2.5 stars

i don't know why but i thought this book would have similar vibes to [b:Tryst Six Venom|54661258|Tryst Six Venom|Penelope Douglas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1620195849l/54661258._SY75_.jpg|85282745]....... i was very wrong. there's so much that went on this book lmao, it was wild.

we start off with our main character, Aura, having a flashback to when she was in a cult (???? it was so random). we quickly learn that she's escaped the cult, and she's now living with her boyfriend and best friend. although she's escaped, she's still haunted by past trauma and experiences. Ruby, the love interest, is a stripper. on a date gone wrong, Ruby and Aura meet at the club. things then go to shit, pretty much.

firstly, Ruby and Aura were cute, i guess? i love it so much when characters are consumed with each other, to the point of obsession. they're constantly on each other's minds, the dark passion, mutual longing and desire, and just straight up always being horny for one another.... I LOVE IT.

"I'm always going to want you. Always dream of you. You've ruined me for anyone else. Do you know that? I can't fucking think straight when you're around, can't imagine being with anyone else that isn't you."

saying that, it did feel slightly rushed?? Ruby and Aura lock eyes at a club, and it is INSTANT attraction and desire. i think i prefer more of a gradual build up, but that is definitely a personal preference thing.

i don't want to get into too much detail, but there are some hyperspecific *points of interest* that i NEED to talk about lmao

- if i hear the term "energy" or "vibe" one more time, i'm gonna bash my head against the wall

i'm alll for cute, unique and original terms of endearment, but WHAT is "vibe girl"