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Empire Bay #1
Love After Never
Even the blackest souls need love…
Seedy underbellies and dark depravities don’t scare me. I’ve seen the worst and survived.
I’ve never seen a man like him before.
Gabriel Blackwell, the raven-haired demon of the underworld. He’s the sickest bastard of them all. He might also be a murder suspect.
If I’m going to do this job and see him behind bars, then I need to use my wits. I do not need to let him slide beneath my defenses the way his hand slips under my shirt.
I can’t stop myself.
And if I don’t, then I won’t make it out the other side of this case. My life hasn’t been anywhere close to easy. He wants me for his own. And a piece of me, the chaotic and traumatized part I barely acknowledge, wants him back. I’m not sure which one will be harder to resist.
18+ Romance. Love After Never is a full length dark romance with enemies to lovers themes, featuring a psychotic tormented hero and a badass heroine. Contains darker themes and lots of steamy scenes. Book 1 in the Empire Bay series.
Seedy underbellies and dark depravities don’t scare me. I’ve seen the worst and survived.
I’ve never seen a man like him before.
Gabriel Blackwell, the raven-haired demon of the underworld. He’s the sickest bastard of them all. He might also be a murder suspect.
If I’m going to do this job and see him behind bars, then I need to use my wits. I do not need to let him slide beneath my defenses the way his hand slips under my shirt.
I can’t stop myself.
And if I don’t, then I won’t make it out the other side of this case. My life hasn’t been anywhere close to easy. He wants me for his own. And a piece of me, the chaotic and traumatized part I barely acknowledge, wants him back. I’m not sure which one will be harder to resist.
18+ Romance. Love After Never is a full length dark romance with enemies to lovers themes, featuring a psychotic tormented hero and a badass heroine. Contains darker themes and lots of steamy scenes. Book 1 in the Empire Bay series.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2023
689 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
June 30, 2023
-enemies to lovers
-opposites attract
-Dom/Sub
Layla carries some emotional scares from her troubled past. Someone murdered her father, and she was the one who found him. The murderer had left a lighter as a calling card on her father's body that night, and now years later she sees the same design from the lighter tattooed on the back of the Dom she is watching perform on stage. Now she must use her detective skills to find out if this mystery man is the murderer or if it's all just one big coincidence.
I knocked this book out in less than a day! I found the plot to be intriguing, the characters to be interesting and I for the most part enjoyed the author's writing style.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥
There is some ow/om scenes in this book. Om is prior to the mcs meeting and ow is both before and shortly after they meet.
-opposites attract
-Dom/Sub
Layla carries some emotional scares from her troubled past. Someone murdered her father, and she was the one who found him. The murderer had left a lighter as a calling card on her father's body that night, and now years later she sees the same design from the lighter tattooed on the back of the Dom she is watching perform on stage. Now she must use her detective skills to find out if this mystery man is the murderer or if it's all just one big coincidence.
I knocked this book out in less than a day! I found the plot to be intriguing, the characters to be interesting and I for the most part enjoyed the author's writing style.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥
There is some ow/om scenes in this book. Om is prior to the mcs meeting and ow is both before and shortly after they meet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2023
A cop heroine and a con hero?
I like🫶
Also i like when the heroine can take a beating.
Gives them some sauce
I like🫶
Also i like when the heroine can take a beating.
Gives them some sauce
August 30, 2023
This is the first book in the Empire Bay series. It is a dark romance, so make sure to check the trigger warnings.
Layla Sinclair is a detective. She’s very rigid in her routines and is very good at her job. What propels her to solve murders is the murder of her father. She had been a child and the case was never solved.
Gabriel Blackwell is a performer at sex clubs, but he is also so much more. He is also the Reaper and carries out the hits on certain people.
When they meet, they don’t get off on the right foot. She recognizes something on him that ties in to her father’s death. But in order to figure out what his connection is, she has to investigate further and talk to him.
This was a good story and the spice was great! There was a lot of action and the whole “whodunnit” aspect with some twists thrown in. Now, I will say that I feel like the ending was rushed. After the murderer was discovered, and other stuff went down concerning Layla, the story kind of just jumped. I thought there would be a cliffhanger, but there isn’t one. I do wish that there was more about what happened in between because it left me with so many questions. Despite that, I enjoyed this story.
Tropes:
Dark Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Forbidden
Knife Play
Breath Play
Power Play
Dominant Crime Lord
Dubious Consent
Layla Sinclair is a detective. She’s very rigid in her routines and is very good at her job. What propels her to solve murders is the murder of her father. She had been a child and the case was never solved.
Gabriel Blackwell is a performer at sex clubs, but he is also so much more. He is also the Reaper and carries out the hits on certain people.
When they meet, they don’t get off on the right foot. She recognizes something on him that ties in to her father’s death. But in order to figure out what his connection is, she has to investigate further and talk to him.
This was a good story and the spice was great! There was a lot of action and the whole “whodunnit” aspect with some twists thrown in. Now, I will say that I feel like the ending was rushed. After the murderer was discovered, and other stuff went down concerning Layla, the story kind of just jumped. I thought there would be a cliffhanger, but there isn’t one. I do wish that there was more about what happened in between because it left me with so many questions. Despite that, I enjoyed this story.
Tropes:
Dark Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Forbidden
Knife Play
Breath Play
Power Play
Dominant Crime Lord
Dubious Consent
July 10, 2023
Read this book in one day. Exactly what I needed to get me out of a slump after reading several bad books in a row.
It was a bit repetitive with the daddy issues. We get it, you have trauma. But Daddy Thor has my whole ass. Love him.
It was a bit repetitive with the daddy issues. We get it, you have trauma. But Daddy Thor has my whole ass. Love him.
July 8, 2023
i'm gonna need my eyes bleached after reading this. it was horrible.
July 16, 2023
3.5 🌶️⭐️
I did not expect to love this book, but I did.
The main characters were a great enemies to lovers and I enjoyed delving into their story.
The only reason it didn’t rate higher for me was it wasn’t as dark of a romance as I was expecting, and I wanted a bit more.
I did not expect to love this book, but I did.
The main characters were a great enemies to lovers and I enjoyed delving into their story.
The only reason it didn’t rate higher for me was it wasn’t as dark of a romance as I was expecting, and I wanted a bit more.
July 2, 2023
DNF @80 % or so.
I know, I know. Why did I stop reading so close to the finish? Well, usually I'd read until the end but this book just kind of dragged.
It went sooo well in the beginning. They met in a sex club, she basically accused him of murder and he wanted to prove her wrong so they kind of formed an alliance (but it was also kind of friends + friends with benefits vibes).
She is a cop, he is a criminal. She doesn't have many friends and had a heavy past and he was the guy who only works, and doesn't trust people at all.
They were a perfect combination.
But after something terrible happens (spoiler I was kind of down because I really liked this character and the book just lost interest. I'd finish it if it wasn't so slow but after the tragedy the set and feeling of the book was blue and it just wasn't something I was in the mood for at the time.
So this still might be the book for some, I am disappointed I can't count this book in my reading challenge but even after reading another book I just couldn't get back to reading this one.
Some people may like it and finish it, but this just wasn't for me and I didn't want to write a negative review after release day and then I just forget or wasn't in the mood to write one.
Again, just my opinion, and since I read almost the whole book I will review it and give it 1 star.
I know, I know. Why did I stop reading so close to the finish? Well, usually I'd read until the end but this book just kind of dragged.
It went sooo well in the beginning. They met in a sex club, she basically accused him of murder and he wanted to prove her wrong so they kind of formed an alliance (but it was also kind of friends + friends with benefits vibes).
She is a cop, he is a criminal. She doesn't have many friends and had a heavy past and he was the guy who only works, and doesn't trust people at all.
They were a perfect combination.
But after something terrible happens (spoiler I was kind of down because I really liked this character and the book just lost interest. I'd finish it if it wasn't so slow but after the tragedy the set and feeling of the book was blue and it just wasn't something I was in the mood for at the time.
So this still might be the book for some, I am disappointed I can't count this book in my reading challenge but even after reading another book I just couldn't get back to reading this one.
Some people may like it and finish it, but this just wasn't for me and I didn't want to write a negative review after release day and then I just forget or wasn't in the mood to write one.
Again, just my opinion, and since I read almost the whole book I will review it and give it 1 star.
May 22, 2024
I was honestly not a fan of this one. I liked the concept, but the execution really fell flat, and I really had to force myself to finish the book. In my opinion, the writing was just not good and really failed the story. It had a chance to be an epic dark love story with a badass female main character, but it just disappointed. I did not care for the characters at all. The two main characters had zero chemistry and just did not hook me like I wanted. There is an element of a dom/sub relationship, but it seems the author had a small amount of knowledge of the kink and just ran with it. Just was not the story for me, and for a story that's supposed to be dark, it really wasn't.
June 8, 2023
This was a great start to a new series. With this book being the author's debate novel it was very good. I loved reading this sub/ Dom / cop / Mafia character rich book. The Chemistry Between Layla and Gabriel was addicting. There are a lot of twists and turns. I could not put this down and ended up staying awake till the wee hours of the morning. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
July 17, 2024
Ya me he leído con este, tres libros de romance oscuro y creo que ya entendí que no es lo mío. Me lo terminé solo por no dejarlo incompleto, pero qué difícil que fue leerlo, el desarrollo de los personajes no me gustó nadita y no sentí ni la conexión ni atracción entre personajes ¿Y la historia? Aburrida.
June 7, 2023
This is my 1st book by Melanie, and i absolutely love it. This book was so good, and i was so glad i had the opportunity to be one of her ARC Readers to review for an honest review.
This book is amazing it has spicy 🌶🌶🌶 scenes and a really, really good story. I can't wait for Book 2.
This book is amazing it has spicy 🌶🌶🌶 scenes and a really, really good story. I can't wait for Book 2.
July 24, 2023
Not bad!!
3.5 ⭐️
It was good overall...not bad!!
The MMC is not my fave, but the FMC is a strong girl who can take punches well.
3.5 ⭐️
It was good overall...not bad!!
The MMC is not my fave, but the FMC is a strong girl who can take punches well.
July 26, 2023
the “twist” was so expected. and only half thought out. felt like the author just remembered the beginning of the story and tried to tie the loose end up in any way possible. so annoying at the end when she got abducted. like obviously he was playing a part and didn’t actually want to hurt her. i get so annoyed in books at this point cause it’s like.. duh.
the backstory about the mom of the fmc just felt unnecessary. it could have been anything, or nothing, but i felt adding in the rape was just unnecessary and didn’t move the story or character arc along at all. if it went somewhere then i could see that. but it was simply for a shock factor and i felt that to be a little disrespectful tbh.
the sex was pretty eh tbh. i expected more. the whole thing in the beginning was that he was supposed to be dominating. i expected to see him lower his guard too, not just her. and for there to be more of a back and forth, power struggle. really disappointing that it was basically immediate. just another girl falling over a guy and changing everything right away.
the backstory about the mom of the fmc just felt unnecessary. it could have been anything, or nothing, but i felt adding in the rape was just unnecessary and didn’t move the story or character arc along at all. if it went somewhere then i could see that. but it was simply for a shock factor and i felt that to be a little disrespectful tbh.
the sex was pretty eh tbh. i expected more. the whole thing in the beginning was that he was supposed to be dominating. i expected to see him lower his guard too, not just her. and for there to be more of a back and forth, power struggle. really disappointing that it was basically immediate. just another girl falling over a guy and changing everything right away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2023
This book had a cool storyline and concept, I literally only gave it 3 stars instead of four because I wanted more depth between the two main characters and honestly more scenes with them lol! Otherwise I liked the premise and idea and all the plot:)
July 26, 2023
I loved the story, the character development, and the ending was good. A good enemies to lovers book :) I wish there was more interaction between Layla’s partner and Gabriel and the dynamic between them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2023
It took me a few chapters to get into this one. It definitely had intrigue early on so that may have been my mood or energy when I started reading.
I really loved the murder/mystery plot. I love SVU and Chicago PD so that type of stuff is right up my alley! The cop/murderer romance is always interesting to me. I enjoyed how they worked together with somewhat of a don’t ask don’t tell vibe. They just got each other, saw their own darkness in the other and clung to it. Bonus points in my rating because I never had a guess as to who the murderer was. The person who was responsible was never even on my radar as a suspect!
Once I got into the story, after the first chapter at Velvet Underground, I didn’t want to put the story down but the epilogue actually came kind of quick for me. I would’ve liked another chapter or two in between. How did Gabriel cover his tracks? What kind of turmoil did Layla experience after he left her apartment that night? How did they keep themselves together before things culminate in the epilogue? It felt like the in-between or at least the immediately after could’ve made a difference, made you even more attached to the story.
Even with those thoughts, the mystery and suspense were really fun, the spice was good, and I really loved Layla and Gabriel. They were so broken, interesting, dark and light at the same time. I really enjoyed how they were written and developed so overall I enjoyed the book!
I really loved the murder/mystery plot. I love SVU and Chicago PD so that type of stuff is right up my alley! The cop/murderer romance is always interesting to me. I enjoyed how they worked together with somewhat of a don’t ask don’t tell vibe. They just got each other, saw their own darkness in the other and clung to it. Bonus points in my rating because I never had a guess as to who the murderer was. The person who was responsible was never even on my radar as a suspect!
Once I got into the story, after the first chapter at Velvet Underground, I didn’t want to put the story down but the epilogue actually came kind of quick for me. I would’ve liked another chapter or two in between. How did Gabriel cover his tracks? What kind of turmoil did Layla experience after he left her apartment that night? How did they keep themselves together before things culminate in the epilogue? It felt like the in-between or at least the immediately after could’ve made a difference, made you even more attached to the story.
Even with those thoughts, the mystery and suspense were really fun, the spice was good, and I really loved Layla and Gabriel. They were so broken, interesting, dark and light at the same time. I really enjoyed how they were written and developed so overall I enjoyed the book!
June 5, 2023
"I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review"
This story revolves around the tumultuous relationship between FMC and MMC, Layla and Gabriel, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. Kingsley skillfully weaves together a narrative that explores the power dynamics between these characters, creating a captivating blend of tension, desire, and vulnerability. It did start slow but once I got into it- it was amazing!
One of the standout features in my opinion of this book is the author's ability to delve deep into the psychology of the characters. By providing insightful glimpses into their pasts and motivations, Kingsley adds layers of complexity that make the characters feel genuine and multi-dimensional. Their emotional struggles and personal growth throughout the story contribute to the depth and authenticity of their connection.
Melanie Kingsley's writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions that bring the settings and emotions to life. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, maintaining a constant sense of anticipation and keeping readers invested in the outcome. The dialogue is sharp and filled with tension, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the characters' interactions.
It is a must-read for fans of dark romance, taboo relationships, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, and those interested in BDSM themes.
This story revolves around the tumultuous relationship between FMC and MMC, Layla and Gabriel, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. Kingsley skillfully weaves together a narrative that explores the power dynamics between these characters, creating a captivating blend of tension, desire, and vulnerability. It did start slow but once I got into it- it was amazing!
One of the standout features in my opinion of this book is the author's ability to delve deep into the psychology of the characters. By providing insightful glimpses into their pasts and motivations, Kingsley adds layers of complexity that make the characters feel genuine and multi-dimensional. Their emotional struggles and personal growth throughout the story contribute to the depth and authenticity of their connection.
Melanie Kingsley's writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions that bring the settings and emotions to life. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, maintaining a constant sense of anticipation and keeping readers invested in the outcome. The dialogue is sharp and filled with tension, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the characters' interactions.
It is a must-read for fans of dark romance, taboo relationships, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, and those interested in BDSM themes.
July 31, 2023
I enjoyed it but the ending was a bit meh. Something was missing.
July 6, 2023
I really wanted to like this book. I was excited about a romance with a thriller/mystery element. I liked the idea of the FMC being a detective, and the MMC being on the wrong side of the law. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t my vibe.
The smut was OK, but the plot was definitely a second story line to the socks. The mystery/murder they were trying to solve, didn’t make any sense. And the conclusion just wasn’t satisfying. I thought this was a whole series, but it was just a standalone, which meant that the mystery itself was quite rushed. The book dragged a lot, and I just never got super invested in their relationship or the story.
The smut was OK, but the plot was definitely a second story line to the socks. The mystery/murder they were trying to solve, didn’t make any sense. And the conclusion just wasn’t satisfying. I thought this was a whole series, but it was just a standalone, which meant that the mystery itself was quite rushed. The book dragged a lot, and I just never got super invested in their relationship or the story.
August 9, 2023
3.5 stars.
June 11, 2023
So are you telling me chapter 7 wasn’t considered cheating? (It also felt unnecessary)
Ew
Lost me there and that equals a one star rating 🤗
Ew
Lost me there and that equals a one star rating 🤗
June 5, 2023
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
In this first book of the Empire Bay series we meet two totally opposite characters who work together to solve the mystery of just who is murdering some girls and setting up the well-established drug ring, the Blackmarket Syndicate’s contract killer. But it’s so much more!
Gabriel Blackwell, aka the Reaper, for the Blackmarket Syndicate is basically sex on legs! He has no issues getting the girls to succumb to his charms and is a keen performer in sex clubs. What his whole story is we’ll have to wait until book two, Love After Darkness, and I can’t wait. Gabriel has no qualms killing the people who he believes are unworthy of living anymore or are basically bad guys. He does though look closely at his marks though, which to me shows he has a conscious.
Detective Layla Sinclair meets Gabriel while investigating the murders of some young women, all in a distinct manner. Her father had been killed with one similar clue and this mystery has plagued Layla since she was a child. She seeks the answers and retribution in the legal system but together with Gabriel she discovers that grey area between by the book and throw the book out.
Both lead characters are headstrong and determined to do things their way. Both uncover truths and answers changes their lives. As each piece of both puzzles, Layla’s father’s murder and the young women’s, it gets murkier and murkier. Alongside this is the relationship between Gabriel and Layla, not your average one but extremely intense and exciting. They are incredibly compatible in many ways but none more so than in their passion, which is shared in many scenes.
In this enemies to lovers story, they truly are opposites, but as the saying goes, they definitely are attracted to each other like magnets. This is a fast-paced book and very easy to read and become absorbed into the storyline.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
In this first book of the Empire Bay series we meet two totally opposite characters who work together to solve the mystery of just who is murdering some girls and setting up the well-established drug ring, the Blackmarket Syndicate’s contract killer. But it’s so much more!
Gabriel Blackwell, aka the Reaper, for the Blackmarket Syndicate is basically sex on legs! He has no issues getting the girls to succumb to his charms and is a keen performer in sex clubs. What his whole story is we’ll have to wait until book two, Love After Darkness, and I can’t wait. Gabriel has no qualms killing the people who he believes are unworthy of living anymore or are basically bad guys. He does though look closely at his marks though, which to me shows he has a conscious.
Detective Layla Sinclair meets Gabriel while investigating the murders of some young women, all in a distinct manner. Her father had been killed with one similar clue and this mystery has plagued Layla since she was a child. She seeks the answers and retribution in the legal system but together with Gabriel she discovers that grey area between by the book and throw the book out.
Both lead characters are headstrong and determined to do things their way. Both uncover truths and answers changes their lives. As each piece of both puzzles, Layla’s father’s murder and the young women’s, it gets murkier and murkier. Alongside this is the relationship between Gabriel and Layla, not your average one but extremely intense and exciting. They are incredibly compatible in many ways but none more so than in their passion, which is shared in many scenes.
In this enemies to lovers story, they truly are opposites, but as the saying goes, they definitely are attracted to each other like magnets. This is a fast-paced book and very easy to read and become absorbed into the storyline.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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June 5, 2023
**ARC REVIEW**
This was the debut novel for Melanie Kingsley and this was a very good book!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Dark Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden, Steamy, Knife Play, Power Play, Strong Heroine, Dominant Crime Lord - please read the trigger warnings before reading this book!!
Layla Sinclair is a detective searching for answers on the murder of her father but so far none of the leads have gotten her anywhere. One minute her dad was telling her to count to 100 and that he would be back and the next thing she knows she find his dead body.
Layla likes to be in control of the things in her life especially when it comes to men. She is no submissive! Her friend Taney suggests she goes to the Velvet underground club to unwind and tells her there is a new dom putting on a show. This is when she meets Gabriel Blackwell. She is shocked to discover he has a tattoo that matches the graphic on the lighter that was left at the scene of her dad's murder. She believes he could be the person who murdered her father or he knows who did. She was going to find out!
Melanie Kingsley did the enemies to lovers trope justice with this book! The hate between Layla and Gabriel was fiery but I loved how the attraction was still there despite how taboo it was.
They were true opposites - he is a killer - "the goddamn reaper" and she is a detective, dedicated to uphold the law
The spicy scenes were so good!!!
"The way you tremble at the blade, I can only imagine what my cock will do to you," he whispers.
I felt like the ending was a bit rushed as I thought it was going to end on a cliffhanger but it didn't and I feel like there is part of a timeline missing that I want to know more of what went down!
I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and I am looking forward to Love After Darkness out in September!!!
Thank you to The Author Agency and Melanie Kingsley for providing me with the arc to read and review :) This review is my own honest opinion on the book.
This was the debut novel for Melanie Kingsley and this was a very good book!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Dark Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden, Steamy, Knife Play, Power Play, Strong Heroine, Dominant Crime Lord - please read the trigger warnings before reading this book!!
Layla Sinclair is a detective searching for answers on the murder of her father but so far none of the leads have gotten her anywhere. One minute her dad was telling her to count to 100 and that he would be back and the next thing she knows she find his dead body.
Layla likes to be in control of the things in her life especially when it comes to men. She is no submissive! Her friend Taney suggests she goes to the Velvet underground club to unwind and tells her there is a new dom putting on a show. This is when she meets Gabriel Blackwell. She is shocked to discover he has a tattoo that matches the graphic on the lighter that was left at the scene of her dad's murder. She believes he could be the person who murdered her father or he knows who did. She was going to find out!
Melanie Kingsley did the enemies to lovers trope justice with this book! The hate between Layla and Gabriel was fiery but I loved how the attraction was still there despite how taboo it was.
They were true opposites - he is a killer - "the goddamn reaper" and she is a detective, dedicated to uphold the law
The spicy scenes were so good!!!
"The way you tremble at the blade, I can only imagine what my cock will do to you," he whispers.
I felt like the ending was a bit rushed as I thought it was going to end on a cliffhanger but it didn't and I feel like there is part of a timeline missing that I want to know more of what went down!
I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and I am looking forward to Love After Darkness out in September!!!
Thank you to The Author Agency and Melanie Kingsley for providing me with the arc to read and review :) This review is my own honest opinion on the book.
June 15, 2023
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Layla Sinclair has been searching for answers all her life, and the seasoned detective will stop at nothing to get them. The biggest mystery in her life has been her father's brutal murder, and just when she was about to put that cold case on the backburner, a lead sent her on Gabriel Devlin's path.
But Gabriel is no regular at the spicy club she frequents. He is also the right-hand man of the man who has a stronghold on Empire Bay. Now he has been tasked to figure out who's been trying to undermine his boss. Will the woman who has captured his attention be collateral damage to his mission?
Melanie Kingsley's dark debut grabbed my attention from the get-go and never let up. Every page flip leads us through a roller coaster full of emotion, suspense, and -- most importantly -- spice. Gabriel and Layla's chemistry was absolutely divine. Even their adversarial interactions held so much tension. I love that Kingsley maintains the main characters' headstrong personalities throughout the arc, but subtly infuses details and charisma along the way so that we're not surprised when two broken people find love..in the most unexpected way.
This is a dark read, so mind your content warnings. It is the first of the series and can be read as a standalone. I will, however, wait not-so-patiently for Book 2's release.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Melanie Kingsley and The Author Agency for providing an ARC. **
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Layla Sinclair has been searching for answers all her life, and the seasoned detective will stop at nothing to get them. The biggest mystery in her life has been her father's brutal murder, and just when she was about to put that cold case on the backburner, a lead sent her on Gabriel Devlin's path.
But Gabriel is no regular at the spicy club she frequents. He is also the right-hand man of the man who has a stronghold on Empire Bay. Now he has been tasked to figure out who's been trying to undermine his boss. Will the woman who has captured his attention be collateral damage to his mission?
Melanie Kingsley's dark debut grabbed my attention from the get-go and never let up. Every page flip leads us through a roller coaster full of emotion, suspense, and -- most importantly -- spice. Gabriel and Layla's chemistry was absolutely divine. Even their adversarial interactions held so much tension. I love that Kingsley maintains the main characters' headstrong personalities throughout the arc, but subtly infuses details and charisma along the way so that we're not surprised when two broken people find love..in the most unexpected way.
This is a dark read, so mind your content warnings. It is the first of the series and can be read as a standalone. I will, however, wait not-so-patiently for Book 2's release.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Melanie Kingsley and The Author Agency for providing an ARC. **
June 2, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. I prefer books that don’t start off slow, and this book brought not only the smut I was looking for within the first few chapters, but had a storyline that I was captivated with. This book does have some triggers that I could see being issues for others, so make sure to check those. Considering some of the other books I’ve read this was not as dark as others. I enjoyed the suspense/thriller aspect of the book, but did see who the main bad guy was from the get go. I do happen to make the assumption from the beginning, so I might be a bad person for that LOL.
This book is a dual POV and has a strong female character. I enjoyed that Layla (FMC) was strong, and considered herself a dominant to begin with. Gabriel (MMC) was a dominant as well, so reading that alpha-hole portion was enjoyable. They book is an enemies-to-lovers and the spice was very well written. I would have enjoyed more D/s portions, but the book had a lot going for the plot. The epilogue left me wanting a big more from the storyline, but was decently written. I definitely lost some sleep reading this book, and it was pretty worth it. Starting the epilogue I was a little mad that I had lost sleep, but by the time the book ended I was much happier that while sleep was lost it was worth it. If a strong female character, who can kick some butt, is something you enjoy this is a great book for you.
There’s a second already in the works from what it looks like, and while I enjoyed this one I might not read the second. I think by exploring a bit more of the D/s relationship (should that book have it) I would be more inclined to read it. Depending on the theme of the book I would consider reading it.
This book is a dual POV and has a strong female character. I enjoyed that Layla (FMC) was strong, and considered herself a dominant to begin with. Gabriel (MMC) was a dominant as well, so reading that alpha-hole portion was enjoyable. They book is an enemies-to-lovers and the spice was very well written. I would have enjoyed more D/s portions, but the book had a lot going for the plot. The epilogue left me wanting a big more from the storyline, but was decently written. I definitely lost some sleep reading this book, and it was pretty worth it. Starting the epilogue I was a little mad that I had lost sleep, but by the time the book ended I was much happier that while sleep was lost it was worth it. If a strong female character, who can kick some butt, is something you enjoy this is a great book for you.
There’s a second already in the works from what it looks like, and while I enjoyed this one I might not read the second. I think by exploring a bit more of the D/s relationship (should that book have it) I would be more inclined to read it. Depending on the theme of the book I would consider reading it.
June 2, 2023
“Are you always such a stone-cold bitch?” // “Sometimes. On Tuesdays I like to really go for broke. Too bad it’s not Tuesday.”
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Spice: 4 / 5(for me personally)
Definitely heed the trigger warnings if they apply.
If you are a fan of natural enemies to lovers, strong main characters (male and female), and spice, this is definitely one you don’t want to miss. At a glance this book checked a lot of boxes for me and let me tell you…it did not disappoint.
Layla and Gabriel are immediately at odds. They are natural-born enemies, but who can deny the attraction? Not these two, that’s for sure. Both of our main characters are snappy, snarky, and ready with their quick-wit and sarcastic comments. I am a sucker for witty banter and this checked that box more than once.
From page one, we were immersed in Empire Bay, New Jersey (as someone from New Jersey, I can appreciate the accurate imagery drawn here). Layla and Gabriel’s stories unfold simultaneously and they come together so beautifully.
The writing is wonderful. Kingsley makes it easy to get lost in her world of good versus evil / right versus wrong. If dark romance, strong dark themes, and graphic violence don’t scare you away, take a chance on this book. I’m glad I did.
“If anything happens to her then I won’t be a man anymore. I’ll be a beast with nothing but fangs and claws and thirst.”
*I received an ARC copy from The Author Agency in exchange for an honest review.*
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Spice: 4 / 5
Definitely heed the trigger warnings if they apply.
If you are a fan of natural enemies to lovers, strong main characters (male and female), and spice, this is definitely one you don’t want to miss. At a glance this book checked a lot of boxes for me and let me tell you…it did not disappoint.
Layla and Gabriel are immediately at odds. They are natural-born enemies, but who can deny the attraction? Not these two, that’s for sure. Both of our main characters are snappy, snarky, and ready with their quick-wit and sarcastic comments. I am a sucker for witty banter and this checked that box more than once.
From page one, we were immersed in Empire Bay, New Jersey (as someone from New Jersey, I can appreciate the accurate imagery drawn here). Layla and Gabriel’s stories unfold simultaneously and they come together so beautifully.
The writing is wonderful. Kingsley makes it easy to get lost in her world of good versus evil / right versus wrong. If dark romance, strong dark themes, and graphic violence don’t scare you away, take a chance on this book. I’m glad I did.
“If anything happens to her then I won’t be a man anymore. I’ll be a beast with nothing but fangs and claws and thirst.”
*I received an ARC copy from The Author Agency in exchange for an honest review.*
June 4, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Dark Romance
✨BDSM
✨Contract Killer
•Dual POV
•Stand-alone
This book was good! This is Melanie’s debut novel and it did not disappoint! 😍
Layla is a detective and is constantly looking into any connections that had to do with her father’s death. He passed years ago, but there was a significant lighter left at the crime scene that she took to look into. Ever since his passing, Layla has been a shell of who she is. She needs to be dominate, not only as a cop, but in the bedroom as well. When she goes to a sex club one night, she sees Gabriel, who ends up having the same tattoo as the image on the lighter she keeps. What Layla soon finds out, is that Gabriel is a hired contract killer, but swears he didn’t kill her father. They end up working together to figure out new clues & information and along the way, they start to develop real feelings for one another. But, what happens when Gabriel’s bosses find out who Layla is and want her gone?
This book had all the steam, as well as the mystery of finding new clues to fill in the blanks on Layla’s father’s murder. This book hooked me in from the beginning and I kept wanting to find out more about who was responsible, but I also loved seeing Gabriel & Layla’s relationship grow into more than just instant attraction. I loved it and I can’t wait for the next book! ❤️
Favorite Quote:
“It’s asinine for us to trust each other. Yet he sits there letting me cling to him, while we both pry off the scar tissue and expose the rawness of our wounds. Those kinds of wounds that never really heal.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Dark Romance
✨BDSM
✨Contract Killer
•Dual POV
•Stand-alone
This book was good! This is Melanie’s debut novel and it did not disappoint! 😍
Layla is a detective and is constantly looking into any connections that had to do with her father’s death. He passed years ago, but there was a significant lighter left at the crime scene that she took to look into. Ever since his passing, Layla has been a shell of who she is. She needs to be dominate, not only as a cop, but in the bedroom as well. When she goes to a sex club one night, she sees Gabriel, who ends up having the same tattoo as the image on the lighter she keeps. What Layla soon finds out, is that Gabriel is a hired contract killer, but swears he didn’t kill her father. They end up working together to figure out new clues & information and along the way, they start to develop real feelings for one another. But, what happens when Gabriel’s bosses find out who Layla is and want her gone?
This book had all the steam, as well as the mystery of finding new clues to fill in the blanks on Layla’s father’s murder. This book hooked me in from the beginning and I kept wanting to find out more about who was responsible, but I also loved seeing Gabriel & Layla’s relationship grow into more than just instant attraction. I loved it and I can’t wait for the next book! ❤️
Favorite Quote:
“It’s asinine for us to trust each other. Yet he sits there letting me cling to him, while we both pry off the scar tissue and expose the rawness of our wounds. Those kinds of wounds that never really heal.”
August 20, 2023
I have some mixed feelings about this one. It's pretty dark, and I'm not sure it's the genre for me. I love the suspense, the tension between the leads, and the uncertainty of their relationship. I'm a fan of BDSM, but the physical violence between the leads gives me some pause. I'm unsure if that's part of dark romance per se. If so, I can't say that's my kind of thing.
The sex is pretty good but lacks emotion. The passion is limited, although there's some heat. I'd love to see more emotion between the leads. I will add that the non-relationship sex, like one of the first scenes with the male lead, was smokin. No problem with more of that. Yes, please!
The leads were interesting characters. The male lead was fascinating. His background, his job, even his sex club activities were super interesting. I liked his "greyness," as he wasn't a good guy or bad guy by definition. The female lead had some great characteristics, but I found her endless obsession with her father really over the top and ultimately tiring. While she seemed quite the badass, she was also erratic to the point of confusion. Her violent responses to her own desires for the male lead were confusing and brittle. It was a turnoff. It also felt that the male lead had far more to lose, and extended himself a great deal more. This uneven behavior was kind of turnoff too.
The plot was interesting, but it didn't come together as I expected. The ending was sort of sweet. Again, I didn't feel the emotion I expected between the two.
I'm still unsure if this genre is for me.
The sex is pretty good but lacks emotion. The passion is limited, although there's some heat. I'd love to see more emotion between the leads. I will add that the non-relationship sex, like one of the first scenes with the male lead, was smokin. No problem with more of that. Yes, please!
The leads were interesting characters. The male lead was fascinating. His background, his job, even his sex club activities were super interesting. I liked his "greyness," as he wasn't a good guy or bad guy by definition. The female lead had some great characteristics, but I found her endless obsession with her father really over the top and ultimately tiring. While she seemed quite the badass, she was also erratic to the point of confusion. Her violent responses to her own desires for the male lead were confusing and brittle. It was a turnoff. It also felt that the male lead had far more to lose, and extended himself a great deal more. This uneven behavior was kind of turnoff too.
The plot was interesting, but it didn't come together as I expected. The ending was sort of sweet. Again, I didn't feel the emotion I expected between the two.
I'm still unsure if this genre is for me.
June 7, 2023
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲 (𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 1 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐲 𝐃𝐮𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲)
Book released on: 5.06.2023
Blurb/synopsis in the comments 🖤
♡𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔♡
🖤Dark romance
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Forbidden
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Knife play/breath play
🖤Badass heroine
🖤Psychotic tormented hero
🖤Dub/con
🖤Steamy
🖤HEA
♡𝑪𝑾𝒔♡
Includes extreme violence, strong language, dubious content, and sexual situations.
♡𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 (𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓-𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆)♡
This book was, I tell you, it was soooo DAMN good!! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥🔪
The plot, the characters, the spice – you name it <3333
This was my first book by the author and believe me, I was hooked from the start 🥹🥹🥹
Gabriel Blackwell has me wrapped around the throat. This big, bad and dangerous “reaper” is an epitome of sexyness 😩😩😩😩💗
Layla is our badass detective, and i screamed and gushed at their stupid banters which in a way, heightened their already electrifying attraction 👀👌🏻
I was fully intrigued with the whole book and loved every bit of it.
The mature scenes were to die for *too hot* 🫀🫀🫀🔪
I admired Layla’s courage throughout and LOVEDDD how both of their feelings grew with time 💖
This book definitely has EVERYTHING which I crave in a dark romance and I was not a bit disappointed 🥹
Can’t wait to read more of Devan’s story in book 2!
Thank you @theauthor.agency & @authormelaniekingsley for this ARC in exchange of my honest review 🖤
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Book released on: 5.06.2023
Blurb/synopsis in the comments 🖤
♡𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔♡
🖤Dark romance
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤Forbidden
🖤Forced proximity
🖤Knife play/breath play
🖤Badass heroine
🖤Psychotic tormented hero
🖤Dub/con
🖤Steamy
🖤HEA
♡𝑪𝑾𝒔♡
Includes extreme violence, strong language, dubious content, and sexual situations.
♡𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 (𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓-𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆)♡
This book was, I tell you, it was soooo DAMN good!! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥🔪
The plot, the characters, the spice – you name it <3333
This was my first book by the author and believe me, I was hooked from the start 🥹🥹🥹
Gabriel Blackwell has me wrapped around the throat. This big, bad and dangerous “reaper” is an epitome of sexyness 😩😩😩😩💗
Layla is our badass detective, and i screamed and gushed at their stupid banters which in a way, heightened their already electrifying attraction 👀👌🏻
I was fully intrigued with the whole book and loved every bit of it.
The mature scenes were to die for *too hot* 🫀🫀🫀🔪
I admired Layla’s courage throughout and LOVEDDD how both of their feelings grew with time 💖
This book definitely has EVERYTHING which I crave in a dark romance and I was not a bit disappointed 🥹
Can’t wait to read more of Devan’s story in book 2!
Thank you @theauthor.agency & @authormelaniekingsley for this ARC in exchange of my honest review 🖤
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
June 12, 2023
What a fantastic, suspenseful, and thrilling story this was from start to finish. I was instantly hooked on this story, and once I started I could not put it down. It was a dark and twisted rollercoaster ride that had me gripping my kindle tightly, biting my nails with anxiety, and gasping at every shocking turn the story took.
Layla and Gabriel share similar demons in their pasts and carry around darkness everywhere they go. Layla is a detective hell bent on finding the person who killed her father years ago. Gabriel is a paid assassin working for the Blackmarket Syndicate. When their worlds collide, they discover that by helping each other out they both will get the answers they are looking for. And maybe something they didn’t bargain for in the end!
These two play a dangerous game of disliking each other, continually throwing jabs back and forth, but slowly they let their guards down and realize that the sexual tension between them was so intense and on the verge of exploding. All they needed to do was give in to it! And together they would burn the house down! And my panties along with it!
”If anything happens to her then I won’t be a man anymore. I’ll be a beast with nothing but fangs and claws and thirst.”
This was a fantastic story with all kinds of suspense, action, violence, drama, passion and an undeniable love. I was captivated by these two and need a future story on where they both are now!
Layla and Gabriel share similar demons in their pasts and carry around darkness everywhere they go. Layla is a detective hell bent on finding the person who killed her father years ago. Gabriel is a paid assassin working for the Blackmarket Syndicate. When their worlds collide, they discover that by helping each other out they both will get the answers they are looking for. And maybe something they didn’t bargain for in the end!
These two play a dangerous game of disliking each other, continually throwing jabs back and forth, but slowly they let their guards down and realize that the sexual tension between them was so intense and on the verge of exploding. All they needed to do was give in to it! And together they would burn the house down! And my panties along with it!
”If anything happens to her then I won’t be a man anymore. I’ll be a beast with nothing but fangs and claws and thirst.”
This was a fantastic story with all kinds of suspense, action, violence, drama, passion and an undeniable love. I was captivated by these two and need a future story on where they both are now!
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