Book Review: Kill Switch by Penelope Douglas

Rating: 4.5

Genre: Dark Romance / New Adult

Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, revenge, morally gray hero

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I’ve loved Damon Torrance since Corrupt—yeah, I said it. I know he’s the villain, the guy who does the absolute worst things without batting an eye, but there’s something about him that hooked me from the start. He’s always been that character who walks the line between love and hate, darkness and vulnerability, and Kill Switch finally gives us his side of the story.

And wow, Penelope Douglas didn’t hold back. This book is dark, emotional, and everything I hoped it would be.

Damon: The Villain You Can’t Help But Love

From the moment Damon was introduced in Corrupt, you could tell he wasn’t just evil for the sake of being evil. He’s complicated—someone who’s been shaped by trauma and pain, and who uses control and cruelty to protect himself. In Kill Switch, we finally get to see what made Damon the way he is. Douglas doesn’t try to justify his actions, but she gives us enough insight to understand him. He’s still manipulative and dangerous, but you see the cracks in his armor, the parts of him that are desperate for something real.

What makes Damon so compelling is that he doesn’t magically change or become a better person by the end. He’s still Damon—flawed, angry, and rough around the edges—but you see him evolve in subtle ways. He doesn’t lose his darkness; he just finds someone who can live in it with him.

Winter: A Heroine Who Stands Her Ground

Winter Ashby is such a standout heroine. She’s blind, but that’s not her defining characteristic. She’s smart, fierce, and refuses to let anyone, especially Damon, break her. I loved how she wasn’t afraid to push back, even when Damon tried to control her. Their history is messy, and there’s so much hurt between them, but Winter never lets that stop her from fighting for what she wants.

One of my favorite things about Winter is how strong she is without being unrealistic. She’s human—she feels fear, anger, and sadness—but she never lets those emotions consume her. Her relationship with Damon is complicated, and there were moments when I wanted to scream at both of them, but that’s what made it feel so real. Nothing about their love story is easy, and I appreciated that Douglas didn’t try to tie it up with a neat little bow.

Their Relationship: Messy, Intense, and Addictive

Let’s talk about the tension because, oh my God, it was insane. The chemistry between Damon and Winter is off the charts, but it’s not just about physical attraction. There’s so much emotional weight behind their relationship. They have years of unresolved feelings, hurt, and betrayal, and it all comes to a head in Kill Switch.

Their dynamic is the definition of enemies to lovers—filled with hate, desire, and an underlying need for each other that neither of them can ignore. Watching them slowly let their guards down and navigate their feelings was one of the best parts of the book. It’s not a smooth ride by any means, but that’s what made it so satisfying when they finally got there.

The Plot: Revenge and Redemption

While the romance is the heart of the story, the revenge plot adds another layer that kept me hooked. Damon is on a mission, and nothing will stop him from getting what he wants. The stakes are high, and the tension builds beautifully throughout the book. Plus, seeing the rest of the Devil’s Night crew—Michael, Rika, Kai, and Banks—was such a highlight. Their friendship adds a sense of loyalty and family that balances out the darker elements of the story.

Why Not 5 Stars?

As much as I loved Kill Switch, there were a few pacing issues in the middle that slowed things down. Some scenes felt a bit repetitive, and I found myself wanting the plot to move along faster at certain points. I also wish we’d gotten a little more depth from Winter’s POV in a few key moments. But honestly, those are minor complaints compared to how much I enjoyed the overall story.

Final Thoughts

Kill Switch is everything I love about dark romance—it’s intense, emotional, and pushes boundaries in the best way. Damon and Winter’s story isn’t for everyone. It’s messy, dark, and sometimes uncomfortable, but it’s also real, raw, and unforgettable. If you’re into morally gray heroes, enemies-to-lovers romance, and books that make you feel all the emotions, you need to read this one.

This book solidified my love for Damon even more (if that’s possible), and I can’t wait to dive into the next installment. Penelope Douglas knows how to write characters that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page, and Kill Switch is no exception.

Seriously, if you haven’t started the Devil’s Night series yet, what are you waiting for? Just be prepared—it’s dark, twisted, and addictive in the best way.