Burning Red

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)

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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….

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 🫣.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 stars
🌶️🌶️ spice

“I felt you before I even laid eyes on you. I would have found you, even if I wasn't looking.”

I honestly didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book, but I was pretty blown away. The cover is quite unassuming, and here I was thinking I was walking into some predictable paranormal romance. Wrong!

If I can find adequate words to give you a feel for the vibe, it's almost a pre-apocalyptic dystopian urban fantasy romance (wow, what a mouthful but honestly, it's hard to describe). Set in the real world but with an underground, human trial based lab experiment on crack, led by a mob-esque family of super villains. I know...it's a lot. I could absolutely envision this translating so well into a TV series.

This was also one of the most intense, action-packed books I've read in a while. It was all about pace and plot. It was fast moving and didn't leave you bored for a second! You'll hit the ground running from the very start, and be pulled into this twisted story that will have you gripping your kindle tightly, desperately hoping all your favourite characters make it out alive.

Absolutely loved the main characters, even though Garron is a terrible name for an MMC (sorry, not sorry - I'll get over it). I can't wait to keep reading this series to learn more about them with some added character development, as that's really what I felt was pushed to the side in favour of plot in this first installment. There was a lot of information to get through, and it would have been nice to focus on learning more about their histories. Again, I'm hoping this is coming as more is revealed in the future.

Loved the multi POV format, and so cool getting villain POV chapters - I hate read those chapters so hard. There are some great, slimy little worm bad guys in this series and I can't wait for them to get their asses kicked by my girl Max.

Tropes::
❤️‍🔥Urban/Paranormal Fantasy
❤️‍🔥Insta Love
❤️‍🔥Fated Mates (maybe?)
❤️‍🔥Touch her and die
❤️‍🔥Multi POV

Monsters created through genetic manipulation!

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🤎🖤💜💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📔📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😲🫣😡😤🥰

The Hero: Garron - he spent years in an underground research facility where mad scientists tortured him and experimented on him, turning him into something not totally human. Each day he got painful injections which played havoc with his system and caused terrible pain. He didn’t know how many years he had been kept there and even remember what his last name was or how old he was. A new guy was brought into the containment area next to him. He said his name was Jaxon and he talked a lot. Though Garron didn’t respond since most of the time when new guys were brought in, they didn’t survive long.

The heroine: Maxine - she is Jaxon’s sister and her brother had been missing for months. She was worried about him even though he had told her to go about her life since his plan would take time. She worked at a sporting goods store and one of the customers, Eddie Blascoe had been bothering her. She worked for Frank, who had been her dad’s best friend and partner in national sharp shooting contests. Her best friend Cory also worked at the sporting goods store. Maxine knew that Jax was gathering evidence against the Gregori family who murdered her mother and were responsible for putting her dad in prison.

The Story: Jaxon seemed to survive the initial treatments where they were being held and spoke to Garron every day until finally Garron gave Jaxon his name. They spoke through the vents in their containment cells each night with Jaxon telling stories of his friends and family. Garron was most interested in the stories of Jaxon’s sister. They also discussed plans of escape. Though Garron had thought for years it wasn’t possible, he still had hope. The plan was for Garron to cause a disturbance and Jaxon to escape since they couldn’t think of a way for both of them to get out.

Lately I have been loving books about genetic experiments and non-traditional types of monsters. This one had all that and a bag of chips. There were rabid looking animals that were products of genetic experimentation running wild, there were villains that weren’t just the scientists doing the experimentation. There were also people who gained special abilities as a result of the experiments. It was all very engrossing, and I was caught up in the story from the start.

The book was told from multiple points of view which I really liked, I love getting the perspective of both main characters and even that of the supporting characters. The serum the scientists have developed is called “The Red” which is where the title for the book comes in. They developed the serum for its medical benefits, and though the doctors thought the “patients” had volunteered, that was obviously just putting their heads in the sand since nobody would willingly volunteer to be tortured and killed in the most painful ways, live in containment cells and be treated brutally by the guards.

I have to say, one thing that I don’t like in books is when people are stupid or do stupid things. There was one point in this book when Maxine was in a gun fight with a bunch of guys trying to abduct her and instead of killing them, she shoots three of them in the knee. I mean it’s obvious she knows how to handle a gun and is a good shot, but she should of went for the chest or the head. I mean a knee shot has to be painful, but it isn’t enough to stop someone who is determined.

I loved how “The Red” affected everyone differently and gave them different abilities. There were some pretty cool ones in addition to increased strength, faster running ability, and faster healing. There were some kind of gross side effects such as the hunger for raw meat and blood, though that isn’t all that different from Vampires. I can’t wait to read more from this series. I did notice there was a 32-page prequel to this book that is about Jaxon, so I grabbed that and will read it after this.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! It was such a gripping story, and a truly unique tale. I loved the characters, and how realistic their reactions were to what was happening throughout the book; even though it was a fantasy, that gave it a more realistic vibe.

The only thing I would want to change about this book is the length of the paragraphs. They seem to go on for a very long time when it’s not necessary.

Overall though this was an extremely great read!

***ARC READ***

Thank you to Netgalley and The Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was incredible! Wow! I was hooked from start to finish.
I'm not sure what I was expecting in this book, but regardless, it exceeded my expectations - you couldn't predict everything that would happen and it kept you on your toes for that reason. Also, the plot twists near the end?????? YES!

The only thing I found I bit questionable was Garron and Max's relationship. I found it too ironic and, in a way, laughable. Of all the people in the universe to fall for? And in such a fast way - upon their first encounter it was already going crazy between them! I still loved them together though!

When I started this book, I realized that it wasn't the kind of book that I would typically pick up. The more I read, the more invested I became, and I wound up loving every moment of it. The concept and story are fresh and interesting. The pacing is great, and it kept me turning pages without the fatigue I typically experience with a book so action packed.

Every character is written in a way that I am entirely invested in their story. I loved Maxine, Gerron, Jaxon, and the rest, and I can't wait to find out more about each of them in future books. There is plenty of paranormal action and just enough romance to keep me super invested. There are lots of questions that I am left wanting answers to, which is keeping me on pins and needles for the next books in the series.

If I had any criticisms, it would be that with so many different points of view, chapter by chapter, it does sometimes get a little confusing, and I found myself flipping back to the beginning of the chapter to make sure I know whose point of view I was reading. Also, please keep in mind that this book does end in a pretty substantial cliffhanger, and while that isn't a criticism by me (I love cliff hangers!), I know that some can be turned off by cliff hangers when the rest of the series isn't released yet.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was action packed and kept me guessing the entire time! I absolutely can't wait for the rest of the series!
Overall 4 Stars
Spice 3 Stars
** please also note that there are some pretty heavy triggers in this book. Please check the triggers for yourself before reading!