Distortion: A dark contemporary romance (Den of Deception Book 1)

Daisy was institutionalized a decade ago after her mother's death. Now, at age twenty-something, she returns to live with her stepbrother Shade, only to discover mysterious notes suggesting her mother's death was not an accident. Shade has become a ruthless man with dangerous friends who view Daisy as a threat to their plans. They intend to manipulate, seduce, and psychologically break her into returning to the facility. Shade and his associates underestimate Daisy's intelligence and resilience. While they were meant to destroy her, they find themselves drawn to her instead. Daisy, hardened by her years away, possesses her own agenda involving patience, cunning, and the possibility of revenge. This is the first book in the Den of Deception series. It features an autistic female protagonist, morally grey characters, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, forced proximity, psychological manipulation, and slow-burn romance. The narrative explores themes of trauma, revenge, and redemption.