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J Rose
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Twisted Heathens: A Dark Reverse Harem Romance (Blackwood Institute Book 1) Kindle Edition

by J Rose (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 3,622 ratings

From the bestselling author of Sabre Security and Briar Valley comes a dark, found family why choose romance featuring a self-destructive heroine and the tortured men determined to save her from herself.

WELCOME TO BLACKWOOD INSTITUTE.
WHERE BAD GIRLS COME TO DIE.

Murderer. Unhinged. Remorseless. Insane.

I’ve been called it all while rotting away in a maximum security psych ward, imprisoned for my crimes. When I’m given a chance to escape this hell, it’s an offer I can’t refuse.

I’m transferred to Blackwood Institute, purgatory for the dangerous and disturbed. The deal is simple. Complete the three-year experimental program and you’re free to leave.

I have no such intentions. People like me; we’re born to die. There’s no life for me out there. I’ll do whatever it takes to end my pitiful existence.

This time, nobody can stop me. Not even the four fellow patients with dark secrets and damage that rivals my own.

A tight lipped cutter.

A manic nymphomaniac.

A possessive control freak.

A shadowy ghost from my past.

The clock is ticking. If I’m not careful, the demons that frequent these blood-stained halls will get to me before I can take my own life.

Game on.


Author's Note: Twisted Heathens is a dark, contemporary reverse harem romance set in an experimental mental health institution. This is book one in the trilogy and it does end on a cliffhanger. Set in the J Rose shared universe.
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Blackwood Institute
  2. Print length
    484 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    September 3, 2021
  6. File size
    1.6 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. When I was playing the good guy, she stubbornly pushed me away. But now I’ve owned my mistakes and shared my darkness with her? She’s cuddling up like a goddamn puppy, bathing in the grief.
    Highlighted by 763 Kindle readers
  2. We’re like two broken shards of glass, smashed and scattered beyond repair. As the pieces mingle together, you can’t tell which bit came from where. It doesn’t even matter anymore. You just have a worthless mess, but it’s still irreplaceable.
    Highlighted by 707 Kindle readers
  3. “Nothing about this place is real, Brooklyn. Don’t you see that yet? It’s all just…” He pauses, grinning and searching for the right word. “An illusion.”
    Highlighted by 577 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

Welcome to Blackwood Institute.
Home for the Dangerous and Disturbed.
Where bad girls come to die.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Twisted Heathens, book one in the internationally bestselling Blackwood Institute series by J Rose.

"This book was everything, the darkness, the twisted thoughts, the emotions and just how powerful the words are. The story brings mental health to life in a way that you know is real" - Goodreads Reviewer

"Twisted Heathens is a raw, perfect masterpiece" - Goodreads Reviewer

"This story is captivating, dark and gritty. The gripping storyline immediately sucked me in the and the writing is flawless" - Goodreads Reviewer

"This book was jawdroppingly addictive. It's very unique, mind bending, page turning, and an uber inhaling piece of work" - Goodreads Reviewer

"The supremely talented J Rose pulled me into the dark and twisted world of Blackwood Institute, and she did not let me go until the jaw dropping cliffhanger and has left me begging for the next one" - Goodreads Reviewer

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B099K9BJQH
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wilted Rose Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 3, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.6 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 484 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1739234324
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Blackwood Institute
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 3,622 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
J Rose

J Rose

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J Rose is an independent dark romance author from the United Kingdom. She writes challenging, plot-driven stories packed full of angst, heartbreak and broken characters fighting for their happily ever afters.

She’s an introverted bookworm at heart with a caffeine addiction, penchant for cursing and an unhealthy attachment to fictional characters.

Feel free to reach out on social media, J Rose loves talking to her readers!

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
3,622 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging with its perfect amount of spice and drama, well-developed characters, and beautifully written prose. They describe it as a wild ride with incredible twists and turns, and one customer notes how the author captures inner dark thoughts perfectly. The dark tone and mental health themes receive mixed reactions from customers.

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70 customers mention "Twistiness"55 positive15 negative

Customers enjoy the book's intense and believable plot, with cliffhangers that keep them engaged throughout.

"...There is a great build up in this book to get to the true darkness that lies ahead for the next two in the series." Read more

"Twisted heathens is right. It’s twisted and dark in a different sense...." Read more

"...It’s a dark romance with RH & “found family” vibes...." Read more

"...with suicidal ideation (don't worry I am in therapy), this book resonated with me deeply...." Read more

27 customers mention "Character development"24 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one customer noting the chemistry between them is written really well.

"This book is absolutely amazing! It’s realistic. Dark. The characters have so much depth...." Read more

"...The story places a strong emphasis on the characters and their interactions, as well as their evolving feelings for one another...." Read more

"...The characters all have very unique personalities and issues but the way they all needed each other and complete something inside of each other is..." Read more

"...All of the guys are extremely interesting. Eli is absolutely my favorite...." Read more

11 customers mention "Writing quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it beautifully written, with one customer noting how the author captures inner dark thoughts perfectly.

"...and wrote about the mental health in this book was so real, raw, and relatable as someone who, like I said above, has gone through her own trauma...." Read more

"...This book is well written and from someone who works in mental health it was written beautifully to show the true emotions that people who deal with..." Read more

"Whew this book is an emotional roller coaster. The writing, the story, the characters are all fantastic...." Read more

"...As I said before the writing is beautiful, yet haunting. The character development and world building is just phenomenal. I cannot wait to read more...." Read more

8 customers mention "Reality"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the authenticity of the book.

"This book is absolutely amazing! It’s realistic. Dark. The characters have so much depth...." Read more

"Wow! Not what I expected. This book, even though fictional, truly shows what goes on inside people's heads with mental illness...." Read more

"...It was honest and held no punches. Very dark and twisted...." Read more

"...ever had the pleasure to meet, solely because she was so messed up and real that I genuinely bonded with her through pain...." Read more

8 customers mention "Ride quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the rollercoaster ride of twists and turns in the book.

"...and essentially go through her struggles with her was different and interesting. My heart was feeling for her and her struggles...." Read more

"...The boys also are complex and interesting. All having their own parts they play. The way the care and defend Brooklyn filled my heart...." Read more

"...I felt all the emotions coming off the page. It was a rollercoaster. I enjoyed it way more than I expected. I will say check the tw if you have any...." Read more

"...But if you can stand those you are in for an incredibly amazing rollercoaster ride of twists and turns." Read more

8 customers mention "Spice content"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the spice content of the book, describing it as delicious.

"Dark, spicy and mysterious. Definitely a different kind of Dark romance but not in a bad way. Give it a go it a good read" Read more

"...The relationship with the guys. OMG, the depravity. So delicious. And each of them has their own set of issues and demons to tackle...." Read more

"It's raw it's real it's spicy it's dark and I absolutely love this book and maybe Im messed up in the head lol I can completely relate to some of..." Read more

"...I thought there was a good balance of spice and story, and the spice was really good. Definitely moving on to book 2!" Read more

28 customers mention "Dark tone"19 positive9 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the dark tone of the book, with some finding it deliciously twisted while others describe it as insanely dark.

"This book is absolutely amazing! It’s realistic. Dark. The characters have so much depth...." Read more

"...It’s gonna be twisted and dark and I will continue this because I gottttttta know!" Read more

"My brain is a mess. This is perfectly dark and twisted. I am in love. I need to know what happens next. My love for Brooklyn was immediate...." Read more

"...It was honest and held no punches. Very dark and twisted...." Read more

6 customers mention "Mental health"3 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the mental health themes in the book, with one customer appreciating how the author weaves a web of mind games, while another mentions being triggered by dark thoughts.

"...twisty kinds of books, reverse hareems, thrillers/mystery's, books about mental health, and trigger warnings galore, this book is absolutely for you!..." Read more

"...Yes and no. This book is DARK. There are graphic scenes and heavy mental health themes...." Read more

"I like the concept and the awareness to mental health. I think it can be done a bit better if you put more emphasis on the disorders...." Read more

"...Be sure to check the triggers. It’s pretty intense and the mental health issues are dark." Read more

Love Love Love
5 out of 5 stars
Love Love Love
This book was incredible although I highly suggest you check trigger warnings before reading as it is very dark. Brooklyn and Eli together are my favorite. Brooklyn has a no **** given attitude that I love although there were parts in the book where I wanted to knock some sense in too her. Eli, my favorite guy out of the group, has quite the story. Extremely heartbreaking when you find out why he doesn’t speak. So emotionally and mentally broken which is why I love him and Brooklyn together. Phoenix and that blue hair, yes please. I love how protective Phoenix is of Eli as well. Phoenix has that cocky but confident attitude and has such a sweet heart. Kade is sweet, although he shouldn’t reallllly be at Blackwood the reason he is is quite incredible and extremely loving. He wears his heart on his sleeve and holds everyone together. Hudson, arrogant, what he ended up doing to Brooklyn seriously makes me want to punch him in the face but I grew to love him the same. I loved the story, it keeps you sucked in and turning page after page. I feel that Blackwood Institute and this story could be very real. Although fiction I can see how, when, and why this would and probably does happen. The spice and smut in this book is perfection, dirty, and hot!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Nikkilynn23
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly Dark and realistic
    Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book is absolutely amazing! It’s realistic. Dark. The characters have so much depth. And I can’t get over how well this author wrote mental illnesses in her character. There is a great build up in this book to get to the true darkness that lies ahead for the next two in the series.
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  • Paige R.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Brooklyn and her heathens
    Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Twisted heathens is right. It’s twisted and dark in a different sense. This book takes place in a mental institution, everyone there is there for their own reason, their own struggles.

    Five vastly different people, different scenarios and mental health issues. All complex, broken, troubled and full of secrets.

    Brooklyn really took the cake with this though, to hear and essentially go through her struggles with her was different and interesting. My heart was feeling for her and her struggles. Even the guys had me feeling the same way.

    Towards the end is when things really got interesting and had me shocked. It’s gonna be twisted and dark and I will continue this because I gottttttta know!
    Helpful
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  • Charith
    5.0 out of 5 stars woah.🤯
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    My brain is a mess. This is perfectly dark and twisted. I am in love. I need to know what happens next. My love for Brooklyn was immediate. Such a shattered beauty she holds, you can’t help but have your heart break for her.
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Mentally Challenging
    Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The trauma in this book is overwhelming.
    Each character has been through the worst of the worst, but Hudson is a sick msn who hopefully will be killed next. I love the unity between the boys, especially the love between Phenoix and Eli. Sadly, their dedication to Brooklyn is just trauma. I would advise one not to read this book. In case you do, check out the trigger warnings.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Emily H
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dark Romance with a Great Playlist!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I devoured this book! It follows Brooklyn as she is transferred from a psych ward to Blackwood Institute. She sees herself as a monster and is determined to end her life. The narrative shifts perspectives with several of the main characters at this institute. The story places a strong emphasis on the characters and their interactions, as well as their evolving feelings for one another. It’s a dark romance with RH & “found family” vibes. There’s also some secrets with Blackwood itself that I look forward to learning more about in the series.

    One aspect that I particularly enjoyed about this book is that each chapter has a recommended song choice. These were FANTASTIC and enhanced the overall reading experience. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
    Helpful
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  • Kayla G.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Blackwood Institute
    Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Wow! Not what I expected. This book, even though fictional, truly shows what goes on inside people's heads with mental illness. No matter the diagnosis, what they feel, see, hear, or think, it's real to them. On that note, there's some messed up people in Blackwood! My heart goes out to all the guys and Brooke. They're all a product of a rough childhood and upbringing and mental illness. The spicey scenes were intense, intriguing, and hot. Wish there were more group scenes. There was a lull in the plot where I felt the book was just going on and on about how psychopathic everyone was and the plot of the book wasn't going anywhere. Oh but it went somewhere then!
    One person found this helpful
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  • cassidy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dark, twisty, and beautifully written. If you haven't read this yet you are missing out!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!!!

    This book had me in a chokehold. I used to read a lot of dark books that were heavy with trigger warnings especially about mental health and such but recently I started reading lots of fantasy. Now don't get me wrong, fantasy is always going to be a favorite of mine but boyyyyy I forgot how much I love dark, twisted books like this.
    As someone who has my own situations with mental health and problems with suicidal ideation (don't worry I am in therapy), this book resonated with me deeply.
    The characters all have very unique personalities and issues but the way they all needed each other and complete something inside of each other is beautiful.
    Brooklyn is such a complex character with real horrors and trauma that molds who she has become by the time the book begins. She has such depth and even some growth throughout the book (when you read the book, you'll understand why I say SOME growth). The boys also are complex and interesting. All having their own parts they play. The way the care and defend Brooklyn filled my heart. To them she is everything. To the boys she is just as broken, filled with darkness, and dealing with horrific trauma as them. They make the perfect "family" in their own way.
    The way J. Rose handled and wrote about the mental health in this book was so real, raw, and relatable as someone who, like I said above, has gone through her own trauma. The intruding thoughts, the guilt, the feeling of helplessness and just feeling like you have to give up because the world and people in it would be better without you. It was honest and held no punches. Very dark and twisted.
    The main story is about this group and what they go through individually and separately. It's about how they affect each other. Their feelings about each other and themselves. And of course, the institution they are all stuck in, Blackwood Institute. I loved that there was more to it than just that though. In the background you slowly start to realize that something isn't right at Blackwood Institute. In fact, something is very very wrong. That background plot is what sets the stage for the second book. I haven't read it yet but am literally starting it right after I finish this review lol. It left off on a cliffhanger and thankfully this is a completed series, so I am able to dive right into the next book.
    I did not expect to love this book the way I did. I was waiting for a couple of very anticipated reads of mine to come out and stumbled upon this book. I figured I would read it as a palate cleanser before all the books I was waiting on came out. At the time I also had no idea it wasn't a standalone. But I ended up devouring this book in one day. I couldn't stop. I was in deep. If you love dark and twisty kinds of books, reverse hareems, thrillers/mystery's, books about mental health, and trigger warnings galore, this book is absolutely for you!!!! If you are new to the genre or have certain triggers that are a hard no for you, definitely read the trigger warnings before beginning!
    Other than that, enjoy!!!
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Amanda Moore
    5.0 out of 5 stars Twisted Heathens Review
    Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    From the start, the story sucks you in, in the best way. I felt all the emotions coming off the page. It was a rollercoaster. I enjoyed it way more than I expected. I will say check the tw if you have any. And as always, mental health matters.
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Tammy s.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hooked!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 12, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Incredible start to the series. Had me hooked from the start! That ending!! Glad i dont have to wait for the next to come out lol but also knew how it was going to go

    I cant wait to find out all the secrets. Because everything is not as it seems!
    Report
  • Hunter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfection 🖤
    Reviewed in Australia on July 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    5/5 stars

    I adore J.Rose and everything she writes, and this series is my absolute favourite from her!

    This book hit so much harder reading it the second time round. It is dark, emotional and so freaking powerful. J.Rose really has such a way with words, it’s incredible.

    I love each of these characters. They are all so different to one another, yet they fit together so well as a little family. I loved learning about each of their stories and how they ended up in Blackwood, as well as seeing them try to figure out their feelings towards each other. These characters were written so incredibly well, and I can’t wait to see each of them develop more across the rest of the series.

    The storyline was so intriguing, and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat while reading. This book was so freaking good, and I can’t wait to dive back into the rest of the series next.
    Report
  • Sharon
    5.0 out of 5 stars A true pageturner
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on February 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    SCREAMING. This was so freaking good.

    It feels good to be seen.

    I couldn't put this down. Not gonna say more, because you should go in without any spoilers.

    But, please, check the trigger warnings. This is heavy stuff for sure.
    Report
  • Mel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow .. Bin sprachlos
    Reviewed in Germany on April 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Sterne: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    Spice: 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

    - Triggerwarnung vorher lesen -

    Dieses Buch ist einer der "besten" Dark Romance und Reverse Harem Bücher die ich je gelesen habe. Das Buch ist nicht für jeden geeignet und vor allem nicht für Menschen, die psychische Erkrankungen haben, aber ich konnte das Buch einfach nicht weglegen. Es kommt Selbstverletzung vor im Buch sowie Mord, Bloodplay/Kinfeplay, Breathplay, Gewalt, Spicy Szenen etc. Die Spicy Szenen waren sehr extrem, aber trotzdem sehr gut. Ich freu mich auf die weiteren Bände und weiter die Geschichte von Brooklyn, Phoenix, Hudson, Kade und Eli zu verfolgen.
    Report
  • Joshua
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just wow!
    Reviewed in Mexico on September 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Oh my gosh with this book, I mean is everything I wanted in a dark RH, also discovered this author so I’am beyond excited to continue this series 🥰
    5/5 ⭐️
    Report

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