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Sin City Heat #2.5
Beginning of an Eclipse
The measure of a man can be defined in many ways: the way he handles conflict, accepting responsibility for his actions, and how he learns from his mistakes.
After being dumped off in an orphanage by his mother when he was only seven years old, life forces Darrell Monroe to quickly grow up at an early age. The only one he trusts is his best friend, Marcus Bennett. As teens, the two run away and learn how to survive in a cold world that’s either do or die. Knowing there has to be something more than the mean streets of Philly, they eventually move to Las Vegas.
Once there, Darrell runs into the woman who will ultimately change his life. Roni Winston is not looking to invite trouble into her life. Men as arrogant, good looking, and sexy as Darrell Monroe are the definition of the word. Not only is he way too young for her, she doesn’t mix business with pleasure. When she hires him as an exotic dancer for her club, Eclipse is born and his star quickly rises in Sin City. The legions of willing women are plentiful, and for a while, Darrell has no problem indulging in every decadent pleasure they offer until he tires of the superficial life he’s leading.
He never stops wanting the one woman he can’t have: Roni Winston. As he matures, circumstances allow them to explore the spark which quickly burns into an inferno. In her eyes, he sees the possibility of becoming the man he’s always wanted to be. But a past he left behind collides with the future he’s trying to build. Once that happens, all bets are off.
After being dumped off in an orphanage by his mother when he was only seven years old, life forces Darrell Monroe to quickly grow up at an early age. The only one he trusts is his best friend, Marcus Bennett. As teens, the two run away and learn how to survive in a cold world that’s either do or die. Knowing there has to be something more than the mean streets of Philly, they eventually move to Las Vegas.
Once there, Darrell runs into the woman who will ultimately change his life. Roni Winston is not looking to invite trouble into her life. Men as arrogant, good looking, and sexy as Darrell Monroe are the definition of the word. Not only is he way too young for her, she doesn’t mix business with pleasure. When she hires him as an exotic dancer for her club, Eclipse is born and his star quickly rises in Sin City. The legions of willing women are plentiful, and for a while, Darrell has no problem indulging in every decadent pleasure they offer until he tires of the superficial life he’s leading.
He never stops wanting the one woman he can’t have: Roni Winston. As he matures, circumstances allow them to explore the spark which quickly burns into an inferno. In her eyes, he sees the possibility of becoming the man he’s always wanted to be. But a past he left behind collides with the future he’s trying to build. Once that happens, all bets are off.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2011
9 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Hardy
24 books203 followersS. K. Hardy is a Louisiana native who has written internet short stories since 2009. In 2011, she published her first novel and began her odyssey into the literary world.
S. K.'s erotic novels are full of drama, romance, and unbelievable twists that will engage all five of your senses; they're just that potent. As one reader puts it, S. K.'s books are like an "erotic journey" that you want to "savor in delicious, little bites." She allows you to live vicariously through her work and experience your deepest, most private fantasies while sitting on the edge of your seat anticipating what will happen next.
S. K. has just gotten started. Take a chance and jump on this ride - if you dare.
https://www.facebook.com/SK-Sweet-Kar...
https://www.instagram.com/authorsk/
S. K.'s erotic novels are full of drama, romance, and unbelievable twists that will engage all five of your senses; they're just that potent. As one reader puts it, S. K.'s books are like an "erotic journey" that you want to "savor in delicious, little bites." She allows you to live vicariously through her work and experience your deepest, most private fantasies while sitting on the edge of your seat anticipating what will happen next.
S. K. has just gotten started. Take a chance and jump on this ride - if you dare.
https://www.facebook.com/SK-Sweet-Kar...
https://www.instagram.com/authorsk/
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 1, 2012
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com for readers
BRIEF SUMMARY
Darrell has had a rough life of being abandon as a child and growing up in an orphanage. Having survived mostly on his own as he got older along with his best friend and the person he calls his brother, Marcus, they both left Philly for a better life. Along the way, Darrell learns a bit about himself.
THOUGHTS
This was another great book by the author. It again shows her talent with story telling and painting a vivid picture with her words. I actually spent the whole weekend re-reading the 'Sin City' series after reading 'Beginning of an Eclipse'. I found myself wanting to continue both Marcus and Darrell's story again, knowing, I've already read their stories. If I could leave a second review after reading both Buried Secrets and Twisted Obsessions again, I would. In the 'Beginning of an Eclipse' we get to see Darrell's journey from a boy to man. And having Marcus along, tough he wasn't the focus of the story, was also good to see. Reading Darrell's happy ending in both previous books, I wondered if the author would be able to pull off keeping my interest on what happened in his life prior. Mission accomplished.
Darrell was very entertaining and could drop it like it's hot as well as make stripping seem effortless. My favorite quote by Darrell in reference to his package below “I got enough to feed the needy and then some" and trust, he did live up to that quote. Along with Darrell's profession he also had this I don't care attitude, which, later becomes his down fall in his personal life. I liked reading about Roni and the other characters, but the show stopper was Darrell.
If this is your first time reading the author's series, I suggest this book first, although it was published after, then 'Buried Secrets' and Twisted Obsession'.
Storyline: GOOD
Intimacy: D.R.I.P = Don't Read In Public / VERY SPICY
Enjoyment: GOOD
Romance Novel Junkies
Romance readers chat: http://rnjforumchat.romancenoveljunki...
BRIEF SUMMARY
Darrell has had a rough life of being abandon as a child and growing up in an orphanage. Having survived mostly on his own as he got older along with his best friend and the person he calls his brother, Marcus, they both left Philly for a better life. Along the way, Darrell learns a bit about himself.
THOUGHTS
This was another great book by the author. It again shows her talent with story telling and painting a vivid picture with her words. I actually spent the whole weekend re-reading the 'Sin City' series after reading 'Beginning of an Eclipse'. I found myself wanting to continue both Marcus and Darrell's story again, knowing, I've already read their stories. If I could leave a second review after reading both Buried Secrets and Twisted Obsessions again, I would. In the 'Beginning of an Eclipse' we get to see Darrell's journey from a boy to man. And having Marcus along, tough he wasn't the focus of the story, was also good to see. Reading Darrell's happy ending in both previous books, I wondered if the author would be able to pull off keeping my interest on what happened in his life prior. Mission accomplished.
Darrell was very entertaining and could drop it like it's hot as well as make stripping seem effortless. My favorite quote by Darrell in reference to his package below “I got enough to feed the needy and then some" and trust, he did live up to that quote. Along with Darrell's profession he also had this I don't care attitude, which, later becomes his down fall in his personal life. I liked reading about Roni and the other characters, but the show stopper was Darrell.
If this is your first time reading the author's series, I suggest this book first, although it was published after, then 'Buried Secrets' and Twisted Obsession'.
Storyline: GOOD
Intimacy: D.R.I.P = Don't Read In Public / VERY SPICY
Enjoyment: GOOD
Romance Novel Junkies
Romance readers chat: http://rnjforumchat.romancenoveljunki...
December 8, 2011
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book…..Darrell is a man that DEMANDS you stand up and take notice that he is INDEED THE MAN.......even with all his COCKINESS and ARROGANCE.....you just to LOVE him.....You felt all of his pain with this story and understood him more with the turn of each page....I for one can’t wait for the next story......especially after the little information that was drop at the end. Keep up the GREAT work Author SK.......you DEFINITELY have a true gift...... so thank you for sharing it with us.......
May 1, 2013
I Love it..... getting to know Darrell aka Eclipse much better was very enlightening and erotic. Roni was such a strong women who didn't mind opening her heart to Darrell after the lost of her first husband and showing him that he had so much potential. I liked Darrell in the previous books but I love him now! Happy Reading
Want to read
December 23, 2011Seems like this story got str8 5 Star reviews....shows me it's a must read, so it mos def hit my juiCy list 2 read very very soon.
January 2, 2021
True Beginning
After rereading the Sin City Heat Series, I had planned to skip Eclipse since I thought I knew it well and was ready to get to Angel's Wrath. I decided to read the series in order which made Eclipse the third book even though it's really the beginning of the series.
I'm glad that I decided to reread this one. Even though the first two books introduced Darrell and the other men and women of Sin City, this one gave the complete back story of Darrell.
As excellent as this was, there were a couple of inconsistencies. I realize that had you not read the series, you wouldn't known about them. Still they were never cleared up and made no sense. In spite of the excellent plot, the erotica was over the top. Just too much even for a book of erotica. Its saving grace was it wasn't as pornographic as Twisted Obsession.
It really wasn't necessary to read Eclipse because the other books covered Darrell's background. None were as thorough as this one. It will take reading the entire series to put all the pieces together. So, if you omit one book, make it this one. If I find that I'm wrong after rereading the series, I'll edit this review. Otherwise, it's a short, interesting read and not expensive at all.
After rereading the Sin City Heat Series, I had planned to skip Eclipse since I thought I knew it well and was ready to get to Angel's Wrath. I decided to read the series in order which made Eclipse the third book even though it's really the beginning of the series.
I'm glad that I decided to reread this one. Even though the first two books introduced Darrell and the other men and women of Sin City, this one gave the complete back story of Darrell.
As excellent as this was, there were a couple of inconsistencies. I realize that had you not read the series, you wouldn't known about them. Still they were never cleared up and made no sense. In spite of the excellent plot, the erotica was over the top. Just too much even for a book of erotica. Its saving grace was it wasn't as pornographic as Twisted Obsession.
It really wasn't necessary to read Eclipse because the other books covered Darrell's background. None were as thorough as this one. It will take reading the entire series to put all the pieces together. So, if you omit one book, make it this one. If I find that I'm wrong after rereading the series, I'll edit this review. Otherwise, it's a short, interesting read and not expensive at all.
April 6, 2020
Prequels are recommended!
Great read. I love the history of a person, in this case a character...what makes them the way they are. A couple of things didn't the together realistically for me but it's fiction so... D loved a hard life. He finally has a family he's made for himself but it's short-lived
Great read. I love the history of a person, in this case a character...what makes them the way they are. A couple of things didn't the together realistically for me but it's fiction so... D loved a hard life. He finally has a family he's made for himself but it's short-lived
June 30, 2014
I got to say that Darrell's story was the bomb.com and he is my favorite so far. Yup I have a real soft spot for him.
What can I say about Darrell? Here you get the story of how Darrell and Marcus came to be. Best friends to the end.
This was such a riveting story about how where you begin does not mean it is where you will end. Darrell's story was about heartbreak, love, triumph and heartbreak again. It also spoke about how two friends endured it all and have come out on top.
Darrell aka Eclipse came to Vegas with a dream of big time. And he and Marcus did achieve it. Marcus became a Doctor and along the way Darrell fell in love with an older woman. Roni was that woman, she was a widow and wasn't looking for love but somehow love found her in the man she hired to work at her club as a male dancer. These two unlikely people experienced a love that oftentimes people will never experience in this lifetime.
Yes it was hard for Roni because she was older and she felt that Darrell wasn't or should I say not supposed to be someone she wanted let alone needed. But love is love and these two had, so much so that Darrell had made plans for the both of them to spend the rest of their lives together.
Although the story has its gritty moments of the dark side that Darrell and Marcus experienced. This was truly a love story between two people, from different worlds how had effectively molded the two together. There story left me rooting for them, from the very moment they both laid eyes on each other. Roni being a wise woman knew that Darrell needed to grow up and become a man before she would give into him and that is what happened. Darrell became the man that he needed to be and he needed to be for Roni.
I can't say enough great things about this story and I am so glad that the author wrote about Darrell's story and how not only he became to be but we also learned about Marcus too.
Well until my next review Ciao Bellas!
What can I say about Darrell? Here you get the story of how Darrell and Marcus came to be. Best friends to the end.
This was such a riveting story about how where you begin does not mean it is where you will end. Darrell's story was about heartbreak, love, triumph and heartbreak again. It also spoke about how two friends endured it all and have come out on top.
Darrell aka Eclipse came to Vegas with a dream of big time. And he and Marcus did achieve it. Marcus became a Doctor and along the way Darrell fell in love with an older woman. Roni was that woman, she was a widow and wasn't looking for love but somehow love found her in the man she hired to work at her club as a male dancer. These two unlikely people experienced a love that oftentimes people will never experience in this lifetime.
Yes it was hard for Roni because she was older and she felt that Darrell wasn't or should I say not supposed to be someone she wanted let alone needed. But love is love and these two had, so much so that Darrell had made plans for the both of them to spend the rest of their lives together.
Although the story has its gritty moments of the dark side that Darrell and Marcus experienced. This was truly a love story between two people, from different worlds how had effectively molded the two together. There story left me rooting for them, from the very moment they both laid eyes on each other. Roni being a wise woman knew that Darrell needed to grow up and become a man before she would give into him and that is what happened. Darrell became the man that he needed to be and he needed to be for Roni.
I can't say enough great things about this story and I am so glad that the author wrote about Darrell's story and how not only he became to be but we also learned about Marcus too.
Well until my next review Ciao Bellas!
January 30, 2012
I have read the whole Sin City Series and I agree, if you haven't read the series I would read this one first. It flows right in to Buried Secrets, although it was written last. Darrell "Eclipse" Monroe works, plays, and fights hard, but most of all he loves even harder. He's definitely a force to be reckoned with and you would not want to get on his bad side. I loved him and Roni together, however I still feel that Jerra is the woman for him. I hated when Roni died....only to discover hmmm maybe she didn't die! Can you say....Soap Opera!!....I feel a "All My Children", "One Life to Live" moment in their future.
The only downside to this series is there are only three books right now...and you are definitely gonna want more. A Must Read series!! I will be waiting and watching for more!!
Reviewed by: D.Lee BRAB Online Book Club
The only downside to this series is there are only three books right now...and you are definitely gonna want more. A Must Read series!! I will be waiting and watching for more!!
Reviewed by: D.Lee BRAB Online Book Club
July 18, 2013
How do you know where your going if you don't know where you came from? This prequel takes us through the let downs and come ups of Darrell. He didn't have the ideal childhood growing up, but grew up he did. Along the way, he found love that made him into the man he is today. Now, depending on certain events, that may not nessarily be a good thing.
Alot of times, readers don't really find prequels necessary when a series has already begun but this one didn't fall into that category. It helped me to gain deeper insight on Darrell and why he is the way he is and also why he just may not be who I THINK he is. I loved the character development as he and Marcus grew up. Also, I enjoyed the fact that this prequel hinted of things to come. Won't reveal what it is, but I'm hoping I'm right about it.
Alot of times, readers don't really find prequels necessary when a series has already begun but this one didn't fall into that category. It helped me to gain deeper insight on Darrell and why he is the way he is and also why he just may not be who I THINK he is. I loved the character development as he and Marcus grew up. Also, I enjoyed the fact that this prequel hinted of things to come. Won't reveal what it is, but I'm hoping I'm right about it.
January 28, 2013
After his mother dumps him because her boyfriend doesn't want him around, Darrell's new home at the age of seven becomes a Catholic Orphanage where he meets Marcus. Marcus is there because both of his parents were killed.
The two vow to always stick together as brothers. As Marcus goes to medical school, Darrell decided to make his money as a stripper. At the club where he becomes employed, he meets and falls for his boss, Veronica (Roni) who has a rule of dating the employees. Darrell's charm and that big bulge in his pants draws her in. Being in a relationship with Darrell turns to be a deadly risk for Roni.
Will Darrell get his revenge on the person who took away the love of his life? Again, excellent plot by SK.
One click this ebook. You will NOT be disappointed.
The two vow to always stick together as brothers. As Marcus goes to medical school, Darrell decided to make his money as a stripper. At the club where he becomes employed, he meets and falls for his boss, Veronica (Roni) who has a rule of dating the employees. Darrell's charm and that big bulge in his pants draws her in. Being in a relationship with Darrell turns to be a deadly risk for Roni.
Will Darrell get his revenge on the person who took away the love of his life? Again, excellent plot by SK.
One click this ebook. You will NOT be disappointed.
August 15, 2012
This book will take you back on the life of Darrell Monroe. How he met his best friend Marcus and the struggles he went through as a child to adulthood. Darrell maybe hard on the outside but when he love someone and trust someone he goes all out. Once he gets to Vegas he started working as a waiter which didn't pane out and met a woman by the name of Roni Winston who changed his life. What I loved most about this book was age didn't matter to Darrell he loved Roni even though she was much older than him. He gave her his all but it doing so he made a few enemies old and new. Great book as always.
June 26, 2012
Beginning of an Eclipse was a great read!!! It begins by showing you how Darrell became the man he is today and you also get to meet his best friend Marcus. Darrell has been through a lot and you get to see that and how the love of a good woman eventually breaks down his defenses. This was my first book by SK and it definitely will not be my last. It will draw you in from the first page and makes you want more. I am so looking forward to reading more about Darrell and Marcus.
October 19, 2014
Wow!
Such growth you see in Darrell in this book. He found real true love with Roni and age didn't stop them from embracing their love.
My goodness, I think I felt every emotion known to man while reading this story. I cried so much at one heart wrenching scene, I gave myself a headache.
Please read this book....you won't regret it. It's beautifully written and so off the charts good!
Such growth you see in Darrell in this book. He found real true love with Roni and age didn't stop them from embracing their love.
My goodness, I think I felt every emotion known to man while reading this story. I cried so much at one heart wrenching scene, I gave myself a headache.
Please read this book....you won't regret it. It's beautifully written and so off the charts good!
December 10, 2011
I'm truly speechless. SK, YOU DID IT AGAIN. I absolutely loved it. The story had me laughing, crying, hot and on the edge of my seat all at the same time. IT A MUST READ. Darrell is a keeper. I DO SUGGEST NOT READING THIS BOOK AT WORK. SO MUCH HEAT AND STEAM FLOWING FROM BEGINNING TO END. Serious electricity in this book.
December 10, 2012
I really enjoyed this book...This definitely gave me a chance to get to know Darrell character and background a little better...but now I'm a little curious to know if Mrs. Roni has really passed...From her cousins phone call...that kind of left a mystery...I guess I will find out the further I read along...
February 17, 2013
Oh yes Darrell has been through it all. What a rough life he had to go through, but guess what faith just walk through that clubs door. :-).....true friends till the end Darrell and Marcus are lifetime friends lived that in this series so far. We'll DO excellent reads and I a.. so awaiting to see what's next.
March 25, 2014
All I can say is hot damn! Darrell is the man. In this you get such an insight to his character. You see how everything from the beginning until he meets Jerra built his character. His love for Roni was explosive and hot. I'm still wiping the sweat off my face. Whoo! Now this is a spoiler, at the end you just knew who Brian was talking on the phone. That alone signaled more to come.
December 14, 2011
This book was so good that a thorough review is not needed....just buy it and read it immediately! If you haven't read SK's other books pick those up too, and read them ASAP. SK is definitely a new author to watch.
January 6, 2017
Prequel for Eclipse
Darrell's story had an interesting start. Getting to know him and understanding his idiosyncrasies was nice. Im not sure how I feel about what happened with Ronie.. Also Darrell's criminal justice payback in response to Ronies situation. Overall a good read.
Darrell's story had an interesting start. Getting to know him and understanding his idiosyncrasies was nice. Im not sure how I feel about what happened with Ronie.. Also Darrell's criminal justice payback in response to Ronies situation. Overall a good read.
February 2, 2012
This book was GREAT!! SK is an awesome author! The entire Sin City Heat Series is a MUST read!
July 27, 2012
WOW THIS BOOK HAD ME IN TEARS FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END. WHAT A BOOK! NOW I'M READY FOR TWISTED OBSESSION SO I CAN SEE HOW THIS WILL COME ALL OUT.
Read
October 8, 2012loved this book too <3 <3 <3
March 12, 2014
Okay I was feeling this..... I hope things turn out good towards the end of he series. I wondered why she faked her death? This was too good. I had to bring out my singles again Lol.........
March 21, 2014
If I could give this book more than five stars, trust me I would. I literally could not put this book down! I am LOVING the SIN CITY HEAT SERIES
November 5, 2014
This one didn't move me like the others, but I'm not giving up. I'm sure things will pick up in the next one. No Secrets, No Lies here I come!
December 24, 2014
Love It
Keep writing these good books SK. Loving Darrell and Marcus story. I am on to the next book in the series.
Keep writing these good books SK. Loving Darrell and Marcus story. I am on to the next book in the series.
May 9, 2015
This series is great!!! I am hooked and ready to read the next. Love the characters and want to know what will happen next. Well written and definitely recommend to others.
March 19, 2015
She does it again! The series keeps getting better and better. I feel like I should have known about it years ago when it came out. But, I am definitely glad I know now. On to the next book...
December 26, 2019
Loved it
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews