Book Review: Little Strangers By Leigh Rivers

Little Strangers By Leigh Rivers

Little Stranger By Leigh Rivers - Book 1 in the Web of Silence Duet

Tropes: Extremely Dark Romance, Mute MMC, Foster Siblings, Forbidden Romance, Stalker/Captive, Masked MMC

Summary:
Malachi Vize is out for revenge against his foster sister, Olivia, who betrayed him and sent him to prison. Consumed by obsession, Malachi has always wanted to possess her entirely—her mind, body, and soul. Now free, he’s determined to claim what he believes is his, even if it means taking her heart by force. Set on Halloween night, this dark and twisted tale explores obsession, revenge, and forbidden desire.

💚 LD -⁠

Little Stranger was such a captivating read! From the moment I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Although it’s a shorter book, the gripping plot made it feel much longer, especially since the story is split into two parts, giving it more depth than I expected. Malachi is the ultimate dark romance anti-hero—unhinged, dangerously possessive, obsessed, and a little mad in all the best ways. He’s the kind of character that keeps you turning the pages just to see what wild thing he’ll do next.

Olivia took some time to grow on me, but by the end, I found myself rooting for her too. Their chemistry was electric, and watching their twisted dynamic unfold was a thrill. Leigh Rivers’ writing style is truly unique and addictive. She’s definitely earned a spot on my auto-read list—I'll be eagerly awaiting whatever she writes next!

“Because I can’t talk? Because I can’t tell you how fucking breathtaking you are every second of every day? Because I can’t breathe without being near you? Someone like me… I’m different—I can’t be normal for you.

🤍 AD - ⁠

Little Stranger is truly one of the most deranged and dark romances I’ve ever read—when they say it’s twisted, they mean it. From the very first chapter, you're taken on a forbidden, taboo journey that’s impossible to look away from. Leigh Rivers masterfully weaves a story of obsession and revenge that grips you right from the beginning, dragging you into the depths of Malachi and Olivia's toxic, yet magnetic relationship.

Part 1 sets the stage, taking us through their childhood and hinting at the dark bond between them, while Part 2 escalates the tension to new heights. Malachi is unhinged in the most terrifying and captivating way. His obsession with Olivia knows no bounds, and as the story unfolds, you find yourself both horrified and completely intrigued by his actions. He redefines what it means to be possessive, taking the idea of love and obsession to a level that is both terrifying and mesmerizing.

The intensity of Malachi's fixation reaches its peak in Part 2, where his twisted need for control and revenge takes center stage. Rivers doesn’t shy away from the darkness in this book, and I loved every second of it. The emotional rollercoaster, the tension, and the psychological complexity of Malachi's character make this book truly unforgettable.

It’s rare to come across a book that balances such intense emotions, taboo themes, and gripping plot twists. Leigh Rivers’ writing keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly wondering what will happen next. Little Stranger isn’t just a dark romance; it’s a masterclass in forbidden love and psychological warfare. I’ve never read anything quite like it, and I’m already itching to dive into Little Liar to see where the story goes next.

If you’re a fan of dark, twisted romance with unforgettable characters, this book is an absolute must-read. Just be prepared for the wild ride ahead—it’s not for the faint of heart!

“No. You were mine when we were kids, and you’re mine now. You’ll always be mine.”

💙 AG - ⁠

From the very first page, Little Stranger had me hooked. Initially, I didn’t think it was going to be that dark, but as the story progressed, it took a twisted turn that I wasn’t prepared for! One particular event left me absolutely stunned, completely flipping my perception of Malachi. At first, I thought, "He’s not so bad, he seems kind of sweet," but by the end, I was thinking, "Wow, this guy is completely unhinged and psychotic!" It was such a shocking moment that it totally changed how I viewed the rest of the story.

The book kept me on edge the entire time, with unexpected twists that pushed the boundaries of the genre in the best way. If you’re a fan of dark romance that isn’t afraid to delve into the unsettling and intense, I highly recommend Little Stranger. It’s definitely a read that will stick with you long after you’ve finished.

“Please choose me. Nobody ever chooses me.”


Browse Little Stranger here
Browse the Web Of Silence Duet here
Browse Leigh Rivers Books here
Browse Leigh Rivers Reading Order here
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