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Red Thorns: A Dark New Adult Romance (Thorns Duet) Paperback – October 3, 2021

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 8,661 ratings

A bet turned into a disaster.



Sebastian Weaver is the star quarterback and the college’s heartthrob.
Rich. Handsome. Bastard.
Everyone’s attention flocked toward him and all the girls dreamed to be with him.
Not me.
At least, not until he made a move on me.
See, I thought I was stronger than Sebastian’s charms.
I thought I could survive being his target.
I thought wrong.
Little did I know that he will make my most twisted fantasies come true.
Fantasies I didn’t know existed...

Red Thorns is a dark new adult book that contains dubious situations some readers might find offensive and/or triggering. This is part of a duet and is not standalone.
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Editorial Reviews

From the Author

DARK NEW ADULT ROMANCE​

Royal Elite Series
#0 Cruel King (Levi & Astrid)
#1 Deviant King (Aiden & Elsa)
#2 Steel Princess (Aiden & Elsa)
#3 Twisted Kingdom (Aiden & Elsa)
#4 Black Knight (Xander & Kimberly)
#5 Vicious Prince (Ronan & Teal)
#6 Ruthless Empire (Cole & Silver)
#7 Royal Elite Epilogue

 
Lies & Truths Duet
#1 All The Lies
#2 All The Truths

Thorns Duet
#0 Yellow Thorns (FREE)
#1 Red Thorns
#2 Black Thorns

 
Legacy of Gods Series
#1 God of Malice
#2 God of Pain
#3 God of Wrath
#4 God of Ruin
#5 God of Fury
#6 God of War


 
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Kingdom Duet
#0 Rule of a Kingdom (FREE)
#1 Reign of a King
#2 Rise of a Queen

Empire Series
#1 Empire of Desire
#2 Empire of Sin
#3 Empire of Hate
#4 Empire of Lust


MAFIA ROMANCE & ROMANTIC SUSPENSE


Throne Duet
#1 Throne of Power
#2 Throne of Vengeance

Deception Trilogy
#0 Dark Deception (FREE)
#1 Vow of Deception
#2 Tempted by Deception
#3 Consumed by Deception

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Blackthorn Books, LLC (October 3, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1685450393
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1685450397
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.76 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 8,661 ratings

About the author

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Rina Kent
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Rina Kent is a New York Times, USA Today, and #1 bestselling author of all things dark romance.

Better known for writing unapologetic anti-heroes and villains, Rina weaves tales of characters you shouldn’t fall for but inevitably do. Her stories are laced with a touch of darkness, a splash of angst, and just the right amount of unhealthy intensity.

When she’s not busy plotting mayhem for her ever-expanding Rina verse, she leads a private life in London, travels, and pampers her cats in true Cat Lady fashion.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
8,661 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and suspenseful. They describe it as a dark romance with well-paced, flowing scenes. Readers appreciate the captivating characters with multiple personalities and mature age. The writing quality is praised as excellent and the narration is appreciated. Customers also mention the emotional content as intense and packed with angst and intrigue.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

59 customers mention "Story quality"59 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging story. They find the book engrossing, captivating, and worth reading. The perspective of Sebastian and Naomi is interesting. Readers appreciate the fast-paced, drama-filled read that ends on a cliffhanger. Overall, the story has suspense and excitement.

"...the characters are staring to get repetitive, but the story lines are still very enjoyable. If you read God of Wrath, you’ll really enjoy this book...." Read more

"...“Lies & Truth Duet” were interesting and seeing their perspectives in this story was great...." Read more

"...It’s 3:10am and I’m going right to book two. Definitely a must read if you’re into dark romance." Read more

"...I guess I have a cat and mouse kink. This book is so good and I absolutely adore the characters. Rushing to read the final book now." Read more

39 customers mention "Suspenseful"28 positive11 negative

Customers find the book thrilling and captivating. They say it grips their attention from the first chapter and contains multiple mysteries. The story moves along quickly with surprises and keeps readers hooked until the end.

"...It was intense, thrilling and wild. If you have no triggers, you just have to read the book to know what I’m talking about...." Read more

"...This book isn't for you... But if you are? Hang on. It's a crazy ride and I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT. ALL OF IT. I'm desperate for the next book...." Read more

"Mannn, this was intense on all levels. I kinda feel like Akira was talking about me in the long-winded letter as well. Maybe think about some things...." Read more

"This was an intense read, but also so captivating. I found myself flying through chapters to see what happens next...." Read more

32 customers mention "Dark romance"26 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the book's dark romance. They find the scenes intimate and appreciate the author's skill in weaving plots together. The book is described as the author's darkest yet, with a delicious darker side.

"...Is there a pheromone he smelled? I mean- I enjoyed the intimate scenes, but I definitely found myself scratching my head before they began...." Read more

"This is a dark book with dark S&M sexual scenes that could be upsetting for some people...." Read more

"...Great suspense and dark, dark, dark." Read more

"Wow, what a ride! This one is dark, but not the darkest...." Read more

22 customers mention "Pacing"16 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it engaging and flow smoothly, finishing it quickly. The characters are described as gritty, quirky, and true to their personalities.

"...It was intense, thrilling and wild. If you have no triggers, you just have to read the book to know what I’m talking about...." Read more

"...She's nothing what you expect. Smart, quirky, sassy and carries her own against everyone that goes against her. And what I LOVE?! She's JAPANESE...." Read more

"...romantically are only okay, they have chemistry but it’s dark and depraved." Read more

"...Drama: 4-4.5/5 Suspense: 3.5-4/5 Pacing: This pacing of this book is wonderful, it’s Mid paced and flows very well...." Read more

21 customers mention "Character development"17 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the book's characters. They find the characters captivating, with multiple personalities and life issues. The main male character is well-written and appealing, while the main female character is strong and resilient. The dark dynamic between the characters is portrayed well by the narrators. Overall, readers appreciate the author's ability to engage them and the narrators' performance.

"...a unique pairing and I love how Rina Kent introduced these two interesting characters and created an intense connection between the two...." Read more

"...These characters are captivating. They're both damaged, magnetic souls. Their story is utterly addicting. It's not pretty...." Read more

"I love the dark dynamic between these characters. However it may be too much for some. Heed trigger warnings!..." Read more

"...from Royal Elites to this is refreshing because these characters are closer in age to me, have a slightly more mature mindset and have ~closer to~..." Read more

19 customers mention "Writing quality"15 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They praise the characters and narration. The characters are described as witty, resilient, and sarcastic.

"...Rose Dioro did a phenomenal job narrating her as well, the emotions and fear could be heard and felt through all of Naomi’s struggles and I was so..." Read more

"...and will make a lot of ppl clutch their pearls but for me is was very well written. They are yin and yang...." Read more

"...Love the writing, and it was great to glimpse their thought process. Can’t wait to read “Black Thorns” cause I wanna know what happens next 👀👀..." Read more

"...This isn’t a high school book but reads like one and I struggled to keep going and I skimmed a lot. But it got a bit better but is it fabulous no...." Read more

14 customers mention "Emotional content"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging with intense scenes and a dark romance. They appreciate the strong emotional content, multiple personalities, and intricate character connections. The jock/angst cheerleader dynamic is entertaining, and the plot weaving is well-crafted.

"...It was intense, thrilling and wild. If you have no triggers, you just have to read the book to know what I’m talking about...." Read more

"...physical component of their relationship was there and their emotional one was building...." Read more

"...The whole jock/angst cheerleader dynamic is fun and I’m looking forward to see if that plays into any other plot lines in the duology." Read more

"...Upsetting racial tones but it’s just portraying life." Read more

28 customers mention "Twists and turns"17 positive11 negative

Customers have different views on the twists and turns in the book's plot. Some find them engaging, with a thrilling story and emotional depth. Others feel the ending was disappointing.

"...It was a crazy ending and a cliffhanger that made my jaw drop. I'm glad the next book is out bc I wouldn't be able to wait for its release...." Read more

"...Thankfully book 2 is already out because that cliffhanger was rough. Excuse me while I jump right in to book 2 🖤..." Read more

"...🏈 There are so many twists and turns within this book - and I won’t spoil them for you...." Read more

"...There were twists I did not see coming, and then that cliffhanger was a doozy!..." Read more

So bold and brilliantly told!
5 out of 5 stars
So bold and brilliantly told!
Red Thorns is pure depravity and debauchery in prose, and I couldn’t get enough! A bit psychotic, passionate, and oh so phenomenal!!! Such a bold and brilliantly told tale!Sebastian, the all alpha anti-hero with his dirty mouth and protective persona was my undoing. The heroine, Naomi, gives as good as she gets with smarts, snark, and sensuality that keep Sebastian worshipping her in his own deviant way. The chemistry blazes and burns between the hero and heroine, so energizing and enticing, a pulse that pounds the pages. You can instantly feel the deep connection of these characters. Darkness sees darkness, and Sebastian and Naomi were created for each other.You will be glued to the magnetic, metaphorical writing that’s rich in detail, reading like a diary, but plays out like a deliciously dark fantasy meets mind-tripping thriller. You will fall for the beauty and the beast and their heated, humorous and heady banter.I was a prisoner of this dark romance—dominated—where I felt every ounce of this potent mix of pain and pleasure. Wholeheartedly wowed. Unequivocally owned. Red Thorns took me on one incredible, heart-racing roller coaster full of chills, thrills, twists, turns, and all the feels. Deliciously dirty and darkly depraved, this novel is a decadent delight! I was so drunk on this book! Pure intoxication! Rina Kent has a new reader or fangirl for life as her words are life!I didn’t know what to expect with new-to-me author, Rina Kent, and dove into Red Thorns blindly, relishing the element of surprise. This story was a surge of emotional electricity that shocked and shone on me the whole time reading. A mind-blowing, body-owning, breath-stealing, edge-of-your-seat feeling force that will burn you in the best way. Just give me more now!A top 2021 romance!💋💋💋💋💋💋 deliciously dark kisses
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2021
    Before the release, I was already excited to read this book because the edits posted by ARC readers were showing a mixed Asian main female character and the typical white male jock. It was a unique pairing and I love how Rina Kent introduced these two interesting characters and created an intense connection between the two.

    We have Naomi Chester, a half American half Japanese girl, who comes from new money. Although she’s part of the popular cheerleading squad, she doesn’t act like the stereotypical cheerleader. And Sebastian Weaver, the star quarterback and the college’s hearthrob with a prominent family background. He’s played the part so well that no one was any wiser about his darker tendencies.

    These two belong to the same social circles but has never interacted with each other until the bet. What comes after is a series of cat-and-mouse games where your darkest and twisted fantasies come to play. It was intense, thrilling and wild. If you have no triggers, you just have to read the book to know what I’m talking about.

    Beside the romance, there is still a lot to be unraveled such as the identity of Naomi’s father and the mysterious penpal. I also want to know more about Sebastian. The book ends in a cliffhanger so I have to wait until July 8 for the closure I need.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2021
    I’d like to start off by saying this duet was a surprise and I’m so happy Rina decided to write Naomi and Sebastian’s story because I could not get enough of them in the Truths and Lies Duet. Everything we thought we knew about their story and the bet…. Let’s just say, we knew nothing.

    Red Thorns is a very dark college romance story.

    “The kiss shouldn’t have happened yesterday. It was supposed to be a peck, a pretense, but then my mouth found hers and a completely different need emerged out of nowhere.”

    Sebastian Weaver was so mysterious yet so easy going and all around a genuinely lovable character. His kinks were so different and unexpected and I just loved how Rina wrote this CNC storyline. He was narrated by Teddy Hamilton and holy mother of sin it was so amazing.

    “He’s not a mindless beast who’s out for the kill. No, he’s a manipulative one out to toy with his prey. Me.”

    The level of angst during their chases had me on the edge of my seat and I could simply not stop reading/listening. This was so different from anything I’d ever read, but I always trust that RK will deliver the absolute best stories and she never disappoints.

    “Today, I noticed the people when I never have before. I noticed the way they walked and talked, the way they laughed and scowled. I even stopped to admire the beauty of Blackwood’s forest and its tall trees. And it’s due to feeling alive after years of just…existing.”

    Naomi was such a cute and feisty little thing! She always stood up for herself and I loved that about her. She also very much reminded me of my beloved Teal Van Doren whom I miss so much and I just loved her even more because of it. Her search for the truth behind where she came from and where her father is unravels so many things and it was such a wild and at times, painful, adventure. Rose Dioro did a phenomenal job narrating her as well, the emotions and fear could be heard and felt through all of Naomi’s struggles and I was so enraptured.

    “Just don’t get any ideas about what this is. I can only be your friend, Naomi. If you go and fall in love with me, I’ll have no choice but to disappear. And that’s just sad. And unnecessary.”

    Akira… woah. This mystery man had me wrapped around his fingers. The fact that he was narrated by Jacob Morgan played a big role into making me trust and love him from the start (is that dumb of me? oops, not sorry.) Akira was such a good pen pal friend and I loved that element of mystery that followed the storyline to the end.

    All in all, Sebastian and Naomi were on fire, burning for each other. The ending left me shook and ready to immediately devour the next book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2024
    When I tell you I’m obsessed I’m obsessed with SEBASTIEN and Naomi! Also the Asian representation I’m living for 💜💜💜💜 ugh this story is not for the weak it’s is dark it’s good it’s depraved very dark elements to this but wow I ate it up! I love how obsessed and obsessed rinas men are for their women 😏🙋‍♀️🖤 me next! But ugh that cliff hanger I sswear to god! I have to know how their story ends because I was in tears! Especially from the mental health healing and how SEBASTIEN and Naomi two depraved souls finding each other 💜 can’t wait for book 2 to read
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2024
    3⭐️
    3.5🌶️

    This book was boring🥱… or at least it felt like that to me. (Or maybe too similar to some of her other books)

    HOWEVER, I did love Naomi & Sebastian. They were a match made in heaven and I had the best time watching the fall in love.

    This Akira guys is suspicious…

    I am actually looking forward to the next one.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024
    I cannot tell you how happy I am that the next book is ready for me to read! What a cliffhanger!! I am ready to find out what happens to Sebastian and Naomi!!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Erin
    5.0 out of 5 stars This Couple❤️‍🔥
    Reviewed in Canada on March 30, 2024
    “To your deepest, darkest fantasies.”
    (I’d say r*** fantasies are pretty dark to anyone that disagrees.)

    Two consenting adults engaging in their twisted fantasies & giving into their primal needs.

    Sebastian & Naomi are uniquely different yet the same, their chemistry is explosive and nothing else matters.

    Bet turned into a disaster is an understatement but up until that moment we are gifted with numerous scenes between a beast & his toy.

    In between all the spice there’s mystery & suspense clouding both the star quarterback & his tsundere.

    I can’t wait to finish this duet & have the answers to the many questions my brain has🖤
  • bellaking_books
    5.0 out of 5 stars Naomi and Sebastian
    Reviewed in Brazil on October 20, 2022
    I read this book twice and listened to the Audio book.

    At first you think it's just a cliche book about football player and cheerleader, but then the more you read the more you're surprised how rich this story is and how deep the characters are.

    This book is rated by me as "Book you can't stop reading" Because I didn't think about anything else besides reading this book.

    he surprised me, best hot ever, seriously u are shocked by this couple they catch fire together and i'm here for home second of that.

    -Naomi won me over in the first chapter for being a bitch and I love it, I love being sarcastic, I love everything about Naomi except the way she treats her mother.

    - Seb he is mine I love him so much, my god and in the second book even more.

    Best sex scenes, best chemistry, I love how much they aren't afraid to be who they are and going after what makes them happy.

    the ending is OMG
  • Michaella Dieter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 30, 2022
    I'm new to the author, and will definitely be adding the rest of her books to my TBR!

    I was recommended this duet when looking for CNC books. They can be difficult to find, and this one ticked all the boxes.

    I could not put this down. The feelings, the writing, the steam...it was just perfection. I can't wait to dive into book 2!

    ⚠️ Consensual non-consent, r@pe fantasy play, mentions of child harm.
  • Debbie Rilynn
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm Awestruck 🥺
    Reviewed in India on August 23, 2021
    This book has me wanting to read over and over again...
    Just like Royal Elite Series I guess this is next line to be my favourite.. I love this book, character and definitely the author without a doubt❤️🥺
  • Amy Falcone
    4.0 out of 5 stars Tabooish, but still good
    Reviewed in Spain on June 13, 2021
    Rina never fails to amaze me with her storylines and great characters!! This one was more into the taboo side, still it kept my attention until the last chapter. Sebastian and Naomi are such a hot couple and have amazing chemistry!!

    If you don't mind dubious consent/kinky s*x, go ahead and read it!!