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The Devil Tainted Us
Mery Heights has been known for its myth of being cursed by God because of the uncountable sins the island carried. But sin is like a shadow inked with the darkness in Magdalene asylum.
When an innocent soul like Agatha is brought to this living hell, she is pushed into the fire of torture, guilt and shame. But she is determined to find her door to freedom and the key was one of the priests of the Magdalene who is no less than a sinner.
Eryx.
The longer Agatha is held captive the more she is drowning into the darkness of the island. But even in the depths she feels an undeniable connection and attraction to Eryx, who can't resist the beautiful and alluring angel.
But soon secrets are revealed, past dig their way out of the graves, endangering their lives. A journey of betrayal, guilt, love and passion with an angel and a sinner fighting for what they yearn before they are tainted by the devil.
Warning: The book contains intense sex scenes, drug abuse, physical abuse, suicidal scenes, molestation scenes, violence, religious references and explicit language. Readers discretion is advised.
When an innocent soul like Agatha is brought to this living hell, she is pushed into the fire of torture, guilt and shame. But she is determined to find her door to freedom and the key was one of the priests of the Magdalene who is no less than a sinner.
Eryx.
The longer Agatha is held captive the more she is drowning into the darkness of the island. But even in the depths she feels an undeniable connection and attraction to Eryx, who can't resist the beautiful and alluring angel.
But soon secrets are revealed, past dig their way out of the graves, endangering their lives. A journey of betrayal, guilt, love and passion with an angel and a sinner fighting for what they yearn before they are tainted by the devil.
Warning: The book contains intense sex scenes, drug abuse, physical abuse, suicidal scenes, molestation scenes, violence, religious references and explicit language. Readers discretion is advised.
Unknown Binding
Published February 15, 2022
175 people are currently reading
3,040 people want to read
About the author
Shanjida Nusrath Ali
19 books431 followersShanjida Nusrath Ali, bestselling Bangladeshi dark romance author of "The Devil Tainted Us" and "Syncopating Hearts", writes dark romances that explore the seductive world of gothic castles and the dangerous secrets of mafia crime lords.
With a BA in English and Humanities, she thrives on storytelling. Off the page, she dances to Bollywood music, sketches her morally grey characters, and brings a vibrant charm to life; proving that even in darkness, there's room for art, music, and mischief.
With a BA in English and Humanities, she thrives on storytelling. Off the page, she dances to Bollywood music, sketches her morally grey characters, and brings a vibrant charm to life; proving that even in darkness, there's room for art, music, and mischief.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
January 5, 2023
Genre: Gothic Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
3.75 Stars
After a family tragedy, Agatha Adamos’ life went downhill, and led her to the infamous Magdalene Asylum. What was supposed to be her healing turned into a living hell and the one holding the chain was none other than the devil in disguise, Eryx. With their tainted past, the journey to redemption could end up paved in blood.
This book carries the depravity level that satisfies my dark needs. I liked the overall storyline despite the revelations being on the subtle side. Though, I wished there was some background info on the origin of a certain thing.
Eryx and Agatha had their own appeal, and I enjoyed seeing push and pull. However, I disliked how one of them flipped their mind too much within a short period towards the end.
The Devil Tainted Us is a story of sins and redemptions. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a cult-like gothic romance.
➕🌑➕. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . ➕🌑➕
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
3.75 StarsAfter a family tragedy, Agatha Adamos’ life went downhill, and led her to the infamous Magdalene Asylum. What was supposed to be her healing turned into a living hell and the one holding the chain was none other than the devil in disguise, Eryx. With their tainted past, the journey to redemption could end up paved in blood.
This book carries the depravity level that satisfies my dark needs. I liked the overall storyline despite the revelations being on the subtle side. Though, I wished there was some background info on the origin of a certain thing.
"I’m not going to be the hero of your story, so don’t attempt to make me one.”
Eryx and Agatha had their own appeal, and I enjoyed seeing push and pull. However, I disliked how one of them flipped their mind too much within a short period towards the end.
The Devil Tainted Us is a story of sins and redemptions. It would appeal to readers who enjoy a cult-like gothic romance.
➕🌑➕. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . ➕🌑➕
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
January 31, 2022
Eryx ♡ Agatha
*breath went outta my lungs*
❝My goodness! Gothic romance trope is literally now my new favourite one. NOT LYING. This book left me starring into the space in awe and breathless, when two prisoners of their own demons and darkness are searching for the freedom within themselves, the audacity. Anyway, I just don't want to give it all away but beware of Father Eryx *whispering*.❞
“Not a single living soul in this place will help you. You are like a trapped bird. I am the hunter who brought you and this place will be your cage.” He is so close that his mask touches my nose. “Welcome to Mery Heights, little girl. Be prepared to breathe in a living nightmare. But most of all,” he slightly moves his mask up, showing his lips and five o’clock shadow, “be prepared to be tainted by the devil.”
Book: The Devil Tainted Us
Author: Shanjida Nusrath Ali
Rating: 5/5⭐
Steam: 3/3🔥
Angst: 3/3✨
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. And I highly recommend this book if you are interested into dark gothic but in a twisted way. One of my most anticipated books of 2022 and my first read of Shan's but surely not the last.
*breath went outta my lungs*
❝My goodness! Gothic romance trope is literally now my new favourite one. NOT LYING. This book left me starring into the space in awe and breathless, when two prisoners of their own demons and darkness are searching for the freedom within themselves, the audacity. Anyway, I just don't want to give it all away but beware of Father Eryx *whispering*.❞
“Not a single living soul in this place will help you. You are like a trapped bird. I am the hunter who brought you and this place will be your cage.” He is so close that his mask touches my nose. “Welcome to Mery Heights, little girl. Be prepared to breathe in a living nightmare. But most of all,” he slightly moves his mask up, showing his lips and five o’clock shadow, “be prepared to be tainted by the devil.”
Book: The Devil Tainted Us
Author: Shanjida Nusrath Ali
Rating: 5/5⭐
Steam: 3/3🔥
Angst: 3/3✨
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. And I highly recommend this book if you are interested into dark gothic but in a twisted way. One of my most anticipated books of 2022 and my first read of Shan's but surely not the last.
January 31, 2022
"Every angel has her fall, but just because they fall doesn't mean their wings won't raise them up with power."
What an amazingly dark story this was.
Be careful with your heart..... will the devil taint you?!
What an amazingly dark story this was.
Be careful with your heart..... will the devil taint you?!
March 28, 2023
DNF
Quit halfway through. I loathed the writing style.
The wordage and sentence structure the author used was so awkward.
Also, I don't know how nobody commented on all the grammar mistakes, typos, and word misuse.
Too much back and forth. And Agatha's brattiness got wicked annoying.
Quit halfway through. I loathed the writing style.
The wordage and sentence structure the author used was so awkward.
Also, I don't know how nobody commented on all the grammar mistakes, typos, and word misuse.
Too much back and forth. And Agatha's brattiness got wicked annoying.
September 24, 2023
This book was so freaking good. As in, in my top 15 favorite books of all time.
I was ready to give this 5 stars just based on the blurb and it did not dissapoint.
God did I love Agatha. She was strong as hell and I love a strong female character. She never gave up, she never stopped fighting and she remained true to herself despite the horrible situation she was in.
This is almost a two stories in one book. First half is Agatha and the second is more Eryx's story. I would almost say this book has a plot twist halfway into it. Which you don't see very often. But man was it a good twist. My mouth was hanging open reading that scene in the woods.
I've already downloaded another book by this author that I know I'm gonna love aswell.
I was ready to give this 5 stars just based on the blurb and it did not dissapoint.
God did I love Agatha. She was strong as hell and I love a strong female character. She never gave up, she never stopped fighting and she remained true to herself despite the horrible situation she was in.
This is almost a two stories in one book. First half is Agatha and the second is more Eryx's story. I would almost say this book has a plot twist halfway into it. Which you don't see very often. But man was it a good twist. My mouth was hanging open reading that scene in the woods.
I've already downloaded another book by this author that I know I'm gonna love aswell.
February 16, 2022
Shanjida Nusrath Ali has written another amazing dark romance! I was highly anticipating this book since it was first announced and I can’t believe how much I loved it.
The Devil Tainted Us is a dark, forbidden, age-gap gothic romance full of epic plot twists, suspense, and off-the-charts chemistry! Agatha and Eryx were fabulous together. Their attraction and chemistry was leaping off the pages, but their journey was not smooth sailing.
This book is beautifully written, almost poetic in nature and it evoked so many emotions. This intriguing and suspenseful book was a page-turner that had me hooked from the first page to the very last.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TW/CW: Intense sex scenes, drug abuse, physical abuse, suicide, molestation, violence, religious references, and explicit language
The Devil Tainted Us is a dark, forbidden, age-gap gothic romance full of epic plot twists, suspense, and off-the-charts chemistry! Agatha and Eryx were fabulous together. Their attraction and chemistry was leaping off the pages, but their journey was not smooth sailing.
This book is beautifully written, almost poetic in nature and it evoked so many emotions. This intriguing and suspenseful book was a page-turner that had me hooked from the first page to the very last.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TW/CW: Intense sex scenes, drug abuse, physical abuse, suicide, molestation, violence, religious references, and explicit language
February 14, 2022
The Devil Tainted Us is a book that takes the reader on a dark journey that delights as much as it scares. The story is set in a Gothic Asylum on a mysterious island where Agatha is sent to get better or repent for her sins depending on your point of view. It is a meeting of souls between Eryx and Agatha the sexual tension and chemistry jumps off the page. The author created a story of suspense that builds throughout the story. It is a dark mystery and an even darker love story. Plot twists and secrets that smack the reader in the face and change your perceptions. The prologue is dark which should be your clue that this is not going to be a hearts and flowers read. This is a story that I couldn't put down it kept my attention from start to finish.
August 25, 2024
WOW THIS DARK DELICIOUS GOTHIC ROMANCE!!!
If you want smut, suspense and dark shit that will mess up ur head, this is the book for u!
Plot twist after plot twist, secrets after secrets! Damnnnn
Agatha and Eryx is everything! The chemistry *chef's kiss* and the sexy scenes, I'm telling u I'm telling Shan to write more and add more cuz I couldn't get enough!
Beautifully written and poetically portrayed, my first book by mah babe but certainly not my last!
Just be sure to read the trigger warnings and definitely try not to read if you have any triggers at all... this is an EXTREMELY DARK ROMANCE so pls read at ur own discretion!
August 24, 2023
“We have ahs asylum at home”
Ahs asylum at home:
Ahs asylum at home:
February 12, 2022
One thing is for certain, I’ll never be able to read regular gothic romance ever again. It must contain smut because it just elevates the experience and helps keep that momentum going. Think gothic, asylum, horror, cultish with tons of dirty sex. It also contains a religious aspect that goes hand in hand with the cult part so keep that in mind going in.
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿. 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀…𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝘀.
Agatha is sent to the Magdalene to be cured of her sins because she starts to hallucinate her dead sister. The guilt and secrets are eating her alive. The asylum she is sent to holds even darker devilish secrets.
𝙃𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚. “𝙎𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙄 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙙. 𝘼 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚.” 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙧𝙠 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠. “𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜.”
This book had sooo many dark and gory scenes. I mean right in the first couple of pages people are being tortured. Even the characters' back stories were shocking and nothing I could have imagined. This book was thrilling and hot! I need more gothic romance. 😍
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿. 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀…𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝘀.
Agatha is sent to the Magdalene to be cured of her sins because she starts to hallucinate her dead sister. The guilt and secrets are eating her alive. The asylum she is sent to holds even darker devilish secrets.
𝙃𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚. “𝙎𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙄 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙙. 𝘼 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚.” 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙧𝙠 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠. “𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜.”
This book had sooo many dark and gory scenes. I mean right in the first couple of pages people are being tortured. Even the characters' back stories were shocking and nothing I could have imagined. This book was thrilling and hot! I need more gothic romance. 😍
March 6, 2022
4.75⭐
Undeniably one of my top reads for the year thus far. A dark, gothic, age gap, asylum romance set in 1983, at a place called the Magdalene which is an asylum run by preists and nuns.
Agatha is a 19 year old patient said to be suffering from auditory, visual and tactile hallucinations. She recently attempted to commit suicide, heavily weighed down with guilt over being the cause of her sisters death. She is sent to the Magdalene by her brother in law - a man who raped her from the age of 14, and also allowed his father and her previous doctor at the Vailburg mental ward to rape her - with sinister, manipulative intentions.
Father Eryx is a 37 year old doctor/preist at the Magdalene entrusted with caring for Agatha for the duration of her time there. He and his brother Eros were molested by their parents as children and went on to murder both of them at 21 - he is no saint. Though he tries to fight and deny it, he starts to fall for Agatha. I think he sees parts of his childhood within her. Transforming slowly from her captor to her protector and savior. He takes on what I'd consider to be a Daddy Dom role with her, both sexually and generally.
Agatha is beautiful and innocent - an angel, if you will. As a child, Eryx witnessed and was forced by his parents to participate in rituals that involved murdering "angels" - women who were beautiful and innocent. His parents truly believed it was them "pleasing" and sending an angel back to God to secure their welcome in heaven. Now his step brother Geryon - the head priest - continues said ritual, picking off women in the asylum who he views as beautiful and innocent - again, "angels" - who are deemed unwanted by their loved ones. Geryon wanted Agatha to be one of his angels, but she chose to let herself be "tainted by the devil" aka Eryx. There is also this bitch named Agnes - a prostitute turned nun - and she's practically in love with Eryx. They f*cked around long ago but he feels nothing for her, so she sleeps with Geryon in an attempt to make him jealous but Eryx doesn't give a single fuck. She's deadly jealous over Agatha though. And as for Agatha's hallucinations.. well, let's just say she's being medically manipulated.. but not by Agnes..
There is praise kink, a little bit of spit kink, some humiliation/degradation, and definitely a good amount of dubious consent/coerced sex scenes in the beginning. The spicy scenes are freaking HOT although they only consist of fingering, blowjobs and dirty talk until their first actual sex scene at 70%. And he may or may not DP her with the large cross pendant on his chain.. 🥵 Every single sex scene is so. goddamn. sexy. He always wants his c*m inside of her. And there's this one scene where they go at it in the confessional booth. Dear God, it's good.
I feel it is important to note this book contains quite a lot of grammatical errors as well as a bit of incorrect/somewhat cringey terminology. I really struggled with this in the beginning, but I was determined to read Eryx and Agatha's story so I did my best to overlook it. I told myself I'd just minus a star for it. But the more I read, the more I just couldn't take that star. You could honestly feel that what they were experiencing was far more than just lust, and that coupled with the intricate depths and details of the storyline really made this an amazing book. And the letter he wrote for her made me cry, it was so tragically beautiful. I do wish Shanjida had an alpha reader/editor who was fluent in standard English to give this masterpiece the refining it deserves.
Undeniably one of my top reads for the year thus far. A dark, gothic, age gap, asylum romance set in 1983, at a place called the Magdalene which is an asylum run by preists and nuns.
Agatha is a 19 year old patient said to be suffering from auditory, visual and tactile hallucinations. She recently attempted to commit suicide, heavily weighed down with guilt over being the cause of her sisters death. She is sent to the Magdalene by her brother in law - a man who raped her from the age of 14, and also allowed his father and her previous doctor at the Vailburg mental ward to rape her - with sinister, manipulative intentions.
Father Eryx is a 37 year old doctor/preist at the Magdalene entrusted with caring for Agatha for the duration of her time there. He and his brother Eros were molested by their parents as children and went on to murder both of them at 21 - he is no saint. Though he tries to fight and deny it, he starts to fall for Agatha. I think he sees parts of his childhood within her. Transforming slowly from her captor to her protector and savior. He takes on what I'd consider to be a Daddy Dom role with her, both sexually and generally.
Agatha is beautiful and innocent - an angel, if you will. As a child, Eryx witnessed and was forced by his parents to participate in rituals that involved murdering "angels" - women who were beautiful and innocent. His parents truly believed it was them "pleasing" and sending an angel back to God to secure their welcome in heaven. Now his step brother Geryon - the head priest - continues said ritual, picking off women in the asylum who he views as beautiful and innocent - again, "angels" - who are deemed unwanted by their loved ones. Geryon wanted Agatha to be one of his angels, but she chose to let herself be "tainted by the devil" aka Eryx. There is also this bitch named Agnes - a prostitute turned nun - and she's practically in love with Eryx. They f*cked around long ago but he feels nothing for her, so she sleeps with Geryon in an attempt to make him jealous but Eryx doesn't give a single fuck. She's deadly jealous over Agatha though. And as for Agatha's hallucinations.. well, let's just say she's being medically manipulated.. but not by Agnes..
There is praise kink, a little bit of spit kink, some humiliation/degradation, and definitely a good amount of dubious consent/coerced sex scenes in the beginning. The spicy scenes are freaking HOT although they only consist of fingering, blowjobs and dirty talk until their first actual sex scene at 70%. And he may or may not DP her with the large cross pendant on his chain.. 🥵 Every single sex scene is so. goddamn. sexy. He always wants his c*m inside of her. And there's this one scene where they go at it in the confessional booth. Dear God, it's good.
I feel it is important to note this book contains quite a lot of grammatical errors as well as a bit of incorrect/somewhat cringey terminology. I really struggled with this in the beginning, but I was determined to read Eryx and Agatha's story so I did my best to overlook it. I told myself I'd just minus a star for it. But the more I read, the more I just couldn't take that star. You could honestly feel that what they were experiencing was far more than just lust, and that coupled with the intricate depths and details of the storyline really made this an amazing book. And the letter he wrote for her made me cry, it was so tragically beautiful. I do wish Shanjida had an alpha reader/editor who was fluent in standard English to give this masterpiece the refining it deserves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2022
This is my 2022 most anticipated book of this year. It has age gap which I love and gothic vibes.
♣FIRST OF ALL MY CAST♣
♣AGATHA
♣The girl who is strong and doesn't back down
♣ERYX
♣The man with many secrets.
Review
First of all , this book was like a dish which I devoured and enjoyed. I read in just few hours and not once I was bored. The effort and hard work author put in this was amazing.
The plot of the book was strong and the gothic vibes were oh my god. The ingredients which made it very much enjoyable were Age gap , Gothic Asylum , Gothic Church and doctor hero , these things were like a catnip for me.
Agatha
she was very strong character and I am not afraid to say that I loved how strong her back story was.
Not once she back down to anyone.
Eryx
He was a whole of mystery himself and I liked how he tried hard to avoid helping Agatha.
One thing I liked about him was how he felt guilt for the people he didn't even hurt as he was also a scarred soul.
Overall view
I appreciate how the author handled the huge age gap and it was very delightful to see the era she used in the story. The detail was also very unique.
♦5 stars
♦HEA
♣FIRST OF ALL MY CAST♣
♣AGATHA
♣The girl who is strong and doesn't back down
♣ERYX
♣The man with many secrets.
Review
First of all , this book was like a dish which I devoured and enjoyed. I read in just few hours and not once I was bored. The effort and hard work author put in this was amazing.
The plot of the book was strong and the gothic vibes were oh my god. The ingredients which made it very much enjoyable were Age gap , Gothic Asylum , Gothic Church and doctor hero , these things were like a catnip for me.
Agatha
she was very strong character and I am not afraid to say that I loved how strong her back story was.
Not once she back down to anyone.
Eryx
He was a whole of mystery himself and I liked how he tried hard to avoid helping Agatha.
One thing I liked about him was how he felt guilt for the people he didn't even hurt as he was also a scarred soul.
Overall view
I appreciate how the author handled the huge age gap and it was very delightful to see the era she used in the story. The detail was also very unique.
♦5 stars
♦HEA
November 3, 2022
this was a darkkkk romance and i was here for it!! loved the forbidden and i was a bit confused but that’s natural in a dark romance lmaooo
4/5 ⭐️
3.75/5 🔥
4/5 ⭐️
3.75/5 🔥
January 5, 2023
3.75★
After suffering a loss, Agatha Adamos is taken to the Magdalene asylum. Under the care of Eryx, she learns she isn’t free to leave and must endure the course of treatment until she is cured. In looking to escape, Agatha seeks help but she doesn’t know who to trust. Though Eryx appears to be on her side at times, buried secrets and sinister motivations have a stronger influence.
Narrated in dual POV, the timeline is mostly in the present with passages from the past. This structure raises the question of whether Agatha and Eryx are reliable narrators. Not truly knowing the character’s motivations adds to the mystery of what is truly occurring. Steeped in deceit and fear, the atmosphere is foreboding.
The fact Eryx is a conflicted character enhanced his appeal. Throughout, I liked Agatha’s tenacity, but when it came down to the end, her behavior was a tad juvenile until she had a revelation. I also wanted to see more development between Eryx and another key character and a bit more of an explanation of certain origins. That said, in this story the dark and gothic elements are enveloping, and kept me engaged.
The Devil Tainted Us is about misguided obsessions and survival. This book would appeal to those seeking a dark story that pushes acceptable boundaries.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
After suffering a loss, Agatha Adamos is taken to the Magdalene asylum. Under the care of Eryx, she learns she isn’t free to leave and must endure the course of treatment until she is cured. In looking to escape, Agatha seeks help but she doesn’t know who to trust. Though Eryx appears to be on her side at times, buried secrets and sinister motivations have a stronger influence.
“You and I are different people but we both carry the same reflection of darkness that we forcefully faced.”
Narrated in dual POV, the timeline is mostly in the present with passages from the past. This structure raises the question of whether Agatha and Eryx are reliable narrators. Not truly knowing the character’s motivations adds to the mystery of what is truly occurring. Steeped in deceit and fear, the atmosphere is foreboding.
The fact Eryx is a conflicted character enhanced his appeal. Throughout, I liked Agatha’s tenacity, but when it came down to the end, her behavior was a tad juvenile until she had a revelation. I also wanted to see more development between Eryx and another key character and a bit more of an explanation of certain origins. That said, in this story the dark and gothic elements are enveloping, and kept me engaged.
The Devil Tainted Us is about misguided obsessions and survival. This book would appeal to those seeking a dark story that pushes acceptable boundaries.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Shelved as 'i-do-not-read-this'
September 26, 2023"Agatha is a 19 year old patient said to be suffering from auditory, visual and tactile hallucinations. She recently attempted to commit suicide, heavily weighed down with guilt over being the cause of her sisters death. She is sent to the Magdalene by her brother in law - a man who raped her from the age of 14, and also allowed his father and her previous doctor at the Vailburg mental ward to rape her - with sinister, manipulative intentions.
Father Eryx is a 37 year old doctor/preist at the Magdalene entrusted with caring for Agatha for the duration of her time there. He and his brother Eros were molested by their parents as children and went on to murder both of them at 21 - he is no saint. Though he tries to fight and deny it, he starts to fall for Agatha. I think he sees parts of his childhood within her. Transforming slowly from her captor to her protector and savior. He takes on what I'd consider to be a Daddy Dom role with her, both sexually and generally."
This is an excerpt from the review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Father Eryx is a 37 year old doctor/preist at the Magdalene entrusted with caring for Agatha for the duration of her time there. He and his brother Eros were molested by their parents as children and went on to murder both of them at 21 - he is no saint. Though he tries to fight and deny it, he starts to fall for Agatha. I think he sees parts of his childhood within her. Transforming slowly from her captor to her protector and savior. He takes on what I'd consider to be a Daddy Dom role with her, both sexually and generally."
This is an excerpt from the review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2022
Ok, so I have to admit that one of the topics that I kind of tip toe around reading it anything religious type based...fiction or nonfiction. When it came to this book, it was not the religious aspects that actually made me a bit uncomfortable but some of the sexual acts. Yet, I really did enjoy this book. Once I started reading it I could not stop.
The interaction between Agatha and Eryx was both hot and kind. I could feel the devil and the angel fighting it out when it came to Eryx's soul. While, Eryx may have been an devil in sheep's clothing, it was his stepbrother, Geryon that you really had to watch out for.
The book started out with..."be prepared to be tainted by the devil" but ended with..."We were afraid to be tainted by the devil in the beginning but now, we are tainted by each other for the rest of our lives"
Another passage I liked from this book is..."Every angel has her fall, but just because they fall doesn't mean their wings won't raise them up with power."
The interaction between Agatha and Eryx was both hot and kind. I could feel the devil and the angel fighting it out when it came to Eryx's soul. While, Eryx may have been an devil in sheep's clothing, it was his stepbrother, Geryon that you really had to watch out for.
The book started out with..."be prepared to be tainted by the devil" but ended with..."We were afraid to be tainted by the devil in the beginning but now, we are tainted by each other for the rest of our lives"
Another passage I liked from this book is..."Every angel has her fall, but just because they fall doesn't mean their wings won't raise them up with power."
May 25, 2022
This book is such a surprise to me, in all honesty, I did not expect myself to be enthralled with the story arc and storytelling. It's very atmospheric and mystifying. Agatha the heroine is such a very fascinating character. She's a doe-eyed persona with a dark past. Eryx the hero will do everything to protect her at any cost...
The Devil Tainted Us gives a true Gothic Romance narrative that I didn't know I need not until I have finished reading this!
The Devil Tainted Us gives a true Gothic Romance narrative that I didn't know I need not until I have finished reading this!
February 15, 2022
5/5⭐️ 3.5/5🔥
STEAM: 4.5/5🌶
“Are you making a priest turn into a sinner like you, little girl?” he groans”
So uniquely devastating and beautiful to read, Agatha and what she’s been and going through all because of her brother in law. The suspense, twisted turns are unbearable but so amazing how the author wrote this Gothic Romance.
💚Gothic Romance
🖤Age-Gap
💚Forbidden
🖤Suspense + Conspiracy
“Welcome to Mery Heights, little girl. Be prepared to breathe in a living nightmare. But most of all,” he slightly moves his mask up, showing his lips and five o’clock shadow, “be prepared to be tainted by the devil.”
TW/CW: abuse, drug abuse, molesation , rape/sa, suicidal scenes/murder, violence, cult vibes/religious references
STEAM: 4.5/5🌶
“Are you making a priest turn into a sinner like you, little girl?” he groans”
So uniquely devastating and beautiful to read, Agatha and what she’s been and going through all because of her brother in law. The suspense, twisted turns are unbearable but so amazing how the author wrote this Gothic Romance.
💚Gothic Romance
🖤Age-Gap
💚Forbidden
🖤Suspense + Conspiracy
“Welcome to Mery Heights, little girl. Be prepared to breathe in a living nightmare. But most of all,” he slightly moves his mask up, showing his lips and five o’clock shadow, “be prepared to be tainted by the devil.”
TW/CW: abuse, drug abuse, molesation , rape/sa, suicidal scenes/murder, violence, cult vibes/religious references
May 1, 2023
I’m 50% through this book. The story and the mysteries tied to the plot are intriguing enough. But, I’m really struggling to move past the vast amount of grammatical errors. I hope this doesn’t turn into a DNF for me. I’m pushing through the heavy amount of editing errors because I’m invested in the plot.
If I finish the book, I may update my rating.
If I finish the book, I may update my rating.
February 20, 2022
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Angst: 💣💣💣💣 Plot: ☆☆☆☆☆
Trigger Warnings: BEWARE
DO I RECOMMEND? Only dark or gothic romance lovers
Tropes: dark gothic, age gap, forbidden, suspense, conspiracy romance
There is a mysterious island called Mery Heights that is rumored to be cursed by God due to all of the sins buried there. What better place to build Magdalene asylum, a castle-like structure where nightmares feel like reality. After the death of her sister, Agatha is left with her brother-in-law. He has her committed due to some unusual behaviors. She’s taken and forcefully committed to Magdalene where she is tortured, abused and forced to admit she’s a sinner and shamed for it when she’s anything but. Her only possible door to freedom is a man named Father Eryx. He’s certainly not like a normal priest. He is an enigma that Agatha can’t help being drawn to. Eryx is just as fascinated with her. What happens when secrets are brought to light and pasts return? Ultimately, it’s a journey of betrayals, guilt, love and undeniable passion between an angel and a sinner fighting for what they desire most before they are tainted by the devil.
This book was unlike anything I’ve heard of or read before. It pulled me in from the first chapter and remained intrigued and engaged until the end. It was dark deliciousness in all the best ways. Epic twists and turns. Amazing chemistry and passionate encounters. I will definitely be paying attention to any future releases by this author. I can’t wait to see what else she puts her creativity into. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 💣💣💣💣 Plot: ☆☆☆☆☆
Trigger Warnings: BEWARE
DO I RECOMMEND? Only dark or gothic romance lovers
Tropes: dark gothic, age gap, forbidden, suspense, conspiracy romance
There is a mysterious island called Mery Heights that is rumored to be cursed by God due to all of the sins buried there. What better place to build Magdalene asylum, a castle-like structure where nightmares feel like reality. After the death of her sister, Agatha is left with her brother-in-law. He has her committed due to some unusual behaviors. She’s taken and forcefully committed to Magdalene where she is tortured, abused and forced to admit she’s a sinner and shamed for it when she’s anything but. Her only possible door to freedom is a man named Father Eryx. He’s certainly not like a normal priest. He is an enigma that Agatha can’t help being drawn to. Eryx is just as fascinated with her. What happens when secrets are brought to light and pasts return? Ultimately, it’s a journey of betrayals, guilt, love and undeniable passion between an angel and a sinner fighting for what they desire most before they are tainted by the devil.
This book was unlike anything I’ve heard of or read before. It pulled me in from the first chapter and remained intrigued and engaged until the end. It was dark deliciousness in all the best ways. Epic twists and turns. Amazing chemistry and passionate encounters. I will definitely be paying attention to any future releases by this author. I can’t wait to see what else she puts her creativity into. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
February 15, 2022
“i always want you so much, little girl. my soul will crave you for eternity.”
“the devil tainted us” is ms. ali’s book introduction into the gothic romance genre and man did she take me by surprise. had me in choke hold actually, haha. this book was dark, sinful, and taboo filled with mystery, betrayal, religious cults, and gore.
this book also touches on topics regarding religion and mental illness. how the world views these two topics is a focal point in the story and can be very heavy. amongst other heavy topics, so please read the trigger warnings.
we’re introduced to father eryx, a dark, cold man with secrets, a traumatic and horrific past. also the asylum’s doctor to help treat and cure the patients brought to them. but not everything is as it seems. then we meet agatha, who’s life, at first, was beautiful and full of love. but things started to change after meeting her brother-in-law, and her life proceeded to spiral down due to events which led her to the ‘mery heights’.
these two were drawn to each other, no matter the resistance. the chemistry between agatha and father eryx is intense and deliciously dark. and let me tell you, the spice in this book? was balanced, just the right amount. and let me tell you, that scene? THAT scene?? yeah. my jaw was on the floor. did i enjoy it? abso-fucking-lutely. haha.
depsite father eryx’s constant internal battle with himself on what he’s supposed to do and what he wants to do, in the end, he does what he knows is right. his loyalty is truly unmatched, especially when you learn why he did what he did, and continued to do so.
this book had me at “gothic romance,” then proceeded to pique my interest. “the devil tainted us” consumed from beginning to end; i read this in a day. the plot and setting was great, along with great character development. this is also my book introduction to shanjida, and it will not be the last.
*𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰.
January 29, 2022
Reading "The Devil Tainted Us" was an amazing experience for me.It was so beautifully written story.
Set in a Gothic Asylum on an island,it takes you to the journey of darkness and messed up story of Eryx and Agatha.It was not an easy journey for them and a pretty complicated one.The sexual tension and chemistry build up through out the book and the suspense the author created was so good.
Prologue pretty much describes how fucked up things are gonna be the more you read this book.
This book made me feel so many emotions and till the end,I never lost my interest,I always wanted to know what happens next.
The good thing was that Shanjida didn't hold back and the way she has written this story was fabulous.The writing was so poetic and I really loved it.
Overall, let's keep this short and I want to end this review by saying this book was my best read and I really love it.I recommend this to every one of you and I can guarantee you'll love this book if given a chance.
.
Tropes:
Gothic Asylum Romance
Dark Romance
Age Gap
Set in a Gothic Asylum on an island,it takes you to the journey of darkness and messed up story of Eryx and Agatha.It was not an easy journey for them and a pretty complicated one.The sexual tension and chemistry build up through out the book and the suspense the author created was so good.
Prologue pretty much describes how fucked up things are gonna be the more you read this book.
This book made me feel so many emotions and till the end,I never lost my interest,I always wanted to know what happens next.
The good thing was that Shanjida didn't hold back and the way she has written this story was fabulous.The writing was so poetic and I really loved it.
Overall, let's keep this short and I want to end this review by saying this book was my best read and I really love it.I recommend this to every one of you and I can guarantee you'll love this book if given a chance.
.
Tropes:
Gothic Asylum Romance
Dark Romance
Age Gap
February 14, 2022
This gothic age gap romance was dark, delicious and everything I had hoped for.
The story takes place in an asylum on a remote island. Agatha has endured a lot of traumatic events but is still strong and determined. She is sent there to 'repent her sins'. Father Eryx is twisted, shrouded in mystery and is fascinating to learn about.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between them. I loved seeing how Eryx was torn between doing the right thing by fighting his attraction to Agatha and falling into temptation. The spicy scenes were very well done and I absolutely loved them. Spice level 3
There were also a lot of plot twists and secrets that unravelled which I thought were well thought out and surprising.
The writing style was poetic but crisp, the author did a great job with creating a gothic atmosphere. It was truly a delight to read.
Overall, I really liked this book and I can't wait to read more from this author!
The story takes place in an asylum on a remote island. Agatha has endured a lot of traumatic events but is still strong and determined. She is sent there to 'repent her sins'. Father Eryx is twisted, shrouded in mystery and is fascinating to learn about.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between them. I loved seeing how Eryx was torn between doing the right thing by fighting his attraction to Agatha and falling into temptation. The spicy scenes were very well done and I absolutely loved them. Spice level 3
There were also a lot of plot twists and secrets that unravelled which I thought were well thought out and surprising.
The writing style was poetic but crisp, the author did a great job with creating a gothic atmosphere. It was truly a delight to read.
Overall, I really liked this book and I can't wait to read more from this author!
February 15, 2022
Having read this authors work before i've been looking so forward to picking up more of her books! The second this one was announced it caught my eye right away and i added it to my TBR list. I knew it had to be the next one of hers i picked up! I so enjoyed it!
This story grabbed my attention so quickly! Agatha and Eryx's journey pulled me in! I wasn't sure what all to expect and I really liked how it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I loved the uniqueness of this story and how i felt so much with Agatha and Eryx!
With The Devil Tainted Us, Shanjida Nusrath Ali has created such a good and dark read that'll keep you glued to your kindle! I am so looking forward to reading more of her books! 💚
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions / the author*
This story grabbed my attention so quickly! Agatha and Eryx's journey pulled me in! I wasn't sure what all to expect and I really liked how it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I loved the uniqueness of this story and how i felt so much with Agatha and Eryx!
With The Devil Tainted Us, Shanjida Nusrath Ali has created such a good and dark read that'll keep you glued to your kindle! I am so looking forward to reading more of her books! 💚
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Give Me Books Promotions / the author*
March 31, 2022
WOW.
This was my first priest romance and I. LOVED. IT. Eryx and Agatha were everything.
Agatha, that girl had been through so so much and you don't realize the extent of it until almost the end. She was so freaking strong and she complimented Eryx so well. Those dark castle vibes, mixed with Eryx who was the epitome of perfection and a priest? HELL YEAH I EAT THAT UP.
Eryx. I don't know how to describe him except
Their connection was instant and I loved that. He controlled himself, he really tried but when he gave in it set my kindle on fire. That's the best part of priest trope right? The moment he says FU and just takes her all to himself. The way he was when he was with her, I need him too. Macsen will always be my fav hero (I think that has something to do with power couple) but Eryx is sooo close. I'm sad this book is over and I need more.
This was my first priest romance and I. LOVED. IT. Eryx and Agatha were everything.
Agatha, that girl had been through so so much and you don't realize the extent of it until almost the end. She was so freaking strong and she complimented Eryx so well. Those dark castle vibes, mixed with Eryx who was the epitome of perfection and a priest? HELL YEAH I EAT THAT UP.
Eryx. I don't know how to describe him except
Their connection was instant and I loved that. He controlled himself, he really tried but when he gave in it set my kindle on fire. That's the best part of priest trope right? The moment he says FU and just takes her all to himself. The way he was when he was with her, I need him too. Macsen will always be my fav hero (I think that has something to do with power couple) but Eryx is sooo close. I'm sad this book is over and I need more.
June 26, 2024
hot and fucked up. I liked it 🥹
July 7, 2024
this is my first time reading gothic dark romance book and I really love it.
May 10, 2023
3.5 stars
July 21, 2022
Her books never disappoints me. Always a 5/5 star read.
The genre was fresh. My first gothic dark romance book and i am glad it was by her.
Even though i was a bit mad at agatha and confused in the beginning, things started to get thrilling and exciting from the middle and then I couldn’t help but read in sonic speed to know what happens next.
Also trust me the ending will leave you wanting more 😭😭
The genre was fresh. My first gothic dark romance book and i am glad it was by her.
Even though i was a bit mad at agatha and confused in the beginning, things started to get thrilling and exciting from the middle and then I couldn’t help but read in sonic speed to know what happens next.
Also trust me the ending will leave you wanting more 😭😭
June 4, 2022
The Devil Tainted Us by Shanjida Nusrath Ali
Enjoyed this book. Really good Dark Read.
Enjoyed this book. Really good Dark Read.
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