I really tried with Black Iris, I wanted to love it. I do love a good book that screws with your head and the characters in this, the writing style, the story was just that for me. But as much as it was enlightening, it drew me in, I found it was so hard going too. I gave this a bloody good go, but its a DNF, I just haven't got the will to finish it right now. I may do so at a later date, may re-read it etc and if that's the case then I will obviously change my review here.

Black Iris by Leah Raeder is a dark, twisted novel that’s part mystery part romance. After Laney’s mother commits suicide and her world falls apart, she’s looking for a clean slate at college. Then she meets Armin and Blythe, and the three become inseparable. Until the bully who ruin Laney’s life the first time reappears and the three decide to take action.

Raeder’s novel is gritty and full of darkness. It’s not about revenge, not redemption. As a warning, it’s also quite graphic when it comes to sex (all kinds) and although that’s usually not what I read, the gorgeous writing and intense storyline make it a book I still wanted to recommend in this segment.

Full disclosure: I did beta-read a previous novel for Raeder, but it’s the vivid, striking storytelling that has kept me interested in continuing to pick up Raeder’s books. However, Black Iris does get very, very dark, even for me and if I didn’t enjoy Raeder’s writing so much I might have been deterred from it. As it is, I definitely plan to read Cam Girl, Raeder’s most recent book, in the near future.