Black Thorns

A Dark New Adult Romance (Thorns Duet, Book 2)

By: Rina Kent

Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Rose Dioro, Jacob Morgan

A bet turned into a nightmare.

She broke my heart.
Broke me.
Broke us.
Only one thing could mend the gaping wound she left behind.
Her.
Naomi.
All mine for the taking.
All mine for owning.
All mine.

Black Thorns is a dark new adult book that contains dubious situations some listeners might find offensive and/or triggering.

This is the last part of a duet and is not stand-alone.

©2021 Rina Kent (P)2021 Rina Kent

Excellent narrative performance

Fabulous actors, Teddy, Rose, and Jacob, brought Sebastian and Naomi's romance to life. This book takes place seven years later when Sebastian re-encounters Naomi and decides to insert himself in her life and husband's due her ill-fated departure. This was an angst, more emotional story with the usual dose of Kent mystery, and there is definitely more to it than an enemies to lovers match up.

I loved Sebastian's character and the re-introduction of favorites of past books including Ashe and Knox. And Nate just seemed heavenly. Less a fan of the heroine this time, especially after book one, though I loved the Japanese cultural references and their creative influences.

The three actors' portrayal of the main characters and influential Akira was sublime. Whether in character, switching to side characters, or simple narration of thoughts, they had huge range and excellent inflection so that everyone felt individual and distinct. Additionally, I liked the rendition of accents, light Japanese interlaced with American accents, though I can’t attest to their authenticity. Overall, I enjoyed the audiobook performance more than I could have achieved reading of the book itself, definitely produced a great mental depiction to further boost the story's appeal.

Definitely Dark

I love Rina Kent, her stories are dark, twisted, and I always end up thinking “what’s happening here”. This duet wasn’t any different.

As with any Rina story, it’s not for the faint of heart. She helps you see that desires some think of as taboo exist, and it opens your mind to alternate possibilities.

My only reason for not giving five stars; I like her mafia storylines better. The narrators were good, but their voices were “younger sounding”, which made sense for the beginning, but for how ruthless some of the scenes were I think other voices could have made it more intense. Rose Dioro did a great job with an Asian accent, it sounded authentic, and her annunciation of Japanese terms was perfect

All in all totally worth the credits. Rina will always keep you guessing and wanting more! 🙌

I liked this better than the first book

This was soooo much better than the first book. I liked that this wasn’t just a f.ck fest. It actually had more of a story to it. Not that the first one didn’t, it just didn’t give you enough. This one was much better. Really liked it.

them being in school

I loved it from start to end there was not any thing I didn't love about it

Loved the narrators!

Loved the story it was different and believable but the real cherry on top was the narration!

Duet Review

I was so excited to start this duet I could barely stand it but I waited for part two to release before beginning book one so as not to frustrate myself with a cliffhanger. Book one in this duet was somewhat of a disappointment for me, and that was very surprising because Rina Kent is one of my absolute favorite authors. I devour everything she writes. I’m a lover of dark romance and I’m definitely not faint at heart...BUT I do not enjoy rape fantasies and the storyline was centered around that particular kink. My goal in this review isn’t to judge someone’s sexual preferences...it just makes for an unsatisfactory read when you are disturbed or turned off by said kinks. For Sebastian, sex is synonymous with violence. He loves the hunt, the begging, the infliction of pain. The way he pursued Naomi and took her virginity so cruelly was difficult for me to digest. Naomi is his toy, his good whore, his filthy slut. And she loves it. Sebastian and Naomi have traumatic pasts and dysfunctional upbringings that have molded them into the people they become. I almost stopped several times but tried to keep an open mind and give into Kent’s masterful storyline and character development. Multiple elements of suspense and intrigue propel you forward as you become a part of a different world. By the time I got to book two, I was hooked and found that my issues with the first book were almost non-existent (almost!!). Naomi and Sebastian went to hell and back and grew so much individually and as a couple. Their HEA was hard fought and well-deserved. Fantastic narration that truly elevates the story! Is this my favorite Kent book? No. Would I recommend? Yes, unless you don’t think you would enjoy due to above-stated issues.

Wow! Just Wow!

First of all, I have to give praise to every narrator of this audiobook. They were amazing and portrayed their characters well.

Years have passed since Sebastian and Naomi have seen each other. Naomi‘s mom is dead, and now Naomi has taken over her mom‘s company. She’s successful, but she’s married to Akira and has to hang around her evil father.

This book was just as intense as the first one. There are so many “what the heck” moments that I actually had to go back and listen to certain parts again. All I can say is wow!

Rina, you out did yourself again.

*This review is short because there’s so much in this audiobook that you just have to listen for yourself. Trust me on this. Spend your credits on this series.

It's sad to let this duet go!

“It’s hard to put in words this conclusion. Can’t believe the due it over and I’m sad to let it go but also in love with how things end up. I love reading the story but listen to the audio was beyond amazing! Teddy, Jacob and Rose slayed the narration. They portrayed Sebastian, Akira and Naomi so perfect that everything felt real not just the suspense and mystery but also their story. Both had hard past and their story isn’t for the faint heart but so worth for their relationship. Highly recommended ! There’s no doubt how great this duet was.”

How I didn't see some of that coming!!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.75
Narrators: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧

As always, these narrators are amazing! Anything Teddy Hamilton and Jacob Morgan narrates is delicious and their voices are unique. I can listen to either of them read all day long. I quite enjoyed how they keep Akira's voice as a different person. It kept the story more inferesting and me on my toes as to wondering who he was. Rose Dioro did a beauty's job as Naomi in both books.

Tropes:
- Dark Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- Second Chance
- Mafia Ties
- Betrayal/Revenge
- Hate to Want/Love
- Married FMC (to other man)
- NonCon/DubCon
- CNC/Primal Hunt/Kink

If you have an issue with reading any of the above triggers, then this book isn't for you. I know a lot of people that have an issue with the cheating aspect of books, and does happen in this book, often.

Now, it doesn't bother me and I thought it brought a new challenge to this toxic couples relationship. And this couple is toxic in their finest moments together. They're never allowed to just be. There was always someone or something in the way throughout this duet. If any couple had to fight to be together it was Sebastian and Naomi.

"There's no saving the lamb from the wolf."

Sebastian said it well in that line or my other favorite by him,

"In her monster and she's my willing pretty."

Sebastian was living as just a shell of himself from the beginning of this book until 7 years later when Naomi showed back up in his life. Even though Sebastian wanted payback and to destroy her and hurt her the way he had felt that entire time she was away. Yet, when these 2 come together it's explosive.

Holy hotness!! There spicy moments are very spicy. From the primal chases, to the whole r@pe fantasy. Sebastian gives into his darkness when he's with Naomi, and she gives as good as she gets. From fighting him back, to the begging and crying. Oh man, it was spicy and I love spicy books.

The plot was one that I didn't see coming from the beginning until towards the end. I didn't see Naomi as becoming to married to another man, and I really didn't like her at certain parts. If she would have been honest from the beginning with Sebastian, he wouldn't have been so cold. I understand the need for the stories aspect, but still.

Can I just say that I did love how Sebastian got to live out at least 1 part from his mind when he screwed Naomi on her kitchen balcony in front of her husband. Lol, I know that he wanted to do all kinds of things to Naomi in front of her husband or to tale on her, but he didn't want to hurt her. I'm glad he got to do that part, while making her scream out this words.

I felt bad for Naomi in certain parts to. Having to live alone in her decision in keeping Sebastian safe. To her ploy of a marriage and that God awful father. Yes, the daddy she always wanted in the first book. I was surprised to learn about Kai. He was one of those characters I want sure about.

I was also unsure on Akira's character. Naomi's husband, not the penpal. His character didn't come off as a horrible person like her dad. He was just a blan character that could potentially have his own story. Especially with Ren. I'm curious about them, and want to know more. I guess I have to see if they have a book. And Naomi's sister to. I need to know about her.

Rina always keeps me on my toes and wanting to know what comes next. I love all her books and I'm slowly working my way through them all. I really enjoyed this dark second chance romance. I love the kinks in all her books and can't wait to see what she does in the future.

Perfection

I absolutely loved the second half of Naomi and Sebastian’s story. Despite having some questions at the start, by the end every hurt is soothed and every detail explored to it’s conclusion, the standout being the identity of the elusive third narrator Akira. Early on, it’s clear that there are changes. One minute, he is the forthright and filthy pen pal. The next chapter, he is cold and aloof. For the longest time, I couldn’t decide if I hated him or if he was simply misunderstood. The reality is perfectly devious. It’s a great moment.

One thing that is maintained in both books is the couple’s penchant for deviance and the taboo. If you are triggered by certain acts between consenting adults, you may not enjoy reading about what couples get up to in houses, on decks, on rocks, in the forest, etc. if you’re like me and agree people can share and enjoy their bodies however they choose, then, also like me, you will enjoy the shear novelty of what takes places between these sheets. I didn’t find a single moment unsavory, but I enjoy reading on the darker side of the spectrum. You may also agree that Kent affords more leeway in what Nao and Sebastian experience as a couple because of how deliciously depraved she allow them to be in Red Thorns. It’s almost a free pass, and it’s truly inspired.

Don’t wait to read it!