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Crucible: A Dark Enemies-to-Lovers Romance (Men of the Wilds Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.4 out of 5 stars 743 ratings

From bestselling author B.B. Reid comes a wicked retelling of your favorite fable. Have you heard the tale of Goldilocks? This one's just right...

America’s sweetheart has been canceled.

From teen star to international phenom to the biggest celebrity in the world, Aurelia George has suddenly found herself on the other side of adoration. The public thinks they hate her when they never really knew her. The saddest tragedy of all is that she doesn’t know herself.

Done with the fame, glitz, and glam—the whole doe-eyed princess charade—Aurelia decides she’s taking back her life, even if it costs her everything.

But her uncle has other plans.

Shipped far away until the heat dies, Aurelia finds herself in the one place where her name means nothing. When a blizzard causes her plane to crash, she becomes stranded in the wilds of Northern Canada, a sole survivor with no one to turn to.

No one except them.

The misanthropic mountain men who’ve shut themselves away.

It’s their cabin Aurelia finds in the icy wilderness and their obsession she ignites when they discover her sleeping in one of their beds. Thorin, Khalil, and Ezekiel (and all of his personalities) have only longed for one thing in nine long years...a woman to warm their beds.

Surviving a plane crash, wolves, avalanches, frozen lakes, and a harsh winter with three feral men is nothing compared to Aurelia’s hardest trial of all—finding herself.

Crucible is a dark romance and the first in a duet (meaning it ends on a cliffhanger). Please refer to the trigger warnings before reading.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DC8LG8GG
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 10, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 596 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Men of the Wilds
  • Best Sellers Rank: #30,556 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 743 ratings

About the author

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B.B. Reid
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B.B. Reid is the author of several novels including the hit enemies-to-lovers, Lilac. She grew up the only daughter and middle child in a small town in North Carolina. After graduating with a Bachelors in Finance, she started her career at an investment research firm while continuing to serve in the National Guard. She currently resides in Atlanta with her moody cat when she’s not being a nomad and enjoys gaming in her free time, traveling, morning drives, and binge-eating chocolate.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
743 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book highly readable, with one noting it's the best they've read in 2024. The story receives positive feedback for its twists and turns, and customers appreciate the depth of the characters and writing quality. They enjoy the entertainment value, with one customer highlighting the hilarious camp scene banter. The dark tone receives mixed reactions from customers.

19 customers mention "Readability"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and addicting, with one customer noting it's the longest they've ever read.

"This was so good. Its been a while since I've read dark romance/themes and this hit the spot...." Read more

"...Overall great read." Read more

"...are going to take us but be assured it’s one crazy, twisty, unforgettable, thrilling ride!" Read more

"Just mad I have to wait for the sequel lol. Quick read...and entertaining for sure. Like a train wreck you cant look away from." Read more

18 customers mention "Story quality"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's story addictive and thrilling, with multiple twists and turns throughout the narrative.

"...BB crafts characters that are layered, complex, and completely captivating. The growth and self-discovery that Aurelia experiences is fascinating...." Read more

"...Wow. What a great book with so many twists and turns. I can not wait to see what comes next." Read more

"This is a dark romance and it's very dark. Just be forewarned. Consent is a foreign concept for these three guys...." Read more

"...Very graphic, but the storyline was very interesting. Good read!" Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written, with one describing it as stunning.

"...The writing in Crucible is absolutely beautiful and so easy to immerse yourself in!..." Read more

"...Having said that, it's well written, it's intense, it's full of adventure, it's not predictable and the circumstances are unique...." Read more

"This book was so well written and I thoroughly enjoyed every character! When I think of a dark romance Crucible is what I think of...." Read more

"Stunning book..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers love the depth of the characters in the book.

"...a dark vibe dealing with Stockholm syndrome, kidnapping, and multiple personalities. Such an amazing story I can’t wait til the next book comes out." Read more

"This book was so well written and I thoroughly enjoyed every character! When I think of a dark romance Crucible is what I think of...." Read more

"...I love the depth of all the characters, the way they develop, the flow of the story. 10/10 highly recommend!..." Read more

3 customers mention "Entertainment value"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining, with one mentioning the hilarious camp scene banter and another noting how engaging the mountain men characters are.

"Just mad I have to wait for the sequel lol. Quick read...and entertaining for sure. Like a train wreck you cant look away from." Read more

"...I need part two asap! Ima miss Seth!! The camp scene banter was hilarious!! I don’t write the reports I just read them had me cracking up!!..." Read more

"...I hate how quickly I finished reading it. Aurelia and her mountain men are so entertaining. I can't wait for part two." Read more

7 customers mention "Dark tone"3 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the dark tone of the book.

"This is a dark romance and it's very dark. Just be forewarned. Consent is a foreign concept for these three guys...." Read more

"...This story gave me such a dark vibe dealing with Stockholm syndrome, kidnapping, and multiple personalities...." Read more

"...The cliff hanger is killing me. This is darker and has some dubious con, pls check triggers!!!! B.B. Reid does no wrong!!!" Read more

"...What doesn’t happen?! This is dark and oh so hot. 🥵 This has me hooked from the moment I saw the list of cabin rules at the front of the book...." Read more

A Dark, Twisted Survival Story That Will Leave You Begging for More!
5 out of 5 stars
A Dark, Twisted Survival Story That Will Leave You Begging for More!
The Crucible by B.B. Reid is one of those books that’ll make you squirm, second-guess everything you thought you knew about love, power, and survival—and shake you to your core. If you’re like me and enjoy stories that challenge your boundaries, you’re in the right place. This book will make you think twice about your own moral compass—but then again, any seasoned dark romance reader has been there a time or ten. It’s uncomfortable, gritty, and pushes boundaries in ways that will have you questioning what’s right and wrong. But that’s exactly why it works. This isn’t your typical romance—it’s a raw, unrelenting story that forces you to confront power, trust, survival, and the blurred line between obsession and love. While it’s messy, intense, and at times downright shocking, Reid masterfully builds the tension, leaving you desperate for the next installment. Aurelia George is no stranger to the world of high society, but when a scandal ruins her life, she’s sent to a remote Canadian ranch to "lie low." But things don’t go according to plan. After a plane crash leaves her stranded in the wilderness, she stumbles upon a secluded cabin—and three dangerous men: Thorin, Khalil, and Ezekiel. What begins as a standoff turns into a psychological game of survival and submission, where Aurelia’s fate—and heart—are anything but her own. As always, Reid doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable. And I’ve learned to trust her, even when it feels like the book might push me too far. The Crucible isn’t just about surviving the wilderness; it’s about surviving the suffocating, dangerous power dynamics these men impose on Aurelia. Every scene is heavy with meaning, layered with tension, and laced with complexity. There were moments where I wasn't sure if I was ready for what was next, but Reid never lets go of the tension long enough for you to catch your breath. Thorin, Khalil, and Ezekiel are the epitome of complex, morally ambiguous characters. Thorin is the gruff protector, Khalil is the tough but tender soul, and Ezekiel… Ezekiel is the dark, tortured enigma whose secrets unfold as the story progresses. Each of these men brings a unique dynamic to the narrative, but it’s the push and pull between them—and with Aurelia—that makes this book impossible to put down. The chemistry is palpable, and not just physical; it’s emotional, psychological, and completely unrelenting. Aurelia’s evolution is something else entirely. She starts off guarded, defensive, and unwilling to trust anyone. But as the story unfolds, her journey becomes one of emotional survival. It's not just about surviving in the wilderness; it’s about surviving the darkness these men bring into her life. I was rooting for her every step of the way, not just because of her strength, but because of her vulnerability. She’s not perfect, but that’s what makes her such a compelling heroine. Reid’s writing shines as always. She handles dark themes like manipulation, obsession, and power with an unflinching honesty that can be difficult to stomach, but it never feels gratuitous. Reid doesn't shy away from the darker elements of power dynamics—every instance of manipulation or control is necessary to the plot, and she ensures that we feel the psychological weight of those moments. It’s disturbing, yes, but it’s also what makes the book so gripping. The tension she creates between obsession and trust, between domination and connection, had me hooked from start to finish. This book is not for the faint of heart. It’s raw, intense, and will challenge you on every level. If you’re a fan of dark romance that doesn’t shy away from hard themes and complex characters, The Crucible is an unforgettable ride. And just when you think you know where it’s headed, Reid pulls the rug out from under you with a cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for the next book. In conclusion, The Crucible is one hé!! of a ride. Dark, emotional, and twisted, it’s a perfect example of why B.B. Reid remains one of my absolute favorite authors. Her characters, her writing, and her ability to pull you into the darkest corners of the human psyche and enjoy it are unparalleled. I can’t wait to see where Reid takes us next—this journey is just getting started, and I’m already on the edge of my seat. Rating: 5 stars Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Genre: ♥Dark Romance Tropes: ♥Why Choose ♥Anti-Hero ♥City Girl/Country Boy ♥Enemies-to-Lovers ♥Fairytale Retelling ♥Forced Proximity ♥Heroine in Danger ♥Interracial/Multicultural ♥Superstar/Celebrity ♥Tragic Past ♥Trigger Warnings
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2024
    In this dark retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears we meet canceled international superstar Aurelia George who literally falls out of the sky and lands in the middle of the three bears - Thorin, Khalil, and Seth (plus Seth’s other personalities).

    The three bears/guys have been living off the grid on an isolated mountain top for almost a decade and passed feral about five years ago. By their own admission they are not good men and believe me, we witness some of their worst behavior. But the farther into the story you go, the more apparent it becomes that the situation is complicated and there are reasons behind their actions and reactions. This found family is unbreakable; these guys are ride or die (literally) for those they care about.

    Aurelia is adrift and uncertain about who she really is and what she wants. Although sometimes harsh in their methods, the guys give Aurelia the unconditional acceptance she needs to find the answers she’s looking for.

    The writing in Crucible is absolutely beautiful and so easy to immerse yourself in! BB crafts characters that are layered, complex, and completely captivating. The growth and self-discovery that Aurelia experiences is fascinating. She has an inner strength and fire that never wavers, no matter how precarious her situation. Thorin, Khalil, and Seth are demanding, controlling, more than a little unhinged, and totally obsessed with Aurelia; she brings them along on her journey, whether they like it or not.

    This story is so addictive and unique! It’s impossible to predict where these characters are going to take us but be assured it’s one crazy, twisty, unforgettable, thrilling ride!
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2025
    Just mad I have to wait for the sequel lol. Quick read...and entertaining for sure. Like a train wreck you cant look away from.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2025
    Holy cow. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Wow. What a great book with so many twists and turns. I can not wait to see what comes next.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2024
    This is a dark romance and it's very dark. Just be forewarned. Consent is a foreign concept for these three guys.

    Basically a pop star princess ends up in a plane crash in the mountains of Canada and stumbles upon 3 men who live isolated in the mountains for a mysterious reason. They are feral, they don't take no for an answer and they have been without the company of a female for nearly a decade.

    This is a kidnapping/imprisonment type story with over the top obsessed, controlling, and hungry three male leads. One of them has multiple personalities. There is a lot of potentially triggering content. Having said that, it's well written, it's intense, it's full of adventure, it's not predictable and the circumstances are unique. The only thing I didn't like is learning I have to wait till next year for the second book, because, yep, it ends on a cliffhanger. But it's worth the read and the wait.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2025
    I want to say this is the longest book I’ve ever read. I really felt like I was a fly on a wall in the cabin with these people. Very graphic, but the storyline was very interesting. Good read!
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2024
    Let's start with what I loved about the book! I thought the concept was creative and interesting. There is plenty of kinky spicy scenes. If you are a fan of a healthy dose of spice as well as hand necklaces, breeding, non-con, primal play, and power dynamics, this book has it all. I loved the progression of Aurelia's character and how she ends up finding herself through all sorts of perils and sudden situations.

    I'm really not sure how to feel about the reverse harem and the length of the book. I was not in love with any of the boys and I feel like I didn't get to know them too well. Their backstories are a bit of a mystery even after finishing (other then Seth, but there are still pieces we are missing).

    Crucible is a long book! There are a lot of non-con scenes that add a good length. I found myself feeling like the spicy scenes and the push/pull of Aurelia's relationship with the boys grew repetitious. I felt a little disconnected from 50%-70% but I am glad I stuck it out because I found the ending really interesting. The spice got steamy and B.B. leaves us on a bit of a cliffhanger and I'm definitely wondering how Bane and Zeke will react to Aurelia.

    If this sounds like a book you'd be interested in, I highly recommend checking it out! For me personally, I'm not sure at this time if I would read the sequel.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2024
    This was so good. Its been a while since I've read dark romance/themes and this hit the spot. A dark retelling of Goldilocks where she is a stranded captive of three unhinged mountain men? I was hooked IMMEDIATELY.

    This is definitely for a specific niche of dark romance readers, so I highly recommend checking the contents list before reading on. The story and relationship may be toxic, but fortunately I love mess. The love interests are possessive/obsessive alpha types with very little remorse for their actions.

    It is hard to root for characters who are so awful, but somehow I ended up caring for them. Especially with Thorin and Seth. Those last few chapters really had me feeling complicated feelings for those two. I desperately want to get to know Khalil a little bit better. (Zeke and Bane too, but I'm looking forward to them in the second half.) Aurelia herself is no angel, but she owns it. I loved her don't care attitude personally and that regardless of what she endures she never stops pushing back against these three.

    The cliffhanger was diabolical!! I can't wait to read the second half and see how this all ends.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2025
    Loved all the characters and the story, I'm miffed I have to wait for the next one, it was that good!
  • Auryoro
    5.0 out of 5 stars Read the warnings and then enjoy!
    Reviewed in Italy on January 3, 2025
    Enjoyed every single part
    You really need to head the warnings the author gives you at the beginning of the book and then dive in keeping in mind this is a work of fiction, a safe place where we can pretend certain actions are acceptable
  • Renny
    5.0 out of 5 stars Aurelia la icónica
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 15, 2024
    Aurelia, girl… I adored her. I think it’s best if you read her story with an open mind because she is just that iconic. I think you may have mixed feelings at the beginning but it fits perfectly with the story and how she evolves. She is one of the most intriguing FMC I’ve ever read. As the has been America’s Sweetheart, what can she do once she finds herself as the sole survivor of a plane ride? What happens when she encounters not one but three OTT alpha men? Ezekiel, Khalil & Torin will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about yourself.
    That’s what I loved the most about this book, that all the characters have their own flaws but they grow on you. It’s incredible how captivated I felt while reading. I could almost feel like I was in a movie. And OMG, I can’t wait to know more specially after that ending.
  • Everyday.Alexandria
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Wild One
    Reviewed in Canada on January 23, 2025
    “We give ourselves over to love and hope we don’t get hurt.”

    4✨

    A dark and twisted retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, this book is an absolutely wild ride - one I did not expect to end on a cliffhanger. Honestly, I’m not sure what I was expecting, but what I got? It was a total surprise!! The story kept me guessing at every turn, and the characters? Let’s just say you’ll love them and hate them at the same time. They’re flawed AF and keep you constantly on edge. One moment they’re one way, and the next, they’re completely different. I was hooked because I never knew what to expect! One character especially was so unique, I truly enjoyed how unpredictable they were👀😉

    BB wasn’t exaggerating when she said this was enemies-to-lovers. In fact, it felt like more enemies than lovers most of the time 👀

    While the book was incredibly intriguing, I’ll admit it was a long read, and the pacing did drag in a few places. Still, it kept me curious until the end and now I have to wait for book two!
    Customer image
    Everyday.Alexandria
    4.0 out of 5 stars
    A Wild One

    Reviewed in Canada on January 23, 2025
    “We give ourselves over to love and hope we don’t get hurt.”

    4✨

    A dark and twisted retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, this book is an absolutely wild ride - one I did not expect to end on a cliffhanger. Honestly, I’m not sure what I was expecting, but what I got? It was a total surprise!! The story kept me guessing at every turn, and the characters? Let’s just say you’ll love them and hate them at the same time. They’re flawed AF and keep you constantly on edge. One moment they’re one way, and the next, they’re completely different. I was hooked because I never knew what to expect! One character especially was so unique, I truly enjoyed how unpredictable they were👀😉

    BB wasn’t exaggerating when she said this was enemies-to-lovers. In fact, it felt like more enemies than lovers most of the time 👀

    While the book was incredibly intriguing, I’ll admit it was a long read, and the pacing did drag in a few places. Still, it kept me curious until the end and now I have to wait for book two!
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    Customer image
  • Emma Eva
    4.0 out of 5 stars honest ARC review!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 20, 2024
    This book is giving Credence/Vengeful Gods vibes. Make sure that you read all the TW before going into this book, if your new to dark romance or taboo reads you might be in for a shock. Although for me reading all the TW for this was like reading off a menu in my favourite restaurant!

    The FMC Aurelia is americas sweetheart and is then forced to go away by her uncle. She needs to get away… catches a flight… but crashes and she’s the only one left!

    She’s in the middle of nowhere and has found a cabin, but little does she know that this cabin is owned by three men… who without spoiling it are ravenous… and hot especially when they haven’t seen a female in a long long time…

    The MMCs Thorin, Khalil, and Zeke (and his multiple personalities) are Captors/protectors. This cliffhanger has really left me guessing and thinking off all the possible going into book 2! This book was go go go, and felt like I was watching a movie than reading a book, I was so immersed in the story, and B.B Reid’s playlist was just spot on and definitely made the experience so much better!

    Gutted I have to wait to see what Aurelia does next!

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