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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?
thebusybookmom's review
5.0
Daphne is a wonderfully fresh new perspective from the Morelli family with an innocence that we haven't fully seen in this series considering where this family comes from. Emerson is a classic predator who is use to take all that he wants no matter the price, and he can pay whatever the price.
These two together are like fire to ice, and we know that fire will always win no matter how thick ice seems. Emerson is the very definition of anti-hero, and I am here for it. Daphne has a quiet strengths that had me rooting for her through the whole book, and wanting to help her find a way to beat Emerson through it all.
Wilde's Dark Reign is hark, beautiful, and haunting.
These two together are like fire to ice, and we know that fire will always win no matter how thick ice seems. Emerson is the very definition of anti-hero, and I am here for it. Daphne has a quiet strengths that had me rooting for her through the whole book, and wanting to help her find a way to beat Emerson through it all.
Wilde's Dark Reign is hark, beautiful, and haunting.
jst_m27's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
gretareadsromance's review
5.0
Dark Reign is another Midnight Dynasty win!
For me most of this book was such a mystery - I didn't know where the build up would be leading too. It held lots of information of other characters on the Morelli side but from Daphne's point of view. I do enjoy when stories weave together and we get to see them from all angles.
Daphne and Emerson are quite the pairing. Emerson is so mysterious and I can't wait until his back story unfolds more and we see what makes him tick. Daphne too with all her naivety and being sheltered by her brothers, seems to have a dark side emerging through her art and her new obsession with Emerson.
Their story is off to an amazing start and I can't wait to see where it leads us!
For me most of this book was such a mystery - I didn't know where the build up would be leading too. It held lots of information of other characters on the Morelli side but from Daphne's point of view. I do enjoy when stories weave together and we get to see them from all angles.
Daphne and Emerson are quite the pairing. Emerson is so mysterious and I can't wait until his back story unfolds more and we see what makes him tick. Daphne too with all her naivety and being sheltered by her brothers, seems to have a dark side emerging through her art and her new obsession with Emerson.
Their story is off to an amazing start and I can't wait to see where it leads us!
ijholets's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
theresarahel's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kfriend's review
5.0
What an enticing beginning! Dark Reign sizzles with Amelia Wilde's addicting sensual finesse- and it possessed me completely from start to finish. Daphne and Emerson's story is intoxicating and mesmerizing- an aching slow burn brimming with sexual tension, magnetic chemistry, and psychological intensity. Amelia brings such a creative approach to this story- a romantic progression that feel fresh and exciting, intriguing and mysterious. Prepare to be captivated- and desperate for more!
An enigmatic, possessive anti-hero and the innocent Morelli princess turned artist- these two are beyond yummy, and so intensely matched. I was captivated by both of them, and I need more!
Daphne is such an unexpected and compelling heroine. She’s radically different from the other Morelli’s we’ve met- and she’s been able to, more successfully than the others, distance herself a bit from her family's name and business. On the surface, she seems like your typical starving artist- young, consumed by her art, tied to her principles, and working tirelessly to find space for her art in the world. Unlike the other Morellis, she lives humbly, unassumingly, and quietly- until her path crosses with the enigmatic and domineering Emerson, the notorious Collector- who not only wants to collect her art, he sets his eyes on the artist. And what ensues is one of the most interesting games of cat and mouse I’ve ever read. Their connection, their chemistry mirrors the alluring nature of Daphne’s art. Fierce, emotionally consuming, delicate, vulnerable yet powerful. A veiled mystery that is somehow unsettling but familiar, mesmerizing and hopeful. They connect in a way that is so soulful, so compellingly - but their distance makes it all the more consuming yet perplexing. They desire each other- awaken one another, call to each other.
I just ADORED Daphne. She has the perfect Amelia Wilde combination of worldliness and innocence. She’s not naive or overly docile- she’s strong, thoughtful, optimistic, and sweet. I feel like Amelia gave her a lot of substance, and we can already see her character journey evolving. Amelia also brilliantly gave us a lot of Morelli family moments to help accentuate Daphne’s nature, to help give shape to just how she’s become who she is. And it’s also great fun for fans of the other books in this world. And Emerson is SO magnetic- a dangerous but charismatic puzzle. He’s not as fully realized as a character just yet- we know less about him, which makes him all the more intriguing. He has a lot of compelling contrasts as a character- he seems sincere and swoony at times, manipulative and ruthless in others. He certainly has the makings of a delicious anti-hero- but he feels far less transparent than other Amelia heroes. Less dangerously edgy and more emotionally threatening- and I can’t wait to unpack him more.
Narratively, this story was just so interesting- and felt quite different than the normal Midnight Dynasty or Amelia Wilde story. Because our couple spends very little time together- their chemistry evolution (as well as the physical nature of their relationship) is an intensely slow burn. Much of our story is spent with our characters circling each other from afar- transfixed by each other, trying to figure the other out, obsessing over the small but meaningful interactions they have. It makes for such a dynamic and enigmatic tone- it just builds and builds and builds. Amelia has clearly mastered the art of literary edging- because we become increasingly desperate to figure out just how their connection is going to play out. What is obsession and what is chemistry? What is fate and what is manipulation? And just what will it mean to be collected by the Collector?
IN some ways much of this story feels like a long prequel- we have a lot of immersive stage setting that hooks and compels, a slow and steady crescendo. We have a ton of emotional and romantic action that culminates in a cliffhanger. It’s consuming, it’s sweepingly sensual, and it is addictive. If the last few chapters of this book are a preview of what’s to come, this may be a new favorite from the always mesmerizing Amelia Wilde. I am DESPERATELY longing for the next book - for the artist and her collector’s story to continue.
An enigmatic, possessive anti-hero and the innocent Morelli princess turned artist- these two are beyond yummy, and so intensely matched. I was captivated by both of them, and I need more!
Daphne is such an unexpected and compelling heroine. She’s radically different from the other Morelli’s we’ve met- and she’s been able to, more successfully than the others, distance herself a bit from her family's name and business. On the surface, she seems like your typical starving artist- young, consumed by her art, tied to her principles, and working tirelessly to find space for her art in the world. Unlike the other Morellis, she lives humbly, unassumingly, and quietly- until her path crosses with the enigmatic and domineering Emerson, the notorious Collector- who not only wants to collect her art, he sets his eyes on the artist. And what ensues is one of the most interesting games of cat and mouse I’ve ever read. Their connection, their chemistry mirrors the alluring nature of Daphne’s art. Fierce, emotionally consuming, delicate, vulnerable yet powerful. A veiled mystery that is somehow unsettling but familiar, mesmerizing and hopeful. They connect in a way that is so soulful, so compellingly - but their distance makes it all the more consuming yet perplexing. They desire each other- awaken one another, call to each other.
I just ADORED Daphne. She has the perfect Amelia Wilde combination of worldliness and innocence. She’s not naive or overly docile- she’s strong, thoughtful, optimistic, and sweet. I feel like Amelia gave her a lot of substance, and we can already see her character journey evolving. Amelia also brilliantly gave us a lot of Morelli family moments to help accentuate Daphne’s nature, to help give shape to just how she’s become who she is. And it’s also great fun for fans of the other books in this world. And Emerson is SO magnetic- a dangerous but charismatic puzzle. He’s not as fully realized as a character just yet- we know less about him, which makes him all the more intriguing. He has a lot of compelling contrasts as a character- he seems sincere and swoony at times, manipulative and ruthless in others. He certainly has the makings of a delicious anti-hero- but he feels far less transparent than other Amelia heroes. Less dangerously edgy and more emotionally threatening- and I can’t wait to unpack him more.
Narratively, this story was just so interesting- and felt quite different than the normal Midnight Dynasty or Amelia Wilde story. Because our couple spends very little time together- their chemistry evolution (as well as the physical nature of their relationship) is an intensely slow burn. Much of our story is spent with our characters circling each other from afar- transfixed by each other, trying to figure the other out, obsessing over the small but meaningful interactions they have. It makes for such a dynamic and enigmatic tone- it just builds and builds and builds. Amelia has clearly mastered the art of literary edging- because we become increasingly desperate to figure out just how their connection is going to play out. What is obsession and what is chemistry? What is fate and what is manipulation? And just what will it mean to be collected by the Collector?
IN some ways much of this story feels like a long prequel- we have a lot of immersive stage setting that hooks and compels, a slow and steady crescendo. We have a ton of emotional and romantic action that culminates in a cliffhanger. It’s consuming, it’s sweepingly sensual, and it is addictive. If the last few chapters of this book are a preview of what’s to come, this may be a new favorite from the always mesmerizing Amelia Wilde. I am DESPERATELY longing for the next book - for the artist and her collector’s story to continue.
hannas_heas47's review
4.0
I really thought this was going to be more dark than it was. An obsessive man meets an artist and has to have her. This book is more than meets the eye type. Enjoyed it!
faewangji's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
reading this made me feel so unhinged i love the authors use of the ocean imagery and all the angst…. alll the angst…. i am changed.
tegan's review
3.0
Kinda reads like it’s not the first of a series. Like there is missing background info on the families, which may well be the case as it’s the first book I’ve read from this author.
Fairly slow paced, action, naturally, builds towards the end. Unsure if it’s enough for me to continue with the series though. Don’t know that the writing is for me.
Fairly slow paced, action, naturally, builds towards the end. Unsure if it’s enough for me to continue with the series though. Don’t know that the writing is for me.