Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Blackwood Institute #1

Twisted Heathens

Rate this book
WELCOME TO BLACKWOOD INSTITUTE.
WHERE BAD GIRLS COME TO DIE.

Murderer. Unhinged. Remorseless. Insane.

I’ve been called it all while rotting away in a maximum security psych ward, imprisoned for my crimes. When I’m given a chance to escape this hell, it’s an offer I can’t refuse.

I’m transferred to Blackwood Institute, purgatory for the dangerous and disturbed. The deal is simple. Complete the three-year experimental program and you’re free to leave.

I have no such intentions. People like me; we’re born to die. There’s no life for me out there. I’ll do whatever it takes to end my pitiful existence.

This time, nobody can stop me. Not even the four fellow patients with dark secrets and damage that rivals my own.

A tight lipped cutter.
A manic nymphomaniac.
A possessive control freak.
A shadowy ghost from my past.

The clock is ticking. If I’m not careful, the demons that frequent these blood-stained halls will get to me before I can take my own life.

Game on.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Twisted Heathens is a reverse harem contemporary romance set in a mental health institution. It contains very dark and triggering content including references to self harm, suicide, sexual assault, and violence. This is book one in the trilogy and it does end on a cliffhanger.

444 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2021

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

J. Rose

22 books1,177 followers
J Rose is an independent dark romance author from the United Kingdom. She writes challenging, plot-driven stories packed full of angst, heartbreak and broken characters fighting for their happily ever afters.

She’s an introverted bookworm at heart with a caffeine addiction, penchant for cursing and an unhealthy attachment to fictional characters.

Feel free to reach out on social media, J Rose loves talking to her readers!

Enquiries: j_roseauthor@yahoo.com

Stalk J Rose here:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials

Newsletter sign up:
www.jroseauthor.com/socials

Buy J Rose's books:
www.jroseauthor.com/books

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,952 (41%)
4 stars
1,649 (34%)
3 stars
829 (17%)
2 stars
243 (5%)
1 star
73 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 570 reviews
Profile Image for Crystal (Crystalreads2) .
872 reviews805 followers
September 3, 2021
I love, love this book. Twisted Heathens is just that, twisted. I read this book in one sitting. It’s very addicting. On my dark scale, it’s light gray.

This book is not for everyone, and that is okay. The setting is in a mental institution with severely different mental health issues within. It’s dark RH and so worth the read. This is my second book from the author I have read and have fallen in love with her writing,

What do you do when you sanction a mental institution? You do what you have to do to survive. Our female protagonist has several demons, and she is a fighter, but physically, she is more of a warrior than she gives herself credit for. I absolutely love Brooklyn; she puts up with nothing and befriends the bullied.


Eli, Hudson, Kade, and Phoenix are Brooklyn’s love interests. Eli is my favorite. My heart bleeds for him; Phoenix is the clever talker and witty. Kade is about control and keeping his family together. Hudson is Kade’s adoptive brother, bloody and had a heart of gold (in his own way) for those he loves.

Each character is complex in one way or another, and then you have the mystery surrounding the institution. All is not what it seems and what we do learn, you will never see it coming. That ending is something else. It’s freaking epic. Plus, the book is steamy. Now to wait for book two.
Profile Image for ↬ Ⓛ.
322 reviews473 followers
December 8, 2021
Utter perfection. This book is my SOULMATE. I never fuck & vibe with a book so hard like this. I felt this shit on so many levels. Every. Word. Every. Page. The instant connection. I love all the mothafucken main characters here. Best book of 2021. Peridot.

5 ahhhhmazing mothafucken stars

PS,
my first book by J Rose 🥀 & won’t be the last. I NEED book 2 like— mothafucken NOW!

Profile Image for vee.
866 reviews341 followers
September 25, 2021
2+ idk i dnfed

i think these kind of rh are just not my jam. i want the funny, angsty, hot and fun ones and this aint it. its set in highschool. 4 guys and one ‘badasss’ unapproachable girl. there werent any bullying so thats new, but i just couldnt connect w/ the heroine & none of the Hs r that interesting

kade = the momma of the group. always tryna help & take care of the ppl around him

’She’s infuriating. Her rejection stings just as badly as before. Why do I even care? I get myself into these messes. Always trying to save people’s asses when they don’t need or want it. She does though, that’s the most infuriating thing. God, she needs it. That girl is crying out to be helped and ever the bleeding heart, I can’t help but listen.
One of these days, I’m going to be fucked over for the last time.’


eli = emo, silent. labeled as the ‘freak’ by society
phoenix = playful but is ‘dark & twisted’ inside
hudson = the push everyone away coz i have issues one. guy version of brooklyn, has past w her, and the one in the group (bcs lets be honest theres always one) who has a clingy mean girl as a ‘gf’ or fuckbuddy

also, their relationships that were considered as slow burn felt too quick for me (development, their fast as hell ‘progress’ from strangers to ‘family’??)

’Her head drops to the pillow, eyes sinking shut. She snuggles closer, almost like she’s comforted by the skeletons in my closet that I’ve just revealed. When I was playing the good guy, she stubbornly pushed me away. But now I’ve owned my mistakes and shared my darkness with her? She’s cuddling up like a goddamn puppy, bathing in the grief.
This girl isn’t right. Not one bit.
I couldn’t save Amy. I’ll spend the rest of my life making up for that, saving all the other hopeless victims in her place. No matter how much it kills me inside every day. Hudson. Phoenix. Eli. And now? Brooklyn, too.
We’re family.
No one goes down on my watch.’


overall not bad written but nah not for me
Profile Image for Valentina.
1,079 reviews309 followers
December 24, 2022
4.5 stars

Twisted. What an original story!

A strong yet disturbed Brooklyn (Brooke) finds herself transferred to an innovative and elite mental care facility, Blackwood Institute, where unconventional therapy (supposedly) leads to patient rehabilitation as well as to fulfilling sentence time for re-entry into society. But, there is more to the inmate institution than appears, not just for its patients.

I loved the myriad of why-choose characters: Phoenix - bipolar and carefree, most of the time; Hudson - broody, muscular, hot head; Eli - silent, victim of a synesthesia disorder, and seeker of pain as emotional self-expression with a natural affinity to Brooke; and Kade - empathetic, generous big brother, devoted to keeping the family together. Dark, broken, and, for some, severely traumatizing pasts led to the persons they've become, the behaviors they demonstrate. Brooke, fiercely independent, with characteristics of all them, is one of the most damaged. And of course, there were true villains. The beauty of this story was the sorrowfulness of every character's journey to mental freedom within personal persecution.

This was a raw, gritty, and psychologically dark story, a slow burn of gradual reveal of personal tragedies, plights with only pockets of levity. Definitely a mentally dark read, which echoed sentiments of despair and perversion. While the steam was slow to come, it arrived at just the right time. It was a gradual building of the why-choose members, which worked well for plot and character development. I liked the mm. I also liked presenting of sexual freedom even when destructive. It was thought-provoking to read how characters handled their dysfunction through vices. I read with apt attention and sometimes disquiet at mental and self-harm affliction along with drugs, alcohol abuse, and other vices. The book's warnings are valid.

My only issue was the story lulled at times, stilted progression rather than any inherent development as a slow burn. The reveals of past histories and their connections felt needlessly withheld, as parts were not connected until the very end of the book.

Overall, a moving, heartfelt and captivating story. Brooke's pain, the guys’ infatuation and fascination with her, and their trauma were tangible. Loved Eli, Kade, Hudson, Phoenix, and Brooklyn, all so obviously unbalanced but well-suited as a unit. The steam was gritty, perverse wrapped in insanity. And the ending was so touching. Brava! I can't wait to read book 2.
Profile Image for Kerrie Goodman.
389 reviews10 followers
August 23, 2021
This author man. She does things to my heart even when I don't think she means too 🖤

I don't even know where to start with this. I've binge read it twice already !

The characters are incredible. Each so different but yet somehow they fit and mesh and work in the way only broken things can. I adore brooklyn and her no fucks given side but also that she has a softer side. The guys all have their own quirks but I want to hug Eli soooo bad. Jess knows exactly how to make you take the ride right alongside them and shutting my kindle after was a bit like coming up for air from a deep dive.

The mystery around the institute is engaging and I loved the snippets of backstory giving us ideas as to how everyone ended up where they are. I'm also intrigued as to where the other storylines fit in.

God I need book 2 already
Profile Image for Neelakshi.
460 reviews353 followers
June 26, 2022
2.5⭐
Elijah carried this book on his back
Brooklyn you lil baby i wish I can keep you in a bubble oh my god
I cannot give less fucks about kade even though he was angel i still cannot just care about him
Hudson needs to suck ass
Nix was flavour i liked him
I couldn't really feel the "i love her"
A lot if the book was just ...their trauma and not a lot of intimate scenes between Brooklyn with Nix, Hudson or Kade.
All of the connection and love and intimacy i could see between Elijah and Brooklyn
Elijah has my heart.


Also wtf was that ending??
I mean....that cliffhanger was ...rough
C'mon book #2
August 9, 2022
I had no idea what to expect going into this series and by the end I am invested and need more. I'm a sucker for flawed characters, even more so when they're borderline psycho. The book is set at a Reformatory School for early adults. Our heroine Brooklyn has a dark and sordid past, one she's desperately trying to escape anyway she can. Given one last straw before spending the rest of her life in an asylum Brooklyn is sent with the promise she will be released free and clear in three years. 3 years won't work for Brooklyn and she gives herself a deadline to end her life. As the date nears she really begins to spiral. While she wants no one to care she manages to snag the attention of 3 guys all with their own issues. A blast from her past also appears and has Brooklyn so far on the edge it's hard to believe she didn't explode with emotion. Juggling 4 men is not something an average person can handle let alone one with schizophrenia and her own set of issues but somehow she manages. The biggest thing I always worry in books like this are the mental health aspect. I don't want Brooklyn to use the guys as a crutch or a way to numb her pain without actually dealing with it. By the end her life is crumbling and the guys have to save her from herself. How she will save herself remains to be seen but I am thoroughly invested at this point and need answers. It's become clear the Blackwood Institute is a lot more than it appears. What makes it so different and unlike other reform schools remains to be unearthed. Brooklyn has no past really or people who care for her, the prime candidate for a modern day asylum psycho to take a liking to her. I only hope the guys' can all get to the bottom of things before the world implodes around them. This is a RH trilogy and FYI there are a few OW scenes, hookups with other people and triggers here and there so be warned!
Profile Image for Rebecca Norvitz Norvitz .
637 reviews20 followers
September 3, 2021
OH MY FUCK!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

I love this story so much. I literally just finished it so I need a few hours to get my thoughts into order.

4 days later and I’m still thinking about this book.

I will probably be adding to this review for days, so I am apologizing now.

I guess to some people it would be considered too dark but to me it was a raw, perfect masterpiece. The pace was perfect, the feelings so intense.

Raw, real and gritty!

J ROSE YOU ROCKED MY WORLD WITH THIS BOOK!!!

Also, I may have fallen in love with you while reading this 🖤
Profile Image for Natalia Parker Cahill.
169 reviews52 followers
September 24, 2021
4 stars SPOILERS (longest review I have written)

This was going to be 5 stars without the ow/om drama .

I thought this was going to be like ruthless asylum duet by kL savage which was SAFE . Since it almost have same setting and my dumbass thought they were virgins but I was wrong .

I was wrong this book was not safe .

_________________
Kade 😣

now kade reminded me a lot like the love of my life ( Aiden Parker )

“ I can feel Kade’s eyes on me but I don’t react, deliberately keeping my distance. Things are still odd between us after the other night. He’s more overbearing than ever, constantly studying me. “

^^ especially this part ( I love when the hero studies the heroine ❤️ )

He was so perfect he’s my 2nd favorite out of the RH

Loved him but he didn’t have s3x with Brooklyn (h)

I also hated him for his past ( he had a ex and he got her pregnant then he left her . The school humiliated her and she died . He did nothing to help her )
_____________
Eli ❤️

This man is soo perfect. When he doesn’t speak and at the end he did . I was screaming . I love him . I swear the silent ones are almost the best .

“His curly brown hair is messy and escaping from the scruffy cap he wears.”

“Burying my fingers in his unruly chocolate curls,”

“His chocolate curls are bouncy and freshly washed, sticking out from beneath the dark beanie he wears.”

“Eli just stares, those green eyes layered with even darker intentions. “
^^ GREEN EYESSSSS 😩

( he kinda reminds me of Sam Cahill)

My favorite chapter was 26 . TOLD IN HIS POV “

His past was very sad
____________
Phoenix

Now this guy is bisexual and he has sex with om . Now him I have nothing to say he was meh .
____________
Hudson

I hate him and still do . He was so pathetic. And the ow with him hell no.

I was so happy when he got stabbed my Brooklyn (h)
“The officer is shouting, threatening me. I don’t care. Not one bit. In the seconds before I’m dragged away, I see Kade kneeling on the ground by his brother. Phoenix and Eli stand frozen, both watching me helplessly.”
And also beat by her
“Just as I draw back, the other two guys round the corner, screeching to a halt when they see our altercation. Hudson slumps onto his side, spitting blood and cupping his undoubtedly sore crown jewels. So goddamn satisfying, I could watch him cower all day long.”

And the stuff he did to her . I hate him .

🚨🚨 let’s talk about the ow / OM drama

PHOENIX }}}}}}}}
“ I RAM my cock deep into his throat, eyes rolling back with pleasure. Tyler always takes it deep. Almost makes his unbearable personality worth it. Almost. Grasping his hair, I thrust faster. Harder. Rougher. Pouring all my frustration and arousal into the movements. He continues without complaint. Not even a bat of the eye.”
He gets a bj from om ( Tyler ) he then kicks him out . 14 %
“ To further illustrate my point, I silence him by shoving my dick deep into his throat. He gags and moans,”
He ties up Scott ( om ) gets a bj from him and proceeds to fuck him while thinking of the heroine 43%
( him and the heroine kiss at 17 % )
HUDSON }}}}}}}}
“Oh, by the way…” she starts. I free my rock-hard dick. “Do you have to talk right now?” “Calm down, no need to be an ass. I was going to tell you about the new girl.” Wrapping my hand around her throat, I squeeze hard enough to shut her up. “I don’t give a fuck about the new girl. Got that?”
He fucks his fuck buddy ( Britt ) (ow) 19%
“Hud, baby. Come back to bed. Leave him to it.” I see Britt emerge in my periphery, peeking out with a bedsheet wrapped around her stick-thin, naked body. When she sees the door I’m waiting by, a hateful look carves her features. “
Kade spots them 25 %
( this happened before meeting the heroine but him and the heroine had past )
“ I lose all sense of right and wrong. Marching over to her and grabbing her face, my lips are straight on hers. I don’t want to kiss Britt. I fucking hate her guts. But if I concentrate hard enough, I can pretend that she’s my blackbird. That her dry hair is long and luscious. That her thin body is soft against mine and lined with every scar that I’ve memorised.”
( he thought it was the h but it was ow and still does this )
“ Dragging her to my room, I shove Britt up against the door and grab her body, craving the release I know screwing her until she screams will bring. Just as she mewls and begins to get my door open, there’s a gasp nearby. A noise that’s a razor-sharp dagger to my heart.”
( the heroine catches them and he goes after her ) 67 %
He and the ow never did anything else after that .
KADE }}}}}}}}
there was no mention of him with no one .
ELI AND PHOENIX }}}}}}}}}
Now this part happened 6 months before . This took place in a bonus chapter . Phoenix offers him a threesome and idk if he accepts or not or if he did it .
“ I’ve got a girl coming over, she wants to celebrate before getting discharged tomorrow. You game?”
( there is m/m scenes . These two kiss when having a three some with h )

Brooklyn (h) was a very complicated character . I’m confused by her . She cheated on her ex. She even sleep with a worker ( I forgot ) she was close of giving a bj to om ( rio he’s basically a bad guy )

This also has one of my favorites tropes which is jealousy between RH . I don’t think I have read this but I love when one of the heroes is jealous of the other for being with the heroine .

I need the second book . That ending is killing me . And need more of Eli talking also Kade + Brooklyn scenes
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,415 reviews85 followers
September 29, 2021
***4,5 "Blackbird!!!" stars***

NOW AVAILABLE



"This isn't where they send angels. We're all fucking devils here."

I enjoyed this wild and dark ride very much and I can not wait to learn more about the Blackwood institute and our heroes...
This was a reverse harem story full of mental issues set up on a mental institute.
The atmosphere was dark and depraved....
Everyone within these walls are hunted by their own demons and it is fascinating to get into their psyches and learn more about them...
I just adored our female main character and her four boys... They were unique in their own way and I couldn't stop reading about them!!!

"We're a cacophony of failures here, in varying degrees. Some are worse than others, but we're all fucking broken."

Our heroine, Brooklyn is admitted on a new place, somewhere that it's suppose that it is a better place with more potentials for her after everything that she went through the last year....
But the truth is that Brooklyn's demons are too many to count and too persistent to let her live in peace... She just need for this mental torture to end and she is determined to do anything to succeed on that goal...
But she didn't count for four guys to get under her skin and to take residence inside her mind, body and soul....

"No one's allowed inside my dead heart. I won't survive it."

I don't know what more to say to you about the plot, other than it was original and special. It intrigued me very much and I just couldn't put the book down.
The heroine was badass and a tough nut to crack, but she was sooo intriguing and charming in her own way!!!
As for her boys??? OMG!!! Each one of them was more appealing than the other... I loved all of their unique and so different between them personalities!!!
As for the sex scenes??? They were hot, hot, hot!!!

"He's a fucking monster... just like me. I can't resist his darkness."

Honestly, I can not wait for the next book in the series, because I need to know what the hell is happening on Blackwood Institute???
What is really happening under the surface???
The only sure thing is that we will get another one wild and darkly beautiful ride.... I count on J. Rose to deliver an explosive story!!!

"I'm afraid of becoming the monster the world thinks I am."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
Profile Image for Sara.
173 reviews56 followers
May 6, 2023
I don't normally read a lot of books because I'm such a slow reader it takes me like two weeks to get through a book, usually preferring audiobooks. But this, this I read in a matter of days. Every morning I was counting down the minutes until bedtime so I could read again.

I was ready to give this 5 stars just based of the blurb and it did not let me down.

I've read many reverse harem books as they're a favorite of mine and this is the first book where I've loved each guy this much. Eli was a clear favorite though. Eli, the other half of my heart. I will say at one point I really thought I was gonna hate Hudson but then he turned it around in just a matter of chapters.

I also want to thank this author for introducing me to Sleep Token, what an amazing band. I've been listening to them nonstop.

Already downloaded the second book and I'll be starting it tonight.
Profile Image for Sarah.
450 reviews6 followers
January 11, 2022
This was a disappointment.
Every character was so whiny, quoting Pete Davidson, “just because you have mental illness doesn’t mean you can act like an asshole.”
Which is exactly what every character did. Constantly complaining about how messed up their lives where. Which in all fairness, their life’s where all uniquely messed up but I didn’t care.
I don’t need to have three chapters in a role about Brooklyn feeling sorry for herself.

There were too many dudes; they all felt under developed. None of them had any depth which killed the vibe.
I kept waiting to be pulled in; I never was.
I ended up being fully disinterested though out the whole book.
As well as I didn’t end up routing for Brooklyn to end up with anyone.
Also, we don’t find out until almost the end what Brooks history with Hudson is.

Positives
I liked the twist with Rio and I might check out the playlist.

On a side note- I’ve read this review over three times now and it’s terribly written. My deepest apologies.
However, this poorly written review doesn’t change the fact that this book was still garbage.
Profile Image for Anna.
93 reviews74 followers
December 7, 2021
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK ASAP
i really like this one, it was really good but it’s feels like an introductory book ( and it’s) so this is why I ain’t giving 5 stars. THE CHARACTERS? AMAZING, THE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THE BOYS? *CHEF KISS*, THE INSANITY???? LOVE IT GIVE ME MORE, THE BOYS???? INSANE AND UNHINGED LIKE I LOVE AND HOT AS FUCK 🥵🥵🥵BROOKLYN??? COULD COME TO MY HOUSE AND KILL ME AND I WOULD THANKS HER ( REALLY HOPING THAT SHE WILL EMBRACE HER DARK SIDE AND START KILLING BAD PEOPLE LIKE THE VOICES WANTED HER TO) summarizing: this was amazing I love everything about it AND I NEED THE NEXT BOOK ASAP
Profile Image for Vero Exposito.
480 reviews4 followers
December 23, 2022
4 Stars

Honestly, I was going to give this 3 stars but the ending had me flabbergasted. I absolutely did not expect that ending and that’s why this book deserves 4 solid stars.

I liked all the guys but I’ll definitely say I think Hudson needs to do more groveling. That is one of the main reasons I was going to give this book 3 stars.

I did love Brooke. She was a broken mess but I still love her. I think she symbolizes that you still deserve love even when you’re at your worst and are not a good person. I certainly loved her with all of her flaws included.

I definitely recommend this book and I’m starting the next book immediately. Toodles!
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,514 reviews165 followers
September 8, 2021
OMG WHAT DID I JUST READ!!! This book was amazing it was flat out phenomenal!!! I am speechless right now I started this story late last night and I finished it about noon I did take a break to sleep for a few hours but as soon as I woke up I jumped right back in! This story is captivating it’s dark and gritty gripping storyline immediately sucked me in the writing is flawless it’s so deep and emotional the characters are so beautifully broken this is one of the best dark RH romances I’ve read . Don’t sleep on this story! The suspense the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through! The pain the emotions the sexy times ! This is a definite must read! I can’t wait for book two !
Profile Image for Annasbook nook.
754 reviews65 followers
September 3, 2021
This is unlike anything I've ever read.
Deep, emotional, dark and just powerful.
The way the characters were written, and their character development broke my heart.
Brooklyn was a little spitfire, her sheer determination at everything had me shook.
Her boys Eli, Phoenix, Hudson and Kade compliment each other and Brooklyn each having their own issues.
All in Blackwood Institute just trying to survive.
This book is dark and raw which may not be for everyone and the triggers are there for a reason.
I loved this book and need book 2.
Wow just wow, J.Rose I'm in awe of you.
Profile Image for thenerdybookworm_.
1,485 reviews57 followers
September 6, 2021
Oh my….this story is everything dark and deprived. The characters are so flawed and broken. Twisted Heathens will leave you feeling emotionally raw.

From a max psych ward, Brooklyn has been transferred to Blackwood Institute for an experimental program. She doesn’t plan on staying long but then she meets Phoenix, Kade, Eli, and Hudson. They’re determined to help her, but how can you help someone who doesn’t want to be saved? And Blackwood is more than what it seems, with sinister machinations at work….

J. Rose has done a fantastic job of portraying characters with issues pertaining to mental health. This book is just amazing. If you love broken and flawed characters, a twisted storyline, with some steam…then Twisted Heathens should definitely be in your TBR list.
Profile Image for Dani.
Author 112 books2,293 followers
September 10, 2021
I'm not sure where to start. This was one hell of a mind fuck, but I loved every bump in the road. A reverse harem romance which has some very dark elements. Please be wary if you have triggers, and this book contains quite a few.

Onto my review, Oh hell, J. Rose took this story and weaved a tangled, dark, twisted, steamy web of secrets and some rather intense characters that I completely fell in love with. I never wanted to leave this world. I had my favorites, but near the end, each and every one of these characters stole my heart.

I'm chomping at the bit for book two because I need to know where this twisted ride takes us!

Twisted Heathens is a dark, yet beautiful journey with characters who will no doubt leave you wanting more. J. Rose has intricately carved her words on my heart, and I'm hooked!
Profile Image for Jena .
2,278 reviews2 followers
Shelved as 'avoid'
September 24, 2021
Note to self:
Bi-sexual hero getting BJ from om. Gag not my jam.
Profile Image for Debleena.
242 reviews79 followers
July 29, 2022
Wow, wow wow 😳😳

Man this book blew my core. It literally remolded, reshaped, rebuilt my whole character.

These main characters are all f*cked up. Some more ,some less. I apologize in advance but I couldn't not keep away from saying that this author literally made suicidal, schizophrenic a freaking badass whom I adore, and love and hats off to the author for making burning skin with cigarette a huge turn on!!!!!

I loved Kade,the guy deserves medals,hell he deserves Nobel Prize for all the shit he kept tolerating and for his sheer tenacity and big heart. Phoenix and Eli blew my mind away, I freaking loved and loved these two unhinged,broken fellows.

I loathed Hudson simply on principle. That guy deserves the worst for what he did to poor Brooklyn. Honestly, the fact that Brooklyn still felt something for this scum is the only reason why I couldn't give this book a 5 star, no matter how much I loved this book.

I loved ,loved, loved Brooklyn. The psycho won my heart right from the start. She is literally a true badass, a suicidal one but still a badass. I never thought that a insane girl would legitly inspire me to be more like her sans the suicide and the episodes.

Ps- I apologise again if I offended anyone or if my swooning came out as rude and disrespectful. For all my fan girling, I am not encouraging suicidal thoughts or making fun of a serious issue of mental health.
Profile Image for La-Lionne.
482 reviews806 followers
August 6, 2022
All the stars in the world for this one. I’ll warship at the altar of J. Rose for the rest of my days. My god what a book.
I cannot to emphasise to check your triggers before reading this one. Even if you thought you had none, you might just find some in this book.
Absolutely unique and captivating. Characters, the plot, the setting, all of it. J. Rose took no prisoners dragging readers into the darkest counters of human mind. You know when a book is described as dark and disturbing? This story is on a whole another level.
I loved and rooted for all the main characters, their sickness and all.
The story takes place in a cutting edge, modern, institute that provides experimental treatment for mentally ill. Think of any mental illness, they have it. These are people with serious mental illness and author doesn’t spare details describing how they go through their episodes. There are murderers, schizophrenics, anorexics, psychopaths, patients that harm themselves. You get to read about it in great detail. And then, there’s relationships forming between the main characters and it just adds to the dark theme of the book.

I didn’t get it at fist, what was the whole “experimental treatment” thing about, that was mentioned. Is it that they roam around the institution, unsupervised for the most part? Is that it? Sure they’re being medicated and have to talk to psychiatrists on a regular basis. What’s the big deal? Then you get to the ending and it hits you with one line from one of the characters, that makes you go “Wait a minute! What?!” One of the best cliffhangers ever.

Just absolutely amazing. Can’t wait to start the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Tasha.
110 reviews387 followers
April 19, 2022
Wow, just wow. I had never read this author before and found her on IG and I was just like, her vibes look right up my alley. And I was 100% accurate.

This book is very dark, there's addiction, self harm, mutual self harm, abuse, just to name a few things. This story takes place in a experimental rehabilitation jail of sorts. It's kind of like a school, a jail and a therapy rehab place all in one. It's a pretty interesting concept.

There she meets all the boys that will eventually be in her harem, one of which is from her past, and to say that their relationship was toxic and rocky would be putting it lightly.

I personally tend to connect with characters that are flawed, broken and have had a crap go at life. Because to me that is more realistic then every character being wealthy, exceedingly beautiful and having everything handed to them. Our MC's have had a terrible life, but they have found family within each other and I love that. Found family trope is one of my favorites. Brooke fights it hard though. The boys want to be there for her, help her and make her feel included and she just wants to die.

I can almost always tell my favorite guy in a harem pretty early and this RH was no different. Eli must be protected at all costs. And what's crazy is that he doesn't speak. His inner monologue is everything. As much as I love that this is a RH and always want to read them. I would have been happy with it just being MF with him being the MMC. His soul is so beautiful and I would walk to the ends of the earth to protect him.

This is the first book in a trilogy, and I can not wait to see how this all plays out. Like I said above this is dark, so make sure you check your warnings!
Profile Image for Zoe_isreading.
535 reviews38 followers
August 22, 2021
Jess has stolen my heart with yet another book of hers. Everything she writes is simply incredible and I always struggle with what to put in a review of her books. 

Twisted Heathens is a dark, RH set in a mental health institution. All the different people have different struggles and issues. Brooklyn and Eli are my favourites.
Brooklyn is so troubled, broken, it's heartbreaking reading about her and her inner thoughts. Eli broke my heart in completely different ways to Brooklyn, he's just so precious that I can't even explain it - believe me read the book and you'll see why Eli just had such a soft spot in my heart. 

Phoenix, Hudson and Kade are the other boys Brooklyn has. I don't want to give too much away about everyone, hence why I've only properly mentioned my favourite - Eli. They will definitely give you mixed feelings, especially Hudson.

This book won't be for everyone because it tackles some tough subjects for some people and there's a lot of different mental illnesses within. But I can assure you, this is definitely worth the read. And if I could give this more than 5 stars, I would. It can have all the stars. 
Profile Image for ✨✨ Claire✨✨.
1,025 reviews46 followers
September 9, 2021
This was just jawdroppingly addictive. It was a very unique, mind bending, page turning , uber inhaling piece of work.

It's the first book I've read of this author and I think it's easy to say I'm a fan already! The way it was written was as if you were there. You could feel Brooklyns emotions thru the pages, understand the effects of solitary confinement, even feel the relief she shares with Eli to release pent up emotions.

There's no denying this book has major trigger warnings that need to be taken notice of before even touching this book. But having said that....alot of those should have affected me....but only one really did. So a case of "Reader Beware" kinda thing!

I seriously don't want to give much away so I'll enlighten you a little but I really urge you to read the trigger warnings, then head straight in. The less you read the better! So much better going in with no expectations!!

Our FMC is a fiesty, no nonsense inmate called Brooklyn, who's transferred to a new state of the art psychiatric facility to help get her more likely to be released at the end of her court appointed date in 3yrs.

But Brooklyn has no plans to stick around for longer than a month, and is determined to end her life.

There are several characters on the unit , that the story brushes on and hopefully we'll see more later, but for now, our MMCs are Phoenix, an ex dealer/junkie who is now hooked on sex instead, Hudson, who is in for something worse, is Kades foster brother and there's Eli who doesn't speak. He tastes an emotion instead.
These are fantastically written characters. All extremely different but all have that missing piece that Brooklyn should be able to fit....if she lives.

Kade is very much the proactive member of the group. Always making sure everyone is OK. Making sure no-one feels left out and considers them a little family. He now adds Brooklyn in there too...but boy does she fight the kindness....

Solitary confinement seems harsh. After letting her emotions get the better of her, she ends up there for way too long and only gets out when she does, thanks to Kades help. So how long would she have been kept there for??

After this, she gets a new psychatrist. One who seems really...off. His actions, mannerisms and way he phrases things is not right...

This I think is the start of showing us something isn't right at Blackwood. Even Sadie, a group Therapy worker hinted to be good with a worrisome face....

I've never read anything like this! I love it! The characters, their personalities and chemistry, the storyline and the pacing is perfect. There's one strong story at the forefront with only a small amount of whispers hinting about more going on - so you're not overloaded with info but you have it building slowly! Perfect!

Cliffhanger ! I know these have to happen but still....ARRGGH!!!!

Please don't keep us waiting too long!!!!

I received a copy of the ebook in return for an honest review
Profile Image for Marcie.
934 reviews48 followers
September 3, 2021
Before I dive into my review, I have to say that this book is dark and riddled with potential triggers and dealings with various mental health issues. If you are a sensitive reader please read the trigger warnings.

The supremely talented J Rose pulled me into the dark and twisted world of Blackwood Institute, did not let me go until the jaw dropping cliffhanger and has left me begging for the next one.
Brooklyn, Hudson, Phoenix, and Eli are all uniquely broken yet so strong while they fight their demons - while Kade is trying to keep everyone’s head above water along with his own. I found myself unable to stop turning the pages as these characters’ story unfolded, my stomach in knots as each burrowed their way into my heart and claimed a piece of me.
All of them making my heart and soul ache as I moved from one chapter to the next. Strength comes in numbers, but in the world of this institute where everything isn’t as it seems - will the numbers be enough?
J Rose did amazingly getting into the minds of each and every character along with setting up a flawless plot of something so sinister. I can’t even find the words to describe how this author made these characters so beautifully raw, gritty, realistic and unique with a plot that will make you question EVERYTHING. I love how this author doesn’t stick with the usual dark romance tropes and creates her own. Her talent shines within these pages, building a plot where emotions run high and will punch you throat repeatedly….it blew my mind, honestly. She is a rare talent and I will repeat myself by saying I can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Nina ~ Meleth Bookaddicted ~.
1,423 reviews49 followers
September 3, 2021
Twisted. Dark. Unexpected. Even gory and bloody at times. That’s TWISTED HEATHENS in a nutshell, my first read by J Rose. Set in a mental institution, full of people who are all there for a reason, it’s bound to make the reader uncomfortable at times, so beware the trigger warnings going in.

Brooklyn. A self-proclaimed monster with a serious death wish.
Kade. A possessive control freak, hell-bent on keeping his family together.
Phoenix. A witty maniac with a liking for everything rough.
Hudson. A never forgotten ghost of her past with a hang for violence.
Eli. A mute with a love for self-harm and blood.

Five vastly different people with severe mental health issues that are as different as their respective characters. Each of them complex, broken and deeply troubled, each of them shrouded in secrets in one way or another.

Being a reverse harem, of course all four boys are her love interest, but unlike Brooke so far, I clearly do have a favorite – Eli. The most damaged one out of the lot of them – of course. It’s always those I gravitate to. He’s just so precious – and he doesn’t even speak!

Relationships, mental stability, and steamy, bloody scenes aside (holy hell! And there’s MM too!), there’s also the added mystery surrounding the institution. While it’s less asylum themed than I expected, there’s definitely something dark and gruesome going on there, and I cannot wait to peel away all the horrifying, shocking layers. I have a feeling it will be getting darker from here on out after that cliffhanger, and, boy, I’m ready!
Profile Image for megan ◡̈.
360 reviews174 followers
December 9, 2023
ok im giving up at 42% lol i just simply dont fucking care about anything going on in this except for eli. i want to see where these guys end up but every time i try to read this i fall asleep. it seems super promising going into it but like, nothing has fucking happened 😭
Profile Image for Stephanie Gillespie.
378 reviews201 followers
October 21, 2021
ARC Review

This is my top book of the year!! Holy crap, I absolutely LOVED this book it is very dark with graphic scenes and contains many trigger warnings such as self harm, suicide, and sexual content. Waiting for book 2 is going to be torture.

This book dropped on my kindle Monday and it consumed me. I was instantly hooked snd drawn into the story. Brooklyn is being transferred from a psychiatric hospital to a newly funded mental health institute, this will be her last change at rehabilitation. Which is the last thing she wants, she made a deal with herself that she will die and soon. When she unwilling befriends a group of boys, they challenge her feelings.

« Insanity.I hate that word. Implying that I was ever sane to begin with. »

Each of the boys were vastly different from each other. Kade is a smart, well dressed young man who collects broken people. Eli, a mute curly haired emo boy, Ohmygod I want to wrap Eli up in a blanket! He is definitely my favourite I would do anything for that boy. Phoenix, charming and funny, manic drug addict trying to maintain control. And Hudson, he is unhinged and aggressive, I have mixed feelings on him.

🖤 Dark Romance
🩸 Self harm and blood play
🔪 Psychiatric Institute
💋 Reverse Harem

This book was everything I wanted and more. If you love dark romance then this is s book you definitely do not want to sleep on. J Rose, has a way with words that completely immersed me into the story. I was a sobbing mess at the last few chapters, it’s a very emotional story but it’s worth it. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 570 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.