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elcanaldevenecia's review
4.0
Daphne has wanted to be free all her life. But her family name prevents her from being completely free. Money brings not only luxuries, but dangers, and that is something that has always haunted her. When she wants to rebel and escape from that world, she always finds herself in front of a canvas ready to transmit the beauty she finds in the details. That beauty can make even the collector fall in love.
Emerson Leblanc wants her for him and only him. She is an enigma to be solved and a difficult person to read, but the language of art is the best way to communicate. Everything is put at risk by being together though maybe it's worth this obsession.
I don't know what was going through my mind that I hadn't read anything by this author. I think I was losing my mind. Her style is practically poetry and every description makes you get wrapped up in scenery, textures, and colors. The story is a mystery and takes you to incredible places, although they seem simple they become an adventure. I was fascinated by this world but now I know that my conflict between the Constantines and the Morellis goes a little further than I imagined.
The characters are extremely complex and so authentic at the same time. I love that the story has many characters from the same world and we get to know the parallels between them. Also that the tension between Daph and Emerson is palpable, so much so that sometimes you forget how to talk and snap back to reality.
I need more of these two.
Please read TW.
:::
Español
Daphne Morelli ha querido ser libre toda su vida. Pero el apellido de su familia, impide que lo sea del todo. El dinero solamente trae lujos, sino peligros y eso es algo que siempre la ha acechado. Cuando quiere rebelarse y escabullirse de ese mundo, siempre se encuentra frente a un canvas listo para transmitir la belleza que encuentra en los detalles. Esa belleza que puede enamorar hasta el mismo coleccionista.
Emerson Leblanc la quiere para él y solamente él. Ella es un enigma por resolver y una persona dificil de leer pero a traves del lenguaje del arte es como mejor se pueden comunicar. Todo se pone en riesgo al estar juntos aunque quizá valga la pena esta obsesión.
No se que pasaba por mi mente que no había leído nada por esta autora. Creo que estaba perdiendo la cordura. Su estilo es practicamente poesia y cada descripción hace que te envuelvas en escenarios, texturas y colores. La historia es todo un misterio y te lleva a lugares increibles, aunque parezcan simples se vuelven toda una aventura. Quedé fascinada por este mundo pero ahora sé que mi conflicto entre los Constantines y Morellis va un poco más lejos de lo que yo imaginaba.
Los personajes son extremadamente complejos y tan autenticos a la vez. Me encanta que la historia tiene muchos personajes del mismo mundo y podemos conocer los paralelismos entre ellos. Además que la tensión entre Daph y Emerson es palpable, tanto que a veces olvidas como hablar y regresar a la realidad.
Necesito más de estos dos.
4.4
kaydanielsromance's review
5.0
A suspenseful, slow burn with a bubbling, dark Morelli undertone.
I love the rich texture Amelia give her books and reading this series is like eating a gourmet meal. Tuck your napkin in your shirt and get ready to gorge on Daphne and Emerson.
This book, perhaps because Daphne is different than her siblings, running on the side of happy and innocent, would be different if you didn't know better, but she is also a Morelli at heart. Her artwork spills out all of the darkness she tries to hide inside and Emerson LeBlanc is drawn to her the moment he meets her. That darkness Daphne leaves on the canvas, Emerson recognizes it and he desires it. However, he not only wants to collect her art, but the woman herself.
Emerson is elusive and dark and very stalkerish, especially when it comes to Daphne. He fits right in with the Constantines and Morellis in this elite world of billionaire men. He knows what he wants, but he is also patient and like a lion stalking his prey, he waits to make his move. Every move on the chess board only intrigues Daphne more. Even her brothers won't be able to lock her up when The Collector comes to collect her.
Dark Reign ends on a cliffhanger and I can hardly wait to return to find out how their story ends.
I love the rich texture Amelia give her books and reading this series is like eating a gourmet meal. Tuck your napkin in your shirt and get ready to gorge on Daphne and Emerson.
This book, perhaps because Daphne is different than her siblings, running on the side of happy and innocent, would be different if you didn't know better, but she is also a Morelli at heart. Her artwork spills out all of the darkness she tries to hide inside and Emerson LeBlanc is drawn to her the moment he meets her. That darkness Daphne leaves on the canvas, Emerson recognizes it and he desires it. However, he not only wants to collect her art, but the woman herself.
Emerson is elusive and dark and very stalkerish, especially when it comes to Daphne. He fits right in with the Constantines and Morellis in this elite world of billionaire men. He knows what he wants, but he is also patient and like a lion stalking his prey, he waits to make his move. Every move on the chess board only intrigues Daphne more. Even her brothers won't be able to lock her up when The Collector comes to collect her.
Dark Reign ends on a cliffhanger and I can hardly wait to return to find out how their story ends.
tj_darkreads's review
5.0
Is it me or is there just something seriously wrong with Emerson he just gives out those Joe vibes from "You" cheese n crackers this dude is not right and now Daphne is caught up in his obsession, his possessiveness for her. When I first started reading this I thought thing's were a bit slow, but I stayed with it which you need to, because thing's start happening as Emerson starts to unravel. This story was not what I was expecting from Amelia it was so much more. I have so many questions as to what happened to him and his brother's. What happens when Leo finds out she's missing? I am so loving these book's about the Constantines and the Morelli families I can't get enough.
kelly_reads_books's review
5.0
This is a sensational and intense tale with a twist. Dark pasts and shadowy intent gave us an explosive story, gripping until the end.
Emerson, an art expert, also known as The Collector, has focused his attention on Daphne Morelli. This obsessive and precise man sets his sights on her, his focus driven by her art and a desire to collect.
Poor Daphne, sheltered by the men in her family, afraid to worry and disappoint them, shoves her attraction for Emerson aside and allows them to control her life.
Dark Reign was filled with passion and obsession, it was a powerful and potent story. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
Emerson, an art expert, also known as The Collector, has focused his attention on Daphne Morelli. This obsessive and precise man sets his sights on her, his focus driven by her art and a desire to collect.
Poor Daphne, sheltered by the men in her family, afraid to worry and disappoint them, shoves her attraction for Emerson aside and allows them to control her life.
Dark Reign was filled with passion and obsession, it was a powerful and potent story. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
williebenz's review against another edition
4.0
TW
Stalking
Manipulation
Childhood trauma
Emerson known in the art world as The Collector. He's a connoisseur of fine art. He's obsessed with the acquisition of it almost as much as his ownership. His newest obsession is Daphne. Daphne is the younger Morelli sibling and is highly protected by Leo, the Beast of Bishop. She's a little apprehensive because of her past with her family, but she's decided to delved into her passion with art and make it on her own. Dark Reign is a story that takes place in the Midnight Dynasty world which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. It does have a hell of a cliffhanger, like, Emerson?!?!?!
Stalking
Manipulation
Childhood trauma
Emerson known in the art world as The Collector. He's a connoisseur of fine art. He's obsessed with the acquisition of it almost as much as his ownership. His newest obsession is Daphne. Daphne is the younger Morelli sibling and is highly protected by Leo, the Beast of Bishop. She's a little apprehensive because of her past with her family, but she's decided to delved into her passion with art and make it on her own. Dark Reign is a story that takes place in the Midnight Dynasty world which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. It does have a hell of a cliffhanger, like, Emerson?!?!?!
romancebookloverinseattle's review
4.0
Emerson is an art collector who one day stumbles upon Daphne and becomes obsessed with her as well as her art. He decides he needs to collect her, just like a piece of art. Daphne is part of a powerful family with dark secrets, but has always longed to be free, living an independent life, free to choose to her own way and make her own path. This dark romance hooks you in from the beginning and keeps you reading.
Had a rough time figuring out how to rate this one. It's well written with wording choices and imagery that work well with the dark romance and the art that features heavily in this story. But I was frustrated to realize this isn't a standalone, and that whether this is a duet or trilogy or more isn't mentioned or listed anywhere in the details for this book on retail sites. You discover it when you get to the end and hit a major cliffhanger and then the next book's linked for pre-ordering, yet isn't linked in the retail sites. This feels deceptive and misleading, and I struggled with how this would or should impact rating this story. The other issue I had while reading, is it felt like there was a lot going on with Daphne's family - especially her brother Leo and his girlfriend Hayley. I started to feel I was missing information so went searching and discovered there is another series, that takes place at the same time as this story, featuring Leo and Hayley. This is the sort of information I like to have up front when reading or purchasing a book and I find it frustrating I had to work to find this.
Dark Reign hooked me in and kept me reading, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.
Had a rough time figuring out how to rate this one. It's well written with wording choices and imagery that work well with the dark romance and the art that features heavily in this story. But I was frustrated to realize this isn't a standalone, and that whether this is a duet or trilogy or more isn't mentioned or listed anywhere in the details for this book on retail sites. You discover it when you get to the end and hit a major cliffhanger and then the next book's linked for pre-ordering, yet isn't linked in the retail sites. This feels deceptive and misleading, and I struggled with how this would or should impact rating this story. The other issue I had while reading, is it felt like there was a lot going on with Daphne's family - especially her brother Leo and his girlfriend Hayley. I started to feel I was missing information so went searching and discovered there is another series, that takes place at the same time as this story, featuring Leo and Hayley. This is the sort of information I like to have up front when reading or purchasing a book and I find it frustrating I had to work to find this.
Dark Reign hooked me in and kept me reading, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.
sonja_ahrb's review
4.0
I’ve wanted to read Daphne’s story ever since we got that little tease of her POV at the end of Fallen Rose and now that the last book in her and Emerson’s trilogy is out, I thought it was a great time to start Dark Reign! I didn’t know what to make of it at first, Emerson has a unique way of thinking that took some getting used to, but I’m enjoying the story so far. It was fun seeing the bits from Leo and Haley’s story again from Daphne’s perspective and seeing how it all went down with her Mystery Man. Dark Reign was an awesome first book for this couple and I’m looking forward to reading Sweet Mercy next.
~ Sonja, 4 Stars
~ Sonja, 4 Stars
bookishproblems's review
4.0
"She’s the first piece I’ve wanted to acquire. Needed to acquire."
.....
This is my first Amelia Wilde book and second foray into the Morelli part of the Midnight Dynasty world, and I have to say these Morelli's are just as interesting as the Constantines if not more. Here we have Daphne Morelli, a different type of Morelli since she's absolutely insistent on making her on way in the art world as an artist instead of using any of her family's money or connections.
.....
“You’re looking at me like I’m art...You’re making me into a painting.”
.....
Enter Emerson LeBlanc, known as the Collector in the art world, he has a reputation for making or breaking an artist in the industry. When he sets his sights on her as not only an artist but as a potential piece in his collection, we see a darker side of the Midnight Dynasty world since he's determined to have her and will do whatever it takes. The meetings between these two evolve their relationship as they connect on a deeper level. They definitely gave a slow burn story but their interactions are steamy and intense!
As the youngest of the Morelli's, Daphne has always been looked after by her brother Leo and when he learns of her 'stalker,' he'll do anything to keep her safe. Will Emerson's little obsession fall intl his hands or will she stay within the safety net of the Morelli family?
.....
This is my first Amelia Wilde book and second foray into the Morelli part of the Midnight Dynasty world, and I have to say these Morelli's are just as interesting as the Constantines if not more. Here we have Daphne Morelli, a different type of Morelli since she's absolutely insistent on making her on way in the art world as an artist instead of using any of her family's money or connections.
.....
“You’re looking at me like I’m art...You’re making me into a painting.”
.....
Enter Emerson LeBlanc, known as the Collector in the art world, he has a reputation for making or breaking an artist in the industry. When he sets his sights on her as not only an artist but as a potential piece in his collection, we see a darker side of the Midnight Dynasty world since he's determined to have her and will do whatever it takes. The meetings between these two evolve their relationship as they connect on a deeper level. They definitely gave a slow burn story but their interactions are steamy and intense!
As the youngest of the Morelli's, Daphne has always been looked after by her brother Leo and when he learns of her 'stalker,' he'll do anything to keep her safe. Will Emerson's little obsession fall intl his hands or will she stay within the safety net of the Morelli family?