October ARCs : Dark Romance

 

‼️Always check your trigger warnings going into a lot of books that I post. Most Dark Romances are Morally Gray or Black men. They have no redeemable qualities, they are who they are and they’re not changing for anyone. ‼️

Sinful Shadows by Jade Wilkes

Sinful Shadows by Jade Wilkes is a quick, fast-paced read that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The story centers around Hilly, a woman with a past of substance abuse who's been sober for some time, and Damon, the intriguing son of her mother’s new boyfriend, Richard. Hilly’s anticipation of Damon being closed off and mysterious is quickly proven wrong. The dynamic between them is filled with teasing and playful tension, making their interactions both entertaining and compelling.

One particularly memorable scene involves a hilarious family outing to a pumpkin patch, where everyone ends up slipping and falling in the mud. This light-hearted moment adds a touch of humor to the story.

As the plot unfolds, we learn that Richard owns a dating app that Hilly uses, and Damon has been “stalking” her by hacking her account for months. The mutual attraction between Hilly and Damon is palpable, but while Hilly considers her past to be dark, it’s nothing compared to Damon’s. His obsession with Hilly makes him dangerous to those around him. The climax at the Wickedly Halloween party is intense, as they finally give in to their desires.

Jade Wilkes' writing is vivid, allowing readers to picture every scene clearly. The fast-paced narrative doesn’t feel rushed, making it an enjoyable read. Sinful Shadows is a highly recommended book for those looking for a thrilling and steamy romance.

https://a.co/d/i1y1peq

Waters Edge by Ash Redd 

I couldn't contain my excitement when I received Water’s Edge by Ash Redd for review. This dark paranormal romance, infused with Appalachian folklore, swept me off my feet and kept me hooked till the very last page. The narrative truly came alive in my head, partly because I read parts of it in the voice of that eerie TikTok lady who warns you about venturing outside at night.

Our main character, Mattie, is quite the unconventional protagonist—a serial unaliver with an obsession with a pond near her home, where she sinks her victims. The story takes a thrilling turn when she catches the attention of Ripp, a dark, nightmare-inducing being who feeds on human souls. Ripp’s unprecedented attraction to Mattie leads him to shapeshift into a human form to get closer to her.

Their dynamic is electrifying. Mattie, initially annoyed by Ripp's arrogant attitude, decides she’s going to unalive him, making for some tense and gripping interactions. The ambiguity of Ripp’s intentions—whether he’s attracted to her or simply wants to devour her—adds an extra layer of intrigue. Their constant jockeying for the upper hand kept me on the edge of my seat, and I loved seeing them outmaneuver each other.

Overall, this was a fantastic read that I devoured in a day. Ash Redd has crafted a vivid, atmospheric tale that combines romance and horror in a truly unique way. Highly recommended for fans of dark, twisted love stories with a touch of folklore.

This book releases on November 11th, I will update with the link when available!

October ARC Reviews: DARK

 Erotic Horror Book Reviews

Hollow Nights by AB. Cynthe

Before diving into this book, please remember that it is very dark with several trigger warnings. “Hollow Nights” by AB Cynthe is NOT a dark romance; it is Erotic Horror, and the two are completely different. This gripping tale follows Libra, who suffers from sleep paralysis and is tormented by a demon every night. Little does she know, her Sleep Demon, Axelle, is real and bound to her, following her everywhere. When Axelle murders a man to protect his “flesh bag,” the consequences allow Libra to see him. Initially, Libra cannot stand Axelle and wants him to go away, but she slowly finds herself lusting after him. This book is a rollercoaster of dark desires and twisted fates that will leave you breathless.

I was genuinely impressed with this book. As the second novel I’ve ventured into within this genre, it kept me continuously guessing, blushing, and shaking my head. I’m definitely grabbing the signed book and art from the Authors website.

https://a.co/d/960et1n

Eternity of Horror by Nowhere Eternity

Recently finished “Eternity of Horror” and my first thought was WHAT DID I READ!! This book made me laugh but also turned my stomach. While it was an interesting read, I know this is not a genre that I will read again. The authors choice to use a pseudonym makes perfect sense, given the depravity of certain themes. Even seasoned readers of EH (Erotic Horror) will find themselves cringing.

This story follows two dark souls who discover a mutual attraction. Lillith the FMC, is truely disgusting in the way that she cares for the male corpses in the morgue. Osiris, is a serial killer who murders his victims in the most brutal ways.

Seriously, read the trigger warnings before diving into this book.

https://a.co/d/avWDbkK

Summoned by Shae Ruby

I recently received an ARC of “Summoned” by Shae Ruby. Halloween night is usually filled with fun, but for Jeremiah and his friends, it becomes a nightmare when they make the fatal mistake of playing with an Ouija board and forgetting to say goodbye. One by one, they are picked off by a vengeful demon. Jeremiah finds solace in his roommate Sam, gradually realizing his bisexuality and his attraction to a man. However, he has no idea that Sam isn’t who he seems to be.

“Summoned” was my second MM romance, and it was a good read. The paranormal elements added a great twist, and the scenes weren’t too gory, keeping the focus on the story. The ending was satisfying in an unconventional HEA. 

https://a.co/d/ah91S9d

Book Blog Update

It’s been awhile since I posted a book review. Unfortunately, we received devastating news on Monday and I just haven’t had the heart.

I happily received several ARCs for the month of October. When I went to write this, I had the intention of doing them all but quickly had to backtrack. Due to some of these being extremely graphic, I will be separating them so that they’re not all grouped in together.

This way I can review without judgment and that when you are reading these you know which one are safe to read and which are not.

I appreciate all my viewers and those that support my book blog.

October ARC Reviews (Advanced Reader Copy)

Title: Enchanting October Reads 

A Review of Upcoming Halloween-themed Books

October has been a delightful month for me as a book blogger. I’ve been fortunate enough to receive a few Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs)—a pre-release version of a book given out to generate buzz and reviews. This month, I’m diving into some spine-chilling, Halloween-themed reads. I'll be sharing my thoughts on three books this week and three next week, all set to be released this month by incredibly talented authors.

Ready or Not by Alina May

In her quest to find her missing friend, the socially awkward Rachel finds herself with zero leads. To honor her friend’s memory, she decides to follow through on their original plan: walking through the local haunted corn maze. Unbeknownst to her, this seemingly innocent journey catches the attention of psychopathic step-siblings Riley and Manson. Caught in the middle of their twisted games, Rachel becomes their unwilling pawn as they each try to outdo the other in claiming her. Forced to play their hide-and-seek games—despite being a terrible hider—Rachel’s ordeal becomes a nightmarish struggle for survival.

My Thoughts : I was thoroughly captivated by this book—it kept me on my toes the whole time. I initially believed Riley was a fictional character (not sure why), but that twist caught me by surprise. Although this theme/trope isn't typically my go-to, I found myself enjoying it immensely. In fact, I loved it so much that I even bought a signed edition from Alina May. 

You can snag "Ready or Not" for free on Kindle Unlimited.

Ready or Not by Jenn Plummer

Set in the quaint town of Aspen Ridge, this Halloween novella introduces us to Wes Draven, a private investigator. While stopping by the local coffee shop, he unexpectedly encounters his son's ex-girlfriend, Lilith. Wes has always been drawn to her, sensing there's more to her than meets the eye. As Halloween approaches, a night when Lilith lets her true self emerge, Wes plans to seize the moment. Will he win her over? You'll have to read to find out.

My Thoughts: I'll admit, I was a bit hesitant to dive into this book due to the age-gap romance theme, which usually isn't my cup of tea. However, Jenn Plummer's masterful storytelling quickly won me over, and she's now firmly on my list of favorite authors. This novella skillfully weaves together multiple tropes, with Wes Draven epitomizing the dominant bad boy archetype. The narrative had me hooked from the first page, and I devoured it within a few hours. My only quibble is that it's a novella rather than a full-length novel—I simply wanted more time with these compelling characters and the atmospheric, small-town Halloween setting.

You can grab a copy of this Halloween novella for free on Kindle Unlimited or purchase the paperback edition!

Wicked Obsidian by Mortala's

In this spine-chilling Halloween novella, we follow Bella as she moves away from her overbearing parents, seeking freedom and solace. Haunted by thoughts of her ex-foster brother, Rico Hades, who vanished without a trace, Bella's determination to break free intensifies. On Halloween night, a mysterious invitation to an exclusive haunted house arrives, promising to exploit her deepest fears.

Unbeknownst to Bella, this haunted house is a living nightmare created solely for her torment. Rico has meticulously transformed the house into a personal hell, turning each room into a trap designed to ensnare her. No matter how desperately she tries to escape, Bella finds herself ensnared in Rico's twisted game, with no way out.

My Thoughts: This book was a whirlwind of danger, thrill, and sheer madness. Never before have I encountered a story quite like this—each page was an intense, exhilarating ride that left me questioning everything. Mortala’s extraordinary writing had my adrenaline pumping, making me feel as though I was right beside Bella, enduring every twisted moment with her. The over 50 trigger warnings are woven seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the dark, depraved tale of love without a trace of romance. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, but let me stress: this is not a dark romance. It’s a deep dive into a version of love that is profoundly dark and utterly consuming.

EST. OCTOBER 31ST KINDLE AND PAPERBACK RELEASE

Stay tuned as I review three more hauntingly good ARCs next week. Each book brings a unique flavor to the Halloween season, and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you all.

Glint: Raven Kennedy: Plated Prisoner: Book 2

 

GILD BY RAVEN KENNEDY

Prepare to be swept away into a world where magic and reality intertwine, as Raven Kennedy’s ‘Glint’ takes you on an unforgettable journey of discovery and resilience.

Blurb: 

For ten years, I've lived in a gilded cage inside inside King Midas's golden castle. But one night changed everything. Now I'm here, a prisoner in Fourth Kingdom's army, and I'm not sure if I am going to make it out of this in one piece. They're marching to battle, and I'm the bargaining chip that will either douse the fire or spark a war. At the heart of my fear, my worry, there's him-- Commander Rip. Known for this brutality on the battlefield, his viciousness is matched only by his unexpected compassion. As the lines between friend and foe blur, I must navigate a treacherous path to find my freedom and discover who I truly am.

Book Review
“Glint” by Raven Kennedy is a captivating continuation of Auren’s journey, a character who truly comes into her own in this installment. As Auren navigates a world that constantly tries to define her, she finds her strength and identity amidst the chaos, making her journey deeply inspiring.

One of the standout aspects of “Glint” is the unexpected plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Just when you think you have the story figured out, Raven Kennedy throws in a twist that changes everything, making for a thrilling and heart-pounding read.

The relationships between characters add significant depth and tension to the narrative. The dynamic between Auren and other key players, especially Commander Rip, is particularly compelling, showcasing a range of emotions and complexities that enrich the story and tug at your heartstrings.

Raven Kennedy masterfully crafts a world in “Glint” that is as enchanting as it is tangible, blending the fantastical with the real. Her characters, with their flaws and relatable struggles, draw you in and keep you hooked. “Glint” transcends the boundaries of a typical fantasy tale, delving deep into themes of freedom, identity, and resilience. As secrets unravel and hidden truths come to light, the story takes on an air of mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end, making it a profound and emotionally compelling read.

With its unforgettable characters and masterful storytelling, “Glint” is a shining gem in the realm of fantasy literature that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment, especially since Raven Kennedy is renowned for her cliffhangers that leave you open-mouthed and begging for more.




“Sometimes,” he murmurs, “things need first to be ruined in order to then be remade.”


― Raven Kennedy, Glint

The Doorway to Hell by Stephen Bonniol

The Doorway to Hell 

Book Description: 

Imagine stepping through a shimmering, mist-like doorway into a different world—a world with three suns, the same ones we see in Orion’s Belt during winter. In this strange place, a magical voice, like a celestial Google, answers your every question, whether spoken or thought. This is the dilemma Jim Dunford faces as he finds himself in a mysterious realm inhabited by bizarre creatures and unspeakable horrors. Jim embarks on an extraordinary journey of enlightenment, discovering his unique role in this new world. 

Will he uncover his purpose? Can he find a way back to Earth? Read to find out more!

Book Review:

I recently read this novella "Doorway to Hell" and wanted to share my thoughts. This is not a typical genre that I would read, but I absolutely loved it. Initially, I was hesitant thinking it might be a political book, but was pleasantly surprised to find it had nothing to do with politics. 

The Author did an incredible job of world building combining various elements, beliefs and histories into a captivating story. The title had me on the edge of my seat, anticipating the bad to come, but the main characters blissful state at first was a fascinating contrast. It made me think of what an LSD or mushroom trip might be like, first the good trip, the the bad. 

At the beginning, I wondered how Jim felt about being in an alternate dimension, as it wasn't described in detail. He seemed very chill about the experience, whereas I would have been terrified and desperate to get home. However, as the story progressed, I could feel Jim's panic and frustration, which added depth to his character. 

I continued to think about this book long after I had finished it and I even reread it. I would highly recommend this novella to anyone. 

It is an amazing read, and I definitely give it 5 stars! I hope to purchase a copy in the future.

For full disclosure, I was chosen as an Arc Reader and willingly chose to write this review.

Gild by Raven Kennedy, Book 1 in the Plated Prisoner Series Review

Edge-of-Your-Seat Fantasy: A Review of Gild by Raven Kennedy

Hello Readers! Welcome back! 🌟

In honor of the release of Plated Prisoner, Book 6: Goldfinch by one of my favorite authors, Raven Kennedy, I thought it would be fun to dive into a review of the entire series, starting with Book 1, Gild. This series is a captivating retelling of the King Midas myth, but with a unique twist that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Our journey begins with Auren, the main character, who is King Midas’s most prized possession. Locked in a gilded cage and constantly guarded, Auren’s skin is the color of gold, a transformation King Midas boasts he achieved. While people are mesmerized by her golden appearance, the king’s "ladies" and his wife, the queen, harbor deep resentment and jealousy towards her. Auren’s loneliness is palpable, especially since even King Midas rarely visits her anymore.

The plot takes a dramatic turn when King Midas conquers another kingdom and insists on having Auren by his side. During their travels, they are ambushed by pirates, leading to a harrowing experience where Auren witnesses the torture of the king’s "ladies" and the slaughter of her soldiers. King Midas is desperate to rescue Auren, but the situation becomes even more dire when King Ravinger, also known as the feared King Rot, boards the ship with his own sinister intentions. The book ends on a nail-biting cliffhanger, leaving us wondering if Auren will survive this ordeal.

This book evoked a whirlwind of emotions for me. I felt deep sadness for Auryn, who yearned for friendship but was met with hatred and jealousy. The terror inflicted by the pirates was palpable, and I shed tears for the loss of some beloved characters. Raven Kennedy’s masterful world-building and ability to evoke strong emotions kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to see what would happen next.

I wish I could experience this book again for the first time. Raven Kennedy has truly crafted a mesmerizing tale that will leave you craving more. Stay tuned for my reviews of the subsequent books in the series!

Please note: There are parts of this book that contain themes which may be triggering to some readers.

Happy reading! 📚✨