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Xanthe had been happy to watch life go past. To be Xander’s Little Doll, as he had always desired her to be.

She had not planned on breaking the constraints of his control.

She had not planned on falling in love again on the heady night of her freedom.

Blaise wanted her. Wanted to keep her. Wanted to break free of his prison to pursue the mad love that had ensnared them.

Blood in. Blood out.

He was unable to rescue her and Xander would stop at nothing to lock his little doll back up in his doll’s house.

Could she be so daring as to break free? To seize the opportunity to indulge in their reckless desire for each other? To claim Blaise for herself?

Trigger warnings:

This book is a dark romance and, due to adult content, is only recommended to those over 18 years old. Contains swearing, drug usage and sexual scenes. This book also contains scenes which some readers may find triggering; these include references to mental health, sexual coercion, emotional abuse and sexual situations which contain reference to certain scenes such as blood play. If you are unsure about the triggers and want more details then please get in contact. Please note that the above is done so tactfully and is relevant to the story.

Little Doll may have dark aspects but it's ultimately a tale of freedom, friendship and finding real love. This is a roller-coaster of emotions that you don't want to miss!

406 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2020

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About the author

L.J. Findlay

6 books260 followers
𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕤 𝕕𝕒𝕣𝕜. 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕖𝕤 𝕤𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕥. 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕦𝕟𝕚𝕢𝕦𝕖.

L.J. Findlay is a romance author based in London, UK and has been dreaming up stories for as long as she can remember. Since graduating Liverpool uni, she has moved back to London to start a career in media sales but, in true lockdown style, has found the time to put pen to paper.

Other than writing dark and twisted tales, and confusing her family as to how she has imagined such plotlines, she loves reading other stories and loves a good romance. L.J Findlay also enjoys spending time with her friends and exploring different bars and markets around London. Occasionally, if she’s feeling good, she’ll go to the gym but she’d much rather have a gin. She also loves to travel and see as much of the world as possible.

Thank you for taking a chance on this newbie author! She hopes that you enjoy this story and come back for more.

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5 stars
63 (62%)
4 stars
17 (16%)
3 stars
12 (11%)
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4 (3%)
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5 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Lια ☽.
228 reviews6 followers
February 21, 2021
This book was an intense, suspenseful story full of mysteries and manipulations. The first half focused in the story building and I found it a bit slow going but after the halfway point the story really picks it up, there were some twist and turns that I didn't saw it coming and I couldn't take my eyes off the train wreck that I knew would happen.

In this book both characters were trying to escape the gilded cages they were stuck in. Xanthe is trying to break free from her abusive high school boyfriend and Baise is trying to break free from the world he was born into.

Xanthe really frustrated me, she was a contradiction, she would say something amazing and I would be like "you go girl" and then she would go and do the complete opposite. I wanted her to really stand up for herself but she just let people push her around (I can’t wait to see how her character will develop in the future). In compensation the hero in this book was amazing, I loved that the story was told in dual pov so I could really understand him, his feelings and motivations.

What really intrigued me in this story was that besides Blaze who was a sweetheart in my opinion and Noelle that was amazing I am really unsure about the rest of the characters. I don't know if I like them or not and I can't wait to find out in the future books.

The ending of this book was amazing and it got me really excited to read the next books in the series to see how it will all play out since I have literally no idea. The writing in this book was exceptional and I can't believe it was the author's first book, she really impressed me.

"And so I willingly went on an adventure with the devil."
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,921 reviews407 followers
April 28, 2021
Little Doll is book one in the Queens of Chaos. This is one of the best debut novels I’ve read in a long time. I pretty much inhaled this book in one evening/night. Although I thought it was slow to start with I can understand why.. the author weaved her way into my thoughts and gripped me.

The two main characters Xanthe and Blaise are intriguing. I couldn’t get enough of either of them.

The storyline is brilliant and I’m so looking forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Kelly Gregory.
1,544 reviews23 followers
November 15, 2020
What a debut book!! This had all the right 'feels' for a dark romance, it was intense, full of suspense and written really well! The overall plot was detailed and enthralling. I liked the characters and the way the story developed. It was tough to read at times due to the way the MFC was controlled and manipulated by not just her 'Fiancé' but also her family and even friends! This was also the one downside for me, i do like strong heroines and Xanthe for most of the book just seemed to accept what everyone said and told her to do, i really wanted to see her push back a bit more....hopefully this will happen in the next book!!
I cant wait to see how the romance between Blaise & Xanthe develops in the next book. Something tells me things will get worse before they get better and I'm just hoping they are strong enough to get through it!

If you are a fan of dark and manipulative romance, with controlling and dominating alphas then you need to read this book! I highly recommend

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,503 reviews41 followers
December 3, 2020
This was amazing for a debut book!! Xanthe is trying to break free from her high school boyfriend, Xander. She eventually meets Blaise. Holy moly, he was hot and cold so much of the time! This was an extremely well written story. There was danger, drama and mystery. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Hannah  Wenna.
Author 8 books60 followers
December 14, 2020
I may have stayed up way too late reading this... This book is gripping, thrilling. It's one of those books that leave a lasting impression on you. It's dark in a way that has you crying out in fear. I loved the friendships between the girls and the brotherhood with the guys. There was parts I wanted to SHANK a B**. By the time I finished reading this book I was unsettled, emotional and I couldn't sleep. If you love a book that will give you all the feels - perhaps not in a good way then this is for you. An author to watch. Cannot wait to see how far this author goes with a stunning debut like this.
Profile Image for Jade Adams.
328 reviews14 followers
April 14, 2021
I want to start by saying I loved reading a book based in my home town! I have never read a book where I can say "I live there!"

Xanthe is fighting to break free of her 'little doll' life and finds herself on a whirlwind weekend in Paris with the dark and mysterious Blaise who turns her cage upside down and and threatens to shake the foundations of her life. But everything gets twisted and even more complicated as the story goes on, I could barely keep up with drama that unfolds.
Blaise and Noelle are the only characters other than Xanthe that I like, the others all seem just as toxic as everyone else in Xanthes life and they would do good to break free from them as well as her family and 'fiancé'

That ending! Really? Was that it? What the hell is going to happen in book 2, where are they going to go now? I do know I really want Blaise to kick Xanders ass for sure!!
Profile Image for Madeleine Booth-Smits.
736 reviews15 followers
December 9, 2020
Wow what a love story!!! I couldn't help but feel totally and utterly trapped with Xanthe. What a debuted novel!! I just loved the pace and voice of this book. I was totally enthralled. Book 2 can not be written fast enough!

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for GML.
161 reviews7 followers
February 27, 2021
If you want something sexy, toxic and hot this is your book.

This book was the definition of a wild and twisted ride. We get to know Xanthe who just got out of a very very bad and toxic relationship with Xander. To celebrate her recent freedom she go out with her friends Noelle and Gemma to a club. In the club she meets Blaise a very dark and twisted man but the chemestry between them is fire. As soon as they get together they can't take their hands of each other. The sex in this book is so hot and we get some knife play and that was so intense and sexy I love it.

Blaise knows that he can't be with Xanthe the way he wants so he try to send her away and that brakes Xanthe's heart but she knows what he is doing and she is pretty sure that he is going to be with her again. They both have very controlling and demanding families and that make them do things that they don't want.

I loved the friendship between Noelle and Xanthe she understand Xanthe in a deeper lever and is so unterstanding and loving with her they are perfect. In the other hand Gemma looks like a sweet and reserved girl but she gave me the feeling that she was jealous of Xanthe. I understand that she wants to be happy with Bastien but she more than anyone knows how Xanthe and Xander relationship was and the things that he did to Xanthe so I feel that she need to be more undertanding of the situation. But she gets maf because Blaise and Xanthe relationship affect her relation ship with Bastian.

At one point I got the feeling that Xander was cheating on Xanthe with Isadora I don't know why but I got that feeling.

Can we talk about that epic and original ending. I have never read anything like it before and I was not expecting that. But Xanthe is my hero. She was sick and tired about her family making every desicion for her and doing everything to keep Xanthe with Xander. So Xanthe was you know what I want to make my own desicion and she kidnap Blaise and go away and that was epic so she have her happy ending for know.

Thank you so much for this amazing dark sick and twisted book can't wait for next book.
You are an amazing writer keep going that your work is amazing. Thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kat.
709 reviews22 followers
November 24, 2020
I can’t belive this is author’s debut book! It definitely doesn’t read like it!

I just finished it and I need more now! It was an intense emotional roller coaster ride and I still can’t wrap my head around that ending!

The story follows Xanthe who is trying to break free from her manipulative and abusive high school sweetheart Xander.
I loved Xanthe’s character. She managed to stay strong and didn’t give up fighting for her freedom.
When she met Blaise their chemistry was instant and explosive! Blaise is dark, dangerous and intense. He was a major alphahole most of the time and his hot and cold behavior frustrated me to no end. But at the same time there was so much mystery and intrigue around him and I couldn’t wait to see what makes him thick! And then when he finally started to open up to Xanthe I couldn’t get enough!

The writing was amazing and as a already said, hard to believe this is author’s debut. The story was engaging from the start and I didn’t want it to end. There was lots of drama, mystery, intrigue and danger. A perfect combination to make this one hell of a ride and leave you wanting more!

**I received an advanced copy of this book from author and this is my honest review.**
Profile Image for Valentina.
1,086 reviews314 followers
December 5, 2020
Discovering yourself, finding love

A case of unexpectedly discovering yourself, your goals, recognizing your differences from ideals you thought you held in the past, Xanthe meets Blaise and all the untruths, the masking herself, becoming a doll to the whims of her former boyfriend, dwindled away in a love affair. In this story Xanthe realizes herself in the throes of a passionate attraction to and relationship with Blaise, and with the help of some dear girl friends. These two lovers attempt at togetherness against the unwavering rules a powerful secret society and unspoken rules at home.

I loved the creativity of this story -- former boyfriend drama, new friend and fierce immediate attraction, along with personal insecurity. I loved reading about Xanthe's building self- confidence and assertiveness after years of emotional abuse and the friends and eventual new love supporting her. The characters exhibited personal faults that while unhealthy, demonstrated the normal handling of difficulties -- vices, drug use, smoking, drinking: Normal people with harmful approaches to life's difficulties. I appreciated that element of "distasteful" realism in the story.

This story was quite steamy with a blazing (pun intended) attraction between the two main characters. It was enjoyable to read their bedroom antics, including various play that by their danger alone added to the spice of the encounter. Loved the possessiveness yet care Blaise showed for Xanthe contrasted with the behavior of her former beau. Supporting characters Gemma and Noelle as well as Blaise's friends created a nice mix of personalities, particularly as contrasted against Xanthe's over controlled upbringing and home and work environment.

A bit more descriptive than I usually go for with some abundant flashbacks, but overall great story.
Profile Image for The Lushy Reader.
804 reviews22 followers
March 23, 2021
Frustratingly fantastic story!

Ahhhh these people piss me off!! Like tear my hair out, throat punch EVERYONE!!!

Ok enough with the dramatics. To be honest, those feelings (^) is why I’ve now become a huge fan of Lj’s writing. The amount of emotional turmoil she has put me through, connects me to her characters. I love stories that I become emotionally involved in; and wow did I become insanely involved with this group.

Oh my dearest Xanthe, I hate what the world has done to you. I hate that everyone wants to put you in some box and rule every step you make. I hate that those that are supposed to love you the most, betray you the most. (Ugh, I hope this isn’t giving some spoilers but I seriously cannot control my emotions right now. Im sorry if I’ve given you, dear reader, too much info.)

Xanthe and Blaise are 🔥! Even with everything and everyone against them, their chemistry is undeniable.

I loved this because it wasn’t just a love story. Yes it was about love and friendship, etc etc but ultimately, (to me) it was about taking control of your own life. Being the woman you want to be and going for everything you want!
Profile Image for Daisy Sauceda.
1,809 reviews22 followers
November 21, 2020
**trigger warning- there is drug use, mental and emotional abuse among other things. **

Now, this book had me thinking that I was losing my mind at first but it was only because I thought the main character was still a teenager but it cleared that up a few pages later. So here we follow Xanthe and Blaise. These two people are highly messed up. It was either result of what they have endured. We do get some flashbacks from Xanthe as to how she was treated and trying to move on and stand her ground. She talks about how she will no longer cower but yet she does and I really wanted to see her grow more. Blaise on the other hand wants freedom but it seems to be elusive. I wish we had gotten more information about him and/or about the club. These to are kindred spirits in a sense of that they recognize something in each other. The chemistry with them is sizzling, and addicting. Unfortunately both of their circumstances are heart breaking. Be ready to delve into their warped minds. Overall this is a great story with a plot and characters.
Profile Image for AllyG.
61 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2020
Where to start...this book is not what I expected. I started off with a sense of what this story would be like and was completely turned around by the end of it!
The main character took a lot of getting used to; you either love or hate Xanthe! I don’t think there’s any in-between with her. The story follows her life after she decides to finally drop her toxic partner, which she had been with since childhood.
Dont get me wrong, I love a good anti-hero but that is not what Xander was! He was just friggin toxic and more than a little bit unhinged (not the good kind). Enter Blaise, the bad boy anti-hero (the good kind). Messed up, gives no f@cks and ready to show Xanthe everything she never knew she needed. Unfortunately he has his own past to escape from.
Their story is messy, chaotic and so damn frustrating at times you want to smack them.
Overall it was a fast paced crazy read filled with even crazier characters. It has a hell of a finish so be prepared for a part two. Great for a new author debut novel! 3 1/2 ⭐️

~@Alex_andria13
Profile Image for Cassie Luellman.
373 reviews26 followers
December 13, 2020
Xanthe is a flawed heroine that is easy to root for. She has just come out of a horrible long term relationship and she unexpectedly meets Blaise on a night out and they have an intense and instant connection. There is more than one relationship that happens in this book and both are very much a case of insta love but it is easy to root them because of the way they are together. Xanthe and Blaise have so much going against them and this angst left me dying for them to fight through the adversity and figure out a way to be together. Plus they are HOT together and their chemistry jumps off the page.

The drama and intrigue of all the various elements of this story make it easy to fly through. Little Doll is a romance that I highly recommend to all my fellow dark romance lovers. The connection that Blaise and Xanthe have is passionate, fiery and swoon worthy. I was absolutely captivated by them and the way this book ends has me dying for the next one.
Profile Image for BLT.
531 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2020
I just wrapped up this book and all I can say is WOW, it was intense and so much to unwrap.
I just want to talk to someone about these characters; one minute you are sympathizing with Xanthe and standing behind her, I mean Blaise is a jerk (self proclaimed) and he owns it. But then the plot thickens and you get sucked into this runaway train that you can't jump off. I found myself dumbfounded by what was happening and the insanity of it all.
I both love and hate these characters, they are soooooooo frustrating and WOW and Crazy.
You can't leave us with an ending like this and wonder for the safety and sanity of all. I'm too emotionally invested, I need more!!!
I not only give this book 5 stars but 2 thumbs up!!!
Profile Image for Lola King.
Author 17 books549 followers
February 24, 2021
It starts as a good night out between girlfriends... next thing you know you're entangled in a world of love, secrets and darkness!

I devoured this book! It's dark, it's sexy and every chapter or so it gives you a good kind of 'what the f*ck, don't do that.'

Xanthe is a FMC like I love them, she's not perfect, she's got her flaws and that's what makes her so interesting.
I don't know how many times I screamed 'it's not fair!' reading this book, but a fair amount.

I really enjoyed how L.J Findlay wrote about two kinds of darkness, the one that is toxic for Xanthe and the one that brings her life!

This is an amazing debut and I cannot wait to read more, we need to know what happens after that ending!

Profile Image for Jessica.
76 reviews14 followers
November 16, 2020
I loved this book! It wasn't at all what I expected and the ending OMG! It throw me off so much but I loved it. I can't wait to read more about Blaise he's such a mystery I feel like I still know nothing about him but knowing alot at the same time.

I loved how strong Xanthe was after everything shes been through. I may not like all of her actions but I felt they were justified through how Xander treated her.

Blaise drove me insane on how hot and cold he was but then its all in the name of protection. Im expecting some serious shit to go down between him and Xanthe in the next book.

Now Xander may be the enemy in this book, but a part of me loves him. (Its the messed up part if me that low key wants awful relationships for people 😅) saying that I wouldn't be against him being completely written out of the books

I can't wait to see what Xanthe and Blaise to do next and how Xander is going to react to the craziness of what Xanthe does. I hope she seeks help within the next book to help her deal with the trauma her family and Xander have cause her.
Profile Image for G.N. Wright.
Author 16 books1,006 followers
November 13, 2020
Firstly thanks to Laura for sending me and ARC you know I was dying to take a peak and secondly ahhhhhhh!!!

What a wild ride this was. Dark, destructive and totally delicious.

Xanthe aka Xanders little doll is fighting to break free from her cage when she meets dark and dangerous Blaise and they spend a whirlwind weekend together.

Things soon become quickly entangled and complicated and honestly I could barely keep up with the drama. I was on edge the whole second half of the book.

Then the ending 🙃🙃😬 like what!! Is that it? What next? How they gonna get away with this 😳 I need answers and I need them now!!!

Now this book definitely will trigger some people but for me it was dark just how I like it and ooff that weekend in Paris what just 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Can't wait to see where things go next 🖤
Profile Image for Michaella Dieter.
Author 9 books208 followers
November 11, 2020
Little Doll is LJ Findlay's debut novel, which certainly doesn't read as one! It is very well written, with plenty of drama, a touch of intrigue, danger and deception.

Xanthe, after extricating herself from an abusive relationship with Xander, (who I would describe as a narcissistic sociopath) falls for the mysterious Blaise...who isn't free to make his own choices. Can Xanthe escape from Xander, and forge something special with Blaise?

The cliffhanger will leave you wanting more, and I can't wait for the next book! ❤
Profile Image for Annasbook nook.
755 reviews66 followers
March 6, 2021
Addictive!

Findlay's debut novel and i loved it.
It was so addictive and i couldn't put it down!!
Xanthe and Blaise suited each other, their forbidden love had me shouting at my kindle, i felt so sorry for them, meeting in secret.
I absolutely hated some characters in this book which you'll understand when you read it.
Alpha Male and forbidden love tropes.
There are some triggers and some psycho's in this book.
Can't wait for book 2 of the Queens of Chaos.
108 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2020
Wow! As a debut dark romance this one has it all. There’s numerous triggers in this book from abusive relationships to drug use, I was ill prepared for the intense emotional roller coaster ride this will inevitably put you through. That being said, it is absolutely worth reading, you may feel wrung out afterward but it will definitely be worth it. It doesn’t necessarily end on a HEA so much as a happy for now with a few unanswered questions to lead to the next book. The FMC Xanthe is finally finding herself just buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Profile Image for Felicia's Review.
1,902 reviews26 followers
November 30, 2020
This is L.J Findlay debut and wow did she hit it out of the park. Xanthe gets away from an abusive relationship with her high school sweetheart Xander. She is strong and independent. When she meets Blaise who is told Alpha and jerk as he says. This book is emotional and well worth the read. Cant wait for book two.
1 review
March 11, 2021
I absolutely love it!
I can’t believe this is the author’s first debut book! I love how we can see both Xanthe and Blaise points of view. All the mystery wouldn’t let me to put the book down. I’m very intrigued by what’s going to happen next!!
Profile Image for Death Fairy.
9 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2020
Absolutely amazing I loved it so much I want more amazing well written had me in till the end ❤️🖤❤️🖤
Profile Image for Amber Nicole Nicole.
Author 40 books801 followers
January 1, 2021
Hooked, so hooked

Hooked from the start I couldn't put it down.
The drama, and the angst, not to mention the mystery I need more.

Xanthe and Blaise truly have some obstacles ahead but I'm so ready for the ride.

What an amazing debut
Congrats girl you rocked it.

5 stars
2,063 reviews17 followers
April 25, 2021
Fabulous debut

What a fabulous debut. This book is filled with major angst along with lots of suspense. The secret society aspect is intriguing. The characters are all fabulous in a very real way. Excited for book 2.
4 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2021
Little Doll by L.J. Findlay is a great dark romance read.
Xanthe and Blaise have insta chemistry. So many emotions in one book.
A great debut and you should check it out. Can't wait for book two.
Profile Image for Hecate.
3 reviews
March 4, 2021
One of the best debuts in dark romance I have read, it made me stay up late at night just for the need to finish it a know whats gonna happen next. The writing style totally captivates the readers and Xanthe on Lord can make any one go weak on their knees..waiting for more amazing work by you!
Profile Image for Kimberly Karma .
183 reviews14 followers
June 22, 2021
Enthralling

This is an enticing and exciting world! I Absolutely Love this storyline and the characters Omggg, their so different and yet have an undeniable deep connection with each other. There are terrifying situations that just pull you in even more!!! I highly recommend this book, these characters will suck you in and keep making you want/need more!! I can't wait to delve deeper when book 2 comes out!!!
Profile Image for Samantha Shaffer.
562 reviews
December 2, 2020
Little Doll L.J.Findlay

🌟🌟🌟🌟

🖤Mafia
🖤 NA / College
🖤Forbidden love
🖤 Dark secrets
🖤 Dick count 1

Trigger Warning Drug use occurs and mental abuse of the FMC ex boyfriend and family

This was one bombshell of a book I can't wait to watch the world grow along with its writer. I love the mafia ties and the Romeo and Juliet aspects of this book. What an interesting debut I defiantly can't wait to see when the series ends up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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