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Ride or Die Romances
Across State Lines
Chaos.
Control.
In a broken mind, it's all merely an illusion.
Kane
I’m an interstate trucker who’s left hundreds of bodies behind him. She's a woman who’s running from her past. When she gets in my truck, she unwittingly becomes my next victim.
I test her will to live, but the personalities behind mine have a different plan for her. They work to dismantle the fragile equilibrium I've struggled to maintain.
As I unravel around her, consumed by conflicting desires, I start to question everything I've ever known. Or never known.
Can I let her into the darkness that has consumed me, or will she become yet another tragic casualty of my damaged psyche?
Tropes:
Age Gap
Enemies to lovers
Hate to love
MMC with multiple personalities
Primal
One Bed
Across State Lines is a DARK GRAY hitchhiker romance. All books in this series are STANDALONES and can be read in any order.
This dark hitchhiker romance has extreme content. Full list of content warnings on my website. Please read responsibly!
Control.
In a broken mind, it's all merely an illusion.
Kane
I’m an interstate trucker who’s left hundreds of bodies behind him. She's a woman who’s running from her past. When she gets in my truck, she unwittingly becomes my next victim.
I test her will to live, but the personalities behind mine have a different plan for her. They work to dismantle the fragile equilibrium I've struggled to maintain.
As I unravel around her, consumed by conflicting desires, I start to question everything I've ever known. Or never known.
Can I let her into the darkness that has consumed me, or will she become yet another tragic casualty of my damaged psyche?
Tropes:
Age Gap
Enemies to lovers
Hate to love
MMC with multiple personalities
Primal
One Bed
Across State Lines is a DARK GRAY hitchhiker romance. All books in this series are STANDALONES and can be read in any order.
This dark hitchhiker romance has extreme content. Full list of content warnings on my website. Please read responsibly!
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2024
878 people are currently reading
9270 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Biel
37 books4,346 followersLauren’s stories are often emotionally raw, with lots of twists and turns. She describes her writing as “where light meets dark”, which represents how her witty humor compliments the darkness in every story. Instead of trying to mold her writing to fit in a box, she chooses to be unapologetically herself. While her focus is on Romance with dark elements, subgenre is no constraint for her. The common theme in every book is finding love when you least expect it. She enjoys putting her characters through tribulations, allowing their triumphs to be that much more poignant. Make sure you have your seatbelts secured. It’s always a bumpy ride.
When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but.
When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,086 reviews
May 8, 2025
Just when you think Lauren Biel can’t top the last release, she goes next-level. Across State Lines is the dark romance you didn’t know you needed.
October 24, 2024
Interesting split personality storyline!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: ☺️😊😁
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Aurora - she was born in New York and attended college in California. Her parents think she graduated, but she dropped out and things went downhill from there. She is now trying to make her way across country, stopping in truck stops to turn tricks to make enough money to get further.
The Hero: Kane (a.k.a. Jax and Tobin) - Kane experienced abuse and trauma from an early age and he subsequently got dissociative identity disorder. His mind created alternate personalities to protect itself from breaking completely. Kane is a long-haul truck driver and a prolific interstate serial killer; he has left bodies all along the interstate 90. Jax is a sweet, gentle soul who is a caretaker, Tobin is a “hyper sexualized consciousness born of sexual trauma” but sees himself as the protector of the other identities. There are others but these are the ones that come out the most.
The story: Like the prior books in this series, this one centers around hitchhiking, which is how Aurora ends up in Kane’s truck. He regularly picks up prostitutes and kills many of them. In this story, Kane and his alters recognize like minds in Aurora. He sees that she is as damaged as he is, just in a separate way. Kane is a really bad guy, he doesn’t like to be touched, and the only time he touches women is when he is strangling them.
Kane grew up with the nameless, a group of brothers he owes money to for buying his awesome truck. He pays them off by selling them women now and then. He actually knows their names but calls them the nameless because he wants to keep them at a distance, and he doesn’t want to know more than he already knows about their business. After Tobin decides he wants Aurora, Kane takes over and picks her up. He decides to sell her to the nameless to help pay off his debt.
I really liked every book in this series that I have listened to so far. They all have been somewhat twisted but have kept my attention. The anti-Heroes are morally grey (very dark grey) but are likable in their own ways. This book was especially interesting because of the DID. It is almost like a reverse harem, since each identity is like a completely different person and Aurora has her own relationships with each of them.
Though I didn’t like how much animosity the two main characters had for each other after they first met. I didn’t see how this would end up being a romance. Both Tobin and Kane just treated her like a dirty prostitute, and she was trying to escape from him, expecting him to kill her if she wasn’t able to get away. Then he starts degrading her and not in a sexual way. I didn’t like that at all. There were a lot of triggers in this book so beware! I have seen this happen before in series like these with morally grey characters. It seems like the authors try to outdo each book in the series with anti-Heroes that get worse and worse as the series progresses. This was that book for me, I have listened to the first two books in this series and really liked them, but this one goes a bit too far for my tastes.
This audiobook was told in two points of view via duet narration and was narrated Teddy Hamilton and Michelle Sparks. Teddy Hamilton has a great voice and always does a stellar job. Whether the character is a billionaire businessman or a blue-collar serial killer, he just has a voice that is believable no matter what. Michelle Sparks has a nice voice and also does a terrific job in this one. I love that this series is done in duet narration, it makes the audiobooks so much better.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎
Character development: ☺️😊😁
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Aurora - she was born in New York and attended college in California. Her parents think she graduated, but she dropped out and things went downhill from there. She is now trying to make her way across country, stopping in truck stops to turn tricks to make enough money to get further.
The Hero: Kane (a.k.a. Jax and Tobin) - Kane experienced abuse and trauma from an early age and he subsequently got dissociative identity disorder. His mind created alternate personalities to protect itself from breaking completely. Kane is a long-haul truck driver and a prolific interstate serial killer; he has left bodies all along the interstate 90. Jax is a sweet, gentle soul who is a caretaker, Tobin is a “hyper sexualized consciousness born of sexual trauma” but sees himself as the protector of the other identities. There are others but these are the ones that come out the most.
The story: Like the prior books in this series, this one centers around hitchhiking, which is how Aurora ends up in Kane’s truck. He regularly picks up prostitutes and kills many of them. In this story, Kane and his alters recognize like minds in Aurora. He sees that she is as damaged as he is, just in a separate way. Kane is a really bad guy, he doesn’t like to be touched, and the only time he touches women is when he is strangling them.
Kane grew up with the nameless, a group of brothers he owes money to for buying his awesome truck. He pays them off by selling them women now and then. He actually knows their names but calls them the nameless because he wants to keep them at a distance, and he doesn’t want to know more than he already knows about their business. After Tobin decides he wants Aurora, Kane takes over and picks her up. He decides to sell her to the nameless to help pay off his debt.
I really liked every book in this series that I have listened to so far. They all have been somewhat twisted but have kept my attention. The anti-Heroes are morally grey (very dark grey) but are likable in their own ways. This book was especially interesting because of the DID. It is almost like a reverse harem, since each identity is like a completely different person and Aurora has her own relationships with each of them.
Though I didn’t like how much animosity the two main characters had for each other after they first met. I didn’t see how this would end up being a romance. Both Tobin and Kane just treated her like a dirty prostitute, and she was trying to escape from him, expecting him to kill her if she wasn’t able to get away. Then he starts degrading her and not in a sexual way. I didn’t like that at all. There were a lot of triggers in this book so beware! I have seen this happen before in series like these with morally grey characters. It seems like the authors try to outdo each book in the series with anti-Heroes that get worse and worse as the series progresses. This was that book for me, I have listened to the first two books in this series and really liked them, but this one goes a bit too far for my tastes.
This audiobook was told in two points of view via duet narration and was narrated Teddy Hamilton and Michelle Sparks. Teddy Hamilton has a great voice and always does a stellar job. Whether the character is a billionaire businessman or a blue-collar serial killer, he just has a voice that is believable no matter what. Michelle Sparks has a nice voice and also does a terrific job in this one. I love that this series is done in duet narration, it makes the audiobooks so much better.
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May 13, 2024
At first I didn't plan in reading this series but I kept seeing quotes and such for this book and I got really intrigued so I bought it. It's part of a series but could be read as a standalone but will definitely need to buy other books from this series later. Heavy on triggers and has some very twisted and nasty moments in it but very addictive to read but definitely a book that isn't for everyone.
March 24, 2024
4.5 stars!!
Across State Lines is another dark and sinful story in the Ride or Die romance world. Two broken souls with trauma who find each other in their darkest moments. Kane has experienced horror in his childhood and his mind splintered to protect him. Living with DID hasn’t been easy but Kane has built a life for himself in the trucking industry and lives outside the boundaries of what’s considered moral and right.
Aurora suffered a traumatic event and has left college and is working her way home. In order to make money she has sold her body. Running into Kane changes the entire trajectory of her life.
This story was dirty, depraved, heartbreaking, dark, steamy, violent and shockingly sexy. I think when an author decides to represent a mental health condition, it can go one of two ways. In this case, Lauren has written a devastatingly painful yet beautiful story that accurately portrays DID and additional traumas a person has to learn to live with and process. I really loved Lauren’s ability in this story to create an engaging and action packed plot while also not minimizing or invalidating trauma. I adored that these characters were written with real flaws, thoughts, fears and an authenticity that spoke to me on a visceral level.
Kane and his alters Jax and Tobin were parts of Kane that soothed and protected the broken pieces of his soul and I loved that Lauren had Aurora create a distinct relationship with each. Jax was the sweet one that would comfort and soothe. Tobin was the sexual deviant that was equally brutal and kind in his own way toward Aurora. Kane was the killer and the asshole but even he found himself with a gooey center for Aurora.
Aurora has had it rough but she’s managed to pick herself up and move forward in the best way she knows how. She’s tenacious and smart with a wit that keeps her alive. However, underneath all that fierceness is a soul that craves love and acceptance for all her jagged pieces. Her acceptance despite initially being rightfully afraid of Kane was wonderfully executed and their HEA might be the most passionate and screwed up of HEAs I’ve read. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It fit them and Lauren never intentionally strayed from who they were as characters. She simply molded them to realize they fit each other in the best of ways.
Across State Lines was dark romance at its finest with intricate characters, a gritty plot and a couple that proved that love and romance doesn’t have to fit a certain mold.
ARC provided for an honest review
Across State Lines is another dark and sinful story in the Ride or Die romance world. Two broken souls with trauma who find each other in their darkest moments. Kane has experienced horror in his childhood and his mind splintered to protect him. Living with DID hasn’t been easy but Kane has built a life for himself in the trucking industry and lives outside the boundaries of what’s considered moral and right.
Aurora suffered a traumatic event and has left college and is working her way home. In order to make money she has sold her body. Running into Kane changes the entire trajectory of her life.
”Trauma recognizes trauma. You aren’t fragmented the same way we are, but you’re just as broken.”
This story was dirty, depraved, heartbreaking, dark, steamy, violent and shockingly sexy. I think when an author decides to represent a mental health condition, it can go one of two ways. In this case, Lauren has written a devastatingly painful yet beautiful story that accurately portrays DID and additional traumas a person has to learn to live with and process. I really loved Lauren’s ability in this story to create an engaging and action packed plot while also not minimizing or invalidating trauma. I adored that these characters were written with real flaws, thoughts, fears and an authenticity that spoke to me on a visceral level.
Kane and his alters Jax and Tobin were parts of Kane that soothed and protected the broken pieces of his soul and I loved that Lauren had Aurora create a distinct relationship with each. Jax was the sweet one that would comfort and soothe. Tobin was the sexual deviant that was equally brutal and kind in his own way toward Aurora. Kane was the killer and the asshole but even he found himself with a gooey center for Aurora.
”…What’s wrong with you?” He laughs. “Actually, what’s so fucking right with you?”
Aurora has had it rough but she’s managed to pick herself up and move forward in the best way she knows how. She’s tenacious and smart with a wit that keeps her alive. However, underneath all that fierceness is a soul that craves love and acceptance for all her jagged pieces. Her acceptance despite initially being rightfully afraid of Kane was wonderfully executed and their HEA might be the most passionate and screwed up of HEAs I’ve read. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It fit them and Lauren never intentionally strayed from who they were as characters. She simply molded them to realize they fit each other in the best of ways.
Across State Lines was dark romance at its finest with intricate characters, a gritty plot and a couple that proved that love and romance doesn’t have to fit a certain mold.
ARC provided for an honest review
June 19, 2024
This book was fucked up in every which way but I enjoyed it so much. Kane, Tobin, Jax, and Aurora will always have my heart🥹
: ̗̀➛Pre-Review: Don't mind me just ignoring my current reads to read another dark romance book🚶🏾♀️
: ̗̀➛Pre-Review: Don't mind me just ignoring my current reads to read another dark romance book🚶🏾♀️
March 22, 2024
This book was absolutely phenomenal. And not even for the romance element, which is usually my most important factor in a book. As a student mental health nurse and someone who has been fascinated with psychology from a young age, this book had me in an absolute chokehold of wonder. The way Lauren manages to represent and depict the mental health reps throughout this story were remarkable. I don't want to say the particular condition that is repped by the male character in this book as I don't want to ruin it, but as someone who has always found this disorder absolutely fascinating I recognised where the story was leading quite early, and not in a bad way, in an exciting, I need to read more, faster! Kind of way. To actually experience it first hand through Lauren's writing, feel what he must be feeling, glimpse what daily life is like and the battles he endures living with this condition were just monumentally fascinating to read.
The developing relationship between Aurora and Kane whilst brutal and very dark was also endearing to read about. They are both broken, both suffered great trauma, neither has anyone else (except Kane and pup) neither wants to be seen as or admit weakness, but the way they slowly come together and Aurora breaks down his walls and they both begin to heal each other was beautiful to read. This really was a story with so many underlying deep messages and such a fantastic rep for mental health and childhood trauma that leads into adulthood I was actually blown away. The effects childhood trauma have on us as adults is still largely underestimated and not talked about enough and this book just demonstrated it so phenomenally well. I actually can't find the words to describe how much of a masterpiece this book is. I very rarely read a book where my driving focus is not romance or spice but with this story, the romance took a back seat the story itself is what snared me and it will definitely be one i read over and over again.
Don't get me wrong this book does have romance just not in the conventional sense and the spice is definitely spicing, but on this ocassion the plot was EVERYTHING!
1000% recommend this
The developing relationship between Aurora and Kane whilst brutal and very dark was also endearing to read about. They are both broken, both suffered great trauma, neither has anyone else (except Kane and pup) neither wants to be seen as or admit weakness, but the way they slowly come together and Aurora breaks down his walls and they both begin to heal each other was beautiful to read. This really was a story with so many underlying deep messages and such a fantastic rep for mental health and childhood trauma that leads into adulthood I was actually blown away. The effects childhood trauma have on us as adults is still largely underestimated and not talked about enough and this book just demonstrated it so phenomenally well. I actually can't find the words to describe how much of a masterpiece this book is. I very rarely read a book where my driving focus is not romance or spice but with this story, the romance took a back seat the story itself is what snared me and it will definitely be one i read over and over again.
Don't get me wrong this book does have romance just not in the conventional sense and the spice is definitely spicing, but on this ocassion the plot was EVERYTHING!
1000% recommend this
July 12, 2024
This was an insane roller-coaster of a read! 😍
Intense, dirty, it actually made me almost throw up at least in two different moments. 💀🤢😬 so when I said dirty, I literally meant dirty and filthy. 🫣😂
At times, I was feeling like I'm reading the psycho's point of view from a Criminal Minds episode 👀🫣😪. And I was all in!!! *Gimme me more* 💥😪
What to expect
- Age Gap (she's in her 20s, he's 40)
- cray cray MMC, that has multiple personalities, one more interesting than the other
- trauma bonding between the main characters
- sassy, broken, but strong FMC, that does everything and everyone *face palm* to make ends meet *I wanted to hug her a few times* 🥺🥺
- filthy 🔥, as usual with this author's books
- uncomfortable and intense scenes *All I could think of was: so many geeeeeeeeeeeerms, NOOOOOOOO* 🫣😭😐
- HEA
This book IS NOT for everyone! So mind your TW!
.
.
.
"Home is here in this truck.
Home is Kane, Tobin, and Jax.
Home is a little dog who ran away and brought four people together.
I’ve found something most people can only dream about. I go to sleep in one part of the country and wake up in another. I go to sleep with one man and wake up with another too.
Yeah, this life is a little complicated at times.
But clearly, I like it that way."
.
.
.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Intense, dirty, it actually made me almost throw up at least in two different moments. 💀🤢😬 so when I said dirty, I literally meant dirty and filthy. 🫣😂
At times, I was feeling like I'm reading the psycho's point of view from a Criminal Minds episode 👀🫣😪. And I was all in!!! *Gimme me more* 💥😪
What to expect
- Age Gap (she's in her 20s, he's 40)
- cray cray MMC, that has multiple personalities, one more interesting than the other
- trauma bonding between the main characters
- sassy, broken, but strong FMC, that does everything and everyone *face palm* to make ends meet *I wanted to hug her a few times* 🥺🥺
- filthy 🔥, as usual with this author's books
- uncomfortable and intense scenes *All I could think of was: so many geeeeeeeeeeeerms, NOOOOOOOO* 🫣😭😐
- HEA
This book IS NOT for everyone! So mind your TW!
.
.
.
"Home is here in this truck.
Home is Kane, Tobin, and Jax.
Home is a little dog who ran away and brought four people together.
I’ve found something most people can only dream about. I go to sleep in one part of the country and wake up in another. I go to sleep with one man and wake up with another too.
Yeah, this life is a little complicated at times.
But clearly, I like it that way."
.
.
.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 25, 2024
Lauren Biel has another story in her delicious Ride or Die series,and i was the lucky girl that got the ARC on BookSirens.
And Across State Lines lived up to the series name,i can tell you that after finishing…..
It’s a story of how trauma affects us all differently.
A story of heeding the old warning “don’t get in a car/truck with a stranger”.
And one that shows a person will do anything to survive.
Of finding a soulmate in the most unexpected places.
A story that describes DID in such a beautiful way……showing the fractured pieces of Kane,each piece with his own unique identity.
As well as showing the inner strenght Aurora possesses when faced with all of his identities.
Even after all she’d been through herself…..or maybe because of it.
Because trauma recognises trauma…..
Their Ride or Die is a rollercoaster ride riddled with triggers,so be aware of those before you even think of starting this one.
But if you like your stories dark,and don’t mind a couple of triggers,i wish you a a lot of fun with this dark beauty!!
And Across State Lines lived up to the series name,i can tell you that after finishing…..
It’s a story of how trauma affects us all differently.
A story of heeding the old warning “don’t get in a car/truck with a stranger”.
And one that shows a person will do anything to survive.
Of finding a soulmate in the most unexpected places.
A story that describes DID in such a beautiful way……showing the fractured pieces of Kane,each piece with his own unique identity.
As well as showing the inner strenght Aurora possesses when faced with all of his identities.
Even after all she’d been through herself…..or maybe because of it.
Because trauma recognises trauma…..
Their Ride or Die is a rollercoaster ride riddled with triggers,so be aware of those before you even think of starting this one.
But if you like your stories dark,and don’t mind a couple of triggers,i wish you a a lot of fun with this dark beauty!!
August 23, 2024
My song for Across State Lines (and this was a tough one): It Will Come Back by Hozier
"Trauma recognizes trauma. You aren't fragmented the same way we are, but you're just as broken."
This review contains out-of-context quotes that could be considered spoilers
While it’s no secret that I love Lauren Biel’s books, this one was special to me and is now my favorite alongside Don’t Stop.🖤
Regardless of how much I loved books like Never Let Go, her Ride or/and Die series might just be it for me.
‘Aurora is not a threat to him. If anything, she could be his salvation.‘
Across State Lines brings the Hitchhiker books to another level. Not only does it succumb to the most threatening fears of hitchhiking and twist them into some depraved sort of beauty. It also brings a genius to character building and development I didn’t think was possible.
‘They are three separate men in one body. And one of those men wants me dead.‘
The concept alone, the choice of POVs? I was stunned speechless by chapter three.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: for me a breathtakingly good book will always be one that builds off the dynamics between characters. I found myself barely caring about the also very good plot as I emerged into the abyss of the human psyche alongside the characters.
’Her eyes widen as she pulls out my cock and sees my dick. I can't help but wonder if it's because of the length or girth. Maybe it's the black metal piercing or the tattoo etched into that sensitive area. Cry for me, it says.‘
One thing that makes Lauren Biel’s books so unique to me is the confidence and nonchalance with which she embraces the most depraved kinks. Her ability to barter realities so dark that all sexual deviance becomes natural is, for me, unmatched. The spectrum between dark romance and horror erotica is a common safe space for exploring but more than that, her books feel like a home to my darkest monsters.
’When I lie on my deathbed, my life won't flash before my eyes, but their deaths will.‘
I don’t want to say Across State Lines messed with my head cause it felt far less negative than that choice of words might imply. It did however alter something that’s since been working in my subconscious. I love it for the effect it has on me as much as for the intricate framework of psychology laced with that kind of darkness.
‘That's another layer to this problematic cake I've baked.‘
The way I laughed at that sentence?😂 As always, the writing is flawless and smooth. I was sucked in from page one. And as always Lauren Biel chose just the right time frame for this with the perfect point to end the story.
"If you think I like tears, imagine how much I love blood," he growls as a trail of red trickles from his lower lip. "This is all just foreplay, eighty."
To conclude I really feel the need to say, as I’ve said on various platforms before, that I am obsessed with Tobin in a way that does no longer worry me. I love him.🖤
"Trauma recognizes trauma. You aren't fragmented the same way we are, but you're just as broken."
This review contains out-of-context quotes that could be considered spoilers
While it’s no secret that I love Lauren Biel’s books, this one was special to me and is now my favorite alongside Don’t Stop.🖤
Regardless of how much I loved books like Never Let Go, her Ride or/and Die series might just be it for me.
‘Aurora is not a threat to him. If anything, she could be his salvation.‘
Across State Lines brings the Hitchhiker books to another level. Not only does it succumb to the most threatening fears of hitchhiking and twist them into some depraved sort of beauty. It also brings a genius to character building and development I didn’t think was possible.
‘They are three separate men in one body. And one of those men wants me dead.‘
The concept alone, the choice of POVs? I was stunned speechless by chapter three.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: for me a breathtakingly good book will always be one that builds off the dynamics between characters. I found myself barely caring about the also very good plot as I emerged into the abyss of the human psyche alongside the characters.
’Her eyes widen as she pulls out my cock and sees my dick. I can't help but wonder if it's because of the length or girth. Maybe it's the black metal piercing or the tattoo etched into that sensitive area. Cry for me, it says.‘
One thing that makes Lauren Biel’s books so unique to me is the confidence and nonchalance with which she embraces the most depraved kinks. Her ability to barter realities so dark that all sexual deviance becomes natural is, for me, unmatched. The spectrum between dark romance and horror erotica is a common safe space for exploring but more than that, her books feel like a home to my darkest monsters.
’When I lie on my deathbed, my life won't flash before my eyes, but their deaths will.‘
I don’t want to say Across State Lines messed with my head cause it felt far less negative than that choice of words might imply. It did however alter something that’s since been working in my subconscious. I love it for the effect it has on me as much as for the intricate framework of psychology laced with that kind of darkness.
‘That's another layer to this problematic cake I've baked.‘
The way I laughed at that sentence?😂 As always, the writing is flawless and smooth. I was sucked in from page one. And as always Lauren Biel chose just the right time frame for this with the perfect point to end the story.
"If you think I like tears, imagine how much I love blood," he growls as a trail of red trickles from his lower lip. "This is all just foreplay, eighty."
To conclude I really feel the need to say, as I’ve said on various platforms before, that I am obsessed with Tobin in a way that does no longer worry me. I love him.🖤
August 3, 2025
As usual with Lauren Biel books read the trigger warnings.
It’s a triad of ill-fates for our FMC, Aurora. Kane, Tobin and Jax seem determined to aid her into an early grave by one means or another 💀😈 Debauchery, depravity and degradation feature strongly, another three. Her life is literally held in their hands, her one ally Pup, the three legged dog. So many 3’s. Their darkness collides in ways I can not divulge without giving too much away but if you know Laurens’ writing then you can guess what road this will take (pun intended) 😬
It’s a triad of ill-fates for our FMC, Aurora. Kane, Tobin and Jax seem determined to aid her into an early grave by one means or another 💀😈 Debauchery, depravity and degradation feature strongly, another three. Her life is literally held in their hands, her one ally Pup, the three legged dog. So many 3’s. Their darkness collides in ways I can not divulge without giving too much away but if you know Laurens’ writing then you can guess what road this will take (pun intended) 😬
July 12, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ I presume this is a version based of the real I90 killer, although obviously parts are fiction. Overall this was a good read.
December 9, 2024
1.75⭐
If it's not for his disorder, I would lower my rate more than that. Nothing is wrong with the book, but obviously it's not my cup of tea and I did read the trigger warnings but it didn't keep up with what actually happens.
Reading about Kane, Tobin and Jax was very interesting. I was always anticipated to know who will appear next. Everyone of them felt literally an independent person, Sometimes I was feeling like reading a RH. Also the spice was very creative, especially with Tobin, even if it's not sensual at all.
However, I couldn't get over the humiliation Kane caused to Aurora at the beginning or for the most of the book actually. And he did say he's NOT SORRY about any of it. I'm a dark romance reader so I had no problem to read about a killer, but not a Killer reducing the FMC dignity, the FMC that had already been through enough.
Many parts of this book made me cringe, and as there were some good moments between them especially when Jax appears, I couldn't link much with the characters or the story. And I think it's me problem after all.
I was hoping to see more from Kane, or for him to unravel more.. talk about his truma, know more about his disorder and life. If I knew him and Aurora more, I think I would be more attached to them than I'm.
And I don't understand how the tropes of this book is for real. Are they enemies? Where's the age gap aside from the “daddy” thing?
I'm feeling so stupid right now.
“No. It’s not that. I just want to come home. Over.”
“You are home.”
“No, this isn’t my home anymore. That truck is my home. You are my home.”
If it's not for his disorder, I would lower my rate more than that. Nothing is wrong with the book, but obviously it's not my cup of tea and I did read the trigger warnings but it didn't keep up with what actually happens.
Reading about Kane, Tobin and Jax was very interesting. I was always anticipated to know who will appear next. Everyone of them felt literally an independent person, Sometimes I was feeling like reading a RH. Also the spice was very creative, especially with Tobin, even if it's not sensual at all.
However, I couldn't get over the humiliation Kane caused to Aurora at the beginning or for the most of the book actually. And he did say he's NOT SORRY about any of it. I'm a dark romance reader so I had no problem to read about a killer, but not a Killer reducing the FMC dignity, the FMC that had already been through enough.
Many parts of this book made me cringe, and as there were some good moments between them especially when Jax appears, I couldn't link much with the characters or the story. And I think it's me problem after all.
I was hoping to see more from Kane, or for him to unravel more.. talk about his truma, know more about his disorder and life. If I knew him and Aurora more, I think I would be more attached to them than I'm.
And I don't understand how the tropes of this book is for real. Are they enemies? Where's the age gap aside from the “daddy” thing?
I'm feeling so stupid right now.
“No. It’s not that. I just want to come home. Over.”
“You are home.”
“No, this isn’t my home anymore. That truck is my home. You are my home.”
March 29, 2024
Lauren Biel did it again. Another great addition to her Ride or die series. I love her writing.
The MMC and the FMC were such interesting characters and I liked learning why they were the way they were as the story developed. The way trauma and how differently people handle it is described well in this book, some moments in this book hit me like a brick in the face. Which is ok, I knew what I was getting into here. I like the way Lauren wrote about DID, how she described how fractured Kane is. I also really enjoyed how strong Aurora was throughout this story. What a badass! I love a strong FMC.
The spice varied from sexy to downright depraved and I am here for it! Let's be honest: if you're going to read a LB book and read the trigger warnings...you know what you're getting into. Don't bash a book for doing exactly what it promised and enjoy how unhinged it gets. Because it does. Some of the things he made her do were almost gag worthy.
If you enjoy a darker story, with plenty of trigger warnings: this one needs to go on your tbr. Thank me later.
What. a. ride.
In this book you'll find:
🖤MF
🖤Dark romance
🖤Hate to love
🖤Truck driver/Hitchhiker
🖤Serial killer MMC
🖤Mental health rep
🖤Trauma
🖤Age gap
🖤Primal
🖤🔪play
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
⚠️As always, check your trigger warnings before diving in 🫶🏻
The MMC and the FMC were such interesting characters and I liked learning why they were the way they were as the story developed. The way trauma and how differently people handle it is described well in this book, some moments in this book hit me like a brick in the face. Which is ok, I knew what I was getting into here. I like the way Lauren wrote about DID, how she described how fractured Kane is. I also really enjoyed how strong Aurora was throughout this story. What a badass! I love a strong FMC.
The spice varied from sexy to downright depraved and I am here for it! Let's be honest: if you're going to read a LB book and read the trigger warnings...you know what you're getting into. Don't bash a book for doing exactly what it promised and enjoy how unhinged it gets. Because it does. Some of the things he made her do were almost gag worthy.
If you enjoy a darker story, with plenty of trigger warnings: this one needs to go on your tbr. Thank me later.
What. a. ride.
In this book you'll find:
🖤MF
🖤Dark romance
🖤Hate to love
🖤Truck driver/Hitchhiker
🖤Serial killer MMC
🖤Mental health rep
🖤Trauma
🖤Age gap
🖤Primal
🖤🔪play
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
⚠️As always, check your trigger warnings before diving in 🫶🏻
December 6, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
This one I like it. I would’ve rate it higher if was more elaborate, longer, if we had time inside Kane’s mind and his “alteregos”.
The story is very interesting, Kane is a truck driver and he is I-9 killer, he is a serial killer. He hates women because of a traumatic childhood that he doesn’t remember because in order to protect himself his mind created 2 more personalities Jax and Tobin. Jax is the sweet caring personality, he is the one that has compassion, deals with social situations and has a heart. Then there’s Tobin the sex deviant, a sadist that only thinks about sex and he is FILTHY! He holds the memories of the traumatic childhood, and there is Kane who’s the one in control most of the times , he is cold, mean a serial killer. Jax and Tobin are there inside his mind just to protect him. He doesn’t remember what Tobin or Jax do and vice versa, they normally leave notes to each other.
Aurora is a college dropout that only dropped out of college because she was gang raped and the trauma was to big for her to continue a normal life, due to her difficult situation she end up being a sex worker. She meets Jax in a diner but it is Kane that offers her a ride (poor girl) …..
The dynamic is cool and we get POV’s from all of them.
Only if Lauren gave us more time inside Kane’s mind….. i really think this book could’ve had been a masterpiece. But regardless I enjoyed every second of ir. We even have a little of “Who did this to you?” moment in the end of the book and it is great 😂
This one I like it. I would’ve rate it higher if was more elaborate, longer, if we had time inside Kane’s mind and his “alteregos”.
The story is very interesting, Kane is a truck driver and he is I-9 killer, he is a serial killer. He hates women because of a traumatic childhood that he doesn’t remember because in order to protect himself his mind created 2 more personalities Jax and Tobin. Jax is the sweet caring personality, he is the one that has compassion, deals with social situations and has a heart. Then there’s Tobin the sex deviant, a sadist that only thinks about sex and he is FILTHY! He holds the memories of the traumatic childhood, and there is Kane who’s the one in control most of the times , he is cold, mean a serial killer. Jax and Tobin are there inside his mind just to protect him. He doesn’t remember what Tobin or Jax do and vice versa, they normally leave notes to each other.
Aurora is a college dropout that only dropped out of college because she was gang raped and the trauma was to big for her to continue a normal life, due to her difficult situation she end up being a sex worker. She meets Jax in a diner but it is Kane that offers her a ride (poor girl) …..
The dynamic is cool and we get POV’s from all of them.
Only if Lauren gave us more time inside Kane’s mind….. i really think this book could’ve had been a masterpiece. But regardless I enjoyed every second of ir. We even have a little of “Who did this to you?” moment in the end of the book and it is great 😂
March 26, 2024
Across State Lines is the newest addition to Lauren Biel’s Ride or Die series. A troubled, morally black, long-haul truck driver picks up a troubled woman, and that sets the stage for an unhinged journey. Lauren has a special talent for writing about morally black men and the women who fall for them. Definitely check the trigger warnings, but if you are a seasoned dark romance reader, I’d definitely recommend this book. As the wife of a long-haul truck driver, I was excited to dive in, and I was not at all disappointed. It is delightfully dark, with a twist that made this book jump to the top of my Biel favorites list.
I’d like to thank Lauren for the opportunity to read this book.
I’d like to thank Lauren for the opportunity to read this book.
April 21, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Please read the trigger warnings in this one. I had to pause a few times when reading because of the things one of the personalities made Aurora do. So again, please.
Kane.. this man went through some truama in his life that made him split to protect him. So he has alters Jax, the nice one, and Tobin, who accepts touch and other things Kane can't do. Kane kills woman, aka hookers no one would miss them. He's built a life for himself, and it's peaceful-ish until he picks up Aurora with her own trauma and is a sex worker she wants to go home and this is her ride. It's awkward at first because the way Jax was to her before he switched back to Kane who wad mean and a asshole was throwing her off. Watching him change alts before her eyes. Kane hated her, but Jax and Tobin liked her she brought out something, and it was fun watching them connect. I'll be honest. Kane was harder to like and the degrading stuff he made her do. Besides that, there is drama around what Kane is going to do with her. I won't give that away.
It's an interesting story. That gives these broken characters a hea.
Low angast, No ow/om drama, no cheating, drama, sexy times, no virgins (Mentions past and things they have done nothing shown on page with others)
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Age gap
24h/40H
Trigger Warnings: DID (mmc with multiple personalities)
untreated mental health issues
assault
murder
forced proximity
violence
Dub con (mmc)
non con (off page, not by mmcs)
CSA (off page)
Mentions of sex trafficking,
mentions of an injured animal (in the past)
Trauma,
fmc in sex work,
knife play
blood play
Fisting
ass play and ass eating
come play
grave play
Breath play
Hand necklaces
Degradation
praise
Ruining more things
shock collar
snowballs
spitting
dick piercing
Dick tattoo
masochism
sadism
urinal handle/piss play (ick)
death play
vaginal felching
temperature play
temperature NOT play (near hypothermia)
momentary genital mutilation
collar and leash
inanimate objects inside the fmc
boot licking
clit spanking
Erectile dysfunction
Hea
Epilogue
Please read the trigger warnings in this one. I had to pause a few times when reading because of the things one of the personalities made Aurora do. So again, please.
Kane.. this man went through some truama in his life that made him split to protect him. So he has alters Jax, the nice one, and Tobin, who accepts touch and other things Kane can't do. Kane kills woman, aka hookers no one would miss them. He's built a life for himself, and it's peaceful-ish until he picks up Aurora with her own trauma and is a sex worker she wants to go home and this is her ride. It's awkward at first because the way Jax was to her before he switched back to Kane who wad mean and a asshole was throwing her off. Watching him change alts before her eyes. Kane hated her, but Jax and Tobin liked her she brought out something, and it was fun watching them connect. I'll be honest. Kane was harder to like and the degrading stuff he made her do. Besides that, there is drama around what Kane is going to do with her. I won't give that away.
It's an interesting story. That gives these broken characters a hea.
Low angast, No ow/om drama, no cheating, drama, sexy times, no virgins (Mentions past and things they have done nothing shown on page with others)
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Age gap
24h/40H
Trigger Warnings: DID (mmc with multiple personalities)
untreated mental health issues
assault
murder
forced proximity
violence
Dub con (mmc)
non con (off page, not by mmcs)
CSA (off page)
Mentions of sex trafficking,
mentions of an injured animal (in the past)
Trauma,
fmc in sex work,
knife play
blood play
Fisting
ass play and ass eating
come play
grave play
Breath play
Hand necklaces
Degradation
praise
Ruining more things
shock collar
snowballs
spitting
dick piercing
Dick tattoo
masochism
sadism
urinal handle/piss play (ick)
death play
vaginal felching
temperature play
temperature NOT play (near hypothermia)
momentary genital mutilation
collar and leash
inanimate objects inside the fmc
boot licking
clit spanking
Erectile dysfunction
Hea
Epilogue
September 22, 2024
I need everyone to stop with they’re fucking doing
(well not everyone only people who can stomach real fucked up shit) and go listen to this audiobook. Teddy Hamilton is a fucking genius, and this further proves why he is my favorite male narrator of all time. The way he was able to narrate for a man with three different personalities, and I could clearly tell which was which every time he spoke is CRAZY!!!
And hats off to Lauren for being able to write such a complex character, she’s a fucking mastermind for this one.
What do you do when you come across a man with split personality disorder, where one of them wants to kill you one of them wants to stick their fist up you and fuck you in the dirt and the other one wants to cuddle you… obviously you fall in love with him. There’s Kane the serial killer, Tobin the sexual deviant and Jax the cinnamon roll. Like Aurora, you are a DOWN ass bitch for putting up with this shit 🤣 IM STILL CLENCHING FROM THE 🔪 IN THE🐱THOUGH LIKE IT WAS THE FUCKING POINTY END!!!
The was FOR SURE a ride, I’m not sure when I switched from being so fucking disturbed and grossed out to “awwwww” lmao it happened so quickly. Lauren always does this to meeeee😭😅 I ate this shit UPPPP if you want something so out of pocket Lauren is your girl.
Oh and maybe don’t eat while reading this, at least the first half 😂😂😂 ENJOY
(well not everyone only people who can stomach real fucked up shit) and go listen to this audiobook. Teddy Hamilton is a fucking genius, and this further proves why he is my favorite male narrator of all time. The way he was able to narrate for a man with three different personalities, and I could clearly tell which was which every time he spoke is CRAZY!!!
And hats off to Lauren for being able to write such a complex character, she’s a fucking mastermind for this one.
What do you do when you come across a man with split personality disorder, where one of them wants to kill you one of them wants to stick their fist up you and fuck you in the dirt and the other one wants to cuddle you… obviously you fall in love with him. There’s Kane the serial killer, Tobin the sexual deviant and Jax the cinnamon roll. Like Aurora, you are a DOWN ass bitch for putting up with this shit 🤣 IM STILL CLENCHING FROM THE 🔪 IN THE🐱THOUGH LIKE IT WAS THE FUCKING POINTY END!!!
The was FOR SURE a ride, I’m not sure when I switched from being so fucking disturbed and grossed out to “awwwww” lmao it happened so quickly. Lauren always does this to meeeee😭😅 I ate this shit UPPPP if you want something so out of pocket Lauren is your girl.
Oh and maybe don’t eat while reading this, at least the first half 😂😂😂 ENJOY
May 5, 2025
Audio:
5 stars for Teddy Hamilton
5 stars for Michelle Sparks
Audio on Everand and is a duet narration.
Book: 3-3.5 stars
Two books in one day! Hopefully this means the end of the slump!!!
But back to the review, I must be more messed up than I realize to enjoy this book! Haha I was hooked from page one.
While most of the spicy scenes were not my cup of tea, I found it interesting reading about Kane/Jax/Tobin. This is the second book I’ve read that had a character with DID.
I did like Aurora, she was able to hold her own while being in a truck with a serial killer and his two other alters!
I do wish that the ending wasn’t as rushed, but overall this book surprised me and made me realize how desensitized I must be to dark topics, whether that is a good or bad thing is yet to be determined haha.
5 stars for Teddy Hamilton
5 stars for Michelle Sparks
Audio on Everand and is a duet narration.
Book: 3-3.5 stars
Two books in one day! Hopefully this means the end of the slump!!!
But back to the review, I must be more messed up than I realize to enjoy this book! Haha I was hooked from page one.
While most of the spicy scenes were not my cup of tea, I found it interesting reading about Kane/Jax/Tobin. This is the second book I’ve read that had a character with DID.
I did like Aurora, she was able to hold her own while being in a truck with a serial killer and his two other alters!
I do wish that the ending wasn’t as rushed, but overall this book surprised me and made me realize how desensitized I must be to dark topics, whether that is a good or bad thing is yet to be determined haha.
March 22, 2024
This was FANTASTIC! Lauren did an incredible job with her D.I.D. Representation and did her research and it really made the story great! In classic fashion it was dark, dirty, deranged and it was great! I loved the growth of the characters and the depth of the story. I wish there was more but it was fantastic!
September 28, 2024
Across State Lines was another book by Lauren Biel that completely took me out of my comfort zone which is why I keep coming back to her books. I have never read a book with someone with multiple personalities, but I enjoyed watching each one take over because they all were different and were created to help Kane's broken mind. I really liked Aurora and felt she was definitely made for them. Yes, she sold her body and would do anything for money, but she never let Kane get the upper hand on her which is why Tobin and Jax couldn't get enough and wanted to keep her.
April 5, 2024
Let me begin by admitting that I LIVE for Lauren Biel’s Ride or Die Romances, each installment a corrupt dose that feeds my black heart. Hitched was my introduction to the dark, f/cked up recesses of her mind, and I wish I could get lost here and never find my way back to the light. Just going to be brutally honest here…Across State Lines is depraved, filthy, appalling and ABSOLUTELY EXTRAORDINARY.
So, what flavor of psychopath are we gifted with this time around? A murderous long-haul trucker with a penchant for terrorizing s3x workers, who also happens to suffer from dissociative identity disorder. Quick note: Biel portrays this mental health condition in a respectful way, while deeply exploring the fragility of the human mind. Daddy Kane, Tobin, and Jax are the perfect trio to take our insanely strong, yet equally fractured FMC, Aurora, on the ride of her life.
Kane and his alters each give Aurora a piece of what she craves: love, pain and warped comfort. While Kane tries to ruin her like all those that came before, she embarks on a journey to break him by forcing him to bare his soul and face his past. It’s a bumpy road, and it always seems like all hope is just out of reach, but anything is possible with a bit of stubborn perseverance.
This one is NOT for the faint of heart, its intensity a testament to Biel’s ability to affect us on a visceral level. The degradation Aurora endures is something that would break most, the brutality of Kane’s treatment and Tobin’s attention would traumatize even those with the strongest constitution. Thankfully she has Jax for a bit of aftercare, because she goes through hell. But it seems she’s only tempered by its flames.
As expected, I ate this book up, the flow so organic that you turn the final page without even realizing you’ve reached the end. Captivating doesn’t even begin to express this narrative. I hope Biel keeps these coming, because I’m always left craving more. I need more, and I need it now.
Oh, and in true Lauren Biel fashion, she’ll ruin yet another food item for you, so be prepared.
So, what flavor of psychopath are we gifted with this time around? A murderous long-haul trucker with a penchant for terrorizing s3x workers, who also happens to suffer from dissociative identity disorder. Quick note: Biel portrays this mental health condition in a respectful way, while deeply exploring the fragility of the human mind. Daddy Kane, Tobin, and Jax are the perfect trio to take our insanely strong, yet equally fractured FMC, Aurora, on the ride of her life.
Kane and his alters each give Aurora a piece of what she craves: love, pain and warped comfort. While Kane tries to ruin her like all those that came before, she embarks on a journey to break him by forcing him to bare his soul and face his past. It’s a bumpy road, and it always seems like all hope is just out of reach, but anything is possible with a bit of stubborn perseverance.
This one is NOT for the faint of heart, its intensity a testament to Biel’s ability to affect us on a visceral level. The degradation Aurora endures is something that would break most, the brutality of Kane’s treatment and Tobin’s attention would traumatize even those with the strongest constitution. Thankfully she has Jax for a bit of aftercare, because she goes through hell. But it seems she’s only tempered by its flames.
As expected, I ate this book up, the flow so organic that you turn the final page without even realizing you’ve reached the end. Captivating doesn’t even begin to express this narrative. I hope Biel keeps these coming, because I’m always left craving more. I need more, and I need it now.
Oh, and in true Lauren Biel fashion, she’ll ruin yet another food item for you, so be prepared.
April 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If I’m doomed to die at his hands, I might as well enjoy a few orgasms from those same hands as well.
I know I say this every time, but this one is Lauren’s best yet! Five enthusiastic stars (and then some).
I love going in blind, and this was no exception. I loved every surprise this book held.
A fast burn and very spicy romance, this standalone ends in a HEA.
HIGHLY recommended to my dark romance lovers.
⚠️ It's a dark book, so I recommend viewing the TW on the author's website. ⚠️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If I’m doomed to die at his hands, I might as well enjoy a few orgasms from those same hands as well.
I know I say this every time, but this one is Lauren’s best yet! Five enthusiastic stars (and then some).
I love going in blind, and this was no exception. I loved every surprise this book held.
A fast burn and very spicy romance, this standalone ends in a HEA.
HIGHLY recommended to my dark romance lovers.
⚠️ It's a dark book, so I recommend viewing the TW on the author's website. ⚠️
March 29, 2024
OMG
I have no words I fell absolutely in love with Lauren all over again. This woman knows how to screw up your head and make you question your morals.
I absolutely loved this book, and I can’t wait to read all of Lauren's books. I will also never look at ice cubes the same way again.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5
I have no words I fell absolutely in love with Lauren all over again. This woman knows how to screw up your head and make you question your morals.
I absolutely loved this book, and I can’t wait to read all of Lauren's books. I will also never look at ice cubes the same way again.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5
June 29, 2024
Traumatising and disgusting
Dnf@18%
Dnf@18%
March 24, 2024
I loved this! It was great. Twisted, dark, and deranged. I loved the characters and the storyline. Lauren Biel did a fantastic job! I love her books and this series!
April 18, 2024
Lauren Biel never fails to impress me with how she can write some of the worst, seemingly unredeemable characters, but by the end I can’t help but love them.
Reading Across State Lines felt like I was living inside the mind of an unsub on Criminal Minds. The way each personality really was their own person was just truly mine boggling to me, but I loved every second of it. Okay, well almost every second…there were a couple scenes that had be gagging, but is it really a book written by the Queen of Traumances otherwise?
I’ve already convinced two of my friends to start this book and the ALL CAPS text messages are already rolling in💀😂
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the eARC
Reading Across State Lines felt like I was living inside the mind of an unsub on Criminal Minds. The way each personality really was their own person was just truly mine boggling to me, but I loved every second of it. Okay, well almost every second…there were a couple scenes that had be gagging, but is it really a book written by the Queen of Traumances otherwise?
I’ve already convinced two of my friends to start this book and the ALL CAPS text messages are already rolling in💀😂
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the eARC
April 15, 2024
I had the amazing privilege to ARC read this book. I love anything Lauren writes. If you love her hitchhiker books, you will love this one. When I tell you I devoured this book, I mean it. I stayed up later, and then I should have to finish this book. I loved it so much. The spice was there. Please make sure to check the trigger warnings. There are many. You can find them on her website. If you love dark and twisty romances this book is for you. This book releases April 5.
April 15, 2024
Again, another one of Lauren's books that I absolutely love! This one is f*cked up and even more gross than some of her others, but isn't that what makes it a good story? For me it is. I loved it and I'd highly recommend it to all my dark romance girls who don't mind a little nasty with their spice
March 26, 2024
5 ★
Is it fair to condemn them for the acts of their splintered mind?
This was my first book by Lauren Biel and its safe to say I'll be binging the authors backlist. I love a good mental health rep and this one had the absolute killer of a character! Not only did it have amazing romance, it had a stellar plotline alongside. It was a rollercoaster of a story and I loved every single moment of it. Its not a dark romance with trigger warnings, and this had a full-blown shopping list of them. The MMC was morally pitch-black and no way of coming back from that. The FMC was of course but a fierce woman who wasn't afraid to push all sorts of boundaries, and I absolutely lived for that. The chemistry was off-the-charts and crazy and I ate it up like no tomorrow. Overall this was a fantastic read and I can't wait to read more!
What To Expect:
⨳ Dark MF Romance
⨳ Truck Driver/Hitchhiker
⨳ Mental Health Rep
⨳ Age Gap
⨳ Hate to Love
⨳ Serial Killer
I may be the prey who wormed her way into his blackened heart, but he's still a predator.
❤︎ ARC provided in exchange for an honest review ❤︎
Is it fair to condemn them for the acts of their splintered mind?
This was my first book by Lauren Biel and its safe to say I'll be binging the authors backlist. I love a good mental health rep and this one had the absolute killer of a character! Not only did it have amazing romance, it had a stellar plotline alongside. It was a rollercoaster of a story and I loved every single moment of it. Its not a dark romance with trigger warnings, and this had a full-blown shopping list of them. The MMC was morally pitch-black and no way of coming back from that. The FMC was of course but a fierce woman who wasn't afraid to push all sorts of boundaries, and I absolutely lived for that. The chemistry was off-the-charts and crazy and I ate it up like no tomorrow. Overall this was a fantastic read and I can't wait to read more!
What To Expect:
⨳ Dark MF Romance
⨳ Truck Driver/Hitchhiker
⨳ Mental Health Rep
⨳ Age Gap
⨳ Hate to Love
⨳ Serial Killer
I may be the prey who wormed her way into his blackened heart, but he's still a predator.
❤︎ ARC provided in exchange for an honest review ❤︎
April 5, 2024
This is book 4 of Lauren Biel's Ride or Die Romances Series but is a complete Standalone (nothing is interconnected). I wasn't sure what to expect as I've never read a book where a character has multiple personalities but I was confident that Lauren would be able to execute it well and she did not disappoint.
It took me a few days to write this because I needed time to fully process my thoughts so that I could write a proper review. I'll start by saying that I think the book was great and highly recommend it to those who like darker books.
This story is about Kane who is a serial unaliver & drives a transport truck, and Aurora who calls herself a "working girl" to make money. They both have trauma in their past. Kane's past was so horrific that he ended up with a DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder). Aurora was in college and had a traumatic experience that led her to drop out and sell herself to make money and eventually go back home.
Aurora meets Kane at a truck stop and after an encounter with one of his alters (who starts having feelings for her), she ends up getting into Kane's truck. The story continues with Kane's struggle between keeping Aurora or unaliving her as he did to the other women in her position.
There were lots of spicy scenes with darker kinks involved! It is primal, dominant & unhinged and I was 100% there for it 🔥
Lauren did a great job writing a character with this type of mental illness, each of the alters switched in a way that allowed you to see which "character" was present.
This is where I had a hard time sorting through my thoughts because I felt a disconnect between Kane and Aurora (as well as a little bit with another alter). With the dark romance books I've read, there is an underlying romantic 'I care for this woman' kind of feeling/knowing from the H. This can present itself when you see the H battle internally in his mind between hating/not wanting to want her yet actually needing/wanting her in some way. So some parts of the H may be smexual, cruel, sweet, caring, possessive, etc. but it is all built within one character so we can connect to the H as we can see all of that in the one person.
In this book anytime Kane starts to feel something towards Aurora he is unable to deal with those emotions so he shifts to an alter (who can cope with them) creating that feeling/knowing with that alter (and not Kane). So even though it technically is Kane that feels all of those things towards her - the connection appears to be built between Aurora and the one alter (but if Kane truly didn't care then he would have just gotten rid of her so that does go to show that somewhere in him he feels for her).
I think this goes to show that the book is well done because it stayed true to all the characters, with each of the identities offering Aurora a different part of him. So the internal battle that most books have, that I mentioned above, is presented as different characters (the cruel one, the sweet one, the smexy time one) so even though Kane is one person when we are reading the book it feels like we need to connect to three 'different people'.
As for the ending, I did find it was a little bit rushed but liked how their story finished and it has a HEA) (some books have a rushed ending where it seems to take away from the story you just read but this one is NOT that).
Side Note: Kane and his puppy 🥰 - totally not what you would expect from him and I loved the notes 💌
(There were two scenes in the book that were not my cup of tea but let's be honest, it's absolutely Lauren's style and she is the queen of shock and boundary-pushing lol! And I think it was trying to show how Kane was attempting to break Aurora so he had a reason to 'remove her' from his life. Since this is just a preference of mine I haven't removed any stars from my rating 😉)
Again, if you're a fan of Lauren's books or if you like your books a little darker with unhinged characters then I definitely recommend you pick up this book!!
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Kane, Jax, Tobin, Aurora
Nickname: Dropout, Sweet Girl, Eighty
Darkness: 3 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: Standalone in a series, Duel/Multiple POV
Reading Order: Can be read in any order
Series: Ride or Die Romances Series: Book 4
Epilogue: Yes
HEA:
*Mental Health - H has DID
*Age Gap
*Enemies to lovers
*Hitchhiker dark romance
*No cheating or sharing
*Serial unaliver
*Primal, Degradation, Praise, 🩸🔪 Play
*Please check the TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book. This review was given freely & honestly
It took me a few days to write this because I needed time to fully process my thoughts so that I could write a proper review. I'll start by saying that I think the book was great and highly recommend it to those who like darker books.
This story is about Kane who is a serial unaliver & drives a transport truck, and Aurora who calls herself a "working girl" to make money. They both have trauma in their past. Kane's past was so horrific that he ended up with a DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder). Aurora was in college and had a traumatic experience that led her to drop out and sell herself to make money and eventually go back home.
Aurora meets Kane at a truck stop and after an encounter with one of his alters (who starts having feelings for her), she ends up getting into Kane's truck. The story continues with Kane's struggle between keeping Aurora or unaliving her as he did to the other women in her position.
There were lots of spicy scenes with darker kinks involved! It is primal, dominant & unhinged and I was 100% there for it 🔥
Lauren did a great job writing a character with this type of mental illness, each of the alters switched in a way that allowed you to see which "character" was present.
This is where I had a hard time sorting through my thoughts because I felt a disconnect between Kane and Aurora (as well as a little bit with another alter). With the dark romance books I've read, there is an underlying romantic 'I care for this woman' kind of feeling/knowing from the H. This can present itself when you see the H battle internally in his mind between hating/not wanting to want her yet actually needing/wanting her in some way. So some parts of the H may be smexual, cruel, sweet, caring, possessive, etc. but it is all built within one character so we can connect to the H as we can see all of that in the one person.
In this book anytime Kane starts to feel something towards Aurora he is unable to deal with those emotions so he shifts to an alter (who can cope with them) creating that feeling/knowing with that alter (and not Kane). So even though it technically is Kane that feels all of those things towards her - the connection appears to be built between Aurora and the one alter (but if Kane truly didn't care then he would have just gotten rid of her so that does go to show that somewhere in him he feels for her).
I think this goes to show that the book is well done because it stayed true to all the characters, with each of the identities offering Aurora a different part of him. So the internal battle that most books have, that I mentioned above, is presented as different characters (the cruel one, the sweet one, the smexy time one) so even though Kane is one person when we are reading the book it feels like we need to connect to three 'different people'.
As for the ending, I did find it was a little bit rushed but liked how their story finished and it has a HEA) (some books have a rushed ending where it seems to take away from the story you just read but this one is NOT that).
Side Note: Kane and his puppy 🥰 - totally not what you would expect from him and I loved the notes 💌
(There were two scenes in the book that were not my cup of tea but let's be honest, it's absolutely Lauren's style and she is the queen of shock and boundary-pushing lol! And I think it was trying to show how Kane was attempting to break Aurora so he had a reason to 'remove her' from his life. Since this is just a preference of mine I haven't removed any stars from my rating 😉)
Again, if you're a fan of Lauren's books or if you like your books a little darker with unhinged characters then I definitely recommend you pick up this book!!
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Kane, Jax, Tobin, Aurora
Nickname: Dropout, Sweet Girl, Eighty
Darkness: 3 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: Standalone in a series, Duel/Multiple POV
Reading Order: Can be read in any order
Series: Ride or Die Romances Series: Book 4
Epilogue: Yes
HEA:
*Mental Health - H has DID
*Age Gap
*Enemies to lovers
*Hitchhiker dark romance
*No cheating or sharing
*Serial unaliver
*Primal, Degradation, Praise, 🩸🔪 Play
*Please check the TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book. This review was given freely & honestly
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