Depraved by A. J. Merlin Book Review
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Depraved (Pleasure & Prey) by A. J. Merlin
Published by Kindle Edition on June 16, 2022
Genres: erotica, smut, dark romance, serial killer
Pages: 228
Format: E-book
Rating: 2.4/5
Synopsis
Depraved by A.J. Merlin takes place on a campground along a lake in the middle of the woods. A serial killer has set his sights on Sloane and has begun stalking her over a series of nights. Sloane resides within the cabin at the farthest end of the campground, which happens to be entirely secluded. Between uninvited visits from her estranged stepfather, recently released from prison, and the stranger coming into her bedroom at night, she is barely holding it together. Luckily, she has her trusty service dog and guard dog to keep her from falling apart.
Thoughts
Depraved is a short read at just over 200 pages and is on the lighter side of the dark romance genre - both in plot and in erotic sequences. The writing suffers a bit from irrelevant details, while lacking in details when it actually matters.
Sloane’s inner dialogue can be annoying at times, but I do enjoy the banter between her and Virgil. There is very little to no suspense as to who the so-called stalker is. The clues are very obvious, so if you are looking for more of a thriller or mystery, this is not the book for you. Virgil is overly sweet for a serial killer especially with how hard he tries to not hurt Sloane.
It is never explained why MMC was lurking in the woods in the first place. At one point he states that he only really kills those who most likely deserve it, so it left me wondering if he killed someone nearby.
Rating Breakdown
Entertainment (3 of 5) - This was a quick and easy read and had some fun banter
Plot / Character Development (2 of 5) - Honestly, there isn’t a whole lot going on
Setting/Atmosphere (3 of 5) - Campgrounds in the middle of dark, secluded woods
Execution (2 of 5) - I think this book would have benefited from a better edit and fleshing out more details
Writing (2 of 5) - Enjoyed the banter and think the story itself has good bones, but inner dialogue and irrelevant information brings the rating down
Who Would Like Depraved
This book is for you if:
You are just starting to get your feet wet in the stalker/serial killer dark romance and want something to ease you in
You don’t need to know the “details” when it comes to spicy scenes
You like dogs and campfires
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Depraved by A.J. Merlin takes place on a campground along a lake in the middle of the woods. A serial killer has set his sights on Sloane and has begun stalking her over a series of nights. Sloane resides within the cabin at the farthest end of the campground, which happens to be entirely secluded. Between uninvited visits from her estranged stepfather, recently released from prison, and the stranger coming into her bedroom at night, she is barely holding it together. Luckily, she has her trusty service dog and guard dog to keep her from falling apart.