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Eden

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How far will they go to protect paradise...





From a very early age, I was warned to stay away from the Lawson brothers...

It didn't matter they weren't biological brothers or that one had been adopted on a guilt-driven whim. They considered one another family. They shared a bond like any other brothers would.

Except it ran much deeper.

Darker.

Dirtier.

They had all the power, money, and hunger capable of destroying anyone who stood in their way as they trained to become icons the world watched every four years bring home gold medals.

Little did anyone know, there was only one thing the legends worshipped more than their beloved sport.

Me.


*This is a forbidden, taboo, MMF, dark romance novel that includes several triggers

First published December 30, 2021

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About the author

Xavier Neal

118 books2,207 followers
I'm USA TODAY Bestselling Romance Author who has published over ninety works to date.

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LIST OF BOOKS!


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Cinderfella (YA Contemporary) - https://amzn.to/2pBHZff

The Gamble (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/2uf4ZFw

Part of The List (Contemporary Romance) - https://amzn.to/2udYwuz

Walking Away (Contemporary Ménage Romance) - https://amzn.to/2pAOEGf

Can’t Match This (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/2XapsVw

Hike, Hike Baby (Romantic Comedy) - https://amzn.to/32QqyJJ

Baewatch (Romantic Comedy) -https://amzn.to/2IHjMAl

Sleigh Bride (Holiday Romantic Comedy)- https://amzn.to/3nOfJ4L

Aleatory (Contemporary Age-Gap Romance) - https://amzn.to/2Pqt07F

Picnic Perfect (Romantic Comedy) -
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Eden (Dark, Taboo Romance)-
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Baby Got Pack (Romantic Comedy) -
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Waiting (Contemporary Age- Gap Romance)
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The Love Duet
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The Free:
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5 stars
189 (42%)
4 stars
119 (26%)
3 stars
72 (16%)
2 stars
40 (9%)
1 star
22 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
Profile Image for Kursed Reads.
648 reviews6,174 followers
January 1, 2022
https://amzn.to/3JuYj8K

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Some years ago the Lawson brothers, Ian and Thatcher, pushed away Eden to keep her out of harm’s way. Harm being their father. Eden fled Doctenn to attend college in the US.

The three were in love, but given their disparate social standings, their father wouldn’t allow either brother to be with Eden, let alone both of them. With Eden taking on an art restoration project for the royal family, she returns home and the three pick up as if no time at all has passed.

Eden is the story of their second chance. We see tremendous growth among the three both individually as well as within the triad.

I’m honestly not sure how I feel about this book. There are some unexpectedly very dark and twisted scenes. However, despite some cringing, I didn’t mind the dark elements. I was scratching my head several times due to gaps in information and time jumps though. I was able to fill in the blanks easily enough, but there were some awkward holes.

All that said, I enjoyed the characters and the dynamics of their growing relationship. As this was my first read by Eden Xavier, I’m looking forward to reading future releases by her!

⚠️ Safety Squad: Triggers to include dub-con, violence, miscarriage, and a very questionable sushi dinner.

📚 I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Patty .
1,172 reviews7 followers
December 30, 2021
Wow!!! Just wow!! I am speechless over this book. It was very unexpected and unlike any book I have ever read! It is dark, twisted and sick as f**k. Unimaginable, yet I could not put it down.

When I first started reading this book, I was like oh another hot ménage a trois read. Boy was I wrong. Yes it starts out with Eden coming back into the lives of the two men who ruined her for all men and broke her heart and soul to pieces.

Ian and Thatcher don’t expect to see Eden. But when they do they fulfill the promise they made to themselves and all bets are off. Eden is and always will be theirs. “Thee and thine, me and mine.” No one will come between them this time. And I mean no one.

This book has several triggers and should not be read by those who can’t handle dark triggers or smut. There is loads of murder and mayhem going on! The story is so dark and twisted that it takes a strong person to read it and appreciate where the author is coming from with this dark tale.

The story tells of a love so deep that it connects three souls together in a impenetrable bond. These three main characters are dependent on each other in many ways. Each person bringing their own strength to the relationship. Ian, the jokester but vulnerable one. Thatcher, the protector. And then there is Eden, the glue that holds them together. She contributes her strength and courage to the relationship.

Overall this story is a beautiful yet sick twisted read. There are some extremely disturbing moments, yet to get to the beauty of it all it is a journey that must be traveled. Not only is there a sick twist to this trio, there are some scenes of extreme abuse and horror. Ian and Thatcher have had a terrible childhood at the hands of a terrible father.

But the beauty to this story is the unconditional and undeniable love that they all have for one another. I was surprised by the story and shocked to the core. Yet this book turned out to be more than expected and a great story.

Again I highly caution readers on picking this book up. It has very dark scenes and terrible abuse. The heat level is a like a ten 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 as the trio burns up the pages, but they really are rough in their escapades, like BDSM level.

If you like smut reads and twisted dark stories, then this book is for you. If not please don’t read and review it poorly, because this was an outstanding read and I applaud the author for her creativity and wonderful writing.
Profile Image for Jess .
1,048 reviews149 followers
December 27, 2021
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *

Dark, filthy & twisted!! Xavier Neal did not come to play with this dark forbidden romance. Eden, Ian & Thatcher won pieces of my heart along the way, and it wasn't until the end that I realized I had fallen in love with their twisted tale.

"When you love someone with more than your heart, with your entire soul, there's no ending it."

Thatcher and Ian were brothers but not by blood, they loved one another with a ferocity unlike anything else but their story was not born for a happy ending. While they loved one another they also loved another and Eden was their Paradise, the place they went to find their true happiness. When Eden leaves them, their story ends because there was no way for them to be happy without her, without the other piece of their heart.

A decade later Eden is back but she is not the girl that left all those years ago, she is stronger and isn't going to let them shatter her walls like they did in the past. Eden is here to do a job and then she is heading off on her next job but when secrets start to reveal themselves, she realizes that her boys never set out to hurt her. Their father was much more than their abuser he was their tormentor and letting Eden go was the only way to ensure their safety.

Forbidden, dark, and a touch murdery with all the intense feels you can only expect from a Xavier Neal novel Eden will have your heart aching for the love that never seemed possible between these three.

*Be sure to read the trigger warnings love, there are plenty. Don't give the author a bad review because you don't like a certain topic or subject matter. *
December 22, 2021
Dark and Deliciously Twisted ride ahead 😍

First off, this one is truly dark and twisted in a way that might be crossing not only moral boundaries sometimes but also what is right and wrong. But if you love going beyond your limits in exploring darkness in a different light, then you're gonna love this.

This one was oh so much further than anything I could have expected as to how it made me feel, the things these characters do, how they made me not only argue with myself but also made me downright question my sanity. 😜😍

Thatcher, Ian and Eden belong together and are each other's. But the story started, I hated thatcher and Ian. What was wrong with these two, treating Eden the way they did.

It seems these three were always inseparable but then now years later, when Eden was sent away for her education, they have not even laden eyes on her. But their souls always belonged to that one girl they couldn't have, their eden, their paradise.

In flashbacks we see their past and yet I couldn't get how Thatcher and Ian thought Eden meant so much to them yet disregarded her feelings time and again.

But never did I know the demons these two were fighting and just like eden couldn't have known the traumas they were facing and not wanting yet having to sacrifice their only love.

But now that thatcher and Ian are free from the monster who had them in his clutches yet their are new ones to take the place of the old monster and keep them away from their paradise.

Being Olympic medalists, thatcher and Ian have to maintain a certain image and various things that come with competing in the sport that keeps them chained.

But now they are going to take matters in their own hands and claim their Eden and paradise once and for all.

These one went from taking me on an unexpected emotional, pain filled journey to thrilling suspense when things happen and nobody knows who's behind them.

But mind you... THE FREAKING SIZZLING FIERY HEAT AND CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THESE THREE. OH.. MY.. GOODNESS. MY KINDLE WAS DEFINITELY ON FIRE. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😍😍😍

I loved how unpredictable this ride was. I had no idea it would take me from hating thatcher and Ian to feeling deeply from them when things are revealed and not only that, this one definitely tested my comfort levels in taking me on twisted dark ride that left me not surprised wide eyed but also not knowing how to react with what was happening and I love when a read makes me feel so conflicted yet wanting to devour the ride at the same time.

Truly a Twisted on fire ride for sure. Loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
383 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2021
I am not sure how to write this review. Let me start by saying this is most definitely not a rom-com. If you love this from Xavier and want more of that skip this book.
So this book was wonderfully written. So much so that at about 30% in I had to put it down and read another book. There are many things in this novel that will shock you, some will may you cringe and other things will downright disgust you. That it not to say there is no romance in this book. Eden, Thatcher, and Ian have a love for each other that is easy to see even when someone, Eden, is pretending the love is not there. Edens mother, Eve, is someone who can easily see the love the three have for each other and wants to see it honored.
There are obviously people who don't want them to be together and those people you will hate. Those who would try to manipulate them and their circumstances to keep them apart. I can't say much else but it will ruin the book for you. Just now this is definitely a very dark novel so don't pick it up for light reading.
Wonderful job Xavier you really truly wrote your butt off with one. I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,159 reviews48 followers
December 24, 2021
Intense broken emotional twisted gripping heartstopping love story this year
Eden Thatch and Ian grabbed my heart and
Squeezed all the feels
Can otto have a story
Profile Image for jamies_bookreads.
1,072 reviews16 followers
December 26, 2021
Wow, just when I thought Xavier Neal could not become more of a favorite for me…she drops some of my favorite tropes into one book.

Ian & Thatcher (MMC’s) and Eden (FMC) have a dynamic relationship that is felt from the beginning. Eden has always been theirs, and she has always thought of them as hers. However life always has other plans for us, so this story follows along some dark and twisted paths in order to point them in the right direction. But all good things come at a cost, just one no one would want to pay. If you are good with dub-con forbidden and taboo this book will not disappoint. If you are okay with dark and a bit twisted, this book will not disappoint. I again find myself realizing dark romance is one of my favorite tropes. Definitely 18+/TW!
Profile Image for Christina.
429 reviews4 followers
December 25, 2021
Dark and twisted. Gripping and emotional. This was so much more than just a story. Xavier has always entralled me with her story telling. She has a way of bringing everything to life, this was absolutely next level to that.

These characters had such heartbreak throughout their lives and I loved seeing the happy when they got it. Even if it was unconventional, or seemed "wrong" or immoral.

Personally, I love dark romance, and twists and turns. I love taboo subjects and I love all that in one story. This had all that and more. It was hot and steamy and made you feel as you read.

My other personal opinion is that this was more taboo, and emotional with dark aspects within the twists. I absolutely, and HIGHLY recommend if dark/taboo/MMF is in your wheelhouse. Id give way more than 5 stars if I could.
Profile Image for Renee Megee.
144 reviews12 followers
December 27, 2021
Oh my heart. It was ripped apart, put back together only to have those actions repeated. This book is a very dark read. If that isn’t your thing you may want to pass. But let me just say that Eden, Thatcher and Ian have always meant to be together. Let them take you into their world, if you dare. Xavier Neal done an amazing job at writing this story so you can visualize and feel every emotion and action these three have. I have to say that this is the best dark read that I have had the pleasure of reading. I wish I could give it 10 stars.
Profile Image for Richelle Zirkle.
1,819 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2021
These characters are described in such a way that they leap off the pages. Eden and her men become larger than life as the reader is drawn into the drama and intrigue surrounding their love story. These characters aren’t people that can fade into the background. Ian and Thatcher are essentially celebrities. One light and one dark, one mischievous and one serious. They’ve achieved god-like status because of their accomplishments in their diving careers, but behind closed doors they’re ordinary men who have always loved one woman and each other. To finally be together, they’re going to face the fight of their lives, but they’re going to do it together.
Profile Image for Jessica (jpbooklife).
820 reviews6 followers
December 25, 2021
I read all the trigger warnings. I knew what I was getting into. But Xavier Neal managed to bring enough lightness and humor to this book that the dark side of it would still catch me off guard every now and then.

And it did get dark!

The hotness factor was in full force in this story. Eden, Ian and Thatcher had a chemistry between them that never faltered.  I loved that once they decided to be together they were always together. All the drama and problems came from outside factors. But they were always a unit. They had each other's backs throughout.

I loved that Eden's mother never once had any hesitations about her daughter being in a loving relationship with 2 men. It wasn't even a factor for her. She saw the love and joy that they had and was happy for her daughter. Not judgemental.

This is a twisted, dark, MMF romance and my first book by this author. I think it's safe to say that I will be looking for more of their books.
Profile Image for Tami czenkus.
1,551 reviews21 followers
Read
December 27, 2021
Could I PLEASE give this book 100 stars?
Ok, I'm going to say this once... This is NOT rainbows and unicorns, so if you get bothered by books that teeter on the edge AND tip over, this is NOT for you.
Now that's out of the way, This book is PHENOMENAL!! one of my top 5 of 2021 for sure!!
Xavier Neal gives us this remarkable story about never-ending love between 3 people, second chances and the depths of which Ian, Thatcher and Eden will go to protect that love they fought so hard for.
Being separated for years Thatch and Ian got the shock of their life when they see Eden in the kitchen of their estate home.
When I started this story I knew what NOT to expect, but I think I have a different outlook on a love story because I think this was the ULTIMATE love story. The way these 3 characters loved each other blew my mind throughout the entire story.
Past and present demons threaten the union and they have to stay 2 steps ahead to try to conquer them all.
Profile Image for Layla -  Talk To Me About Books .
247 reviews6 followers
December 26, 2021
4.5☆

How to write a review on this book without giving away any spoilers? Hmm...

Are you ready for the ride of your life? Are you ready to have your limits stretched beyond anything you've ever thought possible? Are you ready to question whether you're a little bit f*cked up too? Are you ready to question what is right from wrong?

If you answered yes, then dive right on in!
From the very first chapter to the very last, Xavier takes us on a journey that is dark, dirty and oh so forbidden, it's yummy!
Profile Image for Andrea Turner.
286 reviews20 followers
December 30, 2021
LORDY this book was HOT!!! Xavier has given us this sexy, dark and twisted taboo story that isn’t for the faint hearted. So this is your warning! This book may not be for everyone, but it sure was crazy good!!

Ian, Thatcher, and Eden are one of a kind for sure! They are a third of a whole if you will.. Thatcher is more you dark and brody, while Ian is light and airy. Eden is a mix in between since she was brought up differently in their world.

Thatcher and Ian have a very dark past that still relevant in their daily lives, and you feel every ounce of it. Those two have gone through hell and back.

Eden has made a name for herself as you will see, and I loved everything about her. She’s funny, smart, bossy, and a tad crazy if I really think about it… but hell aren’t we all!

When these three meet once again you’re gonna see just how crazy they can get. But, their crazy souls are defiantly meant for one another. They all bring out the best parts in each other, and even though society may not like it, they really just don’t give a d… cause they’re tired of hiding their love.
This book was such a fun and twisted read. I loved every second of it. Xavier really knows how to keep you turning the pages!
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
1,897 reviews1,156 followers
January 3, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Trope: taboo, MMF, second chance
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: *the list is extensive - make sure you read the TW in the beginning of the book

Just woah! I honestly still don't know how I feel about this book and it took me more than a couple days to finish the review. If you're used to Xavier's romcoms, that's NOT what you're getting with this book. I read some dark and twisted romances, but this one takes a hard left turn about half way through and never looks back. Dark, twisted, and sometimes cringy, this is a super intense ride that you're definitely not ready for. It always takes a couple chapters for me to get hooked into Xavier's books, but once I'm in, I'm all in - even when it's as twisted as this one. The story is beautifully written and the relationship dynamic between the three MCs is intricate and intense. The storyline draws you in and keeps you hooked to the end. If dark and twisted, MMF, and taboo are your thing then this is definitely the book for you!
Profile Image for Melinda  Parker.
1,206 reviews20 followers
December 27, 2021
The relationship of Eden, Thatcher, and Ian was like a corkscrew roller coaster.   This story was twisted and dark all while enlightening and a view to what love can be if only we allow ourselves to go on the adventure.

Two boys, one girl, and an early childhood crush/love.  Two different worlds. As they fought to merge, others fought to divide and conquer.  As they grew older, choices were given and taken away. Love grew but protectiveness surpassed.  When it was finally time to make a stand, they all fell down. But what no one truly understood was the love that these people held inside, the lengths each would go to in order to protect their love.

This story left me reeling in the best of ways. Do not judge. Do not think.  Do not have preconceived emotions. Read this for the love story that they intended to live. 
Profile Image for Demi.
1,134 reviews27 followers
December 27, 2021
Wow this book sent me on a whirlwind of emotions, sadness, empathy, anger, astonishment, happiness and love to name a few. This is a LOVE story involving Eden, Thatcher and Ian. Their relationship is a bit unconventional and Thatcher and Ian are in the public eye so there are some hurdles to overcome. There is so much more to this story than their struggle to be together. There are past hurts and manipulations as well as painful events in the boys upbringing. When Ian, Thatcher and Eden are together they are pure LOVE. This story vacillates from darkness to light until it's almost hard to tell which is which any more. Well written and hard to forget. Sexy, steamy and dark and a fantastic read!
Profile Image for Inked Orca.
313 reviews9 followers
December 23, 2021
Eden-1

Release Date: December 30th
Genre/Tropes: Dark, Forbidden, Taboo, MMF, Hints of Suspense, standalone

Eden’s heart got broken by the two boys she trusted the most. Not wanting to stay close to them, she moves away, focusing on her future.

After ten years of not seeing either of them, she’s back and both still have feelings for her. Eden doesn’t want to forgive them for making her feel like a dirty secret kept in the dark, but she can’t resist the power they have over her.

Eden-3

Thatcher, Ian and Eden are trying to keep their love alive while others try to bring them down.

Past secrets will come to light.

Attempts will be made.

lives will be lost.

Eden-5

This book is dark and twisted.

I don’t know what to feel about this one. I knew it was a dark romance, but I would never have guessed it to be that twisted. You get bloody scenes mixed with the steamy ones; you get hints of suspense and, of course, you get the romance.

Xavier Neal knows how to make a story pull the readers in. each word had me moving to the next to see where the story will go. I enjoyed being hooked on every line. I have reasons for not giving this a five stars rate, but I can’t say them without spoilers. I’ll try though.

Eden-4

This story will test your morals about what’s right and what’s wrong. It will make you question if what’s happening is truly well-deserved. It makes you question people’s ability to change and what causes them to do such ruthless acts. The book itself has no problems. The plot is brilliantly written, the style of writing is intriguing and the backstories to each character give them depth, making you familiar with them.

Eden-2

I’ve been warned that it’s dark. Few scenes made me stop reading, cover my face and wonder what the hell are they thinking. But I got curious, and I went back to reading with one eye peeking through my fingers. Sometimes it gets so dark, way too much is happening right after the other, like a chain of unfortunate events with no light at the end of this tunnel. Like Thatcher and Ian are pulling you for a dive, controlling when you get to breathe, when you get to break to the surface. Eden could be your type of paradise.

If you are not comfortable reading books with triggering subjects, you might not enjoy this one. Dark romance readers will love this one. Trust me, it’s dark, twisted and steamy as hell.
51 reviews
December 27, 2021
Absolutely loved this book. I still found myself surprised by parts of this story but it was a definitely good surprises. The connection between Eden, Thatcher and Ian is what we all aspire for. The lengths they’re willing to go to protect one another is something unheard of. This story is dark but will keep you turning the pages until you’ve completed the story, and is now in my top favorites. The ending wraps up this story in the most perfect way. This is an absolute must read and if I could give it a hundred stars I would.
Profile Image for Gladys.
12.3k reviews140 followers
December 27, 2021
Wowzer!! What to say, what to say. Well to start I'm going to tell you that I thought this was a truly incredible book and I absolutely loved it!! However, this book is NOT FOR EVERYONE, and you really need to keep that in mind before you decide to read it. This book does have a trigger warning and I highly encourage you to pay attention to it because there are triggers here (actually a lot of them). So please take care of you and if in doubt, Don't...just DON'T try to read this book. Also, if you are not a reader that embraces the darkness and the forbidden with wide open arms and mind, then this book is just as big of a NO-NO for you. Let's keep these things in mind and keep everyone satisfied, safe and happy.

Myself, I was completely enthralled by this sinfully dark MMF romance. I warn you, this book has some brutally sharp teeth, and it is not one bit scared of using them. Things get very graphic and intense. As a self-proclaimed forbidden romance junkie, this book was definitely my jam. You can expect plenty of the naughty and forbidden as you consume this tantalizing read. You had best be prepared though, to have your boundaries pushed at hard. There is a ton of sizzling, scorching and blazing heat as the storyline unfolds but there is also a stunning amount of heart. I loved that the author dealt with so many tough and painful issues in this book and I especially tip my hat to her for presenting one in a way that is often overlooked. It is eye-opening and hard-hitting. Expect to want to provide comfort, cry, rage and be eager to give those that deserve it what they've so got coming to them! The emotions are raw, the feels monumental and the swoon undeniable. Drama, suspense, tension, heartbreak, twists, poignancy, humor, sweetness and harsh realism are skillfully crafted into a jaw-dropping, temperature rising, cannot put it down for a minute longer than you absolutely have to tale, that will have your own heart and emotions feeling like they have been put through a wringer but trust me, you wouldn't want it any other way because the pain makes the pleasure all the sweeter. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Behind Closed Doors Book Review.
1,243 reviews160 followers
January 4, 2022
Amount of sex – 3.5 / 5
How explicit are the sex scenes – 3.5 / 5
Story – 4 / 5
Overall – 4 / 5

Eden is a dark, suspenseful MMF story and the first book that I’ve read by author Xavier Neal. First, I need to express the importance of reading the warning label before beginning, as there are many triggers. Some readers may find certain parts taboo, twisted, and/or possibly test your comfort zone. It’s definitely not for those looking for a traditional romance.

Eden tells the story of Thatcher and Ian, who are adoptive brothers, and Eden, the girl they love.  Many were against them being together, and Thatcher and Ian did the only thing they could to protect her, which was to push her away. Years have passed, and they accomplished many things. However, they still want Eden and will do anything for her.

As I read, I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster ride, and my thoughts were often all over the place.  Eden was very well written, and I look forward to reading more from the author.

Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy
284 reviews41 followers
December 27, 2021
Before I review-Please note this is a dark romance, meaning it has dark themes and taboo scenes. There is a trigger warning at the start of the book, please consider that before you read.
Having said that, I have no triggers and not much phases me so I was all. I put on my seatbelt, braced for impact and let the ride unfold! Whew, what a ride. The characters in this book are equally compelling on their own and as a unit and they are very much a unit, a balance to each other in all ways. This is a love story about overcoming the toxic people in your life, the societal labels, the forced norms and more to really embrace the things and the people that bring you unconditional love. It's an emotional up and down filled with past struggles, past atrocities and current torment and injustice. There is a twisted sense of retribution in some of the scenes that leave you thinking, well that might not be good in the real world but so deserving in this one. LOL I loved every moment, every dark, twisted little nuance, every moment of undeniable love. Great story!
Profile Image for Laura .
834 reviews23 followers
December 28, 2021
I knew going in that this was a dark, forbidden romance. And it lived up to that description.

Ian and Thatcher did everything that they could to have Eden return to them. What happened after her return to Doctenn, and the Lawsons, was wild.

It took a while for the darker elements to arrive in the story, and when they did it was intense. Dang.

This definitely wasn’t my typical read, and it was occasionally a bit much for me, I still enjoyed the overall story.
Profile Image for Becky Ballenger.
651 reviews18 followers
December 27, 2021
“Thee and thine, me and mine.”
This was a dark, twisted hot ménage book that will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions from beginning to end!! Eden, Ian, and Thatcher’s love is pure when they’re together but wow!!! They have a such a dark twisted story!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! There are triggers in this story, and if dark romance is not your thing, don’t read this book, but if it is, then #OneClick this bad boy RIGHT NOW!!!!
Profile Image for Jamie Stahl.
283 reviews12 followers
December 27, 2021
This book is dark and will definitely push your boundaries. But sometimes when one soul is fractured into three pieces, the process of making it whole again will be dirty and messy. But the beauty that is found in that wholeness is worth the pain.

And, in true Xavier Neal fashion, even in the darkness, there will be witty wordplay and a good dose of humor.
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,179 reviews6 followers
December 30, 2021
Eden was their everything, the calm to their dark and torturous world, the one bright spot they could hold onto. But one day something change between the three of them and they wound up breaking her heart in a million pieces. When she left it broke them, their one bit of happiness gone. And that day is when they made a pact that if she ever returned, they'd never give her the chance to leave again.

Now she is returning home, after being gone for a decade, and she is dreading a run-in with the Lawson boys. Her heart is guarded and she has a plan. Get in, do her job, and get out before they have a chance to lure her back in again... but what happens when she sees the men they have grown up to be?

Between the pages of this carefully constructed dark little page-turner readers will meet a woman facing her hurtful past, and the men that caused that hurt. Eden knew it was a possibility she would see them again, but she had no idea how her heart would react to seeing them again, the traitorous thing only beats for them. She didn't want to let them back in, but one look at them and she finds herself repeating old mistakes. It's impossible for her to stay away from the only true love she has have ever known...

From start to finish this one had me hooked on it's every word, it's action-packed and steam-filled pages were impossible to pry my eyes from. Once I met these broken souls I didn't want to let them go, I had to see if they would finally find their way back to one another. I must warn you though this one isn't for the feint of heart, it's pages hold a story that is bound to push you out of the confines of your comfort zone. It's a very dark and steamy can't miss tale! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Anni.
1,149 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2021
Please note the author’s warnings before diving (hah - pun intended! The male MC’s are Olympic divers!) into this book!!

I really enjoyed this one - but it is nothing like the other of her books I’ve read. Not at all! She warns that it’s different and it definitely is. It starts out quite happy-go-lucky with 2 brothers both loving the same girl and each other in a forbidden relationship, from the time they are teens (MMF, crossed swords). The boys are swimmers and divers and their dad and coaches drive them really hard, and do whatever they can to stop it. She is sent away. The boys endured a lot of terrible things from dad and coaches (must read for all of this).

Years later, Eden is back in town for work and this is where the story picks up. They have never been able to resist her and would do anything for her and their love for each other - which means literally anything. Just when you think Xavier Neal will have a boundary line, she has Eden, Ian and Thatcher go further… and further, and then beyond. Not just in the bedroom, oh no! It’s incredibly steamy (maybe the steamiest I’ve read, true), but very pushing ethical boundaries outside also!

This is why it’s a dark book with all the warnings. I got to the point of laughing (especially that last bit before the epilogue… sushi 😅), because I had to wonder just how her brilliant imagination came up with this plot and storyline - absolutely unique in every way. Unlike absolutely everything I’ve read before and I’m certain I won’t find another that is anything like it. Brava Xavier, brava, and very brave!
Profile Image for Basak.
747 reviews37 followers
December 30, 2021

I was absolutely floored with this book. Eden was most probably the darkest and the hottest book I have ever read. The taboo aspect is off the charts, I mean not everybody can handle it if they are triggerish. The demented abuse and torment revealed is difficult to handle. I had to take a breather from reading at some point to gain perspective and lighten my mood but I think that’s how brilliant stories differ from the ordinary ones. Some parts of the story are likely way more graphic than most of us are used to but those parts actually make or break a story, and in this case they definitely made it. I have already been a fan of Xavier Neil since reading Taming of The Crew which was an emotionally cathartic read for me but this book, Eden, took her to another level in my eyes. Not many authors have it in them to dip their toes in this level of dark and disturbing subjects and Neal just nailed it with a twisted flair.
44 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2021
Wow! There are quite a few things I can say about this book...1. Yes it is DARK! Mrs. Xavier did provide plenty of warnings about triggers, There were quite a few what the what moments for me, 2. I was hooked by the first chapter and the book kept my attention. There was not one moment that I felt bored or the need to skim over anything, 3. The characters of Eden, Thatcher and Ian(pronounced eye on) are well developed and I was able to understand why they were the way that they were which helped me enjoy this book. If you like dark reads I say go for it, if you want to try a dark read I say go for it but keep in mind IT IS A DARK BOOK!
230 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2021
This book is a crazy journey of Ian, Eden and Thatcher. Their history is tumultuous and full of secrets just waiting to be discovered.

Ian and Thatchers' family history seems destined to come back and haunt them all, and bring about new dangers that none of them will see coming.

Be sure to heed the trigger warnings as this book is very very dark.
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