Lords of Pain follows the story of Story, a young woman who returns to seek refuge with the three men who tormented her in the past. Killian, Tristan, and Dimitri Rath, known as the Lords, rule over their fraternity and have a dark history with Story. As the narrative unfolds, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as the characters navigate their complex relationships and confront their demons. The book delves into themes of power, redemption, and the darker aspects of human nature, all while exploring the resilience of the human spirit in the face of trauma.

The writing style of Lords of Pain is described as dark, gripping, and addictive. The authors, Angel Lawson and Samantha La Rue, handle sensitive subject matter with care and realism, ensuring that the impact of the events is deeply felt by readers without crossing into gratuitous territory. The characters are complex and flawed, making the narrative both heart-wrenching and empowering as it showcases the capacity for healing and redemption in unexpected ways.

Characters:

The characters are multi-dimensional and flawed, highlighting their psychological struggles and the volatile dynamics of their relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is evocative and handles sensitive subjects skillfully, creating a narrative rich in emotional and psychological complexity.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on dark themes of manipulation and power dynamics, centering around the heroine's coerced relationship with her stepbrother and his friends as she seeks revenge while facing her traumatic past.

Setting:

The setting is a contemporary college, specifically within a fraternity, which amplifies the themes of power dynamics and dark romance.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and engaging, maintaining tension throughout and drawing readers into its addictive narrative.

Notes:

The story follows a heroine named Story who is desperate to escape her life.

Story turns to selling nude photos online for income.

Her cruel stepbrother, Killian, and his friends use this information to blackmail her.

Three years later, the story centers around Killian, Tristian, and Rath as college students who run a fraternity that includes a live-in lady under degrading conditions.

The book has dark themes, including dub-con and bullying, and is compared to 'Untouchable' and 'Fear Me'.

It is notable for its complex and morally ambiguous characters.

The dynamics between characters are described as sensual yet chaotic, and power play is a central theme.

The female lead, Story, is shown to have strength despite her submissive circumstances.

The book includes elements of revenge and emotional complexity, especially in how Story navigates her relationships with the male leads.

It's a reverse harem story, which is less common in dark romances, and features significant character development.

The authors tackle heavy themes such as abuse, assault, and the psychological impacts of toxic relationships.

Readers are warned about trigger content, including sexual assault and grooming of a minor.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Lords of Pain include high levels of sexual violence, abuse, stalking, non-consensual scenarios, and psychological trauma.

Has Romance?

The romance in Lords of Pain plays a significant role, albeit in a very dark and unconventional manner, focusing more on complex dynamics than traditional romance.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

I never claimed to be a good girl, but I definitely never asked for this.

Killian, Tristian, and Rath.

These three men are a part of my past-one that I'd rather never look in the eye again. In high school, they knew my secrets and I knew theirs. They had power and I had nothing. The night everything fell apart, my stepbrother allowed his two best friends to take their rage out on me while he watched. While they laughed.

But what happened that night wasn't my biggest secret. So I ran, planning on never coming back.

Three years later I'm standing on their doorstep like a stray. They're more powerful than ever now, having risen to the rank of Lords at Forsyth University. But I'm still on the run and there's another monster chasing me down.

What could bring me back into their lives, their homes, and ultimately, their beds?

Fear.

Shame.

Desperation.

Killian, Rath, and Tristian aren't the only ones who want me. There's someone far more dangerous out there who's been stalking me since I left town the first time. Someone who makes the evil I know feel less dangerous than the evil I don't.

But being their Lady is more than just fancy clothes and reputation.

I might be under their protection, but I'm also at their mercy.

And there's nothing a Lord loves more than taking control.

WARNING: This book is a DARK/BULLY romance. It contains graphic content of abuse and assault that some readers may be particularly sensitive to. If you have triggers or are even remotely unsure, please heed the note at the beginning of this book.

The Royals of Forsyth University Part 1:

Lords of Pain

Lords of Wrath

Lords of Mercy

Ratings (95)

Incredible (24)
Loved It (36)
Liked It (20)
It Was OK (6)
Did Not Like (6)
Hated It (3)

Reader Stats (240):

Read It (101)
Currently Reading (2)
Want To Read (107)
Did Not Finish (4)
Not Interested (26)

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Lords of Pain

Angel Lawson

Book 1 in the series:The Royals of Forsyth University