Pretty When He Bleeds

Sinners of Blackthorne U, Book 1

Hate feels a lot like love when it cuts this deep.

Roman

Pain is the only thing that makes me feel alive anymore. On the ice, in the gym, or from someone else's fists—it doesn't matter, as long as it drowns out the void inside me. Caleb was my first love, my best-kept secret, and the reason my world fell apart.

I thought the guilt would destroy me, but then his brother, Damon, walked back into my life. Damon is all sharp edges and raw anger, and I should stay the hell away from him. But his rage cuts in a way that feels too much like salvation.

I hate how much I need it.

Damon

Roman Bishop was the golden boy who could do no wrong in my little brother's eyes. But I see the truth—he's the one who broke Caleb, who drove him to a choice he never should've made. Now, Roman's the one who needs breaking.

I came back to Blackthorne to make him pay, to ruin him the way he ruined my brother. But every time I push, he leans in, like he's begging for more. Roman thrives on pain, and somewhere in the middle of our twisted game, I've started to crave him in ways I can't wrap my head around.

Revenge isn't as simple as I thought it would be.

Pretty When He Bleeds is the first book in the interconnected Sinners of Blackthorne U series, but it is a complete standalone.

Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.

©2025 J. Tarr / Avery Collins (P)2025 Podium Audio

Great MM story! May be triggering to some.

If you are one that has to base your listening off of the Trigger Warnings, then you may want to read them before diving into this book. Suicide is what this book is based around.
If Trigger Warnings don't get to you then this book might be a fantastic listen for you.
It is based around 2 best friends Roman and Caleb (who passes away by self harm) and the brother (Damon) of the one that passes away. Caleb and Roman had a secret relationship that they kept hidden from everyone until the death of Caleb. Years go by and Damon then re-appears after some personal issues, only to give Roman hell for "being" the cause of Caleb's death and does anything to destroy him (which isn't much cause he starts to have feelings.)
The story itself was very good and well written. Cried a bit and really felt for both MC's. Coping with death is never easy and is always different for everyone. This is definitely the case for Roman & Damon.
If you proceed to the 2nd book in this series, be prepared to a completely different story... No death involved in book 2 but is soooooooo much better and book 1 definitely be read before book 2.

This is how to tell a story

Narrators were perfect! I felt very emotion. I had to take a little break at the end very emotional but it worth every moment

I'm obsessed with this series

I am completely losing my mind over this series and the genius behind it! I’ve had Sinners of Blackthorne U sitting on my TBR for awhile, but it wasn’t until the ARC call for Wicked dropped that I finally dove in. And let me just say, HOLY CROW. I’m reading and listening to the audiobook simultaneously and my brain can not handle it!! 🤯

If you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for? Go get it because it is so damn good! I'm obsessed. And let's talk about the narrators, Gregory Salinas and Devon Ryder, HOT AF 🔥 Like, not just hot, but the kind of hot that makes your panties melt and question your life choices. These narrators bring the heat and then some. I have completely checked out of reality!

You know when everything just clicks, perfect story, jaw dropping narrators, the whole damn package? Yes, that's what this is! I'm practically dying over here!

Honestly, I can’t even, this series is sending me! I’ve only read book four and half of book one and I can already tell you this is going to be a series that I will never get over!

My Kind Of Story

After a book slump I've been in for at least the last 5 I have listened to, this one finally got me out!
I am a slut for enemies to lovers, dark romance! But I'm so glad this one didn't have all the murder and blood and death associated with many dark romances. I'm not opposed to that, just don't prefer it.
I think this story has a perfect amount of spice, even if some say it was to much. I like that I +++potential spoiler++++
didn't have to wait until almost the end of the story for them to finally get together. I love that once they did get together they were both smitten. I am always sad when these MMCs are so full of self doubt but in this book I feel like the fact that it was handled by seeking medication and therapy was well handled. I like how it didn't take forever and a day to drag secrets to light when someone had feels. Some of the side characters were wonderful **looking at you Killian** It def had some really sad moments but overall I loved this story and I'm looking forward to more by this author!
The narrators were absolutely wonderful and always do a great job. Great voice actors can really bring a story to life and I felt these guys both did that!

if you're reading this don't hesitate buy it!

this has everything I want when I buy a book!!!! The story was great and the spice was definitely spicing!!🌶️ 🥵 🔥 🚒