ellos. Pero aparte de eso puedo decir que es una historia muy adictiva en la que no podrás para de leer por saber que pasa a continuación ,y por supuesto la recomiendo si te gustan los romances oscuros tabú.
Realmente no sé qué esperar de los próximos libros de esta serie. Pero este me gusto y no puedo esperar para saber de quien va ser la historia del 2do libro así que Tillie por favor no nos hagas esperan tanto hehe..
No e leído mucho a esta autora antes pero de ahora en adelante lo haré, porque woow este libro fue intenso con una historia oscura y perturbadora pero a su vez hermosa que habla sobre el sacrificio y el amor. Me encanta que Raphael encuentra su redención con su Rosa y al mismo tiempo, sigue siendo quien es, un asesino y ella lo acepta así tal como es.
Le doy 4 estrellas porque a pesar que me encanto la historia, hay algo que si me disgusto mucho fue que lo Caídos después de que escaparon del purgatorio cuando eran adolescentes no tomaron acciones contra esos malditos de los sacerdotes arrgghh es que si, eso me enojo, que pasaran tantos años y ellos no hicieron nada contra la iglesia en donde los malditos seguían abusando de mas niños, y pues aunque ya cuando termine de leerlo todo entendí porque así era como se desarrollaba la trama para dar paso al romance y todo eso, porque si no hubiera sido así Raphael no habría conocido a Maria y otra uviera sido la historia; hayyy pero es que sigo algo molesta y ponle que los Caídos mientras tanto continuaron si matando a otros Psicópatas y Asesinos y no inocentes, pero los verdaderos monstruos eran los sacerdotes y ya al ultimo pues si recibieron algunos su merecido, esos capítulos fueron los mejores porque no veía la hora de que pagaran por todas las atrocidades que hicieron, pero como dije lo que me molesto fue que pasaran 10 años y los Caídos no fueran por ellos en todo este tiempo, porque bien pudieron acabar con ellos ya que aparte de los 7 que son tenían recursos y a mas gente que trabaja para ellos. Pero aparte de eso puedo decir que es una historia muy adictiva en la que no podrás para de leer por saber que pasa a continuación ,y por supuesto la recomiendo si te gustan los romances oscuros tabú.
Realmente no sé qué esperar de los próximos libros de esta serie. Pero este me gusto y no puedo esperar para saber de quien va ser la historia del 2do libro así que Tillie por favor no nos hagas esperan tanto hehe..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
April 15, 2019
for the love of god mary jesus and zeus n hades and all the fatherfucking unortodox holy bastards i cant keep calm look at that cover read over n over again dis blurb!
my metaphorically fallen angels turning reality oh my fuckity fucked fuck...
August 15, 2022
4.5 🌟
Holy shi...
This man they called Raphael.
Her beautiful killer.
Whatthefuckwhatthefuckwhatthefuck
It took me two days, two solid days to write this review and even now I still can't form any coherent sentences, hell I can't even put it into words.
I have been officially rendered speechless by this book. And now, Lord have mercy, I'm in a huge book slump.
"You’re mine, Maria, my little rose.”
Roses are red
Violets are blue
This book is something else
You have no clue
“Brothers or not, I’ll kill you if you do. She is mine.”
It's very obvious the book is not for the faint of heart, it's fucked up and dark to the highest level you can imagine and definitely not for everyone.
You may go like..."People liked this??? Naw, no way in hell."
I'd say yes way. Cause this is the very thing my fucked up depraved heart wants.
He would catch her. He always would.
Raphael, despite having his dark, kinky obsessions and desires, we get a glimpse of how soft he gets for Maria.
Exhibit A:
Her hands dropped to her sides, and she was about to turn when she suddenly stilled, feeling soft lips pressing a whisper of a kiss against one of her scars.
Exhibit B:
They have her.” Raphael looked at Gabriel, who was watching him closely. “We’re getting her back.” Raphael hit his chest. “We’re fucking getting her back.” His voice dropped dangerously low. “And I’m killing Father Murray. Finally, I’m gonna kill that cunt for taking Maria from me. For touching a hair on her head.”
*sniffs*
*cue heart, twinkling eyes*
Where can I find a Raphael, they available on Amazon or something?
Honestly, I could go on and on about it buttt we're gonna have to stop here.
I loved their connection but the "I'm going to kill her soon" thing had started to get a tad bit annoying.
This man . . . despite it all, he owned her heart.
One thing I wanted more than anything was for Maria to fight back harder, she gave in too easily, she had the potential, I could sense it but she didn't push or fight Raphael like the way I expected her to, nonetheless, I love this book. End of discussion.
All in all, if you can survive dark themes or you live for dark shit this one's for you. (Told in 3rd person perspective)
~🥀I will care for you. I will look after you for as long as I am here.🥀~
Holy shi...
This man they called Raphael.
Her beautiful killer.
Whatthefuckwhatthefuckwhatthefuck
It took me two days, two solid days to write this review and even now I still can't form any coherent sentences, hell I can't even put it into words.
I have been officially rendered speechless by this book. And now, Lord have mercy, I'm in a huge book slump.
"You’re mine, Maria, my little rose.”
Roses are red
Violets are blue
This book is something else
You have no clue
“Brothers or not, I’ll kill you if you do. She is mine.”
It's very obvious the book is not for the faint of heart, it's fucked up and dark to the highest level you can imagine and definitely not for everyone.
You may go like..."People liked this??? Naw, no way in hell."
I'd say yes way. Cause this is the very thing my fucked up depraved heart wants.
He would catch her. He always would.
Raphael, despite having his dark, kinky obsessions and desires, we get a glimpse of how soft he gets for Maria.
Exhibit A:
Her hands dropped to her sides, and she was about to turn when she suddenly stilled, feeling soft lips pressing a whisper of a kiss against one of her scars.
Exhibit B:
They have her.” Raphael looked at Gabriel, who was watching him closely. “We’re getting her back.” Raphael hit his chest. “We’re fucking getting her back.” His voice dropped dangerously low. “And I’m killing Father Murray. Finally, I’m gonna kill that cunt for taking Maria from me. For touching a hair on her head.”
*sniffs*
*cue heart, twinkling eyes*
Where can I find a Raphael, they available on Amazon or something?
Honestly, I could go on and on about it buttt we're gonna have to stop here.
I loved their connection but the "I'm going to kill her soon" thing had started to get a tad bit annoying.
This man . . . despite it all, he owned her heart.
One thing I wanted more than anything was for Maria to fight back harder, she gave in too easily, she had the potential, I could sense it but she didn't push or fight Raphael like the way I expected her to, nonetheless, I love this book. End of discussion.
All in all, if you can survive dark themes or you live for dark shit this one's for you. (Told in 3rd person perspective)
~🥀I will care for you. I will look after you for as long as I am here.🥀~
June 26, 2019
This book was good, the story acceptable, twisted and strong. But sometimes, I thought it was fast, without explanation of the things.
The characters are great!
It’s worth the reading.
The characters are great!
It’s worth the reading.
July 28, 2019
At a young age, Raphael was orphaned and learned that evil exists. Now at 25 years old, Raphael lives with his fallen brothers in an attempt to channel his pain and disturbing compulsions. During this time, Raphael has been searching for the one who can give him the longstanding peace he so desperately needs. Upon finding Maria, Raphael prepares for his ultimate fantasy.
“The true beauty of the kill lay in the remaining perfection in the aftermath. The elegance of the slow death without mutilation.”
From the beginning, the sinister nature of this setting captured my interest. The level of corruption is far reaching and the continued abuse at the hands of those in power is demoralizing. For Raphael, he endured and his memories are still forefront despite his effort to right such wrongs in his own way.
“Not anymore. Not again. He wouldn’t let himself –”
Overall, the connection between the brothers is the strongest plot element for me. The way they accept each other and their urges is disturbingly intriguing and yet endearing. Raphael is so lost at times and I felt for him. As for Maria, I liked how she accepted her fate and reconciled her own painful past in order to make certain sacrifices for Raphael.
Raphael is a story set in a dark landscape where the characters must overcome or accept their destiny. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Deadly Virtues series:
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey & Lonestar Liz!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
May 28, 2021
***3.5 estrelas***
Arc received in exchange for an honest review.
Estou há horas olhando para a tela em branco sem saber o que falar desse livro, ao mesmo tempo que tenho muito o que falar, não quero falar nada por causa de spoiler.
ㅤ
Raphael usa do sexo para matar, pra ele um não existe sem o outro e durante sua nova missão ele acaba encontrando sua maior tentação.
ㅤ
O começo do livro achei sensacional e me prendeu logo de cara, porém chegou um certo momento que achei tão parado, parecia que eu lia, lia, lia e não saia do lugar, isso durou alguns capítulos, mas lá pelos 75% o livro deu uma reviravolta que fez até minha nota mudar.
ㅤ
Nesse livro não temos mocinhos, The Fallen não são personagens que eu acredito que vou amar. Raphael é o personagem que não queria nem ser vizinha, porém todos eles têm uma história, e são essas histórias faz a gente sentir empatia e desejar que o passado deles tivesse sido diferente. Todos os Fallen tem algum tipo de "desejo" e cada capítulo eu queria conhecer eles mais e mais, principalmente o Gabriel.
Resenha Completa: my link text
ㅤ
Arc received in exchange for an honest review.
Estou há horas olhando para a tela em branco sem saber o que falar desse livro, ao mesmo tempo que tenho muito o que falar, não quero falar nada por causa de spoiler.
ㅤ
Raphael usa do sexo para matar, pra ele um não existe sem o outro e durante sua nova missão ele acaba encontrando sua maior tentação.
ㅤ
O começo do livro achei sensacional e me prendeu logo de cara, porém chegou um certo momento que achei tão parado, parecia que eu lia, lia, lia e não saia do lugar, isso durou alguns capítulos, mas lá pelos 75% o livro deu uma reviravolta que fez até minha nota mudar.
ㅤ
Nesse livro não temos mocinhos, The Fallen não são personagens que eu acredito que vou amar. Raphael é o personagem que não queria nem ser vizinha, porém todos eles têm uma história, e são essas histórias faz a gente sentir empatia e desejar que o passado deles tivesse sido diferente. Todos os Fallen tem algum tipo de "desejo" e cada capítulo eu queria conhecer eles mais e mais, principalmente o Gabriel.
Resenha Completa: my link text
ㅤ
June 7, 2021
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 4 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
I don’t have much to say. I didn’t dislike the submission this time. It made sense and I saw the reason behind it. Maria did it as an act of faith. I didn’t feel it as slow and I gagged like a million times in the beginning lmao. I want to fcking murder the priests. They are sick SICK bastards.
As always, the writing was beautiful. This book is dark, but not as much as the prequel (I think). It’s a bit repetitive, but I think that was the point in the routine. I’m glad we had the time jump or else it would’ve felt waaay too dragged. The rescue mission and all that was rushed imo. I still enjoyed it, though.
The ending... I’m not mad about it, I know some think it was anticlimactic, but I liked it. It was perfect. He got his wish AND the love of his life. Go Raphe!🖤🖤🖤
I loved the guys. I want to hug Gabriel and I’m excited to start Jegudiel’s book next.
✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟
Deadly Virtues Series
The Fallen: Genesis #0.5 — 5 stars
Raphael #1 — 4 stars
Jegudiel #2 — 3.5-4 stars
✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟
______
Original rating March 2020: 4 stars
Wow I didn’t expected this! The reason I didn’t give this 5 stars was because it felt too slow for me, at least the first half. But it’s not bad or way too slow that makes you stop reading, it’s just that for my taste and preference, it was a little bit slow. But I enjoyed every single word.
This is dark romance, I actually think is way darker than the Hades Hangmen series. Tbh the prequel felt way more darker. Maybe it’s because I got used to the theme that it didn’t surprise me anymore as I was reading it. But it was still as good. This slow burn romance was freaking incredible. It made fall for Raphael and Maria in a way I didn’t expected. I already liked the fallen because of the prequel. Raphael and Michael were the ones that intrigued me the most. I absolutely adored Raphael. And even though I hate this type of submission on a heroine, I felt content with the outcome, this just fitted the story so much. The connection and brotherhood these seven guys have is beautiful to see.
The sex scenes were so explicit yet beautiful. To see and understand the pain and lust Raphael felt was something I’ve never experienced before. To be inside their heads was a whole new world. I can’t wait to see what the other guys live. I’m very excited to go through this journey with them. This was beautifully written, I’m in love.
P.s. I recommend you to read The Fallen: Genesis (the prequel) to understand this book better. It’s necessary, it’s a fast read and it’s worth it, I swear.
I don’t have much to say. I didn’t dislike the submission this time. It made sense and I saw the reason behind it. Maria did it as an act of faith. I didn’t feel it as slow and I gagged like a million times in the beginning lmao. I want to fcking murder the priests. They are sick SICK bastards.
As always, the writing was beautiful. This book is dark, but not as much as the prequel (I think). It’s a bit repetitive, but I think that was the point in the routine. I’m glad we had the time jump or else it would’ve felt waaay too dragged. The rescue mission and all that was rushed imo. I still enjoyed it, though.
The ending... I’m not mad about it, I know some think it was anticlimactic, but I liked it. It was perfect. He got his wish AND the love of his life. Go Raphe!🖤🖤🖤
I loved the guys. I want to hug Gabriel and I’m excited to start Jegudiel’s book next.
✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟
Deadly Virtues Series
The Fallen: Genesis #0.5 — 5 stars
Raphael #1 — 4 stars
Jegudiel #2 — 3.5-4 stars
✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟ ✞ ✟
______
Original rating March 2020: 4 stars
Wow I didn’t expected this! The reason I didn’t give this 5 stars was because it felt too slow for me, at least the first half. But it’s not bad or way too slow that makes you stop reading, it’s just that for my taste and preference, it was a little bit slow. But I enjoyed every single word.
This is dark romance, I actually think is way darker than the Hades Hangmen series. Tbh the prequel felt way more darker. Maybe it’s because I got used to the theme that it didn’t surprise me anymore as I was reading it. But it was still as good. This slow burn romance was freaking incredible. It made fall for Raphael and Maria in a way I didn’t expected. I already liked the fallen because of the prequel. Raphael and Michael were the ones that intrigued me the most. I absolutely adored Raphael. And even though I hate this type of submission on a heroine, I felt content with the outcome, this just fitted the story so much. The connection and brotherhood these seven guys have is beautiful to see.
The sex scenes were so explicit yet beautiful. To see and understand the pain and lust Raphael felt was something I’ve never experienced before. To be inside their heads was a whole new world. I can’t wait to see what the other guys live. I’m very excited to go through this journey with them. This was beautifully written, I’m in love.
P.s. I recommend you to read The Fallen: Genesis (the prequel) to understand this book better. It’s necessary, it’s a fast read and it’s worth it, I swear.
May 8, 2021
She thought of her life as a nun. Of her beliefs, her calling to help others. She lived to help people in need. Who was more in need of help than a killer? A man who thought nothing of ridding another of their life. Did he not deserve salvation too?
This book was beyond fucked up, I questioned myself times and time again if I had actually lost my sanity and switch to present me who has actually lost it, but truth be told, this story needed to be said. Who would've thought the most vicious serial killer and the virgin nun would be each other's salvation. Who would've thought that something so fucked up, so cruel and psychotic could hold one of the greatest stories of the time, a sinner who just wanted to be loved. Through all the fucked up madness he imposed in life, he just wanted to love and be loved in return. And I'll be damned if he didn't deserve the most purest kind.
If I could describe this book in one while sentence, this book was, in a nutshell, Fifty Shades of Fucked up
And Oh How I wish I was exaggerating.
Warning. FUCKING DON'T SKIP THIS AND READ THIS WARNING. This book contains every trigger warning in the book of trigger warnings there could possibly be, and don't get me started on how book 2 is darker. THIS BOOK has to be one of the most dark, fucked up book I've read. I kid you not, there was a time where I literally said, this was sick. Because it was sick and it was fucked up and It. Was. So. Good.
There were times I hated this book, there were times I was so bloody confused, there were times I just wanted to yell in agony, there were moments that made my soul scream WTF, There was the one time I wanted to melt because of the beauty of gorgeous words and even gorgeous dialogue and just let that scene hold time, there were times I was like, FUCK THIS, IM NOT DOING THIS.
Humans were imperfect, and often did and felt things that they shouldn’t. But this man was evil wrapped up in a beautiful package. Every exquisite feature he boasted was a mask for the wretchedness that prowled underneath.
Honestly Tillie Cole.
I just want to look at your brain and look at its wiring because how. HOW DID YOU CREATE THIS? How did you create this magnificent piece of literature? How did you time and time again pave my favorite heroine in each book of yours I read? How do you make my heart ache so badly but slap me a second later with the utmost joy? How. How. How.
To be very clear, not only was this book hard to read but it was a book that took its time to build up so you have to take your time with this book. Don't mistake my words for this book being very sow paaced. Despite all of the characters except the heroine are introduced in the Prequel, Tillie takes her time to give each character an understanding, She doesn't rush into saying this is the bad guy, this is the hero, and here's the heroine, and boom, enter plot. Nope she takes her time to craft each narrative, takes her time for you to understand and learn about them, their trauma, their mind, she doesn't teach you, she shows you why they are who they are.
And let me tell you, there wasn't one single boring character, there wasn't one chapter where I thought, Ugk can we get on with it? Okay maybe it's my bias speaking but I just couldn't bring it to myself to skim or even think of skipping a sentence.
And like always, her male leads never fail to render me completely disproportional.
Raphael had been beautiful as a boy. But as a man, he was unrivaled. Beauty was a sin, vanity the worst of all. And it was clear that Satan had blessed Raphael, his precious denizen, with extreme beauty to lure in his victims. Weak sinners wouldn’t stand a chance under Raphael’s hypnotic attention.
Raphael, oh sweet sweet Raphael. My Gorgeous Golden-eyed killer. He was such a tough cookie to crack, if not the most difficult hero I've read to express himself yet one of the best portrayals of someone who was dragged through so much trauma, who had faced too much darkness in his life to even think about the light of the day. Don't get me wrong, he drove me crazy because he made sense, he made so much sense. But at the same time, he made no sense.
I know I sound like a lunatic. That phrase basically summoned my entire experience of this book.
In theology, the archangel Raphael was a great healer. Maria felt nothing but sadness at the irony. This Raphael only wanted to kill. The very opposite of what his name symbolized.
I wouldn't say Raphael was silent throughout this book but I will say, he always struggled with expressing himself, emotionally, mentally and physically, and wow- I was damned when his silence screamed in my face and echoed in his actions.
I think one of the most fascinating parts of this book, hell in every book I've read of Tillie is her narrative on different perspectives. That portrayal holds stronger in this book because it was under the third perspective so we really did get to understand, learn and see the world and experiences and thoughts of different characters, and one of the greatest fuckery of this book that dented my mind is the villain of this story. Yes he's a villain but if you're read the book, you'll just realize my statement when I say, it's fucked up when history repeats itself. It's a countless loop so when someone succumbs to it, who's to say who is right and who's wrong? Who's more evil? Who deserves salvation?
I'd love to go more in detail about it, but I think I've spoke too much already.
And, Maria. Darling Maria, One of my favorite heroines I have read this year and across the hundreds of books I have read in my lifetime. So incredibly courageous and strong. I think out of all the books I have read of Tillie, Maria is the one character whom I got to relate to the most, now that's not why I adore her more but it certainly doesn't take away from it. I just.. I just have the most extreme joy and happiness and pride when the heroine just for one damn second isn't a brainless pig, but for what I love most about Maria is her faith, her faith in Raphael and his brothers and her faith for The Lord and her personality, she radiated warmth and kindness through her words and it seeped between the lines, her belief that regardless of who they were, what they were, what they did, she believed in them regardless because despite how benevolent they may have seemed to other people, to her they were simply sinners who lived without the absence of love, and for that do I love her so so incredibly much.
I think one of the reasons why I related to her all the more was her submission, her submission and giving all of herself to Raphael. I know every gal reading this would be hating me and my audacity right now but I just, I never found anything more relatable than just letting someone take control of my mind and body and trusting them to protect and care for it, letting them have the power because truly it is the most liberating feeling I have ever felt.
One of my most hated phrases is "Strong Independent Woman" mainly because there just holds just a ridiculous amount of stigma in that three-word phrase, it made me as a human being feel like asking for help, letting someone in, being a team and a reliable partner to someone, an actual joke. It felt like that sentence was taunting me, HA you're actually useless because you can't stand on your own feet and I just want to cry because it was Tillie Cole, her heroine, her writing that reminded me that being Dependent on someone, was just as strong and if not stronger than being an Independent. It proved that not only were you not alone and cold for the lack of love around you, it proved that when times were rough, there would always be someone there, someone you loved to hold you back up and rather than rejecting them, rather than saying I don't want your help I can do it by myself, I learned how truly lucky someone is that they even have that one person who wishes to be someone's anchor, how lucky someone is to have someone to love and care for them. So it was my greatest epiphany to realize that accepting help, seeking help, letting someone you loved take complete control and care for you was one of the strongest attributes humanity can have, yet fails in doing so.
And Lastly,
My precious Gabriel, I love you to the moon and back baby, and good god, I just wish, I just pray to read a sentence where I can finally feel and read and see your smile and even tinge of happiness because you, my darling deserve it, all my fallen angels deserve it.
As kids, Gabriel had saved them from the Brethren. He’d sacrificed his destined future as a Catholic priest, had attacked Father Quinn just to follow his little brother into the depths of hell. Was raped, fucked by priests, tortured, stripped and branded and torn down . . . all to save their already damned souls. The adoptive brothers he would never have wanted, but always kept close.
One of the main centers of this book was Peace, finding peace and seeking peace, and the understanding behind it was so fucked up it made so much sense so I honestly think I've lost my damn mind.
Sike, I actually have lost my mind so I'm just going to blame Tillie for it.
In one yellow string I wound three times her little throat around,
And strangled her. No pain felt she; I am quite sure she felt no pain.
Porphyria’s Lover
By Robert Browning
Immediate Reaction:
Tillie Cole. I hate you but I also love you with my whole entire heart.
But as her body weakened and the darkness in her eyes deepened, Maria kept her gaze fixed on the beautiful man before her. The man who would send her soul to reside in heaven among the angels and saints.
This man they called Raphael.
Her beautiful killer.
"Jesus walked with the sinners.” Maria stilled and tried to calm her racing heart. “He wouldn’t ignore them, cast them aside like everyone else. He walked beside them, even knowing they committed sins and evil crimes. He talked to them, tried to help them see the light.”
Gabriel thought back to Father Quinn, to the Brethren’s priests, to how they treated the boys in Purgatory. They never gave any of them a chance at redemption. They didn’t try to understand them. Just branded them damned and began their exorcisms in earnest. Gabriel cursed the priests for not helping them when they had been boys. What they did didn’t purge his brothers of their evil thoughts and desires. Instead, the corrupt sect of priests had dragged them further into the darkness, stripping away any hope of salvation. Hurting them, brutalizing them, and humiliating them, until there was no good left in their souls. No flicker of light that could be fostered and aided back onto the path of good. Now, they were all as dark as midnight, not a single star illuminating their godless worlds.
"I believe everyone can be redeemed. Even those we fear are most unsalvageable.” Maria hugged her arms around her chest as if she had been struck by a blast of cold. “I suppose as long as the people who love them don’t give up on them. As long as people push aside their fears and prejudices and endeavor to bring out the good in them, no matter how vain the effort may seem. Someone, someday, may get through to them and show them a new path, a better path. Or bring them the light they never realized they needed in their days of perpetual darkness."
“Eyes on me,” Raphael ordered. But the tone of his voice had changed. It was still demanding and unyielding, warranting no refusal, but it now had a dangerous edge. As if he were balancing on a delicate precipice of losing control and smothering her will. Maria obeyed his command. His pupils were blown, and he wore a feral, savage expression. The severe look should have marred his beautiful face. If anything, the wickedness that gleamed in his face made his beauty almost preternatural
Raphael bent down and licked along her neck, lapping up a wayward teardrop that was trying to escape. There wasn’t a part of her that could run from him.
He would catch her. He always would.
Maria brought warmth. Her touch had brought warmth to his face.
He was cold. He had always felt cold. In Purgatory, there was only ever cold and pain and screams. Not warmth and softness and smiles. He lived in darkness and coldness. It made him, raised him.
Darkness was who he was.
She had no idea why she wanted to keep her skin so sullied. But she smelled Raphael all around her. His scent was intoxicating. But strangely, it made her feel safe. She almost laughed at the irony. Her kidnapper and killer making her feel safe.
It was the worst kind of affliction.
But it was what she felt all the same.
The night was silent and the moon basked them in its glow. Maria felt as though they were on a stage, two scarred souls finding one another in the unlikeliest of settings, something strong and unyielding pushing them together, each easing the other of their terrors and pains.
If unspeakable things were done to him . . . to anyone . . . it left scars that ran deeper than could be expressed on the flesh. It was the scars underneath that cut the deepest. The scars that sliced into the soul, that clawed at the flesh of the heart.
That mutilated the mind.
As they rocked and moved, sinking deeper into each other, their hands praised their scars. Scars that no one saw and that were never spoken of. The secrets they both kept, the demons that lived buried deep in their souls.
So Maria would believe in Raphael. While she still had air to breathe, he would become her religion. He would become her faith. He would become her only god and prophet and angel. And Maria would bestow upon him a kindness he had been robbed of his entire life. If he still chose to take her life, then at least she would die knowing she had tried her best to save his soul.
Just like Maria and Agnes, she would defend her choice with her life… even if it meant paying the ultimate price of all.
You, she thought and squeezed Raphael’s hand. You are my why.
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