Unhinged by Steph Macca

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Welcome to the Lilydale Foundation Center… home of second chances. At least, that’s what they tell us it is. It’s basically a glorified prison and asylum for the deranged with good alibis.

When the police pulled me out of my burning home, along with what was left of my Father, I was deemed broken — even if I was the reason the fire started.

So, here I am at my new home. They think they can save us with their fancy facility. But what insane person decided it was a good idea to put a bunch of young, unhinged people together?

It’s just asking for trouble.

Unhinged is a why-choose dark romance. It contains adult themes, sensitive topics, and is solely intended for mature audiences over 18. It is recommended that listeners check the trigger warnings before diving in. Unhinged is book 1 in the Dance with my Demons series.

The Leader, the Playboy, the Psycho, and the New Girl

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩷💙💚❤️💛
Steam/Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 🤓😟🤯😎
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Full Cast – Duet Narration

Characters and Plot Dynamics

Lilydale Foundation Center looks like a peaceful academic retreat from the outside, but the armed guards and towering black metal gates reveal its true nature. Avery arrives knowing she has been sent to a place that is meant to look rehabilitative but functions as a controlled, isolating prison. Convicted of killing her abusive father at twenty, she takes the only alternative to a real penitentiary, even though she understands that Lilydale is no sanctuary. Her room in the Eastwood wing is small but private, and her days are filled with classes, therapy, and free time surrounded by fellow patients. Her psychiatrist labels her with borderline personality disorder and PTSD, but Avery refuses to share the truth of what happened. That story is locked inside her, and she intends to keep it that way.

Three men from the Westwood wing quickly become part of her world. Grey is the first to make an impression with his flirtatious charm and sharp, teasing commentary. He is part of Cirque des Morts, a powerful group that operates like a secret society within the institution. Theo is the opposite, a silent and volatile presence who keeps to himself and carries a reputation for violence. Yet he allows Avery to sit with him, which says more about his interest than any conversation could. Damon, the leader of Cirque des Morts, makes it clear that he and his friends control the real hierarchy at Lilydale. Their influence shapes everything from daily routines to the darker, unspoken rules that govern the patients.

Avery quickly learns that Lilydale is far more dangerous than she imagined. The patients are unpredictable, alliances are fragile, and cruelty is common. She understands that she will need to be strong, observant, and adaptable if she wants to make it out. Her past has shaped her into someone far more resilient than she appears, and the three men around her see that potential even before she does.

Highlights

• The setting is a perfect backdrop for dark reverse harem romance. A criminal psychiatric institution creates constant tension, forced proximity, and a sense of danger that heightens every interaction.
• Avery’s vulnerability is layered with quiet strength. Even before her past is revealed, it is clear she has endured trauma and fought back in a way that changed the course of her life.
• The hint of a past incident involving another girl adds a chilling mystery. Damon’s comment to Grey suggests an incident that casts a shadow over Grey’s interest in Avery.
• The contrast between the three men is compelling. Damon’s intelligence and authority, Grey’s confident playfulness, and Theo’s brooding intensity create a trio of personalities that are equally magnetic and unpredictable.

Drawbacks

• Avery’s backstory unfolds more slowly than expected. While the gradual reveal builds suspense, it delays the emotional clarity of understanding who she is and what she survived.
• The severed finger incident feels slightly illogical. Avery’s fear is understandable, but her choice to hide it instead of flushing it down the toilet effectively interrupts the otherwise strong internal logic of the story.

Narration

The full cast duet narration brings the story to life with impressive depth. Marie Hawkins captures Avery’s youth and emotional vulnerability with a voice that fits her perfectly. Joe Arden and Corvin King deliver the deep, captivating tones that make them standout performers, and Anthony Palmini adds a softer but still resonant presence. The duet format enhances immersion by allowing each character to speak in their own voice throughout the story, creating a more cinematic experience. Pairing the audiobook with Kindle Unlimited’s immersive reading option adds another layer of engagement.

Final Opinion

This audiobook blends dark romance, psychological tension, and institutional intrigue into a story that is gripping from the first chapter. Avery’s journey is intense and emotionally charged, and the dynamic with Grey, Theo, and Damon adds complexity that keeps the story moving at a steady, addictive pace. The setting is unsettling in the best way, the characters are layered and compelling, and the narration elevates everything. The book delivers exactly what a dark reverse harem should, and I found myself fully absorbed in both the danger and the emotional pull of the relationships. It is a strong start to a series that promises even more twists, secrets, and intensity ahead. 4.5 Stars…

Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Pinterest|BookBub



View all my reviews