The games are over, the secrets have all been revealed, and Sage’s reality has been changed forever – now she just wants to find peace in her new home.
The Hallows Boys will do anything to keep her, even if it means breaking their own rules. But when the world they’ve built begins to fall apart, and the mysteries start to pile up around them, will they be able to save her before it’s too late?
Kaiden, Beckham and Vincent live in the dark, but what happens when it starts to haunt them?
**This is the second book in The Dark Duet and may not be suitable for all readers, this is a dark, poly romance with adult content. The duet must be read in order. Please read responsibly.
I'd been chasing that release day like a crazy person, especially after that cliffy we were thrown over in the previous book. loved the first book and couldn't wait to dive back into this crazy world this new to me author had created and got me addicted to. I really want/need to check out her other books, because this series ticked so many boxes and gave me a little Halloween thrill at the same time.
I loved these boys, each different in their own rights, the tough one, the glue, the abused broken one, the and soft one that craved to be loved, and the one girl that loved them fully.
This had a few twisty turns which made my stomach drop, my head spin and my heart break.
I just don’t know about this one. I think I went into it expecting something else, but got a story that doesn’t really make much sense in the end. Everything felt so rushed and out of place that I read most of this with an eyebrow raised.
I think it comes down to the age of the characters that really makes me struggle. These are high school seniors running around like grown folks and are handling their issue like a high schooler would. Maybe it’s too much to expect some maturity from characters that are barely 18, but even mentally aging them up is tricky with this one. There’s so many traumatic events in this book that are causally discarded that I’m not sure if it’s meant to be a big plot point or not because it quickly forgotten. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’d have preferred less smut and more character development.. This book suffers the same trend as the first book where we get a lot of random information that you don’t know if you should take it seriously because most of the time it’s not followed through on in the end.
And spoiler alert !
Nothing like a teen pregnancy to round off this whole thing. Accidental pregnancy works in some books but this is just not one of them. I’m disappointed that this is the way it ended for Sage.
what even is real life anymore? i refuse to believe the chapter to these 4 characters lives is over with. i’m emotional and my mind is all over the place right now to the point i can’t even write a proper review. i’m gonna miss these 4 so much it actually isn’t even funny. 😭 can someone please tell me how to go back in time to read both book 1 and this one (book 2) for the first time all over again? it’d be greatly appreciated.
TW - rape (on page), SA (by a family member), murder, death of a loved one, suicidal ideation, pregnancy (which includes the implication of loss of a pregnancy), child abuse (physical, from a parent to a MMC, on page and mentioned), depression, anxiety, panic attacks, kidnapping, stalking, underage drinking and smoking, HS aged characters 17-18 in the state of Georgia where the age of consent is 16, homophobia, nightmares, parental death (mentioned x5, including cancer and murder), self harm ideation (mentioned), grief, drugging (of the FMC by a sc), stalking, corruption, birth control tampering, arson (on page)
CW - degradation, light somnophilia, impact play (slapping), spitting, choking, restraints, masks, DVP, DP, blood play, knife play, breath play, coercion (of a sexual nature, not related to any MC, recounted), primal play, breeding, sensory deprivation (sight, touch)
Tropes - dark, secret society, obsessed, possessive, jealous, RH - MMFM, 17/18 yr old MCs plot spoiler:
Unfortunately I did not love this one as much as I loved the first book in the duet but I am still happy that I read it and got to finish their story. Reading this, I found that I was wishing the MCs were in uni and not high school because it kinda started to just feel weird and I also felt like the story would've tracked more if they were older than what they are
Realistically, this is probably my own fault and I need to stop reading incomplete series because I think it’s ruining the experience for me. I finished The Hallows Boys in May 2022 and I’ve read 389 books since then to reading this so you can imagine my tastes has changed. This isn’t the first series it has happened with but it grates on me especially when I’ve been waiting ages to read the next book. This has nothing to do with the author and is mainly about my experience with books but it’s just weird to read this and not fall in love with it the way I remember doing for book 1.
Before we get into what didn't click with me, I just want to say that, I didn't hate this book and I didn't consider DNF'ing despite how negative this review may sound 😅; parts of the plot interested me and we all know the smut was good. I do also think that this duet is worth the read if the tropes are something that you're interested in hence the 3⭐️.
I stopped liking Vinny and Kai in this book because of a major plot point but I just felt like it was cruel, malicious and genuinely uncalled for. I felt like it really spoke to the character's ages because they clearly don't know how to deal with literally anything. For me, they did not redeem themselves and tbh, I didn't want them to because whether which, again speaks to their age because, despite the severity of that, it is very childish to justify that in your mind
I kinda struggled with one of the plot points because, Sage allegedly didn't make sense to me based on the fact that this book is about her so we ultimately know that she . The MMCs reactions to this entire situation irked me more than I can even fathom. I know everyone deals with differently but the way they did just annoyed me *stares at Vinny*. I think I would've preferred if Sage was
Finally, was so disappointing lmao
Scale: ⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite ⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut 🌶 - no point 🌶🌶 - mediocre at best 🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot 🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek
HOW COULD THEY DO THAT TO BECKHAM??? Nothing about that scene was ok and how am I expected to have any interest in these characters after they sexually assault someone they consider family?? And just after I said Vinny and Becks were my favourite thing about this book. This was 13 Reasons Why levels of fucked up and I'm actually traumatised. AND WHY HAS NO ONE EVEN MENTIONED THIS IN THEIR REVIEWS?? Fuck you Rosie Alice 😡
Had to skim forward to see if X was actually dead because WTF? And guess what, a suprise teen pregnancy is how this whole thing wraps up. Fuck everything about the rest of this book. I'm going back to fantasy 🤢
“Who knew, back then, when I was a girl filled with sunshine who got taken into the dark, that I would eventually be falling in love with the three boys who dragged me there.”
It is absolutely bo secret how much I loved The Hallows Boys. I have been on pins and needles waiting for Rosie to give us their conclusion. Let me just tell you it was worth every bit of the wait.
But also I was STRESSED reading this. Like heart in my stomach for a good chunk of time and wanted to fight Rosie. That being said, I might love this one even more than the first, which is saying a lot.
The second book in the duet, "The Hallows Queen," takes a much darker turn than the first. While book one mainly focused on the physical relationship between Sage, Kaiden, Vincent and Beckham, as well as the Hallows Games themselves, book two delves into the characters' lives after the Games have ended. Picking up right where book one left off, Sage discovers that her parents were the original founders of the Hallow Games. As she attempts to uncover more of her parents' secrets, Sage and the guys' world is turned upside down. The suspense and mystery in this book will keep you engaged, and the plot twists are sure to leave you stunned. The conclusion of this duet is incredibly satisfying, and the epilogue ties everything together perfectly.
Things to know degradation, praise, sharing/menage, somnophilia, slapping, spitting, choking, restraints, masks, DVP, DP, assplay/anal, blood play, knife play, MM, MMF, MMFM, MFM and MF, rape, sexual assault by a family member, murder, death of a loved one, suicidal ideation, pregnancy which includes implication of loss of pregnancy, child abuse, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsession, kidnapping, stalking,
Rosie Alice is my queen. I have been waiting for this book since reading the Hallows Boys and my god was this good! I missed my boys and I missed Blackmore. Some smut, some mystery…what more could you want?
Sound the fire alarm humans! You’re in for a wild wicked ride! One that comes with games you will never see coming, and an ending to make you question all the fun that was had on Hallows night! Step into the Blackmore crypt if you dare, We live to BURN things down!
Spicy 🌶️ Toxic, Goodness and the PLOT! It thickens! Just like The Hallows Boys do!
This is the second book in the dark duet and to say I have been so excited for this second book is an understatement! This is a dark poly romance filled with triggers and picks right back up from where the first book finished.
I devoured this book In a day, I just genuinely could not put it down, it may be darker than the first and filled with so much spice but it is also filled with so many god Damn plot twists.. it left me shakier than sage after a gang bang with her hallows boys.
The suspense!!!! The mystery, THE EMOTIONS.. I am just obsessed!
I loved the first book. The second one felt rushed. You know who the bad guys is almost immediately. And the scene with Vinny and Becks.. what the hell? You don't just get over that. I feel like if Becks was a girl everyone would be hating Vinny. Also what the hell was the point of killing Gran ? I feel like it was just another person to kill off to make Sage so dependent on these boys. They all clearly have mommy issues and everyone in the book needs to talk about their trauma with a therapist. And a suprise pregnancy? No. It's the number one rule with smut books, no surprise pregnancies. Like I said I loved the first book. But the second one made me hate Ki and Becks. I honestly wish her uncle killed them and Sage ended up with Becks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“They make me feel worshiped and wanted; rejected and hated; hopeless and hopeful. They make my head pound, my heart ache, my mind melt. They ruin me—and fix me.”
Worth. The. Wait. Sage is the missing piece making them all feel whole. Changing the dynamic but making it better. Finally, finding where she is meant to be. Thriving when with the people who feed your soul. The connection. Explosive chemistry. Pure perfection. So intense that nothing else seems to exist, becoming an addiction. Possession. Complete obsession. I love their love. It’s tranformative. Don’t let me fool you. This story is dark. The mystery. Suspense. Twists. Agonizing loss. I was empty through part of this book, destroyed. I couldn’t fathom where it was headed. It was necessary. It all makes perfect sense and this was the only way it could have been done. Bravo, Rosie, Blackmore is complete.
“Just don’t forget who you belong to, Sage.”
“I’ll always do whatever you need, Kai. I just need you in return.”
well worth the wait and an amazing ending to this duet 🖤 the plot was plotting in THQ and I'm so glad to finally have answers to all the questions we had from the cliffhanger in THB. it got even darker in THQ, with so many twists and turns and even some angst (btw rosie, my therapist's bill is already in the mail en route to you) that all had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
kai, becks, and vinny had my heart in the first book, but their love, obsession, and devotion to Sage made me fall even harder in this book. all three of them are perfect examples of why I go absolutely ferallll for dark romance.
(becks, call me pls 🖤)
please take care of yourself and make sure to read the triggers!!
Holy mother of fucking wow. I didn’t put it down… binged in 5 hours and now I’m regretting not slowing down because I miss this world already. The moment I read book one I just knew this world was meant for me. Meant for my twisted ass mind. And I will not ever be over it. A reread will definitely be in my future because missing these four is in my blood.
Kaiden mf Thorne, my man.. my lover. You knew I loved them dark when you came barreling into my world. Into my soul. Everything about him is just absolutely dark and extremely exhilarating.
Vincent, this book. his provs and pain broke me but in the end he was still the same character from book one with a hint of change. I loved him and I still do.
Beckham, oh my goodness my soft hallows boy. he is everything. the pain he went through in this. the sorrow and the sadness. He deserves everything. the world should fall at his feet.
Sage, what is with me and being obsessed with girls with this name. my woman is a warrior and I already miss her so damn much. she is everything I knew she would become. my warrior queen. my hallows girl. my little rabbit. and the most beautiful savage princess. god I love her.
I can’t believe I’m saying goodbye to this world after a year. The only thing that makes me feel better is knowing my brain goes 💥 everytime I finish a book and then I forget every damn moment in 2 hours tops. Which means reread will be exhilarating and they will be a must so I can live in this world forever. God I miss them. Rosie your words and your writing always get to me so easily. your books always make me cry but I’m glad for it.
I was not emotionally prepared. I loved every second and couldn’t put it down. The second book in the duet ‘The Hallows Queen’ is much darker than the ‘Hallows Boys’. Book 2 takes us much deeper into The characters lives after the initial games had ended. Picking up right where we left off in Book 1 Sage is just as determined to uncover the secrets of the Hallows Boys and her family. But tragedy strikes and it leaves everyone spinning out of control. The plot twists in this book are a whirlwind of emotions. I could not have asked for a more satisfying ending to the Duet and the epilogue tied everything together beautifully.
Quote: “Do I wish that the Hallows Games didn’t exist? Yeah, sure. But without them, I probably wouldn’t have been born, and I certainly wouldn’t be here with you right now. I found my home with you three, and even though I had to go through so much to get here, I’m glad this is where I found my salvation. With you, and Vinny, and Kaiden.”
I loved reading the first book in the duet so I was naturally excited to read the conclusion. Maybe my expectations were a bit too high because I was a little disappointed. First of all, I did not remember that much about book 1 expect for the ending - it would have been nice if book 2 somehow gave us a reminder of what happened previously. Then, the plot twists (two in particular) were a bit too far fetched for me - it wasn't a "omg I did not see that coming" thing but rather a "where is this even coming from" thing. On the other hand, I adored the relationship and dynamic between the main characters. also the rep. (and why is the asshole always my favourite one in a why choose ??). Besides, the spooky vibes and the smut were perfect - it was all entertaining to say the least. Finally, the pacing was good and I loved reading from different points of view. Bonus point for the aesthetic board and the playlist. Please note that some heavy topics were hinted, mentioned and/or talked about so this should be taken into account before reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Okay. Okay. Put your hand up if you feel personally victimised by Rosie Alice? 🙋🏼♀️
The Hallows Queen is the very much anticipated follow up to The Hallows Boys, y’all know I am a H03 for this boys, I have not shut up about these boys since I read the damn thing, they’re my babies. Rosie put me through the wringer in THQ, my emotions were torn, heart stamped on, if I could cry they would be tears of heartbreak and blood. Stop making me feel all these things Rosie I can’t take it 😭
Where THB was filthy and very much smut based, THQ is an emotional heart attack, we still get the smut 🤌🏻✨ (it’s v delicious) we may or may not get another grave yard chase scene 🪦 but it’s so much more, I didn’t know whether I was coming (🌚) or going! I just want to say also that Beckham was the star of this book for me, my precious baby boy. Rosie I need words with you!!! My sweet, angel boy was put through it!
I can’t believe it’s over, I miss them all already!!!!
I couldn’t be more excited to be back in Blackmore with Sage and the boys who I’ve missed so much! This book has a little bit of everything in it! Dark romance, murder mystery, make you melt spice with group activities, psychos on the loose! But also some emotional and sad moments that made me a little teary eyed reading.
This was a roller coaster with everything that happened but it was a fun ride! And the epilogue?!! My heart! 🥹🥹
💀poly/RH 🖤soulmate sh*t 💀chasing through a cemetery 🖤degradation & praise with a brat 💀small town murder mystery
4.5/5 I’m not really a fan of surprise pregnancies; I wish that it had happened in an epilogue or time jump. But this was still a beautiful conclusion to this duology!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I said last book that I would like to see more from the guys POV and I definitely got my wish. I really liked how the story progressed. The drama between Vince and Becks was heartbreaking. I’m so glad it ended the way it did!
The HEA. Oh my god. That last 15% was so fucking perfect. Like the last one, the smut was on point throughout the book and the characters for the most part were just as lovable. I love the balanced development of all 4 MCs throughout this duet - it truly impresses me.
Like I said…for the most part the characters are incredible. The rape scene really bothers me still. The way it was handled afterwards was as good as you can get after you betray your friend and partner by raping them, assuming you still have a relationship, I guess. Still processing this…there just isn’t an excuse for rape. Ever. And the way Sage tried to help Becks take back his power was a good effort, heartfelt, but... He needs therapy and time to feel safe again.
For that matter, a lot of the healing after trauma in this book - and there was a lot of trauma - was glossed over like it was a bad day. Her uncle assaulted her and killed the last family member she had. Her cousin was trying to kill her. Her father murdered someone and her mother covered for him. And Sage just kinda went “Yeah, but I understand where they were coming from and I forgive them.” I know she’s got a heart of gold but come on.
Did I care about the mystery? Not a ton. There were inconsistencies. But I was here for the smut and the characters and this book delivered on that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“Because you mean nothing,” “And she means everything.”
“All four of us. Together.”
the dimples in his cheeks stand out. “Oooh, you sound jealous.”
“Jealous? Nah. Why be jealous when your friends keep my bed so nice and cozy.”
“How’d you become a Hallows Boy when you’re so sweet?” Beckham’s face breaks into a devious smirk that holds all our secrets within it. “I think you know.”
“Kaiden leads the other two up the aisle close to where I’m sitting, then he taps his knuckles on the top of the desk in front of mine, signaling for the guy sitting there to get up. Beckham and Vinny do the same, removing the students from the desks next to me and behind me, and sitting in their places.”
MY TYPE
“You’re a mean, heartless dick, but you’re my mean, heartless dick.”
“My perfect fucking girl, always giving me exactly what I need.” “I’ll always do whatever you need, Kai. I just need you in return.”
His hand cups my face, and he pulls his mouth from mine “Again.” “What?” “Say you need me again,” he growls, and I find his eyes wild and manic. “You know that I need you, Kaiden. You’re my miserable, hateful, terrifying dick, and you complete me.”
“Don’t you ever fucking touch him again!” he shouts, then kicks my father in the ribs. “He isn’t yours to fucking hurt!” He kicks him in the chest. “You’re a worthless piece of shit!” His foot connects with my father’s throat.”
beckham is my fav
“At the center of Vinny’s bedroom, though, is his father—in a bloody pile—dead.”
oh took “i would kill for u” too far but i still love it
“Are you with Kai now? Or will you belong to all of us?” “Do you want me to belong to all of you?” “I think you always have, Sage.”
“Where do you want me, princess?” he asks as he approaches me, thumb playing with my lip.”
“Keep your eyes on me, Savage. I want to watch you fall apart.”
Beckham grins at me. “Sage Grace Blackmore of Blackmore, Georgia. Do we get special treatment since we’re dating the town princess?”
“Let me make something very clear, Beckham. You are no longer a Hallows Boy—you are no longer a part of our family, you will never see Vinny again, and you will never speak to me again. Show your face in school and I’ll end you, got it?”
“I do, Vincent!” I yell, shoving his chest. “I’ve been helping her grandmother plan the fucking funeral!”
awww
“So as the man I love thrusts into me from behind, and the brother I would give my life for holds me down as punishment, I press my eyes closed and take it.”
nahh they’re both dead to me. beckham was the best one anyways.
i bet juliet killed her or had something to do w it if she’s even dead or maybe her uncle bc he’s been weird from the start
“But I don’t. We just stare at each other, almost as if there’s something blocking our paths.”
well i missed but juliet being his daughter 💀
STOP WHY DID HER GRANDMA HAVE TO DIE I LIKEDDDD HER
“Beckham doesn’t flinch, standing strong, and my chest aches at what I might witness. “Don’t let her go, Kai. No matter what he does. Let him kill me if it means saving her.”
☹️☹️
Kaiden shakes his head. “There’s no fucking way you’re leaving my arms, Sage. If I die, I’ll die trying to save you.”
“I haven’t begged for shit,” Kaiden bites out, pressing closer to the gun. “If you’re going to kill me, kill me, but it’ll make no difference if I’m alive or dead. She’ll always be mine.”
“Twelve weeks,” “Halloween.” Kaiden smirks “Our very own Hallows Baby.” He smiles, threading his fingers between mine.
“Maybe the baby already knows you’re the mean daddy,” Beckham says, and I laugh a little harder than I should. Kaiden narrows his eyes at Beckham. “Maybe you should remember that I’m the mean daddy too.” Vinny chokes on his juice. “That sounded kinky.”
“I never had a paternity test done because, no matter what, Peyton is all four of ours, but her blue eyes, black curly hair, and warm soul give away whose DNA runs through her. We don’t talk about it, any of us, but I know deep down Vinny and Kai know she’s Becks’ flesh and blood. It doesn’t change their bond with her, though, because Beckham is just as much their family as me and Peyton.”
even tho “they’re all together” i feel like since it’s pretty obv it’s becks kid him and sage share a bigger bond ngl
“Beckham smirks at me, something playful but devious behind the expression, then he reaches into the back pocket of his pants and pulls out a black mask. Slipping it over his head, my stomach drops when I’m reminded of the first night I saw this particular mask—the one with hearts sewn around the eye sockets.”
“Do you wanna play, Little Rabbit?”
Two large shadows appear behind him, then I’m staring at all three of them—my Hallows Boys—Kaiden in his mask with X’s on the eyes, and Vinny’s with circles, and my entire soul vibrates with desire at the memories.”
Vinny smirks at me, then rolls over to my side, onto his back. “Come sit on your throne then, princess.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
When Sage is forced to move to a small town called Blackmore she never thought that she would end up meeting her 3 hallows boys (Kai, Becks and Vinny) who would end up being her soulmates and change her life irrevocably. It started off with a game on Halloween night but they all become obsessed with Sage and couldn’t keep away from her no matter how hard they tried to deny their feelings for her. Kai was the protector of the group. Becks was warm and playful. Vinny was the bad boy, who had rough edges but a soft heart. They all found contentment in eachother and they all had different bonds with Sage, each beautifully unique and special in their own way. In this town, where all the secrets have been revealed Sage has found a piece of herself that she didn’t even know was missing. And she’s the missing piece that completes the 3 hallows boys. Sage finally embraced her true self and inner darkness with the help of her hallows boys, she finds comfort in the darkness, despite all the secrets she trusts her boys. In the end, despite their initial apprehension, Sage became the glue which held them all together even through all the trauma and obstacles they faced.
I loved this duet so much, I was obsessed with all 3 MMCs in the poly relationship, it even included MM which enhanced the experience.
Tropes * Reverse harem MFM FMM MM MFMM FM * Dub con , Praise & Degradation * Dark romance * Erotica * Mystery * Small town * Found family
🎵Songs🎵 Can’t pretend by Tom Odell Lost in the fire by Gesaffelstein, The Weeknd Wicked Game by Chris Isaak Silence by Marshmallow and Khalid Skin and bones by David Kushner Cinnamon girl by Lana Del Rey Work song by Hozier Do I wanna know by Arctic Monkeys Going to Hell by Bryce Savage House of balloons by The Weeknd