Pretty When He Bleeds

Sinners of Blackthorne U, Book 1

By: Avery Collins

Narrated by: Gregory Salinas, Devon Ryder

Hate feels a lot like love when it cuts this deep.

Roman

Pain is the only thing that makes me feel alive anymore. On the ice, in the gym, or from someone else's fists—it doesn't matter, as long as it drowns out the void inside me. Caleb was my first love, my best-kept secret, and the reason my world fell apart.

I thought the guilt would destroy me, but then his brother, Damon, walked back into my life. Damon is all sharp edges and raw anger, and I should stay the hell away from him. But his rage cuts in a way that feels too much like salvation.

I hate how much I need it.

Damon

Roman Bishop was the golden boy who could do no wrong in my little brother's eyes. But I see the truth—he's the one who broke Caleb, who drove him to a choice he never should've made. Now, Roman's the one who needs breaking.

I came back to Blackthorne to make him pay, to ruin him the way he ruined my brother. But every time I push, he leans in, like he's begging for more. Roman thrives on pain, and somewhere in the middle of our twisted game, I've started to crave him in ways I can't wrap my head around.

Revenge isn't as simple as I thought it would be.

Pretty When He Bleeds is the first book in the interconnected Sinners of Blackthorne U series, but it is a complete standalone.

Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.

©2025 J. Tarr / Avery Collins (P)2025 Podium Audio

My Kind Of Story

After a book slump I've been in for at least the last 5 I have listened to, this one finally got me out!
I am a slut for enemies to lovers, dark romance! But I'm so glad this one didn't have all the murder and blood and death associated with many dark romances. I'm not opposed to that, just don't prefer it.
I think this story has a perfect amount of spice, even if some say it was to much. I like that I +++potential spoiler++++
didn't have to wait until almost the end of the story for them to finally get together. I love that once they did get together they were both smitten. I am always sad when these MMCs are so full of self doubt but in this book I feel like the fact that it was handled by seeking medication and therapy was well handled. I like how it didn't take forever and a day to drag secrets to light when someone had feels. Some of the side characters were wonderful **looking at you Killian** It def had some really sad moments but overall I loved this story and I'm looking forward to more by this author!
The narrators were absolutely wonderful and always do a great job. Great voice actors can really bring a story to life and I felt these guys both did that!

really good

this book was really good. it has spice, drama, angst, love and hate. it is an easy book to read with some dark topics. love the narrators.

Omg!! Fanfuckingtastic!!

This story is incredible!! Definitely one of the best books I've listened to this year. Beautifully written and the narration only brought more life to the story and characters. Trigger warnings for suicide and depression. A little bit of hockey and a whole lot of pain.