Dollhouse (Down We Go Book 1)

*Torn but Intrigued* 🤓
This reverse harem novel left me torn. While engaging some scenes felt overly detailed making me skip ahead. Despite this, the story’s grip kept me invested.. somewhat.Be warned: Dollhouse tackles dark themes, including rape, underage trauma, domestic violence, and more. Though disturbing, it’s not the darkest story I’ve read.The cliffhanger ending ensures I’ll continue the series. Fans of darker, complex romance like myself will appreciate Faye’s bold storytelling.Recommended for those who enjoy reverse harem and dark romance, but proceed with caution.

Good read; miscommunication trope heavy
Overall, this was a good book.I will continue on to Book 2.I would not reread.The trigger warnings are basic and do not properly warn readers of what’s to come. There’s underage r@pe, SA, mental and physical abuse, manipulation, non-con, etc.Plot: Unique (kind of?). Some plot points didn’t make logical sense or were too far fetched for the characters ability. It was good, not great. Interesting enough for me to willingly read the second book. Partly because it ends on a cliffhanger. With that said, the main trope moving the plot along is miscommunication. The characters don’t communicate with each other so a series of events happen, in several different scenes. So if that’s not your thing, be prepared to be frustrated.Characters: We get a lot of character details and history. There’s some character development but not much. The FMC falls hard for the MMCs. It’s a quick love and they all seem to have a connection. King and Rowan more than Eli. It works with the plot tho.Grammar/Writing Style: The beginning chapters were amazing. 5 star writing that pulled you in and made you want to binge the entire book. Somewhere along the way, likely when the FMC makes a major life change (sorry, don’t want to include any spoilers), is when the writing starts to change. Another reviewer compared it to fan fiction. I would compare it to a competent fan fiction writer that’s still learning how to properly include details and write inner dialogue that’s not cringy.

Dark Material and Spicy!
Lee has been a victim for much of her life. First with being in the foster care system to now her abusive husband. After developing an escape plan and now starting a new life with a new name she believes that she can put all of that behind her. That is until she gets kidnapped to be used as a pawn in a gang war. While being in close proximity with her captors known as the Triad, Lee begins to feel an emotional pull to each of the three men. What she does not realize is that one of them she viewed as a savior during her childhood years. Secrets begin to unravel and questions begin to rise in regards to what the rival gang is wanting with Lee. This book does end of a cliffhanger and the story does continue in Ashes by Kyla Faye.This book pulled at my heart strings. I love stories where characters have childhood connections even if it is a matter of sharing traumas. This book brings you so many twists and turns along with plenty of spice! You will learn about each characters past and what has brought them together into the found family that they are. Each man has his very own personality even though many qualities are shared including the touch her and you die vibes.Why ChooseFound FamilyEnemies to LoversForced ProximityChildhood Friends to LoversGang/MafiaThis book is a Dark romance and does cover very dark situations. This is for 18+ readers and does include erotic scenes. Make sure to read the trigger warning at the beginning of the book.

This book… honestly, I don’t think I will ever get this book out of my head.From the interlocking story elements, to the strength of the characters, to the utter pain I felt reading through the heart wrenching parts of this story.It’s 100% a must read if you love dark romance and reverse harem, in my books.

My Rating: ★★★★☆”Dollhouse” by Kyla Faye is a masterfully written novel that skillfully combines elements of escape, freedom, and the haunting shadows of the past. The protagonist’s journey unfolds with a perfect blend of spice, violence, and mystery, creating a narrative that is both compelling and gripping.The author navigates the complexities of the storyline with precision, capturing the essence of the protagonist’s struggle for liberation. The city of secrets serves as a powerful backdrop, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative as the protagonist attempts to forge a new life for herself. The reader is drawn into the character’s world, experiencing the highs of newfound freedom and the lows of an imminent threat from the formidable trio—Eli, King, and Rowen.The characters are vividly portrayed, with Eli, King, and Rowen emerging as ruthless and relentless figures, each contributing to the intensity of the plot. Their presence adds a palpable tension, making every encounter with the protagonist a high-stakes moment. The dynamics between the characters are both fascinating and complex, further enriching the overall reading experience.While the storytelling is commendable, it is crucial for readers to heed the trigger warnings. The inclusion of elements like violence, domestic violence, dub con, non-con, blood and knife play, and other uncomfortable situations enhances the realism of the narrative but may be unsettling for some readers. Faye’s decision to address these challenging themes adds depth to the storyline, creating a narrative that goes beyond surface-level storytelling.In conclusion, “Dollhouse” stands out as a well-crafted novel that explores the darker facets of escape and the pursuit of freedom. Kyla Faye’s ability to strike a balance between suspense, violence, and mystery is commendable, earning the book a solid 4-star rating. This is a must-read for those who appreciate a thought-provoking and intense narrative that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

Initially thought I was going to love this book. Sadly no. Several editing issues that were difficult for me to overlook. The believability really started going downhill early on, which made it difficult to enjoy. The writing is good, intimate scenes are mild spice.