Lucy Smoke's Forbidden Deviant Games is a gripping exploration of the dark allure of forbidden love and the dangerous dance between desire and destruction. This novel is a compelling addition to the romantic suspense genre, offering readers a tantalizing blend of passion, danger, and psychological complexity.

The story centers around the tumultuous relationship between the protagonist and Viks, a man who embodies the quintessential bad boy archetype. From the outset, the blurb sets the stage for a narrative steeped in tension and intrigue: "He’s dangerous. He’s violent. He’s everything I should stay away from." This line encapsulates the core conflict of the novel, as the protagonist is irresistibly drawn to Viks despite knowing the risks involved.

One of the most striking aspects of Forbidden Deviant Games is its exploration of the psychology of attraction to dangerous individuals. The protagonist's internal struggle is palpable as she grapples with her attraction to Viks, a man who is the epitome of danger. Smoke skillfully delves into the complexities of this attraction, offering readers a nuanced portrayal of a woman torn between her instincts for self-preservation and her undeniable pull towards a man who could ruin her.

Character development is a strong suit of Lucy Smoke's writing. Viks is not merely a one-dimensional bad boy; he is a multifaceted character with a past that haunts him and motivations that drive his actions. As the story unfolds, readers are given glimpses into Viks' history, which adds depth to his character and makes his actions more understandable, if not entirely forgivable. This complexity makes Viks a compelling character, as readers are drawn into the mystery of his past and the reasons behind his dangerous behavior.

The protagonist, too, is well-developed, with a backstory that informs her actions and decisions throughout the novel. Her familiarity with "bad men" and her understanding of their behavior adds an interesting layer to her character. She is not a naive damsel in distress but a woman who is acutely aware of the risks she is taking. This awareness makes her internal conflict all the more poignant, as she struggles to reconcile her attraction to Viks with her desire for safety and stability.

Smoke's writing is both evocative and engaging, drawing readers into the world of Eastpoint, where danger lurks around every corner. The setting serves as a fitting backdrop for the story, enhancing the sense of foreboding and tension that permeates the novel. The pacing is well-executed, with moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, introspective scenes that allow for character development and reflection.

In terms of themes, Forbidden Deviant Games delves into the nature of redemption and the possibility of change. The question of whether a "wicked man" can ever truly change is a central theme, and Smoke handles it with sensitivity and insight. The novel does not offer easy answers, instead presenting a realistic portrayal of the challenges and complexities involved in seeking redemption and change.

Comparatively, Forbidden Deviant Games shares thematic similarities with other works in the romantic suspense genre, such as Pepper Winters' Monsters in the Dark series or Tillie Cole's Hades Hangmen series. Like these authors, Smoke explores the darker side of romance, where love and danger are inextricably linked. However, Smoke's unique voice and her focus on the psychological aspects of attraction set her work apart, offering readers a fresh perspective on familiar themes.

Overall, Forbidden Deviant Games is a compelling read that will appeal to fans of romantic suspense and those who enjoy stories that delve into the complexities of human attraction and the possibility of redemption. Lucy Smoke has crafted a narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, leaving readers to ponder the nature of love and the risks we are willing to take for it.

For those interested in exploring this dark and captivating tale, Forbidden Deviant Games is available on popular platforms such as Amazon and Goodreads, where readers can delve into the world of Eastpoint and discover the dangerous allure of Viks for themselves.