Pretty When He Bleeds

Sinners of Blackthorne U, Book 1

De: Avery Collins

Narrado por: Gregory Salinas, Devon Ryder

Hate feels a lot like love when it cuts this deep.

Roman

Pain is the only thing that makes me feel alive anymore. On the ice, in the gym, or from someone else's fists—it doesn't matter, as long as it drowns out the void inside me. Caleb was my first love, my best-kept secret, and the reason my world fell apart.

I thought the guilt would destroy me, but then his brother, Damon, walked back into my life. Damon is all sharp edges and raw anger, and I should stay the hell away from him. But his rage cuts in a way that feels too much like salvation.

I hate how much I need it.

Damon

Roman Bishop was the golden boy who could do no wrong in my little brother's eyes. But I see the truth—he's the one who broke Caleb, who drove him to a choice he never should've made. Now, Roman's the one who needs breaking.

I came back to Blackthorne to make him pay, to ruin him the way he ruined my brother. But every time I push, he leans in, like he's begging for more. Roman thrives on pain, and somewhere in the middle of our twisted game, I've started to crave him in ways I can't wrap my head around.

Revenge isn't as simple as I thought it would be.

Pretty When He Bleeds is the first book in the interconnected Sinners of Blackthorne U series, but it is a complete standalone.

Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.

©2025 J. Tarr / Avery Collins (P)2025 Podium Audio

“I don’t know how to be loved, Roman. But you’re making me want to fucking learn.”

Pretty When He Bleeds is my “I wish I could read this again for the first time” book. Well, let me tell you, listening to it was a whole different experience. Devon Ryder and Gregory Salinas were the absolute perfect casting for Roman and Damon. They did such a fantastic job with this narration. I could feel every emotion in my soul.

I love me some damaged boys, and they don't get much more damaged than Roman and Damon. Their relationship starts being toxic af, but they're honestly perfect for each other and exactly what each other needed to heal and deal with their demons.

I loved how the author represented different aspects of mental health, how the same event affects different people in different ways, and how healing is not linear. I also loved how she showed the importance of having someone you can count on, even if it's just one person.

This story is beautifully painful, but also deliciously filthy with some good lighthearted moments, especially when the guys from the Sin Bin are involved. That being said, please be sure to check the TWs.

Quote: “I don’t love you because I want to fix you. I love you because you’re you. Because you piss me the fùcƙ off and challenge me and make me feel things I don’t know how to deal with. Because you’re the first person I’ve ever met, besides Kill, who doesn’t bullshıt me. Who doesn’t let me get away with shıt.”

This book grabs you by the throat!

This audiobook was intense, haunting, beautifully written, and flawlessly performed.

Avery Collins did an incredible job crafting a story that feels raw and intense from beginning to end, pulling you deep into the chaos of Roman and Damon’s world. What starts as hatred and revenge slowly unravels into something far more complicated, and the way that tension builds is nothing short of brilliant. Every chapter hits harder than the last, and the emotional depth woven into this story makes it impossible to stop listening.

The storyline is sharp, gripping, and beautifully layered, balancing heartbreak, trauma, and desire in a way that feels dark yet deeply human. Roman and Damon are messy, damaged, and magnetic in all the best ways, and their chemistry is absolutely electric. The angst is heavy, the tension is relentless, and every emotional beat lands exactly where it should. This wasn’t just a romance—it was a full emotional experience, and Avery Collins delivered it like a masterpiece.

And the narration? Absolutely phenomenal. Gregory Salinas and Devon Ryder gave unforgettable performances that brought this story to life in the best possible way. Gregory Salinas delivered Roman’s pain, vulnerability, and emotional unraveling with so much depth that you could feel every ounce of it. Devon Ryder was equally incredible, bringing Damon’s anger, grief, and intensity to life with a performance that was powerful and perfectly controlled. Together, they made this audiobook even more immersive, adding so much emotion and tension to an already exceptional story. Their performances elevated every scene and made this audiobook impossible to forget.

Not a slow burn!

Randomly came across this book. The narration is amazing by both!! Loved the story and the angst was just enough and quick to get to the good stuff.

My Kind Of Story

After a book slump I've been in for at least the last 5 I have listened to, this one finally got me out!
I am a slut for enemies to lovers, dark romance! But I'm so glad this one didn't have all the murder and blood and death associated with many dark romances. I'm not opposed to that, just don't prefer it.
I think this story has a perfect amount of spice, even if some say it was to much. I like that I +++potential spoiler++++
didn't have to wait until almost the end of the story for them to finally get together. I love that once they did get together they were both smitten. I am always sad when these MMCs are so full of self doubt but in this book I feel like the fact that it was handled by seeking medication and therapy was well handled. I like how it didn't take forever and a day to drag secrets to light when someone had feels. Some of the side characters were wonderful **looking at you Killian** It def had some really sad moments but overall I loved this story and I'm looking forward to more by this author!
The narrators were absolutely wonderful and always do a great job. Great voice actors can really bring a story to life and I felt these guys both did that!

if you're reading this don't hesitate buy it!

this has everything I want when I buy a book!!!! The story was great and the spice was definitely spicing!!🌶️ 🥵 🔥 🚒