Pretty When He Bleeds

Sinners of Blackthorne U, Book 1

By: Avery Collins

Narrated by: 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

It came together at the end

Gregory Salinas and Devon Ryder did a great job as always. The story revolves around a tragic loss of a lover for Roman and a brother for Damon. Not to give to much away about the story, Damon is angry with Roman over the loss of his brother and wants some sort of revenge. However, that’s what’s missing. There’s no “revenge” taking place other than Damon following Roman around. They jump from point A to point B within a couple of chapter’s and then in a full on relationship. Getting past that, the emotional growth between the two blossoms into a beautiful love that heals both of them along with Damon’s mother. Prepare yourself for an emotional ending.

Omg!! Fanfuckingtastic!!

This story is incredible!! Definitely one of the best books I've listened to this year. Beautifully written and the narration only brought more life to the story and characters. Trigger warnings for suicide and depression. A little bit of hockey and a whole lot of pain.

really good

this book was really good. it has spice, drama, angst, love and hate. it is an easy book to read with some dark topics. love the narrators.

Love love love

I cried and laughed and blush the book was amazing the journey was so amazing 😻

This is how to tell a story

Narrators were perfect! I felt very emotion. I had to take a little break at the end very emotional but it worth every moment