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Showing posts with label dark romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dark romance. Show all posts

Friday, March 29, 2024

Six totally odd facts about PNR Author Lucinda Wicked + excerpt

Six totally odd facts about Lucinda Wicked

I have a rabbit! She’s a bit of a celebrity in the Horror Circuit for her attendance

If its dark, spooky, morbid or mystic I am fully invested no questions asked. Bonus points if its spicy!

I can’t stand Ghostface and I think he’s really one of the stupidest horror icons. I will die on this hill.

Sam from Trick R’ Treat and Michael from Halloween are besties. Fight me. I will prove my theory.

Highly Motivated by pure spite and piping hot tea. Let’s be real, I'm always down to spill the tea.

Mothman is Real

Cosmic Requiem Circle (Book One)
by Lucinda Wicked
January 13, 2024
Genre: LGBT, Paranormal, Dark Romance
ISBN: 979-8872258339
ASIN: ‎B0CQKNLLF5
Number of pages: 236
Word Count: 51,097 words
Cover Artist: Lucinda Wicked

Where shadows dance, and echoes of demise intertwine, Lady Death and Mistress Misery conduct the cosmic requiem, orchestrating the symphony of eternal darkness.

Slice, butcher, kill

Misery has lived the last eon by their code. Hunting everything with and without breath for the right price. Unfeeling, without mercy. A greedy overlord makes Misery an offer they can't refuse. All they have to do is kill the silver ghost

Except this ghost is not really a ghost…

Collect, collect, collect

Death has learned the hard way that solitude is the only way to safeguard her heart. Cold, ruthless and without compassion, the universe has learnt to be terrified of death. Deserting at the mention of her name.

Until there was one who wasn't terrified. One who dared hold a knife to her throat.

Death is curious…

The universe has thrown death and Misery together and an ancient force looms in the background…

Death is about to find out that there are more twisted things in the universe and that perhaps…Death doesn't have to walk alone.

Amazon
Book Trailer: https://shorturl.at/eAHIN

Excerpt:
Death was finally able to take a nap, she rested, moving to a beach in her dreams. As she sunbathed, she felt a ripple through her dream. An odious black thing streaking the sky. She felt a subtle tremor in the cosmic threads, a disturbance that distrusted her sleep, bathing her dream world in darkness.

“Oh for fuck’s sake.” She said, stretching her hand for her scythe. She got up and took off the sarong, slipping her arms through the sleeves of a satin robe.

With the sharp edge of her scythe, she ripped through the fabric of the dream world.

“I actually put a lot of work into creating this one. This better be worth it.” Death murmured, stepping out of the dream and entering a black void.

She found herself standing within the threading—a vast expanse where the fabric of existence intertwined.

Threads stretched in every direction, touching each other in a complex web of interconnections. Each thread was connected to another. They revolved around a small spool in the center.

She found herself, a small piece of black lopping around each thread.

“What is it this time?” She said into the endless void, her voice echoing.

Tainted threads manifested before her, the red threads had clumps of black glue choking it. Her face contorted in a grimace.

“Damn. That’s a lot of dirt. What has this soul done?” She asked. “Come. Let’s go find them. Someone has to die.” She sighed.

She stepped into Misery’s dream. She was lying awake in a dark space.

“Really? You have the ability to think of anything and this is what you choose?” She said, scoffing. “You’re unbelievable. I don’t know why I bother.” Death finished.

Deathless eyes stare back at her.

“The dark is comforting. You should know that better than anyone else. It is home to vile twisted things like us. Come lay with me.”

“Would love to but this is a bye bye text. I’m too lazy to reach for my phone. I’m killing two birds with one scythe.”“That’s not how the saying goes.”

“Who cares.”

“Where are you headed?”

“Somewhere terrible. " Death said.

Misery sat up, the shadows binding her to the black space falling away. “Where are you going?”

Death looked up, trying to convince her eyes to unsee Misery soft, white, naked, eyes open in ecstasy.

“To hunt a tainted thread.” Death said mindlessly.

“I’m coming with.” Misery said.

“You’re not. You’re busted up. Why are you naked?”

“I sleep naked.” Misery said, brows scrunching in confusion.

“I did not need to know that.” Death said, making a strangled noise. “Why do you insist on coming with me, Misery?” Death questioned, her mood souring. She looked at Misery with cold emotionless eyes.

Misery, undeterred, responded, “I’m connected to the balance as much as you are. I’m connected to you. It’s a roundabout thing. won’t stay idle when darkness threatens.”

“Everybody is connected to me, little psycho. Try again. I’ll be the last to leave this universe when it ceases endless existence. I’ll turn the lights out behind me. I’ll escort your soul to the after life too. Try again, Mise.”

“I have no soul.” Misery grinned, cracking open her chest to reveal a black empty space.

Death scowled. “You’re still not coming along.”

“Yes I am. I’m coming to cover your ass.”

“Literally or figuratively.” Said Death, her lids lowering. Misery flushed, disappearing into the shadows.

“Well. I’ll see you when I’m back.” Death said.

“I’ll be downstairs in five minutes. We both need to get dressed and you take ten years to change your clothes.” Misery said at the same time, wrinkling her nose.

They looked at each other, both frowning.

“I’m coming. The End.” Said Misery, disappearing into the shadows. Death cursed, opening her eyes.

She stood up, heading to her closet. She yanked out a long flowing lace vest and a pair of leather pants. She wore a silk shirt under the vest, the lace vest on it and a corset on the whole ensemble.

The lace looked like it was sewed to the corset. She slipped on a pair of black studded six inch stilettos and raced outside, sliding down the railing to the foyer.

She rushed outside, opening her Mercedes and taking a seat in the driver’s side. She pulled out of the castle, doing a victory dance.

She dialed Misery’s number, tapping her acrylics on the screen joyfully. The phone rang from inside the car.

She looked back to see a grinning Misery lounging in the back seat.

“You have to be shitting me.” Death said, shaking her head.

“I wish. You’re not supposed to leave people you’re going out with at home.” She said, laughing. She smoothly maneuvered herself from the back seat to the passenger’s side.

About the Author:
Website-FB-Instagram
TikTok-YouTube
Amazon-Goodreads
Meet Lucinda Wicked – a seasoned cosplayer with over a decade of experience. When she's not donning epic costumes, Luci runs her own gig catering to the spooky souls out there. Stickers, sweaters, and more – she's got your eerie cravings covered. Luci's love for all things spooky is practically woven into the fabric of her creations.

But Luci is not just a business owner; she's a proud member of the LGBT+, BIPOC, and Neurodivergent communities. Embracing diversity and uniqueness is not just a trend for her – it's a way of life.

You can snag Luci's otherworldly wares at Luminous Moon Swag, whether you prefer the virtual aisles of Etsy or the online realm at luminousmoonswag.com. And if you're in the mood for a quick cosmic escape, check out her TikTok micro-episodes featuring the Cosmic Requiem Circle.

In her spare time, you'll find Luci immersed in the magical realms of her own creation, embracing the spooky, and spreading a cosmic vibe. This is Lucinda Wicked – crafting dreams and bringing a touch of the supernatural to your everyday life.

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Dive into the cosmic chaos of Cosmic Requiem: Circle of Death. Misery, a relentless hunter, faces an offer they can't refuse – kill the silver ghost. But this ghost isn't a mere apparition. Death, feared by all, finds herself intrigued. Together, they navigate an ancient force that challenges their solitary existence. Join the journey: #LGBTQ+ #BIPOC #DiverseAuthors #NeuroDivergent #SciFi #Fantasy #BookBuzz https://amzn.to/3SVeoKn


Saturday, September 16, 2023

Excerpt: Day of Death (A Rise of the Dread Series Novel) by LaVerne Thompson + giveaway

I will stop at nothing to get to the truth, no matter whom it hurts or whom I have to kill.

Day of Death (A Rise of the Dread Series Novel)

by LaVerne Thompson
Genre: Dark Romance, SciFi Fantasy
My name is Piper Adams. I’m young for a special agent to the king, but I’m very, very good at what I do—which is finding the truth. I can temporarily take over and inhabit the mind of another. The Day Walker king knows this and values my gifts. He uses me when others fail. Like in a rare once-in-a-lifetime murder case.

There is unrest in the Kingdom of Day. One of the King’s Men, was brutally murdered just a block away from the palace. The victim is a high-ranking officer of the King’s Men. Local corruption control say he’s a spy and traitor to the Day Walkers and our king. The King’s Men call bullshit.

The king has tasked me with figuring out what really happened. Both sides will try to stop me from getting at the truth. No matter what, I’ll find their dirty secrets. I will stop at nothing to get to the truth, no matter whom it hurts or whom I have to kill. By writ of my king.


EXCERPT:
Chapter 1
Day of Death
by LaVerne Thompson

Tomas
I didn’t drink so much I couldn’t hear the soft threads of boots over the cobbled stones. One person. The individual following me made a good attempt at being quiet. With anyone else it might have worked, but I was a King’s Men, a well-trained operative. I hunt others, but it had been a while since I was the hunted. As an illusion generator I could trick others into seeing whatever I wanted them to see. I used this power now.

Just around the corner was an unlighted alleyway. I knew this area quite well and hopefully it would be empty. I lured him into it, but paused as I rounded the corner and got out of his line of sight. A perfect place to create the illusion of a doorway on the side of the building near the end of the fence. Making it appear as though I’d gone through the door, while I’d really hidden myself along the side of the fence. I didn’t have long to wait.

A male, over six feet, with a long, dark hooded cloak draped over a soldier’s frame, came into view. I pressed back into the shadows against the fence, blending into my surroundings, waiting for my stalker to walk right into the wall. To my shock, the man stopped near my hiding place. At the last second, before I could use my sword on him, the man raised his blade. A short sword. He’d seen through my illusion. In one swipe, he sliced straight through my larynx. A strangled gurgle escaped my parted lips. In disbelief, I tried lifting my hand to my throat, but my arm was too heavy. I couldn’t quite raise it. My fingers could no longer grip my sword as it fell from my numb fingers, clattering to the ground. The illusion of the doorway vanished, revealing the stone wall. When the man cut my guts open, pulling them outside my body, the pain in my throat dissipated. As my life’s blood saturated the stones, I no longer felt anything at all.

Piper

***
Blood streamed down my cheek as I ran through the square. No one was around at this hour. I could see adults in the distance, but none were near enough to give me aid. Nor would I ask for it. I wasn’t supposed to be here. Bile and acid burnt my lungs, but I dared not stop. Fear fueled my limbs, giving me the speed I needed to put more distance between me and the sound of the older boys’ footfalls who chased me, calling me names. I shouldn’t have gone beyond the gates of the town. Shouldn’t have born witness to Janae’s banishment. Janae, older than me by a month, had been my best friend, but I had to know. See for myself.

My people, the Day Walkers, from the Kingdom of Day, are no different from the other natio states of our world. Except for the Sepawns, the only powerless state. The Keeper Nation, Intel Dynasty, Giant Empire, and Night Kingdom, all their citizens had powers of some kind. If a child didn’t show some kind of enhanced ability, power, that would benefit the state by their eighth year, the parents got rid of them. Banished from the town, city, or wherever they lived. Taken into the wilds to survive or not. That rule was absolute. No exceptions existed in those states, mine included. The lucky ones died. The fear was for the ones who did not manifest a power and survived. They faced a worse fate if captured by the Dreads. They were the ones who made up the outcasts from every nation.

At least Janae’s fate, banishment out of the Kingdom of Day, and into the wild at the age of eight, would never be mine. My power manifested a few months ago. I hoped despite everything that my former friend found someone to help her. She was smart and tricky, but none of that mattered. Not to our people and the boys who threw stones at her, then at me when I tried to stop them. Instead, they chased me, but they’ll never catch me. They never have, and this time was no different. They were assholes. That’s when I swore to myself I’d grow strong enough, become one of the finest fighters of the land and hone my skill, so I’d be one of the best. No one would ever throw rocks at me again, or dare to call me a hybrid. At least not without respect.


About the Author
Website-FB-Twitter Amazon-Goodreads
LaVerne Thompson is a USA Today Bestselling, award winning, multi-published author, an avid reader and a writer of contemporary, fantasy, and sci/fi romances. She also writes romantic suspense and new adult under the pen name Ursula Sinclair, her alter ego, who likes her relationships a little more complicated. http://www.amazon.com/Ursula-Sinclair/e/B00415YAVK/

Her stories are highly sensual with erotic elements but she has a few that are considered erotic. Most of her books also have a touch of violence and a few more than that. She enjoys good action scenes in movies and has incorporated some of those elements in quite a few of her books. She is also a certified chocoholic.

GIVEAWAY
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$10 Amazon

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Bluestone Academy (Bluestone Book 1) by A. Blackbird + giveaway

Bluestone Academy (Bluestone Book 1)
by A. Blackbird
June 2, 2023
Genre: Paranormal Academy Dark Romance
I'm just like them. I'm an elite, my brother is in with the it crowd, but I'm shunned.

Money can't buy you everything. Well, it certainly can't buy me acceptance in our world.

At Bluestone Academy, it doesn't matter that I'm a witch like the rest of them.

I'm a deadblood—a witch without power.

And I pay for my acceptance into the witching school every single day.

It doesn't end out of the doors, either.

This is my life. I'll always be one of them, and forever be shunned—by the one I've loved my whole life.


Hearts (Hearts & Spades Book 1)
by A. Blackbird
May 21, 2023
Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance, Wonderland Retelling
Mad as hatters, here they all are. To home and from, Rose is very far.

What would you do to claw your way back to the only home you've ever known? How far would you go to win?

To save herself, Rose must work with a dangerous, mysterious ally Night, who might just be her greatest threat.

When the rebels attack the small Hearts village, blacksmith Rose is thrown down the forbidden well and down it, she finds the Three Sisters of horror stories and folklore. With half the village down the well, the Sisters open the doors to the Hatterthon--a deadly game of murder and survival.
If Rose ever wants to make it out alive, she must be more brutal than any other player and stick with Night--the mysterious player she's allied with, threatens all she knows with his dangerous smiles and even deadlier eyes. In the Hatterthon, everyone is a little mad...
And the only way out is to win. By any means necessary.

HEARTS is a Wonderland retelling, hold the Alice! Set in a medieval Wonderland, this series welcomes old favourites with a dark twist to a beloved story.

Hunted
by A. Blackbird
May 21, 2023
Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance, Red Riding Hood Retelling
A Dark Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood.

The villagers call her Red.
It's the colour of her lips, her cloak, and the blood that stains her when she returns from the woods. The villagers call her Red for many reasons, but most of all, they're too afraid to call her what she really is. Witch. But when a wolf stalks the village, Red might be the only one who can save them from the beast...the beast who has his sights set on her already. Red races against the three days until the full moon to uncover the wolf's identity, find out what he wants from her, and save herself. To hell with the village, Red just wants to save herself. That's what good witches do.

A dark re-telling of the old tale, where Red Riding Hood isn't so little, and mightn't be so good after all.


About the Author:

"A. BLACKBIRD" is a sister penname to "Q. BLACKBIRD"

With "A", you'll find all the Blackbird "SOFTER STORIES" - those with less graphic scenes, put simply. Cleaner tales that still explore dark themes, and more YA friendly reads.

With "Q" - the main penname - you'll find those darker themed tales written in gritty, dark detail. Those books don't pull their punches!

To keep these stories and content separate for the readers, "A" and "Q" BLACKBIRD are not connected on the book pages, but if both themes are to your liking, check out Q BLACKBIRD's best-selling series, DARK FAE BLACK WORLD!! *all the content warnings apply*

Giveaway
$10 Amazon
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!


Monday, August 22, 2022

Book Review: Invitation to Hell (Goddess of Death #1) by Amber Bunch + giveaway

Welcome to the book tour for dark fantasy, romance Invitation to Hell by Amber Bunch. This is the first book in the Goddess of Death series. Read on for more info and a chance to win a book box filled with a signed hardcover edition and a whole bunch of other goodies!

Invitation to Hell (Goddess of Death #1)
by Amber Bunch
Releasing: September 22, 2022 (First Edition)
Genre: Dark Romance/ Dark Fantasy/ Mythology
What if, all you've ever known was ripped away from you...

You were thrown into a world full of the same creatures that have haunted your nightmares for years. Magic, and the Gods are no longer a myth, but a part of your destiny.

Now, you're about to lose everything and everyone you love to an evil King known as the Devourer of Souls.

Then, there's Hades son...

The ruthless Prince that drives you crazy and thinks you are a waste of his time.

You can't stand him, but he has been instructed to protect you, so now you have to deal with his arrogance on top of everything else.

The two of you must travel across the Realms to find a way to stop King Lucius before all is lost and you still don't even know how to use your newly awakened power.

Well, this should be fun.

Add to Goodreads

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I was very intrigued by the Title and the cover of this book. I always like to try authors I haven’t read yet so this seemed right up my alley.

I sensed a mishmash of more than a few other books(storylines) I have read over the previous years. This book has about everything included, from a snarky heroine to a little porn. I did stick it out till the end but did speed read through some of the parts.

I struggled with the main character Kali and her resulting love interest Asmo. I tend to sneer at characters that at one minute will be confident, powerful, and snarky then insecure, pouting and wish-washy. Perhaps I misunderstood and it was all a part of an S&M theme but I didn’t read it that way.

I thought the writing was good but the storyline was a little disjointed and predictable. This is a new author for me and I am sure there is an audience and a future here with a little more organization and flow to the stories. Perhaps I should give the 2nd book a try but at this point, I feel this story series is just not for me.

Getting 3 “overloaded” sheep.



Jeanie G

Excerpt
My life has been full of lies and betrayal.

I just found out that Magic, Demons, Gods... It's all real.

Now, an Evil King wants to harness my powers for his own. And if he does, he'll bring ruin to all six realms.

The best part of it... I'm destined to save us all.

But how can I fight an evil that I've never even seen? Because no matter what I do, he always seems to be one step ahead of me.

To add to the shock of a lifetime, Prince of the Underworld, Asmodeus has been sent to train and protect me.

So far, the only thing he's good at is driving me insane.

I'm not sure if I want to throat punch him or kiss him.

Maybe both....

But he's my only chance at learning how to control my newly awakened power, save my family, and stop Lucius's plans before it's too late.

I just hope the prophecy is right. And being the "Destined one" is enough.

Because if it's wrong... I've doomed us all.

About the Author

Amber is an author of spicy romance with a twist…
She isn’t committed to any one genre. She lives in Ohio with her family and her dog. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, playing guitar, and loves to stay active. She is a mother of three and her family is her biggest support group. She has also written a children’s book series that was inspired by her children and their play adventures together.

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Monday, June 27, 2022

Excerpt: Her Dark Reflection (The Dark Reflection #1) by Hailey Jade + giveaway

Welcome to my stop for this gorgeous dark fairy tale retelling by Hailey Jade called Her Dark Reflection! Read on for more info and a chance to win a great giveaway!

Her Dark Reflection (The Dark Reflection #1)
by Hailey Jade
June 15, 2022
Genre: Dark Fantasy/ Dark Romance/ Fairytale Retelling
Midnight Tide Publishing
“They called me the Whore Queen. Some even called me the Evil Queen.
But they could call me whatever they wanted. I was still queen.”

Rhiandra Tiercelin hungers for power and her charm has always been her sharpest weapon in hunting it. So when a brutal attack leaves her physically scarred, desperation drives her to make a deal with Draven, a magic-wielding stranger who is inexplicably compelling and definitely dangerous. She knows she can’t trust him, but he when he offers to make her a queen, the temptation is too enticing to resist.

Armed with a glamoured face and an enchanted apple, Rhiandra is determined to scheme her way into a crown, even if it means risking the deadly punishment for unsanctioned magic use. But Draven is playing a bigger game, and she is just one piece on the board.

Can she keep her wits about her long enough to uncover his secrets, or will he lure her down a path she will come to regret?

Her Dark Reflection is the first book in a new dark romantic fantasy series perfect for fans of Raven Kennedy, Jennifer Armentrout and Sarah A. Parker. If you like cunning, ambitious heroines, morally ambiguous men and romance that toes the line between love and hate, then you’ll love Hailey Jade’s dark reimagining of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Add to Goodreads

Chapter One
The Winking Nymph was always flooded with patrons after the Burnings.

The atmosphere wasn’t the same as it would be on a busy night at a regular tavern; the dim lighting fed rather than banished the shadows, encouraging them closer, leaving pockets of space where patrons could lurk without being recognized. Men – and the occasional woman – drank, sometimes in groups, but for the most part they didn’t engage themselves with singing bawdy songs or telling dirty jokes. Perhaps the place was debauched enough on its own and so they didn’t feel the need.

Women drifted in and out of the shadows, flirting with the light as it caught on their spangled wrists and ankles and throats, and at the front of the room a beautiful redheaded girl sang with a voice as sweet as sun-warmed strawberries. It was going to be a big tipping night; the city was beginning to bulge with visitors attending the treaty celebrations, and the moon cycle holiday had beckoned them all to the streets, thrilled by the morning’s violence and drunk on bloodlust.

I was eager to get out on the floor, but Madam had saddled me with initiation duties, so I was instead lingering in a corner by the bar, doing breathing exercises with the novice.

Aalin’s perfume was thick, a ghastly confection of jasmine, violets and something sugary that made my head ache. I could pick a new girl a mile away – they wore thick makeup obscuring their faces, chains and sparkles everywhere one could hang a jewel, and gowns in gaudy colors that revealed more than they concealed. They thought they were channeling desirability, but in reality, all the decoration was just a screen to hide their nerves behind.

I was long past those sorts of naïve assumptions. I’d worked at the Winking Nymph long enough to know that calculated vulnerability earns more than donning the generic armor of maisera. Aalin wasn’t ready to hear that, though. That night she just needed to feel like she belonged, and all that perfume was a part of the uniform.

‘They’re just men,’ I soothed as she chewed on her lip and smoothed her dress over and over again. ‘And they’re mostly drunk men. They want to be pleased. And they’ll be excited to see a new girl.’ I tucked a lock of wiry hair back into her updo.

‘I don’t think I know how to be sexy,’ she admitted in a small voice. ‘I thought I did, but now that I’m standing here…’

Continue reading...
About the Author

Website-AmazonHailey Jade has tried to quit writing, but alas, the characters who live in her head will not stop yammering. She’s hoping that building them ink-and-paper homes will make them pipe down long enough for her to get some sleep. She likes creating fantasy worlds populated by complicated, morally-grey characters who try to resist their attraction to other complicated, morally-grey characters, but who inevitably fall in love, because everyone needs a Happily Ever After.

Hailey has completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Teaching at Flinders University, and spends her daylight hours trying to convince reluctant teenagers to love books. She lives in regional South Australia with her partner, bouncy baby boy, and feline overlord.

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Saturday, November 27, 2021

Book Review: Cruel Lord (A Reverse Harem Dark Bully Romance): Blackmoor Heirs Book 1 by Ivy Thorn

September 23, 2021
Genre: Heist crime, vigilante justice, dark romance, bully
Saint might be my last name, but they’re determined to make me into a sinner.

My father is dead. My home is ash. And my mother and I are one step away from death ourselves. Our only protection against the Devil’s Sons MC? The St. Vincent family, who rule Blackmoor.

When I run into Cayde, Dean, and Jaxon for the first time on the steps of my new prep school, I don’t think twice about it. Even with all the rumors surrounding them, I know how to take care of myself.

But when I embarrass Cayde St. Vincent, I wind up with a target on my back. A target that, unbeknownst to me, is going to follow me way past high school.
When I wake up in their house on the university campus on the first day of the semester with no memory of how I got there, all I want to do is leave. But they’ve got me under contract.
A contract that threatens my life, and my mother’s life, if I break it.
Soon enough, I realize they want to break me.

Cayde St. Vincent. Dean Blackmoor. Jaxon King.
The three heirs to the town of Blackmoor.
And now? My worst nightmare.

***Cruel Lord is the first book in the Blackmoor Heirs series. It is a bully series. It contains material that may be sensitive to some readers. There are no heroes in this series, only deliciously devious villains. It will get much darker before the dawn. This book is for those who like their men cruel and damaged, their romance dark and questionable, and their emotions toyed with until the very end.

Cruel Lords by Ivy Thorn was not my cup of tea at all. Was not impressed with the writing, or lack thereof. Anyone who has any history of violence or sexual assault should not proceed with his one. It is not for everyone and should be reviewed by only those who have honest feedback.

I didn't like a lot of the toxic male vibe, nothing about it kept me interested or even caring at all. I tried to fight through and finish the story but almost threw my kindle across the room. Check around and see what you think. I can't give this one a rating, but I certainly can say I did not enjoy this one and have no desire to read anything else from this author.

No Sheep
KD

About the Author:
Ivy Thorn's motto is the more hero's the better. She writes dark, delicious, romance with a kick but heroines and the ruthless anti-heroes who fall for them. Her books will leave you on the edge of a cliff begging for more, but a happily-ever-after is guaranteed every time—they’re just going to have to fight for it.

She resides in Chicago with her two dogs, her laptop, and way too many plants to count. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up with a cup of coffee (or wine!) and her favorite comfort movie or novel. She also writes mafia romance under M. James.

Friday, October 22, 2021

Book Review: Avery & Aria: The Story of Star-Crossed Lovers by Viola Tempest

Avery & Aria: The Story of Star-Crossed Lovers
by Viola Tempest
October 23rd, 2021
Genre: New Adult/ Dark Romance
Avery has loved Aria for so long, he doesn’t know how to live any other way. Unfortunately, his undying adoration for Aria was never reciprocated at the same time. They spent years being pushed apart and missing opportunities, falling in and out of love with others completely wrong for them.

Now, decades after he first fell in love with her as kids, they meet again, and this time, fate finally plays into their hands, causing Avery to give up his entire life for the woman of his dreams. But the one thing he’s always wanted ends up shattering his expectations in the most heart wrenching way.

Follow this story filled with love, loss, and devastating secrets. Sometimes, the love you wait a lifetime for is the love that will destroy you.

Avery & Aria: The Story of Star-Crossed Lovers really is like the title says, I mean talk about two people who circle around each other for years! Though the stars take a long time to get into alignment, once they do this power couple rocks the pages of romance!

The story is about 150 pages but I am trying to figure why? This one could hold its own as a full-length saga, or even end with a ... to pick up at the next book. I liked it, a lot of aspects of it. While I wish our leading male was a little more "alpha" it doesn't take away from his real-life feeling and certainly, this story gave me very real moments.

I would have like a butt load more of adventure, action, and edgy situations that could have kept the couple on edge. But there was enough of all previously mentioned to give you a taste. Hopefully a taste of lots more to come!

Getting 3 Sheep






KD

About the Author
website-Instagram
Rising author, Viola Tempest, yearns to find truth in the modern world. She loves to write dystopian fantasy and dark romance novels depicting human reality.

Saturday, September 25, 2021

Excerpt: Silver Lining by Viola Tempest + giveaway

Happy publication day to author Viola Tempest! Check out her new novel Silver Lining, and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a paperback copy of this genre-blurring book!

Silver Lining
by Viola Tempest 
September 26th (Today🎉)
Genre: Dystopian/ Dark Romance
Tired of one-night stands and failed relationships, Marissa Sinclair sets out to change her luck by creating Silver Lining, a revolutionary contact lens that matches people with their one true love.

Like Marissa, Bethany Rose, among others, is hopeful the lens will help her find the love of her life. But soon, the perfect solution becomes her worst nightmare…

A major malfunction blurs the line between reality and disaster. Bethany, a once bright, beautiful young woman, loses touch with reality. Her life spirals out of control and leads her down a dark tunnel between madness and the consequences of gambling with her love life.

Witnessing the disturbing transformation, Thea is convinced the technology is to blame. The only problem is, no one believes her. With her desperation growing stronger and her desire to pull her friend out of the abyss, she risks everything to let the world know the truth. But will she succeed in her mission, or will the desperate all fall victim to the Zetas?

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Excerpt
Bethany wasn’t safe though. She thought it would be easy to just forget, to just immerse herself in the fantasy world and ignore the real world, because it’s not like she was happy in it anyway. But the façade kept falling apart.

Haven didn’t have a job, so he was around her all the time. She needed space, needed to breathe, needed somebody she didn’t have to babysit or take care of.

And then when he did get a job, she wanted him back in the apartment, back in her life all the time, because they no longer spent any time together. So, he got a part-time job as a waiter, but part of her knew that wasn’t real. She didn’t know what she wanted anymore.

And then when he was at home all the time again, the cycle started all over. And he never called her out on it, just bent to her will. And the more he did, the more the logical part of her brain piped up, saying that this couldn’t be real. She was living in some sort of love-sick nightmare.

“Honey, please stop pushing me away.” Haven looked up at her from the couch. “Let me say this, no matter how much you try and push me away, I will never leave. You can’t argue your way out of this relationship by nitpicking at me. I love you too much for that.”

“But that isn’t healthy! You need to be your own person, not let me walk all over you!” Bethany finally screamed.

She heard a thump somewhere in the background, but when she tried to focus on it, she couldn’t register where it had come from. Bethany looked around herself, and her eyes fell on the remote. She walked over.

“Please, don’t hurt yourself with that anymore. You know how you feel when you turn it off,” Haven said.

She glared at him and clicked the button. The smell hit her nostrils, and Bethany screamed, trying to get the crawling bugs off her skin. She needed to turn on the lens again; she couldn’t live like this.

“Miss, open the door,” someone banged on the entrance to her apartment.

“Shit.”

A heavy thump sounded, and a man shoulder-pounded against the door so hard that the lock broke. Bethany clicked the remote on instinct.

She managed to register the police uniform right before her world shifted, and Haven returned. Then, she saw nothing but him, sitting in the middle of the couch, smiling as the sunlight streamed through the open windows.

“What’s wrong with me?” Bethany asked.

She could feel a pressure on her arms, but she had no idea why.

“Relax, honey, you’re okay.” Haven got up and hugged her. His fingers carded through her hair.

“I’m still mad at you.”

“I know, but everything will be fine. You’ll see.”

“Miss, miss, can you hear me?”

About the Author
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Rising author, Viola Tempest, yearns to find truth in the modern world. She loves to write dystopian fantasy and dark romance novels depicting human reality.

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Paperback Edition of Silver Lining (Giveaway ends on September 29th)

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Friday, July 31, 2020

Excerpt: Crow: A dark romance (The Crow Series Book 1) by Amanda Mackey + giveaway

Crow: A dark romance (The Crow Series Book 1)
by Amanda Mackey
July 22, 2020
Genre: Dark Romance, romantic suspense
Death

I'm the Grim Reaper

My face is the last thing my victims see

I take life without blinking

Bred this way by the devil himself

The asshole who raised me

When the time comes, I'll bury him too

In the meantime, the little starling feeding the birds in the park has my full attention.

Raven colored hair

Disarming eyes that infuse my dead heart with oxygen

The broken pieces of me want her to put me back together

But the monster is calling to come out and play.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star....


Crow: I stand in darkness. I am the darkness. The maroon, velvet drapes are pulled tightly closed, shutting out the world as I attempt to quiet my mind. Visions stole time again last night, robbing me of sleep. The monster lurking. Always there. Voices like background noise never leave. Pain so deep, nightmares constantly speak to me.

My dedicated martial arts room failed to pacify me this morning after a grueling workout with knives and swords. I need more. A kick of pain greater than my bare limbs can provide.

Using the straight edge of my trusted friend, I slice the final letter into the skin on my torso, making sure it’s back to front
 so when read by another, it will make sense. The smell of sweet metal a hit to my senses. Heady. Intoxicating. I feel the upward and downward strokes, not needing to see. The sharp tip stops its journey and I let the knife drop to the floor, sated. I allow my fingers to brush across the wound, gathering the red nectar and placing it to my parched lips. The workout has left me dehydrated so when I swallow and allow the fine liquid to coat my throat, I let out a groan of relief.

My body is a work of art. Ink covering half of it. This new tattoo is another piece to the puzzle.

The bright lights shooting like laser beams through the cross-barred windows have me squinting. The ornate gold mirror to my right, allows me to view the masterpiece. With my chest bare and a pair of sweats hanging under my hip bones, I grin broadly.

It’s complete. I’m branded. I finally have a name. An identity even he can’t steal from me.

CROW.
Aria: My throat closes and I feel my entire face stretch in surprise as a dark figure steps from the shadows. A gray hoodie is pulled down over his face, revealing only a glimpse. It’s enough to discover a full mouth surrounded by scruff. His jeans and combat boots don’t tell me much about who he is. Snippets of tattoos peak out from under his clothing, imparting a thug-like appearance. If I were someone who judged, I’d have him summed up already, but I know all too well, appearances can be deceiving.

The air changes. His vibe is one of power. Rigid stance. Confident gait. I feel frazzled.

I stand and take a deep breath, attempting to pull my newfound anxiety back in. He stops. I’m not sure what to say or do as we both inspect each other, although I can’t be sure he’s watching me as his eyes are cloaked in the shade of his hoodie. It’s something I feel more than I know.

“Hi there,” I begin, attempting to be friendly.

He does a short, crisp whistle and my newest feathered friend retreats back to the stranger before the giant of a man, leans down and picks up the crow, placing him on his shoulder.

“Oh. It’s your bird. I didn’t know. I hope you don’t mind me feeding him.”

His body language is cold and standoffish. His hands are pressed against thick thighs. I feel vulnerable, him being able to see my face but me not being able to see his.

I wait for a response but receive nothing. He simply freezes.

Beginning to feel more uneasy, I turn and offer a small wave with, “Well, I’ll see you. I need to get to work.”

I hurry away, leaving the other birds on the grass as I turn back once to see him still facing me. Odd man.
About the Author: 
Amanda Mackey was born in New Zealand and moved to Australia when she was 12 years old with her family, where she has lived ever since. She has loved books since an early age and is an avid reader. This has helped lay the foundation for her writing. She's published 7 novels to date with plenty more on the way. An author with Limitless Publishing, she loves to spend time with family when she's not writing or reading.

Amanda hopes to make writing her full time career and travel in the near future. 
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