In the shadow of loss and betrayal, Esme is thrust into a world where survival means navigating a labyrinth of toxic relationships and intense emotional turmoil. After the death of her parents, she finds herself under the control of the abusive Mr. Brooks, a man with a sinister grip on her life. But Esme's journey isn't one she will face alone. As she struggles to reclaim her sense of self, her path intertwines with three compelling and equally tortured souls—Lukas, the quiet yet fiercely protective boy who understands pain all too well; Nikolas, a haunted figure whose own darkness mirrors Esme's; and Trevor, whose charm hides a more vulnerable side, one that might just break open the walls Esme has built around her heart. In this world of emotional highs and lows, Esme must confront not only the abuse and control of the household but the deeply tangled connections with Lukas, Trevor, and Nik—each one challenging her to embrace the love, loss, and complexity that could either destroy or heal her. But in the midst of chaos, one thing is certain: their collective bond is the only thing that might save them all. A story of trauma, redemption, and forbidden love, Toxic Temptations explores the boundaries between love and obsession, control and freedom, and the lengths one will go to for those they truly care about. Please note: it is a reverse harem.

Requirements & Requests

Dear Beta Readers, Thank you so much for agreeing to read and provide feedback on my novel. Your input is incredibly valuable to me, and I truly appreciate your time and effort. Below are some specific areas I would like you to focus on while reading: 1. Grammar & Spelling: Please keep an eye out for: Typos, misspelled words, and incorrect punctuation. Sentence structure: Are any sentences awkward or unclear? Please highlight these for me. Consistency: Look for any inconsistencies in spelling (e.g., character names, settings) or grammar issues that might break the flow. 2. Character Development: Esme's journey: Is Esme’s emotional growth and inner turmoil clear throughout the story? Does her progression feel natural given the events that unfold? Lukas, Trevor, and Nikolas: Do their personalities, motivations, and struggles come across authentically? Are their character arcs compelling and distinct from one another? Relationships: How do you feel about the romantic and emotional dynamics between Esme, Lukas, Trevor, and Nik? Do these connections feel believable, complex, and evolving? Are there moments where their interactions seem forced or unclear? 3. Flow of the Story: Pacing: Is the story’s pacing consistent? Are there sections that feel too rushed or too slow? How do you feel about the transitions between scenes and chapters? Emotional tone: Does the story maintain a strong emotional connection? Are the shifts in tone (from grief to love to tension) effective, or do they feel jarring or disjointed? Clarity: Are there any points in the plot where you felt lost, confused, or unsure of a character’s motivations or actions? Are there places where more context is needed? Suspense and tension: Do you feel the emotional and narrative tension building appropriately throughout the story? Are there enough twists and turns to keep you hooked? 4. Overall Feedback: Enjoyment: Did you find yourself emotionally invested in the characters and their journeys? What moments stood out the most to you—both positive and negative? Themes: Are the central themes of love, trauma, and control effectively explored? Do they resonate with you, or do they need more depth? Suggestions: If you have any suggestions for improvement (plot, character, pacing, etc.), please share them! Constructive criticism is always welcome. Please feel free to add any other thoughts or reactions you had while reading, even if they don't fit into the categories above. Your honesty and detailed feedback are greatly appreciated! Thank you again for being part of this process. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Comparable Stories:

1. The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black 2. The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson 3. Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

Trigger Warnings:

buse (Physical, Emotional, Psychological) The protagonist, Esme, is exposed to an abusive figure (Mr. Brooks), and there are moments of emotional and physical control. Loss of a Parent (Death, Grief) Esme experiences the trauma of losing her parents, which is a central emotional theme in the story. Trauma and PTSD Esme and other characters struggle with past trauma, particularly involving loss and abuse, which might be intense or triggering for some readers. Emotional and Physical Intensity The story contains scenes of extreme emotional and physical tension, with some moments that could be overwhelming due to their intensity. Mental Health Struggles Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges may be explored in depth, especially as the characters confront their traumas.