Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers

Alright, I’m not sure how to approach this to be honest. I probably should clarify that my problem with this book has nothing to do with trigger warnings. And honestly if you read them, this book is probably not for you.

I feel like the story had so much potential. Malachi character is as crazy as they come and I was rooting for him big time. He is obsessed, unhinged and devoted to no extent. Everything we love in dark romance MMC.

In the beginning I thought Olivia was just a bratty confused kid with weird family dynamics. And it seemed believable. But as the story goes on and her and Malachi start falling into their “lessons” she becomes dumber by the page. She treats him like shit by making it seem like he is the problem when she is actively participating but trying to play the good daughter. Overall I found her character to be disloyal and spineless. Maybe author intended that and she will grow a pair in the next book as she has finally accepted her love for Malachi.

Also, what the fuck is with the arranged marriages, forced dating and virginity sales for $5,000 (which seems like a pocket change for the likes of them)? Her mother is more insane than Malachi. He did nothing but show Olivia love. And she continues to tell him he can’t experience love because she has read it online while researching his diagnosis?!

Sure he might have taken things a little far after his release. But I wanted him to snap her neck and move on with his life 🤷🏻‍♀️

All the side characters were pieces of shit to a point it felt exaggerated. As much as I liked the spice it might have taken from character development and plot building.

I honestly didn’t intend to write such a negative review. But these are my honest thoughts.

If you have read Little Stranger, please let me know what you think.