Little Stranger - Adalyn Grace

⭐ - 4.5/5

🌶 - 4/5

 (No Spoilers)

Honestly, I don't know where to begin with this book. But I will start with saying that it took me under 2 days to read because I was completely addicted to how exceptionally wrong the storyline is, and that made it exceptionally good and worth the hours put into understanding and loving the mind that is Malachi Vize.

If you're a dark romance fan and you're looking for your next best read, then I highly recommend the revelation that is Little Stranger. I cannot continue to express the opinion that this book was like a drug to me and I thank Leigh Rivers everyday for creating such a messed up, deranged, insane and beautiful character that makes me question everything about myself.

The story follows the Vize family, made of a loving couple who choose to foster children, starting with the main character named Olivia and a few years later fostering a young boy named Malachi. From meeting one another, Malachi claims Olivia to be 'his' and then continues to treat her this way into adulthood - my first sign of knowing this was going to be a good read, because what do you MEAN, he claimed her from being a child?

Yet the biggest twist of the story (that isn't really a twist - it just made me love the writing more due to it), is that Malachi is a mute child - something he chose as a preference for himself due to a reason I will let you read the book to find out about. And although he doesn't speak, he makes his intentions clearer than a pair of glasses.

Through the story, Malachi and his (foster) sister continue to create a relationship, which is strange and up and down. It's also full of tension, anguish, confusion, lust, trust and betrayal. All a cocktail for a delicious read. As the book delves deeper into establishing a relationship between Malachi and Olivia, you begin to see where the morally grey areas appear and how they create something sultry, and if it were to be a line crossed in real life, may be seen as an issue...BUT, in a story that is creating the mindset of a hot, crazy, constantly craving the woman of his dreams, male lead...it's not really that bad.

Malachi is seen as a 'bad' child from the start as he has strange behaviours and tendencies that he carries through life with him, something that others around him can see. From people at school, his own parents, to Olivia. However, she's always willing to look past his ugly side because she knows there is more to him, and that is what draws her in. Olivia is the only person he allows to see his good side, the side that he reserves for those he feels deserves to see it. 

The back and forth between the 'will they/won't they' is excruciating, as simultaneously, the reader is quickly realising what they are craving, and as said previously, it's so wrong which makes it so right. Olivia is a good girl, the girl who never wants to disappoint anyone, especially her parents because that is how she's been raised to be. Who she's portraying herself as to the rest of the world. Which Malachi can see right through and doesn't accept. And therefore takes her on her own journey of self-discovery and understanding, to better herself and not listen to anyone else but herself. 

What more could you want from a book boyfriend? He's crazy, a stalker, dark as the night, protective, funny and all around a hot bad boy. And personally, one of my favourite book boyfriends to date. (Which is up for argument from other readers - but that be my opinion, it doesn't have to be agreeable for everyone).

With saying no more on the nature of the book, I will say the most important thing of all. Please check your trigger warnings and look after your mental health. Although this is a work of fiction, it has content which is not for the faint of heart and is very much triggering, so please make sure you look after yourself first before going into this story.

All in all, I loved this book. It was written so well from beginning to end. The story actually carried a plot that could be plausible, the characters had a development to them that was seen with progression and not all at once, and the feelings it makes you go through make it that more readable and worth the time spent in this crazy little world. 

I would definitely recommend this book and once again advise to check ALL trigger warnings before going into this blind. Stay safe and stay happy everyone.

Let me know if you read this/have read this and what you think in the comments! And if there are any suggestions you have for me to read the please either send me a message or leave a comment below!

Happy Reading guys!

B x