My Savage Valentine

by Selena Winters

As Chicago's most promising artist, I've always seen the world differently—noticing patterns others miss, sensing the darkness hidden beneath polished surfaces. My abstract paintings explore the shadows most people fear to face, but I never imagined finding someone who truly understood them until I met Gabriel Dawson. His jazz bar became my sanctuary, his music echoing the chaotic beauty I try to capture on canvas. But when I accidentally discovered what lay beneath the stage floor—the carefully preserved trophies of his darkest passions—I should have run screaming into the night.

Instead, I found myself drawn to his dangerous honesty, the raw authenticity in his eyes when he speaks of justice served outside the law. My best friend Maya fell into this world through Adrian's chocolates; I stumbled in through Gabe's bloodstained hands. Now we're forming something beyond friendship or romance—a dark quartet playing a deadly symphony of our own composition.

They say true artists must suffer to create authentic work. What they don't tell you is how exhilarating it feels when suffering is something you inflict rather than endure, or how intoxicating it is to find a partner who appreciates your particular vision of justice rendered in crimson.

My Bloody Valentine is a dark serial killer romance that explores the darker side of human nature and contains heavy subjects that some readers may find triggering. At the beginning of the book, you will have access to a full list of the warnings. This story has no cliffhanger and ends with a HEA.

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2026

Reviews

[neeshreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Whew! You know you’re in for a treat when 🥣☠️ besties find their obsessions at virtually the same time! We met Gabe in My Bloody Valentine, he’s Adrian’s only friend and vice versa, and while this can be read as a standalone, it’s fun to see the dichotomy between these two vigilantes and their methods (basically, you’ll want to meet Adrian if you haven’t already!). Gabe is filled with passion, and his emotions guide his art creation, so it’s only fitting he falls for the up-and-coming artist who sees the darkness hiding in plain sight…

💀Serial Unaliver MMC
🖤Artist FMC🎨
💀Obsessive & Possessive MMC
🖤Power Exchange - Dom/Sub
💀Hand Necklaces, Use of Restraints & Spanking
🖤Br33d!ng K!nk w/o Pregnancy
💀Dirty Talk, Begging, Praise & Degradation
🖤Impact & 🔪 Play, Edging
💀Ladynapping & Forced Proximity
🖤Masked Man & Pri!mal Play

Amelia has always noticed patterns that others miss–seeing the darkness most people fear to face. So, when Gabriel Dawson views her art, really understands what’s hiding in plain sight, she feels seen in ways she never has before. Gabe becomes her muse and when she finds what truly lays beneath his polished exterior, instead of running from his darkness, she’s drawn to it…

Listen, it’s no secret that Gabe is unhinged. We can’t change that and we don’t want to 🤣 Red flags in real life don’t exist in the fictional world Selena Winters creates, because vigilante justice painted in red looks good on Gabe. Would I visit his…uhh…museum? You know what? There’s a first time for everything 🤣

When Gabe finds Amelia and their darkness blends into a new shade of black, there’s no going back. We love a committed and dedicated man, and especially one who can unlock all of your hidden desires while fueling his own. The tension and heat that builds between these two? 🔥🔥🔥 Who knew a spiked mask, rope play, and filthy words would lead to branding (consensual!), all while also having me nodding my head saying, “I get it.” Gabe lured me into a symphony of his own making, and I didn’t want it to end!

[booking _with_romancegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two arts woven into one each profoundly different but so captivating.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

You might remember meeting Gabe, Adrian’s best (and only) friend in My Bloody Valentine. Now you get to know the man who’s led by passion instead of pure calculation.

TROPES

🖤Serial Unaliver MMC
🖤Artist FMC
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤BD$M, Branding & Knife Play
🖤Hand Necklaces
🖤Praise & Degradation
🖤Pr!mal Play

MY THOUGHTS 💭

THE AMOUNT OF PASSION IN THIS BOOK GABE TRULY BLOWS YOUR MIND BECAUSE HE CONFLICTS WITH HIMSELF BUT THEN WORSHIPS THE GROUND THAT AMELIA WALKS ON.

When I say that representation of OCD and unique ways of thinking and coping with different traits is brought to life in this book is chef's kiss.
Amelia is honed in on her being an artist and her needing order and the past she has. She's very set on wrong and right but yet she's always known she's a little different.

Gabe from his childhood on out has been best friends with Adrian , they're one of a kind and you get to see their bond so much in this book and I love that because it helps you understand the calm before the storm between the two of them.

In each of their professions in this book you can see where Gabe and Amelia's works are very precise and very underlining with a deeper meaning and that goes for both of Gabe's professions.

I will say that the spice is very dominant and submissive and I love that because you get to see a roughness but yet a controlled relinquish of power between the two of them.

It is definitely everything that I hoped it would be and a good conclusion to this duet essentially.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selena Winters is so good at writing bad boys. Gabriel oozes sex appeal, with his dirty talk, sexy body, talented hands and … well, he has a few other talented parts. Together, Gabriel and Amelia are magic. Just when they think everything is going their way, it doesn’t. Secrets are revealed. Loyalty is tested. Feelings are … complicated.

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Gabriel
FMC:
✨Amelia
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Book 2 of The Valentine's Duet
Epilogue:
🌗yes
Tropes:
👉dark valentine’s romance
👉serial killer romance
👉masked man romance
👉touch her and ☠️
👉vigilante killer mmc/acclaimed artist fmc
Triggers:
⚠️Readers should read all triggers on author’s website⚠️
💥18+
💥sex, primal, bondage, knife play, etc
💥profanity
💥violence, graphic, abuse - past
💥death, murdery type
💥kidnapping
💥immuring
Burn Speed:
✨medium
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Savage Valentine by Selena Winters is a dark, twisted romance that completely pulled me in.

Gabe and Amelia’s chemistry is intense from the start. They aren’t pretending to be light or innocent characters — they fully embrace the darker parts of themselves, and somehow they see beauty in that darkness in each other. That connection is what really makes this story work. It’s not sweet in a traditional way, but it is powerful.

This is definitely not a fluffy romance. It’s gritty, morally gray, and unapologetically twisted — including the HEA, which fits them perfectly. If you like your romance dark with a sharp edge, this one delivers.

Selena Winters writes characters that feel vivid and layered, even when they’re walking on the darker side of life. I always find myself completely devouring her stories, and this one was no exception.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t care for this book as much as book 1. Maya got on my ever loving nerves in this book, if you remember her from book 1. She is such a walking contradiction and Idk why it irked me so much but it did. If this book had less Maya and focused way more on Gabriel and Amelia I would have probably felt different. I know you needed the Maya/Adrian aspect since they tie in together but ugh, I cannot. Amelia somehow stumbled upon a secret in Gabriel’s club and she’s instantly intrigued. Like Maya with Adrian, Maya knows there is danger there but she can’t help the pull that Gabriel has on her. The fact that they are “serving justice” seems to be the determining factor for these ladies on whether or not they will fall deeper inot the abyss or turn them in. Soon they are are team of 4 and the dark desires are even more intense in this book. Like I said at the start Maya completely turned me off with her constant contradiction on wanting Amelia to make better decisions and leave Gabriel alone with also diving deeper into the world she is warning her about.

[Jennifer Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Savage Valentine's Day! Gabr is the definition of savage & unhinged. He is talented in so many ways wine, music, building furniture, running a jazz bar, & well of course killing! Everyone has their reasons for killing people, the way they kill them, & how they dispose of them. Gabe's methods similar to Adrian but a bit more savage. These two continue their friends but Adrian's love Maya brings Adrian's new obsession into his life. Amelia is also a talented artist beautifully broken but equally as savage when her trueself comes out. Through her paintings Gabe see somethu no one else does. Amelia is done playing it safe. The twisted HEA always gets me because not every happy ending is perfectly clean. I loved how Adrian & Maya do show up throughout the story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia is an up-and-coming abstract artist who paints the darkness hidden beneath the persona people put on. No one has ever understood her work until she meets Gabe who hides a secret darker than most.

Gabe finds himself very attracted to Amelia but it's afraid of her reaction should she find out his true nature. But even though she knows he has darkness within she is still curious about and drawn to him. And when she finds out exactly what it is she's all in instead of running the other direction. The two of them were great together well, had very steamy moments and I'm happy they found their HEA!
 
 
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 4 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Gabe & Amelia
Darkness: 4 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Fast Burn, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone with Interconnected Characters
Title: The Valentine's Duet- My Savage Valentine: Book 2
Audiobook: n/a as of Feb 2026
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC
*Unaliver
*Masked Man
*Bondage
*Knife Play
*Primal
*No cheating or sharing
 
 
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Cindy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Savage Valentine is a well-written intense story. It will captivate you from the beginning. Please do check your triggers since this a dark romance.

Gabe runs a jazz bar and hides a dark secret. He meets Amelia who is an artist. She has a talent for painting darkness within a person. Gabe is attracted to her but doesn't know how she would feel when she finds out his secret. Amelia is not shaken by Gabe's dark side but instead she is drawn to him.

As Gabe and Amelia get to know each other, she becomes part of his dark world. He trusts her and confesses his secret of being a serial killer.

I loved how possessive Gabe was with Amelia. They were so good for each other because she accepted him for who he was. I look forward to the next story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[bunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot tries to be edgy but hits like a lukewarm cup of tea. Gabriel is your standard brooding jazz bar owner who keeps human trophies under the floorboards, while Raven is the quirky artist who stumbles onto them and decides that’s her aesthetic. It feels like the author just changed the names and professions from the first book and hoped we wouldn't notice the recycled "serial killer quartet" dynamic. Raven’s immediate leap from finding a literal basement of horrors to wanting a "dark quartet" symphony is a stretch that even the most abstract artist couldn't justify. I wanted a fresh descent into madness, not a carbon copy of the previous installment's homework. The pacing is fine, but the lack of originality makes it feel like a chore rather than a thrill.

[Allicia M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story 4 ⭐
Spice 4 🌶️

My Savage Valentine is a dark serial killer romance where Gabe is a serial killer who works with Adrian from My Bloody Valentine, and Amelia is an artist and Maya's best friend.

Amelia has a dark side that she doesn't realize the extent of until Gabe draws her into his world. Gabe trusts her surprisingly quickly with his deepest secrets and is very much the possessive MMC.

There are dark topics explored in My Savage Valentine, as is common with Selena Winter's work, so please read with caution.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of The Valentine's Duet. Books should be read in series order for maximum enjoyment read.

'My Bloody Valentine is a dark serial killer romance that explores the darker side of human nature and contains heavy subjects that some readers may find triggering.'

The characters were very complex and compelling and dark and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a satisfying conclusion to the duet. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of The Valentine's Duet

THIS! This right here is what I want and crave from a dark romance.
I am so obsessed with Selena Winters' writing. She is the queen of primal play scenes. I love everything about these unhinged characters and the deliciously dark twisted world.

Amelia and Gabe had me melting into a puddle of goo. HOT! He is intense and deeply passionate.

Such a satisfying HEA. This was an amazing duet! I loved everything about it.

Tropes:
Serial unaliver MMC
Artist FMC
Masked man
Dark Valentine romance
Primal play
Praise and degradation
Hand necklaces
Knife play
Branding
BDSM
Forced proximity
Dual POV

Check TW

[KayCee · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading My Bloody Valentine, I was hoping to get more of Gabe and Amelia. Gabe is passionate, about his jazz bar, about his unconventional hobby, and now, about Amelia. Amelia is an up and coming artist whose work seems misunderstood, but appreciated by most. Gabe sees what others can't and he shows her a world she never imagined. The passion in these book is palpable and raw. They each surrender to the other in ways that they never saw coming. A quick dark romance read (read it in one afternoon), that will keep you engaged.

[Dana Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Selena's writing! Just like she wrote with Adrian and Maya in My Bloody Valentine - she develops her characters with very dark, deep seeded desires throughout the story in such a way that it's believable and realistic (even if they are murderous and unhinged).

I loved that Amelia is naturally hesitant and resistant to embracing her true dark side that Gabe notices and tries to nurture. Gabe is hot, possessive, obsessive, and devious in all the best ways!! And the spice is chef's kiss!!!!

Selena is an author who is an automatic buy EVERY TIME!!!

[Michelle Grimison · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I think I prefer this book over Adrian’s book.

He’s controlled chaos, compliments hers…

Typical story of serial killer becomes obsessed with a woman, lays some good pipe, she starts to fall in love with him but then finds he’s a serial killer, he kidnaps her so she is forced to listen to his reasoning… bam happy psychos ever after!

But in this story we get artistic chaos with victims. Using blood in paint, mummifying cadavers… an interesting twist to the normal narrative.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Shibari, primal, knife/blood, mask… Dom/sub

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ ”Sometimes you must step into the darkness to really see what’s there.” ★

Gabriel and Amelia’s story was perfectly aligned and continued the thread of friendship which was described in the first book of this duet (Adrian & Maya’s story). If you did not read Book #1, there is a significant recap until the moment which brings both couples together, so no worries there. Be aware this duet is based on a couple of serial “unalivers,” literally delving into the pitch-black/dark arts with their “creations.”

💝🫶🏼 Please mind your triggers before diving in 🫶🏼💝

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives a whole new meaning to Valentine’s Day 🌶️

Absolutely delicious! Amelia and Gabe brought together by art; the things people don’t see, the emotions captured in her paintings. Neither run from it, but embrace the darkness together to create something spectacular. There’s also just something about a man willingly holding down a predator so his woman can make her beautiful art 🙃❤️

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia sees patterns and truths many dont its what makes her art so vivid and real but she never feels seen that is until she meets Gabe, he becomes her muse but what happens when she discovers his truths? Gabe is (Adrians bk1- best and only friend) they share a vigilante lifestyle, only when Gabe sets his sights on Amelias and her work the darkness speaks even more, and thats enough to seal their fates! Well written engaging dark themes, desires, suspense steamy scenes and more!

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book after My Bloody Valentine.
Gabe is Adrian’s friend, a jazz club owner, and a serial unaliver of bad people. Amelia is Maya’s friend, a painter, and she sees the world in patterns and layers. They meet and sparks fly, and they can’t get enough of each other. Once she learns what his “hobby” is, she has to decide if she’ll stick around.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leslie Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

well…

Normally, I love everything, Selena Winters writes. Beware **spoiler ahead** This one fell just a little flat for me. It seemed to be kind of far-fetched that the FMC got on board so quickly with the killing bit and although the content was very spicy, it started to feel a little repetitive. If you like this author, then it’s worth a read, and you will just have to judge for yourself. Maybe I’m just saturated with dark romance/Horror right now.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrian and Maya's story in My Bloody Valentine ties in with Gabe and Amelia’s, like two parts of a duet. Two set of best friends bound together by darkness,
two sides that complement each other, like light and dark, left and right, the couples and friends all working together. Another man, another mask, and another stunningly dark read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacquelyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

really wanted to like it

Love the author, her carnival series was amazing. First book in this series was fine; I wanted to like this one so much but the writing felt off to me. Settings were jumbled, details weren’t kept through the book. It felt like reading AI and I truly hope the author isn’t using it because her earlier books are so good.

[Sara Duran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia & Gabe

Amelia & Gabe are just perfect for each other. Amelia brings a new dynamic and sees what Gabe & Adrian haven't. I was worried for her in the beginning, but she has shown her strength in many ways. I wouldn't mind reading a novella seeing what kinds of art they have all been up to.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selena Winters is one of my favorite authors when it comes to writing bad boys. When Gabe finds Amelia he becomes obsessed, their darkness becomes a new shade of black. The tension and heat between these two is something else and HOT!!! All the goodness of obsession, possession, and dirty talk that makes a great dark romance.

[Teddi Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved our couple in this one. They are both passionate about their work and each other . I love that the authors highlights OCD in this book and the different way of thinking that can bring. I love that the MMC isn’t really the only one with a dark side that he brings out hers slowly. Always a good time with these books. Please check your trigger warnings.

[Unrulyreadr Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selena Winters is amazing at writing bad boys! Gabe's obsession with Amelia takes their darkness to a whole new level. The tension and heat between them are off the charts. This book has everything - obsession, possessiveness, and steamy scenes – it's a fantastic dark romance!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elegance written for darkness and depravity. One has to wonder where the authors mind goes for stories like this, but so glad it does and we go on the journey as well.
Very well written. The words and emotion will suck you into a different world.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabe is the only friend of Adrian from the first book in this duet. He has a jazz bar and expresses feelings through music. Amelia is a painter that paints darkness as she sees it in those around her. The two meet at the bar. Amelia discovers Gabe's secret passion below the bar stage. Things take a crazy turn with the couple. A good read.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout.

[Elsa Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll buy anything she writes

She could write a one page recipe and I'll buy it!!!!!
She is that good!!!
Love all her books, they are all in my shelf!!! Trophies!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Great story, another keeper!!!

[Darkangel Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just as engrossing as the first in this series. Gabe is dark, dangerous and very detail oriented. Amelia is high strung and obsessed with patterns. Gabe sees her art she becomes his obsession. This read is for the dark souls who crave suffering and justice for their art forms.