Lovely Bad Things: A Dark Romance

Written by Trisha Wolfe

Narrated by Lucy Rivers and Sebastian York

The first book in the Hollow's Row series.

He's the devil. And she's his wicked game.

An enemies-to-lovers dark romance with a thrilling twist from the disturbed mind that brought you the Darkly, Madly Duet.

Halen

They say eyes are the windows to the soul—but when he looks at me through hues of slate-green and flaring blue embers, I'm terrified of what's watching me from behind his clashing gaze, something primal and feverish that threatens to melt me like fire in ice.

I fear falling into Kallum Locke's pitch-black soul.

But after I'm called to a crime scene to investigate the most gruesome act of violence to descend on the legendary town of Hollow's Row, I have no choice but to turn to Kallum, to the man I had locked away in an asylum for the criminally insane.

He's the leading expert on all things Nietzsche and occult. And now, to get answers, I'm forced to make a deal with the devil himself.

Kallum

Really, eyes are the windows to the soul? Then I wonder what little Halen St. James thinks of all the cryptic eyes watching her in the killing fields... I wonder if the hairs on her delicate nape lifted away, if a thrilling shiver raced over her soft skin. She's desperate for the answer, and she'll do anything to uncover it—even make a deal with me, dangling freedom like bait on a hook.

But she's far more tempting to sink my teeth into than any lure.

And the pain will taste twice as sweet.

*Lovely Bad Things is the first of the three-book Hollow's Row series: Book one ends on cliffhanger

Lovely Bad Things

Lovely Violent Things

Lovely Wicked Things

CW: Serial killers. Crime scenes. Dark themes. Violence. Murder. Blood and sharp object play. Occult references. Loss of loved ones. As this is dark romance, there are likely other dark themes and situations, so please read responsibly.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lock Key Press
• Release date: Aug 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9798822631588

[lit muggle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is my second time reading it because yes it’s that good. Hearing it narrated by Joe and Lucy is a whole new experience and I swear you can feel the story.

[Feminist Reader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Gripping, surprisingly dark. The wonderful Joe Arden narrates, so that makes some of the discordant parts less uncanny. This text definitely pushes boundaries between erotic and horror-ish genres.

[Tarah Turpin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This wasn't what I expected I didn't see the twists through the book! The spice is on point and very well written. I cannot wait for book 2

[Nicole Grams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm a sucker for all of the secret society type horror mysteries and this one didn't disappoint. Can't wait for book 2!

[Kortnee Wise · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Definitely want to read the next book to see what happens!

[Kelly Davis · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not what I was expecting. Definitely had a lot of twist and turns.

[Brandie · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I truly love this story but this series was ruined when Joe Arden was taken out. Now you can’t even find the copy of him and Lucy together.

[katydid879 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This is the closest I've come to DNF'ing a book. I feel like I wasted a credit. It is the slowest plot I've read in a while and it was full of old philosophy theories in an almost pompous way that left practically no story except for a bit at the end and a couple spicy scenes sprinkled in. The female narrator sounds like AI tbh and had barely any emotion except for a couple of scenes. I'm genuinely confused on how this book has so many great reviews. Sorry!

[Lorrie Kerns · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

She wants it to be him. She needs it to be him. Is it? Well, I don't want it to be him. I want him to be her twisted savior. The build up of the sexual tension makes me want to scream, "Just do it! Please!" Oh how this book keeps you guessing who the killer is with it's twists and turns.

[Kristen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing twist, I did not see that one coming. I love the relationship between the two main characters as odd as that may sound (iykyk). Cannot wait to see where this story goes next.

[Dané Heymans · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lovely Bad Things was such a compelling listen. The story had this immersive quality that pulled me in from the start — especially when it came to Halen and Kallum. You could genuinely feel the spaces they occupied, the atmosphere around them, and most of all, the tension between the characters. Their chemistry? Electric.

The pacing was solid — not too slow, not too fast. It kept a steady rhythm that made the build-up to the climax absolutely worth it. And what I really appreciated is that the story wasn’t just about the heat between Halen and Kallum. There was actual substance behind it — with crime scenes, a mystery, and the hunt for a killer. That added plot layer gave it more depth than your average smut or erotica read.

The twist? It had me going “WTF?!” in the best way. A little confusing at first, but it definitely added to the experience.

If you're new to Erotica or Smut and looking for something that balances passion and plot, this one sets a strong standard. Definitely a must-read.

[Shalon K Genta · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the duet audio of this reading and how it quickly pulled me into the storyline.

[slytherinfrost · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The narrators really make a difference in this book. The story was good, but the voices made it great.

[nj5jzcbz4f · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this as a physical but the audio was GOD TIER!!

[meganplunkett1210 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very intriguing. Can’t wait to see how the characters evolve

[kelly.cooper3636 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I'm super confused on what happened. Sorry, I didn't really like this book.

[bridgote03 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a unique and captivating story line I can not wait to read book 2!

[Patrick Hoscheid · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The descriptions here are immaculate, she really makes her scenes immersive. It's a slow burn, so keep that in mind. The author clearly has done her research into philosophy and esotericism, and it comes through loud and clear!

[jenni.amrhein · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Not at all what I expected, but I am here for it. Twisty story, spicy spice, and the audiobook makes it that much better.

[Adda Albesqi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great narration! It was a well written story and kept me interested and guessing!

[Drowsy Scientist · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Narration was fantastic. The story was good. I feel like we did not get to know the characters enough. I knows there are novellas going more in depth, but I imagine it’ll be more of the same. Still, good read to kill time!

[m m · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

liked the book, also made me feel unsettled at times, definitely left me with a lot of questions. But to end with a cliff hanger.

[Sally Kramer · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The spice was nice. But missed the mark for me on the plot.

[Callie K · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Trisha Wolfe can write some good dark romances. This was no exception.

[Heather Peterson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. I came looking for some sexy scenes and was met with philosophical banter, mind boggling twist and crime solving. It checked a lot of boxes off for me.

[Tammy Goodenow · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. It definitely keeps you guessing.

[Kyra Scott · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I couldn't put this book down. It constantly makes you think, so many twists, lots of darkness. Excited for the next book.

[ελευθερια λαφτσιδου · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing book! Amazing narrators! I highly recommend it!! I generally dislike detective/police books but this one is much more! Congratulations to the author. It's truly amazing. Structure, scenes, research, execution,narrations 10/10

[Lacy Panici · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I feel broken. My brain is broken. I read it is two days and I can't process the amount of information that was just placed into my brain.

[Aires Ong · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you like dark romance, dark academia, and true crime, this one's for y'all! It's as if the author was like I want silence of the lambs/Hannibal lecter and mind hunter vibes, but let's add some spice. It's a slow burn, but when we get there, WE GET THERE. All the twists and turns and I can't wait to read the next one!