Where do I even start with this mess of a book?

DNF @67%

TW: Kidnapping, Blood, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual Assault, rape, sexism, self harm, mental illness, death (on page), torture, toxic relationship, domestic abuse

To be fair, I knew I wouldn’t like this book, but I really did not expect it to be this bad. Right now, it has a 4.11/5 rating…it couldn’t be that bad, right?? Oh, I was wrong. I was so wrong.

Synopsis: After her estranged father sells her to settle a debt with the infamous band of brothers The Vipers, Roxy must work hard to stay safe or…lose her heart?

(Commence puking)

You Might Like This If
1. You enjoy dubious consent.
2. You enjoy reverse harem.
3. If you like smut, chances are this will be a satisfying read. The author is very good at building up tension before and during these scenes. Although, I must say that many of the scenes are extremely graphic. The pairing of violence and sex is a common theme within this book. If you like to explore those themes in conjunction with one another, this might be enjoyable for you.
4. You enjoy stories with multiple POVs.
5. You enjoy stories with unreliable narrators.

Ahem, now that that’s taken care of.

I HATE THIS BOOK.

Throughout this entire book I felt like I was in a freaking fever dream. Knight is truly an author to behold because somehow she managed to make me bored, angry, and just plain confused all at the same time.

Let’s introduce our cast of characters:
1. Ryder: he’s your everyday boss dude who thinks wearing suits is a personality trait.
2. Garrett: he’s our incel. He had a really traumatic experience with a woman and instead of fixing his shit and going to therapy, he has now turned to ~misogyny~
3. Diesel: I think his name explains it all. And while I don’t think an affinity for knife play means that you are a psychopath, he is definitely a psychopath. A murderous one at that. Weirdly enough, I think the author tries to use him for comic relief.
4. Kenzo: my favorite. He is the gambler of the group. He’s definitely misogynistic and rape-y, but he’s the best of the group.
5. Roxy: Annoying bitch with Stockholm syndrome who tries to convince you she doesn’t have Stockholm syndrome for 646 pages.

There are issues with this text, like, SERIOUS ISSUES. I feel like I must be missing something. Possibly, I am. I admit I am not a part of the BDSM community…but, idk, something tells me that Den of Vipers is an accurate depiction of a healthy BDSM relationship at all.

But you know what it is an accurate depiction of? Stockholm syndrome.

This book tries its hardest to convince the reader that in some way Roxy CHOSE to stay with the Vipers. That she loves them. That this isn’t manipulative, at all. And that to me is disgusting. It also does its hardest to slut shame women, but I mean, what do I expect from a book that is literally depicting an abusive relationship with ZERO self awareness.

Here’s some quotes to enjoy (Possible triggering content: gaslighting, SA)

"She doesn’t get to make Kenzo feel like he took her without consent. It would wreck him.”

🤡Are you kidding? It would hurt HIM???? IT WOULD HURT HIM??????

"She seems undisturbed by his rudeness, picking her nails with her new knife as she lounges. Why can’t she be this comfortable with us?”

Kidnapper wonders why kidnapee doesn’t treat him like a friend :/

"No deals, [Roxy], but know that tonight, I’m close to the edge. Plunge into that darkness, and you might not come back,” I warn.
She tilts her head…”Maybe I don’t want to.”

OMG i for real thought she was being suicidal here.

Listen, I think the last quote really speaks for the cheesiness and quality of writing, but I will just end on this.

“What if, without her, there is no us?
What if I can’t let her go?
What if I’m not strong enough?
What if I’m too much of a viper to release our prey?”

I am VIPER 🐍 ME NEED LADY 👿 or else...viper, no exist? 😪

This is existential for NO REASON.

BYe.

P.S. Where are the CONDOMS? Where is the PROTECTION? When is the last time y’all have gotten TESTED?

P.P.S. where is the PLOT

P.P.P.S. Where is the pegging?