This book sat weirdly with me. Premise is epic, execution is… less so.

Early on we witness Max in a wild and wonderful situation… death and *OH MY DAYS I’m going to find the most on the nose method of explaining just how horrific this situation is* type moment… she is the enemy of the bad guys, the obsession of them. They are bad and she is good but also badass. I couldn’t stomach it.

But I kept going.

Jax (seriously who names siblings Jax and Max?) is a little more believable, as is Garron. I could accept their dire situation, even if I couldn’t quite believe it. They are realistic and enjoyable to read about. Their plight was well done descriptively.

This book reeks of an otherworldly, fantastical darkness in a very earthly, sci-fi-esque setting. Personally it felt like it wasn’t really sure what genre it fit into. I wasn’t in love with it… wasn’t really sure of the direction and I fully admit to immersing myself in a book with no clue as to the ending (which is nice). But the sad fact is that I couldn’t immerse myself because I didn’t, in all honesty, click with the writing. It wasn’t badly written, but there was something (and I can’t quite put my finger on what which I know is very annoying) that just want good about this book.

I think it comes down to a heroine that I just could not get behind. I didn’t like Max at all. She annoyed me from the offset. It’s a shame because I really, really wanted to like this book. It sings to me in a way all my favourites do. It’s just a shame we had to witness an early murder done so spectacularly poorly. Christ. That was something else.

Burning Red is book one of a trilogy. The cover and description absolutely drew me into wanting to read this book. Before reading, beware of the content warnings!!!
I absolutely love the premise of this story and wanted to love the book just as much. I tried to get myself to hang on but there were too many issues with the writing style that distracted me from the story. The writing felt chunky and all over the place. It needed a lot more character building and a few less POVs for me to feel more of a connection to it. The large plot holes really interrupted the reading flow too. I found myself having to take a step back and say, “Wait, what?” way too many times.
The potential is there, it was just a miss for me.

I do want to give a thank you to Net Galley and Black Rose Writing for allowing me the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Net Galley, black rose writing and Trinity Slain for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

If you like feral primal play smut this book is probably for you. If you like a decent plot then it’s probably not.

There were a lot of aspects of this book that I wanted to like, the premise behind it sounded good. The idea of everything was extremely interesting to me. The execution, however, was a huge miss. I tried very hard to finish but I had to DNF around 50% when I couldn’t stop cringing at the massive plot holes and the super cheesy dialogue. The book is ROUGH.

There are definitely things the author could have done to make the plot more seemless but after 50% I have a whole lot of”wait… how did this happen if this happened”, and “the FMC is an idiot.” Also I feel like the villain would have made a better love interest than the strong, rocks for brains Mmc. After 50% I don’t have a good idea of who he is except a very strong boi. The multi pov sucked, it jumped around so much you can’t create good character development when you are half way into a story and you know a teaspoon about each character. The FMC cries a lot and then gets angry a lot, the brother has a hero complex and is questioning his bad decisions, the MMC doesn’t know who he is except strong boi and he is basically in love with the FMC before we even get into the plot which just takes away from the romance in my opinion since he’s never met her.

It felt like this story was just trying to do too much, not enough world building/background or character development for a book that is pacing that fast and starting almost at the beginning of everything. If this book is setting up for a multi-book series then there should be more time taken into its development. Lots of action, very little depth. Idk if this is a writing thing or an editing thing and honestly if I didn’t agree to review this I probably wouldn’t be writing this since I don’t like to put negative reviews out there. I know this author worked hard on this, but to me it was an huge miss.

Anyway, I hope it reaches the right audience and maybe the finalized copy has more solid plot that can focus on the smut. Because the smut was pretty good. Honestly because the plot structure is compelling it might make an interesting film script.

5⭐️ this was wildly entertaining!

What a great story and so well written! I had so much fun reading this right from the beginning. I was worried all the POVs would be a little distracting and take away from Max and Garron’s story but it totally didn’t. So much happens in this paranormal thriller, but it’s easy to keep up. I can’t wait to see what happens next after that cliffhanger!

Please check trigger warnings. There’s definitely some dark elements and I can only assume with the way this book ended that the series will only get darker 🫣.

I was given this ARC for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Trinity Slain for the opportunity to read and review Burning Red.

3.75 ⭐️ Let me start by saying this book was not what I was expecting but I was gripped into this story from the jump. I love Garron and Maxine. ❤️ However the ending had me shook and I’m not know. For my patience. 😅 so I’m going to need book 2 ASAP! This book does have trigger warnings and I’m glad I read them before I read the book so I was prepared. So please check the TW before reading. However this book was great and you will enjoy it!

WHAT DID I EVEN JUST READ?!?!?
This book is not my typical go to kind of story. I kind of went in blind not really realizing what it was about. Added points for the cover looking tempting, ya got me there. When I started it I realized it was so far out of my normal realm of reading I didn’t know how I was going to feel about it. Once I got more pages in I realized I actually really was into it. This ended up being a wild ride through a roller coaster of a story that was so descriptive I felt like I was actually in it standing next to the characters rooting for them. This book honestly had so much of everything. Thriller ,Sci-Fi, Spice, and everything nice. I don’t even know what category I would actually put this book in. It was just a whole lot of anxiety. I will say the cliff hanger ending killed me a little inside but I guess I’ll just have to wait for the next one to come out….

Trinity Slain's captivating novel, "Burning Red," is a gripping tale that explores the complexities of human nature, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love amidst a backdrop of darkness and horror. The novel's protagonist, Garron, is a man haunted by the unspeakable horrors he has endured in captivity. Driven by desperation, he escapes with the help of his newfound ally, Jaxon, vowing to protect Jaxon's sister, Maxine. However, as Garron embarks on his perilous mission, he discovers that Maxine is far more complex and intriguing than he could have ever imagined. Maxine is a woman wrestling with her own hidden demons and a dangerous secret that threatens her life. When she encounters Garron, a handsome stranger with an enigmatic past, she is torn between her attraction and her skepticism. As their paths intertwine, Maxine and Garron find themselves drawn to each other by an undeniable primal desire that threatens to consume them both. Amidst the escalating danger and the threat of their pursuers, Garron and Maxine must confront their own inner struggles and make difficult choices. Garron battles with the monstrous impulses that have been awakened within him, while Maxine grapples with the realization that her destiny may be inextricably linked to Garron's, even if she fears his true nature. "Burning Red" is a page-turner that deftly blends elements of horror, suspense, and romance. Slain's vivid prose transports the reader into a world of darkness and danger, where the line between good and evil becomes blurred. The novel explores the transformative power of love and sacrifice, as the characters struggle to find redemption and peace amidst the turmoil that surrounds them. Slain's characters are complex and well-developed, each with their own motivations and vulnerabilities. Garron's struggle with the darkness within him is both compelling and heartbreaking, while Maxine's growth and resilience inspire hope amidst despair. The relationship between Garron and Maxine is both passionate and dangerous, adding an intriguing layer of tension to the narrative. Overall, "Burning Red" is a highly recommended novel that will appeal to fans of dark fantasy, paranormal romance, and suspense. Slain's storytelling prowess and evocative writing style create a gripping and unforgettable reading experience that will stay with readers long after they finish the final page.

Garron's life of captivity has been nothing but torture and pain. In a desperate escape, a new ally, Jaxon, has sacrificed his own freedom, giving him the impossible. Now he must honor his word to find and protect the sister of the only friend he has had in decades. The task is harder than he'd ever expected, and the gorgeous woman is not what she seems. Maxine calls to the monster they've created beneath his skin on a primal level. And she's not ready for the beast that has already claimed her as his.

Her fate is bound to his…even if she doesn't believe it. Maxine's life is spiraling dangerously out of control as a dark secret awakens and she accidentally kills the only person with her missing brother's whereabouts. Now her own life is in the crosshairs. When a handsome stranger rescues her claiming to have the answers she so desperately needs, she's left with only one choice. But Garron's clearly crazy with stories of torture, caves, and monsters. Or is he? Unable to fight the undeniable pull, the blazing desire ignited threatens to consume them both.

Time is running out. Hunted and fighting for their own lives, they must work together and return to the very hell in which Garron escaped. To save her brother Jaxon and the rest of the captives, she may have to sacrifice everything, even herself.

A paranormal romance that I just couldnt get into. There were multiple POV's, but I just could not relate to any of them and found them whiney and annoying. I actually wanted to DNF this book multiple times but In eventually pushed through. Wish I would have used my time better and read something else:(

I was hooked from the very beginning! I loved how all of the different elements (paranormal, romance, and mystery/thriller) were woven together to create this fast-paced and intriguing story!

This book definitely has some dark moments (please check the trigger warnings before reading), but I didn't find them overwhelming. Some you could even skim if needed without missing anything too vital to the plot. However, these moments definitely set character development, so I wouldn't suggest skipping them entirely.

So much happens in this book and it is easy to follow! I always get a bit lost during any fighting scenes, but I consider that more of a personal problem because those scenes in this book are well-detailed and I still got confused at times 😅 However, I never got confused with what was actually going on (who was fighting who and who was winning)!

Anyway, I loved the multiple POVs throughout the book! It helped me get to know the characters better and learn more about what was going on. My favorites were, of course, Maxine and Garron. I adore them and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book! With how everything ended I really wish it was out right now!

*Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the eARC!

This book contains multiple POVS, which allows for the readers to get more involved with the thoughts of our antagonist and protagonist. An interesting way of keeping us involved in the motives behind our “enemy”. Garron thinks Jaxon is living in fantasy land when he says they’ll have their freedom. His years of torture keeping him from dreaming of anything else. Jaxon’s sister, Maxine becomes Garrons responsibility once Jax has been able to provide Garron with a way out. The draw Garron has towards Maxine is consuming and primal. He doesn’t know which part of him wants her more, the monster or the man. Maxine will have to decide is she trusts this man who comes with stories of horrendous nature, and face what this feeling she has for him is. This paranormal thriller includes mystery, horror, and romance in the harshest of situations. Maxine and Garron have no idea why they’re drawn to each other, but by the time the book comes to an end you are deliciously invested in their romance.

The book moves fast, this quick pace can feel slightly jarring and reading it can make you feel as though you missed something. Be mindful of the sensitive topics warned about earlier, some of these topics can be hard to swallow. Some of the plot could have been done without, while I really wish some parts had been expanded on. The read all together was enjoyable and the storyline is crazy interesting/fresh. I want to know what exactly is changing about these characters and what this change will bring out in them. I’m anticipating the second book already!

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this arc!

Burning Red is full of action and adventure! This paranormal romance will keep you invested until the very end! There’s love, betrayal, leaves you on a cliffhanger! Definitely worth reading!

Also important to note that there are triggers in this book. Please check the trigger warning page!

I enjoyed reading this book, it is filled with action and adventure, the interaction between the characters is wonderful. I can't wait for more from this author.

This book was a little slow for me to get into. The characters were a little underdeveloped and it made it hard for me to follow.

Greed, betrayal, obsession, lies, and secrets at every turn - while the unimaginable is happening deep underground. Experiments gone wrong, years of torture and imprisonment, animals not quite normal, humans even worse. Tense and addictive - ends on a cliff (almost lost a star for that)