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mrsherrera's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Not a Dirty Little Secret - Sierra Simone, Giana Darling
rellwood74's review
4.0
This was a great anthology with a lot of writers that I have already read. It took me a long time to get around to reading/finishing it, but once I got started I was really into it.
I would like to see if any of the anthologies have full length versions of them - like they were a prequel to what would become a series or a novel.
I am hoping that the one written by Pepper Winters was a prequel. It set up like one, but I haven't checked yet.
I would like to see if any of the anthologies have full length versions of them - like they were a prequel to what would become a series or a novel.
I am hoping that the one written by Pepper Winters was a prequel. It set up like one, but I haven't checked yet.
kaydanielsromance's review
5.0
Full of dark or delicious sinful stories by some of the best authors who write in this genre. Many have co-written or brought out a new solo piece to truly make our dark sides happy. All of these short stories, or snippets of stories on works soon to be released, they are all excellent and I for one wasn't disappointed!!
Here are a few highlights or synopsis of what's inside:
-Sold To The Highest Bidder By Aleatha Romig & Skye Warren
I haven't had the chance to read all of Skye's books, especially the world this story was inferencing. Whereas I am more familiar with Aleatha's as I'm right in the middle of one of her trilogy's, however, this short story had me highly intrigued to jump into Skye's books. This short story, while short, had lots of twists and turns and was packed with suspense. I loved the plot and it had me wanting to read more.
-Mr. Foster By K Webster & Sam Mariano
This short story falls on the sinful side of this anthology. An age gap/workplace romance where Chelsea Parker comes to intern at her fathers' best friends PR firm. Mr. Foster does his best to keep things work related, but Chelsea ends up impressing him in and out of the boardroom. I love both of these authors separately and together they bring the sizzle!!
-Stalker By A Zavarelli & Ashley Jade
A twisted short story involving a stalker and his prey.
-Poisoned Hearts By Giana Darling & Parker S Huntington
A dark, mafia short story, what happens when two families are crossed in an arranged marriage.
-Dirty Bargain By Lylah James & Cora Reilly
A mafia/enforcer short story, who hires who to make the kill?
-Not A Dirty Little Secret By Giana Darling & Sierra Simone
A MM forbidden short story.
-Her Christmas Present By Jade West & Lucia Franco
A sinful age gap short story.
-Forbidden Flaws By Pepper Winters
A quick taste of an upcoming release by Pepper Winters.
-With This Ring By Natasha Night
A small sneak peak of an upcoming release by Natasha Night.
-Tyrant Stalker By Isabella Starling
A quick taste of an upcoming release by Isabella Starling.
Here are a few highlights or synopsis of what's inside:
-Sold To The Highest Bidder By Aleatha Romig & Skye Warren
I haven't had the chance to read all of Skye's books, especially the world this story was inferencing. Whereas I am more familiar with Aleatha's as I'm right in the middle of one of her trilogy's, however, this short story had me highly intrigued to jump into Skye's books. This short story, while short, had lots of twists and turns and was packed with suspense. I loved the plot and it had me wanting to read more.
-Mr. Foster By K Webster & Sam Mariano
This short story falls on the sinful side of this anthology. An age gap/workplace romance where Chelsea Parker comes to intern at her fathers' best friends PR firm. Mr. Foster does his best to keep things work related, but Chelsea ends up impressing him in and out of the boardroom. I love both of these authors separately and together they bring the sizzle!!
-Stalker By A Zavarelli & Ashley Jade
A twisted short story involving a stalker and his prey.
-Poisoned Hearts By Giana Darling & Parker S Huntington
A dark, mafia short story, what happens when two families are crossed in an arranged marriage.
-Dirty Bargain By Lylah James & Cora Reilly
A mafia/enforcer short story, who hires who to make the kill?
-Not A Dirty Little Secret By Giana Darling & Sierra Simone
A MM forbidden short story.
-Her Christmas Present By Jade West & Lucia Franco
A sinful age gap short story.
-Forbidden Flaws By Pepper Winters
A quick taste of an upcoming release by Pepper Winters.
-With This Ring By Natasha Night
A small sneak peak of an upcoming release by Natasha Night.
-Tyrant Stalker By Isabella Starling
A quick taste of an upcoming release by Isabella Starling.
tj_darkreads's review against another edition
5.0
This is either short stories or previews of upcoming releases from these Arthur's of either dark tales or taboo.
Sold to the highest bidder
By Aleatha Romig & Sky Warren
Cameron and his brother Curtis had a falling out over the family business and Cameron ended up leaving town and even though his brother thought it was because of the business...it was something more and now he's back.
Stalker by Ashley Jade & Ashleigh Zaverella
Let me just say this...Damn what a story of creepy goodness these 2 ladies wrote. Zander has been in love with Violet Sinclair when they were younger, but her boyfriend Scott was the bully and picked on him until 1 day Zander was gone, but now he's back and has a plan. It was so good.
Poisoned Hearts by Giana Darling & Parker S Huntington
Loved this story it had me glued to the pages as Lily is being forced into an arranged marriage that she's already got a plan of action on her honeymoon I have to give her credit I wouldn't have thought of that, but then I'm not from a mafia family lol although I do read enough mafia I could throw something in there, but anyway she's not happy about this marriage and in walks Frankie Amato he's been given the task of doing something that can cause problems for the upcoming marriage. What it is you'll just have to read and find out. Another good story
The Dirty Bargain by Lylah James and Cora Reilly
What a fantastic story from start to finish it held me in it's grip with each word as I turned the pages. Talia has snuck away from her family her Italian mafia family, because she knows if she gets called she will be punished, but that doesn't deter this girl she's on her way to find the one person who she knows will take care of a problem the only thing is he's the enemy, because he's the Bratva's assassin and her only hope of getting revenge who goes by the name of...Killer. such a good story.
Mr Foster by K Webster and Sam Mariano
This was a good dirty taboo story from these ladies that kept me flipping pages to see what was going to happen next.
Not a Dirty Little Secret by
Giana Darling and Sierra Simone
This is a historical M/M story that I was pleasantly surprised to find out as I started reading. James Caldron is the Prime Minister in Her Majesty's Government always doing the right thing trying to do her majesty's work, but this Tobias Talbot-Ullswater and his paisley pink self starts talking about archeological preservation while he could care less he doesn't want to admit it, but he's intrigued.
Her Christmas Present by Jade West and Lucia Franco
This was one dirty taboo quick read that will have you fanning yourself while flipping pages.
Forbidden Flaws by Pepper Winters
Now this book holey smokes those secrets scenes
Sold to the highest bidder
By Aleatha Romig & Sky Warren
Cameron and his brother Curtis had a falling out over the family business and Cameron ended up leaving town and even though his brother thought it was because of the business...it was something more and now he's back.
Stalker by Ashley Jade & Ashleigh Zaverella
Let me just say this...Damn what a story of creepy goodness these 2 ladies wrote. Zander has been in love with Violet Sinclair when they were younger, but her boyfriend Scott was the bully and picked on him until 1 day Zander was gone, but now he's back and has a plan. It was so good.
Poisoned Hearts by Giana Darling & Parker S Huntington
Loved this story it had me glued to the pages as Lily is being forced into an arranged marriage that she's already got a plan of action on her honeymoon I have to give her credit I wouldn't have thought of that, but then I'm not from a mafia family lol although I do read enough mafia I could throw something in there, but anyway she's not happy about this marriage and in walks Frankie Amato he's been given the task of doing something that can cause problems for the upcoming marriage. What it is you'll just have to read and find out. Another good story
The Dirty Bargain by Lylah James and Cora Reilly
What a fantastic story from start to finish it held me in it's grip with each word as I turned the pages. Talia has snuck away from her family her Italian mafia family, because she knows if she gets called she will be punished, but that doesn't deter this girl she's on her way to find the one person who she knows will take care of a problem the only thing is he's the enemy, because he's the Bratva's assassin and her only hope of getting revenge who goes by the name of...Killer. such a good story.
Mr Foster by K Webster and Sam Mariano
This was a good dirty taboo story from these ladies that kept me flipping pages to see what was going to happen next.
Not a Dirty Little Secret by
Giana Darling and Sierra Simone
This is a historical M/M story that I was pleasantly surprised to find out as I started reading. James Caldron is the Prime Minister in Her Majesty's Government always doing the right thing trying to do her majesty's work, but this Tobias Talbot-Ullswater and his paisley pink self starts talking about archeological preservation while he could care less he doesn't want to admit it, but he's intrigued.
Her Christmas Present by Jade West and Lucia Franco
This was one dirty taboo quick read that will have you fanning yourself while flipping pages.
Forbidden Flaws by Pepper Winters
Now this book holey smokes those secrets scenes
jujelly's review against another edition
2.0
In short -- this is a porn collection, basically. Almost every story has got sex scenes, and very filthy ones at that.
Not that I mind, really. But what I do mind is the writing style of some. I am very incredibly sorry, but most of these stories read like actual cringe. I don't even like using that word normally, but I found myself not taking anything I was reading seriously. I did find the imagination of some stories entertaining - at some point, it became less about the sex and more about How-To-Create-The-Silliest/Funnies-Situations that eventually lead to sex, basically.
There were one or two stories that I enjoyed reading, but that's about it. So it's really not worth spending most of your time on, except of course if you want to wank off. I guess that's where it kind of does its job (although, the dialogue was corny at times as well).
Not that I mind, really. But what I do mind is the writing style of some. I am very incredibly sorry, but most of these stories read like actual cringe. I don't even like using that word normally, but I found myself not taking anything I was reading seriously. I did find the imagination of some stories entertaining - at some point, it became less about the sex and more about How-To-Create-The-Silliest/Funnies-Situations that eventually lead to sex, basically.
There were one or two stories that I enjoyed reading, but that's about it. So it's really not worth spending most of your time on, except of course if you want to wank off. I guess that's where it kind of does its job (although, the dialogue was corny at times as well).
megreads99's review against another edition
5.0
Short but filled with passion, plot, and heat. I adored this story!
profromance's review against another edition
4.0
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I came to the Tales of Darkness and Sin for stories written by some of my favorite authors such as Skye Warren, Ashley Jade, Parker S. Huntington, and more. Born partly from their participation in a Facebook group that deals in dark romance, this anthology runs the gamut of dark romance. From Jade West and Lucia Franco’s super smutty “Her Christmas Present, “ a teacher/student romance, to mafia romances to romances featuring auctions to one night stands turned more to sneak peeks of longer works, if you love dark romance, then this anthology is a must-read. Each turn of the page takes you deeper into the messed up workings of alpha males and their need to possess. Add in heroines who love a man’s darker side, and you find goosebumps woven up your arms. I think my favorite stories of the anthology are Ashley Jade and A. Zavarelli’s “Stalker,” a seriously messed up romance that devolves into a wicked happy ending, Parker S. Huntington and Giana Darling’s “Poisoned Hearts,” a mafia romance between star-crossed lovers with a bit of a twist of darkness to it, K. Webster and Sam Mariano’s “Mr. Foster,” an age-gap romance with an older “daddy” type hero whose interest in his best friend’s daughter feels so very naughty, and Pepper Winters’s “Forbidden Flaws,” a story that piqued my curiosity as there is definitely much much more to the story. By the end of the anthology, I had one-clicked Natasha Knight’s “With This Ring,” because the promise of the intrigue of that book captured my attention through its preview.
I know this book might seem jaded given its controversy, but, honestly, if you love dark romance, every story of this anthology is devourable. Given that the proceeds from it benefit a worthy cause, Tales of Darkness and Sin is a read that will both steam your glasses (or other things) and lead you down the hole of dark, delicious romance.
I came to the Tales of Darkness and Sin for stories written by some of my favorite authors such as Skye Warren, Ashley Jade, Parker S. Huntington, and more. Born partly from their participation in a Facebook group that deals in dark romance, this anthology runs the gamut of dark romance. From Jade West and Lucia Franco’s super smutty “Her Christmas Present, “ a teacher/student romance, to mafia romances to romances featuring auctions to one night stands turned more to sneak peeks of longer works, if you love dark romance, then this anthology is a must-read. Each turn of the page takes you deeper into the messed up workings of alpha males and their need to possess. Add in heroines who love a man’s darker side, and you find goosebumps woven up your arms. I think my favorite stories of the anthology are Ashley Jade and A. Zavarelli’s “Stalker,” a seriously messed up romance that devolves into a wicked happy ending, Parker S. Huntington and Giana Darling’s “Poisoned Hearts,” a mafia romance between star-crossed lovers with a bit of a twist of darkness to it, K. Webster and Sam Mariano’s “Mr. Foster,” an age-gap romance with an older “daddy” type hero whose interest in his best friend’s daughter feels so very naughty, and Pepper Winters’s “Forbidden Flaws,” a story that piqued my curiosity as there is definitely much much more to the story. By the end of the anthology, I had one-clicked Natasha Knight’s “With This Ring,” because the promise of the intrigue of that book captured my attention through its preview.
I know this book might seem jaded given its controversy, but, honestly, if you love dark romance, every story of this anthology is devourable. Given that the proceeds from it benefit a worthy cause, Tales of Darkness and Sin is a read that will both steam your glasses (or other things) and lead you down the hole of dark, delicious romance.
bookishlynomes's review against another edition
4.0
Sold to the Highest Bidder by Aleatha Romig & Skye Warren
4 Stars
A short but dark and dangerous tale of the heroine being conned by her soon-to-be ex-fiance. She is soon sold to the hero, a man who has been in love with her for a very long time. What was once considered a foolishly choice on her part, soon becomes the pathway to a very happy future.
Stalker by A. Jade & A. Zavarelli
3.5 Stars
I am a die hard Zavarelli fan so I already knew I would adore this dark romance! It tells the tale of a stalker who moves in next door to his high school crush. While I did like this one, I wish it were longer and went into more depth! I find short stories can often be too short to get the whole story (the reason I don't read novellas very often), and I think if it had been a little longer, I would have rated this 4 stars. The story itself was good, I just wanted more.
Poisoned Hearts - Giana Darling and Parker S Huntington
3.5 stars
A short taste of a mafia tale. Two warring families, a virginity pact, and a wedding to be stopped. This dark romance had a lot of flirty, seductive moments between the hero and heroine, and a twist ending leaving you wanting more.
Dirty Bargain - Lylah James & Cora Reilly
4.5 stars
I haven't read James' before but I'm a huge fan of Reilly's BIB and CC mafia series so I was excited to read about Talia. This is a wonderful taste of the dark mafia world and provides lots of intrigue, suspense and heat! Will definitely be checking of James' work in the future.
Mr Foster - K Webster & Sam Mariano
3 stars
Not a Dirty Little Secret - Giana Darling & Sierra Simone
3 stars
Her Christmas Present - Jade West & Lucia Franco
2.5 stars
Forbidden Flaws - Pepper Winters
3.5 stars
An intriguing and steamy short story about a heroine who gets locked outside of her hotel room, in her underwear, during a fire alarm. Hero is a mysterious athlete. Very dark and seductive, as per Winters' usual style, and I want to find out what happens next!
With This Ring - Natasha Knight
4.5 stars
An incredible teaser for Knight's latest mafia romance duet. Very intriguing, entertaining and steamy! I'm looking forward to reading this one (in full) soon but I know it's going to end in the mother of cliffhangers so I'm holding off for a couple of weeks until I can get my hands on both books in the duet!
Tyrant Stalker - Isabella Starling
4 stars
Very intriguing premise of a physically scarred heroine being stalked by the hero. This is just a teaser, and I'm very intrigued to see how Starling is going to develop the relationship between the heroine and hero.
Disclaimer: Thank you to Social Butterfly PR for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
4 Stars
A short but dark and dangerous tale of the heroine being conned by her soon-to-be ex-fiance. She is soon sold to the hero, a man who has been in love with her for a very long time. What was once considered a foolishly choice on her part, soon becomes the pathway to a very happy future.
Stalker by A. Jade & A. Zavarelli
3.5 Stars
I am a die hard Zavarelli fan so I already knew I would adore this dark romance! It tells the tale of a stalker who moves in next door to his high school crush. While I did like this one, I wish it were longer and went into more depth! I find short stories can often be too short to get the whole story (the reason I don't read novellas very often), and I think if it had been a little longer, I would have rated this 4 stars. The story itself was good, I just wanted more.
Poisoned Hearts - Giana Darling and Parker S Huntington
3.5 stars
A short taste of a mafia tale. Two warring families, a virginity pact, and a wedding to be stopped. This dark romance had a lot of flirty, seductive moments between the hero and heroine, and a twist ending leaving you wanting more.
Dirty Bargain - Lylah James & Cora Reilly
4.5 stars
I haven't read James' before but I'm a huge fan of Reilly's BIB and CC mafia series so I was excited to read about Talia. This is a wonderful taste of the dark mafia world and provides lots of intrigue, suspense and heat! Will definitely be checking of James' work in the future.
Mr Foster - K Webster & Sam Mariano
3 stars
Not a Dirty Little Secret - Giana Darling & Sierra Simone
3 stars
Her Christmas Present - Jade West & Lucia Franco
2.5 stars
Forbidden Flaws - Pepper Winters
3.5 stars
An intriguing and steamy short story about a heroine who gets locked outside of her hotel room, in her underwear, during a fire alarm. Hero is a mysterious athlete. Very dark and seductive, as per Winters' usual style, and I want to find out what happens next!
With This Ring - Natasha Knight
4.5 stars
An incredible teaser for Knight's latest mafia romance duet. Very intriguing, entertaining and steamy! I'm looking forward to reading this one (in full) soon but I know it's going to end in the mother of cliffhangers so I'm holding off for a couple of weeks until I can get my hands on both books in the duet!
Tyrant Stalker - Isabella Starling
4 stars
Very intriguing premise of a physically scarred heroine being stalked by the hero. This is just a teaser, and I'm very intrigued to see how Starling is going to develop the relationship between the heroine and hero.
Disclaimer: Thank you to Social Butterfly PR for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
canadianbookaddict's review against another edition
4.0
This is a bunch of short stories. Some authors I have read before and some I hadn't but I enjoyed the stories.
This is a great way to read new stories by authors you already like and find new authors to read.
This is a great way to read new stories by authors you already like and find new authors to read.
kfriend's review against another edition
5.0
The dream-mafia co-writing team. This was such a delicious and sexy little morsel- but I wanted SO much more of this story- I would kill for a full length.
3.5 stars
Merged review:
Dark, delicious, and steamy, Tales of Darkness and Sin is a dark, hedonistic delight. Packed with dream-collaborations of some of my favorite dark romance authors, authors who consistently set the bar for twisted, devious, and sumptuously sensual romance stories. Some of these shorts I’d read when they appeared in the authors’ Queen of Darkness and Sin group- and others I got to read for the first time. This was an incredibly stacked deck of sexy stories- one of my favorite anthologies to date. I loved every single story in this book.
Stories included:
**Sold to the Highest Bidder by Aleatha Romig and Skye Warren
These two have such complimentary storytelling approaches, so I love when they collaborate- I knew it would be a sensual and debaucherous creation. I wished we had a bit more to Briana and Cameron’s story- but I loved the premise and the very sexy and alluring alpha Cameron.
**Stalker by A. Jade and A. Zavarelli
I was most excited for this one- not only because I love stalker stories but also because I am obsessed with both of these authors- A Zavarelli’s dark intensity and Ashley Jade’s unconventional and depraved stories. Both so compellingly explore flawed characters- so having them take on a stalker story was just a dream. This one really hit the spot- I loved Violet and Zander, had all that taboo/forbidden appeal, and was just the right amount of naughty. Definitely my favorite in the anthology.
** Poisoned Hearts by Giana Darling and Parker S. Huntington
These two authors have some of the most distinct and flowery prose I’ve read in romance- their novels really elevate the genre in their artistry, and they both have a wheelhouse that is one of my favorite sub-genre’s- MAFIA. I had actually already read this in Queens of Darkness and Sin group, and I loved it then, and I love it now. This is probably the most well written piece of the bunch- just really artfully constructed and packs quite a punch for a novella- steam, intimacy, emotional range, and explosive character connection. That chemistry- HOT. This one had me on my toes- and I loved Liliana, the mafia princess/ virgin who is a minx under it all, and Frankie, the anti-hero intent on revenge. This story is seductive and delicious.
**The Dirty Bargain by Cora Reilly and Lylah James
The dark mafia queens in a dream collaboration. I remember freaking out reading this when it first appeared in the QoDS group- these two are masters at the alpha-softer heroine dynamic that I love so much. The dark anti-hero who softens only for his lady. Fans of Cora’s series will remember Talia, Cara’s little sister from Bound by Vengeance. Talia is SO much more than we realized, and I love how she goes against Cora’s usual heroine type. Her with Killer is just the ultimate mafia assassin/anti-hero. He’s dark, twisted, ruthless. They strike a delicious and sexy bargain- and the twists had me gasping. THis one ended far too quickly- I needed a whole book!
**Mr. Foster by K Webster and Sam Mariano
My psychologically and emotionally taboo writing queens! AH- my heart was so happy. And age gap/father’s best friend? GIMME GIMME. These two authors are my go-tos for forbidden romance- not only because their stories are sexy, but because they so beautifully challenge and push our conceptions of love by the EMOTIONAL intensity they bring to the taboo. This isn’t overly taboo (especially for KW), we have just enough of the forbidden though, and it is so steamy and yummy. The chemistry is magnetic- yowzers, loved this one.
**Not A Dirty Little Secret by Sierra Simone and Giana Darling
Again, two deeply eloquent composers of prose and also two of the most emotionally sensual writers around. I knew this would be magic. But even better- MM (finally, Giana!!) And we’ve got a bit of the taboo with it being stepbrothers. These two bring SO much soul to their dark stories- an emotional intensity that just sings, it makes the sex even sexier. Truly a beautiful AND steamy story.
**Her Christmas Present by Jade West and Lucia Franco
No one writes kink like Jade West- so I expected this one to be on fire. And oh, it was. Teacher-student kinky magic. So taboo, so filthy, I’m overheating just thinking about it. Such a naughty little treat.
And, in addition to these stories, Pepper Winters, Natasha Knight, and Isabella Starling all feature previews of upcoming books. I’d already read Natasha Knight’s With This Ring (it just came out)- and I LOVED this forced marriage/mafia story. Isabella Starling’s Tyrant Stalker had me intrigued and builds on a book already out (that was so naughty), and I always love the dark sensuality that Pepper’s writing exudes- so the Forbidden Flaws previews was a great glimpse into a book that I’m sure I’ll devour.
All in all A GREAT anthology showcasing the dark and devious talents of some of the best dark romance writers out there. If only we could convince them to write full length novels together….but these stories are pretty incredible.
3.5 stars
Merged review:
Dark, delicious, and steamy, Tales of Darkness and Sin is a dark, hedonistic delight. Packed with dream-collaborations of some of my favorite dark romance authors, authors who consistently set the bar for twisted, devious, and sumptuously sensual romance stories. Some of these shorts I’d read when they appeared in the authors’ Queen of Darkness and Sin group- and others I got to read for the first time. This was an incredibly stacked deck of sexy stories- one of my favorite anthologies to date. I loved every single story in this book.
Stories included:
**Sold to the Highest Bidder by Aleatha Romig and Skye Warren
These two have such complimentary storytelling approaches, so I love when they collaborate- I knew it would be a sensual and debaucherous creation. I wished we had a bit more to Briana and Cameron’s story- but I loved the premise and the very sexy and alluring alpha Cameron.
**Stalker by A. Jade and A. Zavarelli
I was most excited for this one- not only because I love stalker stories but also because I am obsessed with both of these authors- A Zavarelli’s dark intensity and Ashley Jade’s unconventional and depraved stories. Both so compellingly explore flawed characters- so having them take on a stalker story was just a dream. This one really hit the spot- I loved Violet and Zander, had all that taboo/forbidden appeal, and was just the right amount of naughty. Definitely my favorite in the anthology.
** Poisoned Hearts by Giana Darling and Parker S. Huntington
These two authors have some of the most distinct and flowery prose I’ve read in romance- their novels really elevate the genre in their artistry, and they both have a wheelhouse that is one of my favorite sub-genre’s- MAFIA. I had actually already read this in Queens of Darkness and Sin group, and I loved it then, and I love it now. This is probably the most well written piece of the bunch- just really artfully constructed and packs quite a punch for a novella- steam, intimacy, emotional range, and explosive character connection. That chemistry- HOT. This one had me on my toes- and I loved Liliana, the mafia princess/ virgin who is a minx under it all, and Frankie, the anti-hero intent on revenge. This story is seductive and delicious.
**The Dirty Bargain by Cora Reilly and Lylah James
The dark mafia queens in a dream collaboration. I remember freaking out reading this when it first appeared in the QoDS group- these two are masters at the alpha-softer heroine dynamic that I love so much. The dark anti-hero who softens only for his lady. Fans of Cora’s series will remember Talia, Cara’s little sister from Bound by Vengeance. Talia is SO much more than we realized, and I love how she goes against Cora’s usual heroine type. Her with Killer is just the ultimate mafia assassin/anti-hero. He’s dark, twisted, ruthless. They strike a delicious and sexy bargain- and the twists had me gasping. THis one ended far too quickly- I needed a whole book!
**Mr. Foster by K Webster and Sam Mariano
My psychologically and emotionally taboo writing queens! AH- my heart was so happy. And age gap/father’s best friend? GIMME GIMME. These two authors are my go-tos for forbidden romance- not only because their stories are sexy, but because they so beautifully challenge and push our conceptions of love by the EMOTIONAL intensity they bring to the taboo. This isn’t overly taboo (especially for KW), we have just enough of the forbidden though, and it is so steamy and yummy. The chemistry is magnetic- yowzers, loved this one.
**Not A Dirty Little Secret by Sierra Simone and Giana Darling
Again, two deeply eloquent composers of prose and also two of the most emotionally sensual writers around. I knew this would be magic. But even better- MM (finally, Giana!!) And we’ve got a bit of the taboo with it being stepbrothers. These two bring SO much soul to their dark stories- an emotional intensity that just sings, it makes the sex even sexier. Truly a beautiful AND steamy story.
**Her Christmas Present by Jade West and Lucia Franco
No one writes kink like Jade West- so I expected this one to be on fire. And oh, it was. Teacher-student kinky magic. So taboo, so filthy, I’m overheating just thinking about it. Such a naughty little treat.
And, in addition to these stories, Pepper Winters, Natasha Knight, and Isabella Starling all feature previews of upcoming books. I’d already read Natasha Knight’s With This Ring (it just came out)- and I LOVED this forced marriage/mafia story. Isabella Starling’s Tyrant Stalker had me intrigued and builds on a book already out (that was so naughty), and I always love the dark sensuality that Pepper’s writing exudes- so the Forbidden Flaws previews was a great glimpse into a book that I’m sure I’ll devour.
All in all A GREAT anthology showcasing the dark and devious talents of some of the best dark romance writers out there. If only we could convince them to write full length novels together….but these stories are pretty incredible.