Twisted Heathens

A Dark Reverse Harem Romance (Blackwood Institute, Book 1)

From the bestselling author of Sabre Security and Briar Valley comes a dark, found family why choose romance featuring a self-destructive heroine and the tortured men determined to save her from herself.

WELCOME TO BLACKWOOD INSTITUTE.

WHERE BAD GIRLS COME TO DIE.

Murderer. Unhinged. Remorseless. Insane.

I’ve been called it all while rotting away in a maximum security psych ward, imprisoned for my crimes. When I’m given a chance to escape this hell, it’s an offer I can’t refuse.

I’m transferred to Blackwood Institute, purgatory for the dangerous and disturbed. The deal is simple. Complete the three-year experimental program and you’re free to leave.

I have no such intentions. People like me; we’re born to die. There’s no life for me out there. I’ll do whatever it takes to end my pitiful existence.

This time, nobody can stop me. Not even the four fellow patients with dark secrets and damage that rivals my own.

A tight lipped cutter.

A manic nymphomaniac.

A possessive control freak.

A shadowy ghost from my past.

The clock is ticking. If I’m not careful, the demons that frequent these blood-stained halls will get to me before I can take my own life.

Game on.

Author's Note: Twisted Heathens is a dark, contemporary reverse harem romance set in an experimental mental health institution. This is book one in the trilogy and it does end on a cliffhanger. Set in the J Rose shared universe.

©2021 Wilted Rose Publishing Limited (P)2025 Wilted Rose Publishing Limited

Voice actors

The Actor that voiced Brit did an AMAZING job. That high pitched voice is Irritating AS HELL 🤣

Amazing narration

This story keeps you on the edge of your seat. I love some good jaw dropping moments and this has them.

Grant Armstrong and Bridget Bordeaux did a PHENOMENAL job narrating this audiobook! To maintain all those voices and personalities is tough. Absolutely loved it!!!

Twisted and spicy

Duel Narration: Bridget Bordeaux & Grant Armstrong

Male narrator was new to me, Bridget is not both did great as Brooklyn and the main male characters Elijah, Hudson. Kade and Phoenix. All the characters have their own vices and dark past. They all are dealing with something that makes lash out, withdraw and act irrational. Twisted is a good way to describe the things that go on in the Institute they are all in. And this is just the start.

Heartbreaking Plot

This is my second book by J Rose and I am now obsessed with her writing. I loved everything about this book. It was heartbreaking, thrilling and has dark romance plot. This book definitely lives up to the hype I have heard for over 1 year. I am excited to see where Brooklyn and the other characters stories evolve. The narrating was absolutely fantastic.

hauntingly dark and beautifully broken masterpiece

oh my heathens- that was heavy.
i think i have been irrevocably changed by this book. it was so hauntingly dark and broken, yet i continue screaming for them all to push through to the pinpricks of light. this story is not for the faint of heart, but it is one i recommend everyone should experience. the mystery behind this institution is addictive, and the storyline being told through the eyes of unreliable narrators/povs- its so unique and ive never experienced anything quite like it. the mental illness representation is gut wrenching, and and heartbreaking. the deep rooted trauma that these characters have experienced and endured hurts to even imagine- yet all their jagged and broken pieces are starting to fit each other through. the bonds of this found family absolutely wrecked me, but their toxically healing love was truly addictive.

bridgete bordeaux and grant armstrong put their everything into this narration. it was truly and unequivocally a masterpiece. i both equally want to dive into the next book with my eyeballs, yet the narration was so gobsmackingly amazing that i equal parts will be waiting until the audio releases for it.

huge thank you to valentine pr and j rose for allowing the opportunity to receive an ALC of twisted heathens!

tropes: dark romance, reverse harem, why choose, mm in the harem, experimental psych ward, mental health rep, forced proximity, they fall first
vibes: dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Content Warnings*

the trigger warnings list for this book is long and explicit. a full and complete list is available on the authors website- be sure to review them prior to reading!

Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Blood, Car accident, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment