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Empire Bay #2
Love After Darkness
Is love even real unless someone dies? Life can make a man cold and vicious, make you question every shadow. And it’s no secret that losing my partner changed something inside of me. That’s not why I’m obsessed with the mistress of the dark web, Aria Darklyn. For the first time in too damn long, there’s light at the end of the tunnel and a way out of my misery. I’ve got to work my way through the twists and turns of the job to figure out if I can trust my heart… And whether love can truly exist in a world where death is always lurking. But the closer I get to answers in this case, the more danger we face. Will Aria be just another casualty in a war against crime and corruption? I’ll have to decide where my loyalties lie and whether I’m willing to pay the ultimate price for love. 18+ Romance. Love After Darkness is book 2 in the Empire Bay series with enemies to lovers/forbidden lovers themes, featuring a tormented detective hero and a queen of the underworld. Contains darker themes, forced proximity romance, and lots of steamy scenes.
- GenresDark Romance
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
17 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 21, 2024
↬ review: 3.5 stars ☾ ❦
i don't think my rating is objectively fair, but i couldn't enjoy the story as much as i wanted to. i'm currently in a very bad reading slump, and i don't enjoy the books i read or even want to read them.
however, the writing was amazing, and i also loved the tropes. it was giving bad girl, good boy vibes, and melanie kingsley's book remind me so much of the mindfck series. i'm pretty sure i would've enjoyed the hell out of it under normal circumstances.
i don't think my rating is objectively fair, but i couldn't enjoy the story as much as i wanted to. i'm currently in a very bad reading slump, and i don't enjoy the books i read or even want to read them.
however, the writing was amazing, and i also loved the tropes. it was giving bad girl, good boy vibes, and melanie kingsley's book remind me so much of the mindfck series. i'm pretty sure i would've enjoyed the hell out of it under normal circumstances.
July 17, 2023
This took me some time to get into and I really have no idea why as it is very well written with excellent banter between the 2 MCs.
We have our usual mafia marriage trope but with a twist.
Mia is not the shy, trembling and reluctant bride bur rather stands posed to take over their own mafia branch from her father as the eldest child. Mia is a tour de force. single minded and ruthless and utterly resigned to her up coming marriage to another Don in waiting, Ricardo, for the good of both their families.
So far so good. However we have Carter, Ricardo's uncle and really the power behind the throne, who steps up as Mia's bodyguard until the marriage.
What neither bargained for was the visceral attraction between the much older Carter and the young Mia and although this is a very slow burn there are still elements of sizzle.
I will confess there were moments when I wished the author had put the pedal to the metal ....
Naturally, when you're a criminal family, enemies lurk everywhere and Carter's job becomes much, much harder.
For me the plot didn't begin to take shape for too long but I'm the impatient sort.
Nevertheless sterling writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We have our usual mafia marriage trope but with a twist.
Mia is not the shy, trembling and reluctant bride bur rather stands posed to take over their own mafia branch from her father as the eldest child. Mia is a tour de force. single minded and ruthless and utterly resigned to her up coming marriage to another Don in waiting, Ricardo, for the good of both their families.
So far so good. However we have Carter, Ricardo's uncle and really the power behind the throne, who steps up as Mia's bodyguard until the marriage.
What neither bargained for was the visceral attraction between the much older Carter and the young Mia and although this is a very slow burn there are still elements of sizzle.
I will confess there were moments when I wished the author had put the pedal to the metal ....
Naturally, when you're a criminal family, enemies lurk everywhere and Carter's job becomes much, much harder.
For me the plot didn't begin to take shape for too long but I'm the impatient sort.
Nevertheless sterling writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2023
Rating: 4.5/5
Melanie Kingsley has ramped things up in her latest release, “Love After Darkness,” which follows the character Aria introduced in “Love after Never.” Though “Love After Darkness” is a standalone, it could be helpful to some to read the first book.
The first scene alone blew me away *wink, wink*. Aria is to take over as leader of a crime syndicate and has much to prove. Devan is the tall, dark, and handsome detective out to solve a crime with which Aria is possibly involved. The attraction is intense from the get-go. Aria is not a weak FMC—she can’t be in a male-dominated crime world. I loved how Aria’s character was written and the leadership she displayed, albeit criminal—don’t worry about it.
Together, Aria and Devan were smokin’. The schmexy scenes were steamy. They work well together in and out of the sheets.
Dark Romance readers will enjoy “Love After Darkness” for these two characters’ edginess as they tackle the criminal world underneath their forbidden feelings toward each other.
I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Melanie Kingsley has ramped things up in her latest release, “Love After Darkness,” which follows the character Aria introduced in “Love after Never.” Though “Love After Darkness” is a standalone, it could be helpful to some to read the first book.
The first scene alone blew me away *wink, wink*. Aria is to take over as leader of a crime syndicate and has much to prove. Devan is the tall, dark, and handsome detective out to solve a crime with which Aria is possibly involved. The attraction is intense from the get-go. Aria is not a weak FMC—she can’t be in a male-dominated crime world. I loved how Aria’s character was written and the leadership she displayed, albeit criminal—don’t worry about it.
Together, Aria and Devan were smokin’. The schmexy scenes were steamy. They work well together in and out of the sheets.
Dark Romance readers will enjoy “Love After Darkness” for these two characters’ edginess as they tackle the criminal world underneath their forbidden feelings toward each other.
I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2023
I received this ARC is exchange for my honest review 💜
Love After Darkness
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Aria and Devan 😍
Devan, Empire Bay’s finest (literally) of law enforcement and Aria, mistress of the underworld are drawn together, undeniable chemistry and an uncontrollable desire for each other but can they trust each other?
The angst, the unknowns and twist and turns, their story will keep you on your toes and sweating, in the best way possible! 😮💨😮💨
This is book 2 of the Empire Bay series. Book 1 are completely different characters, and can be a standalone, however I would highly recommend reading book 1 first. There are a lot of references to the other characters in book 2 and you’ll enjoy this book much more if you read Layla and Gabriel’s story, Love After Never.
What you will love about this book…
🔥Forbidden
🔥Strong and independent heroin
🔥Spicccccyyyy
🔥Anonymous messaging
🔥Cop / Mistress of the Underworld
🔥 One Bed
September 27, 2023
Devan is a detective working a case when he is distracted by a beautiful redheaded woman while at a crime scene. She leads him into an alley and gives him a BJ. 🤭 He doesn't know what happened or why he let her do it, but he is intrigued by her. Aria is the right-hand woman for the leader of the Black Market Syndicate and an online dark web hacker... and also the woman Devan is now obsessed with. After finding out that her boss is turning to human trafficking, Aria is determined to stop him. She turns to Devan and his team for help.
This was such a good story. Devan has been going through a lot since everything with his last partner, and he just doesn't know what he wants or who he is. It takes Aria coming I to his life to help him figure things out. I love how feisty and bold Aria was and how much she pushed Devan without overdoing it.
**Received an ARC and give my honest review**
This was such a good story. Devan has been going through a lot since everything with his last partner, and he just doesn't know what he wants or who he is. It takes Aria coming I to his life to help him figure things out. I love how feisty and bold Aria was and how much she pushed Devan without overdoing it.
**Received an ARC and give my honest review**
September 24, 2023
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, this book was definitely awesome it gave you everything you need and more, the story was written well and the characters were really sensational. This story was about Aria and Devan, Aria is very good on the dark Web she can find what you want or need. Devan is an FBI Agent he lost his partner and was left with a dark heart. The chemistry between them was steamy. There are so many twist and turns to the story it will keep you holding on.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, this book was definitely awesome it gave you everything you need and more, the story was written well and the characters were really sensational. This story was about Aria and Devan, Aria is very good on the dark Web she can find what you want or need. Devan is an FBI Agent he lost his partner and was left with a dark heart. The chemistry between them was steamy. There are so many twist and turns to the story it will keep you holding on.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2023
I enjoyed reading this entertaining story filled with deceit and lies. The story was fascinating to read because of how well the author wrote the scenes between the characters with a deft hand. I never was sure which direction his character would take and I felt like she needed him to be better - more engaging and more loving. I was invested and engaged by this story. Nicely done.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2023
Devan and Aria! I CAN NOT! 😭😭
This book was so good! Their is some spice but nothing crazy but the story is good and the plot keeps you drawn in. I love the writing and you can’t help but root for ALL OF THE CHARACTERS in the book. I literally don’t know what else to say but read it! You won’t regret it!
BTW, one of the BEST EPILOGUES I HAVE EVER RRAD! This bitch (me lol) was shocked, gagged and smiling on the first page of it.
This book was so good! Their is some spice but nothing crazy but the story is good and the plot keeps you drawn in. I love the writing and you can’t help but root for ALL OF THE CHARACTERS in the book. I literally don’t know what else to say but read it! You won’t regret it!
BTW, one of the BEST EPILOGUES I HAVE EVER RRAD! This bitch (me lol) was shocked, gagged and smiling on the first page of it.
September 26, 2023
Devan was drifting through his life as a Detective and he is drawn to Aria who is on the opposite side of the law. The chemistry between these two is super steamy and when a line is crossed for Aria, she know who she can go to for help. Despite it taking me a while to get into, it is a fab story that keeps you captivated.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2023
Wow. Love it when an author takes the first book and gets even more beefy and dark with the aftermath of the first book events. So much pain and mystery and this AWESOME sense that something is happening but it’s so well plotted and unveils truths when you don’t expect them, but emotionally NEED them!
Such a badass FMC too!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Such a badass FMC too!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2023
"Sociopaths don't eat doughnuts."
Are they sociopaths because they don't eat doughnuts??
Do they just need a lift from some sugar to stop being asshats? So many questions about this one line! 🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩
This book was definitely darker than Love After Never; it continues with characters from book 1 and there's a sneaky twist in there, too!
Are they sociopaths because they don't eat doughnuts??
Do they just need a lift from some sugar to stop being asshats? So many questions about this one line! 🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩
This book was definitely darker than Love After Never; it continues with characters from book 1 and there's a sneaky twist in there, too!
October 7, 2023
There definitely needs to be more books similar to this one, a dark romance with a criminal underground/mafia story. It is extremely dark so be warned of that but an excellent story and romance. An author to watch out for!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2023
It was a good read but it did start a bit slow for me. I don’t everyone will have these problems but I am not the biggest slow burn fan. It was great once it picked up though!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2023
Make sure u read Love After Never 1st cause this is book 2
This book was amazing, and I love Aria and Devan and the Scooby Squad. It was so good and had a major plot twist. If u haven't read the 1st one, u definitely should, and then this one, u will definitely not be disappointed.
This book was amazing, and I love Aria and Devan and the Scooby Squad. It was so good and had a major plot twist. If u haven't read the 1st one, u definitely should, and then this one, u will definitely not be disappointed.
October 4, 2023
This book was gripping and kept me turning pages way later into the night than I should’ve been 😂. This book is almost entirely separate from Love After Never with minimal overlap. It was a great read and definitely something I look forward to rereading in the future!
October 16, 2023
Decent second
I enjoyed this second installment. Not as much as the first book in the series.
It generally was good. The introduction of new characters was fun. Not sure where this series will go.
I enjoyed this second installment. Not as much as the first book in the series.
It generally was good. The introduction of new characters was fun. Not sure where this series will go.
September 16, 2023
Book was really great 😍 Good pace greatly written. Spicy🌶🌶🌶 parts are 🔥 I loved the characters
October 5, 2023
I enjoyed Devon and Aria’s story. I thought it was an intriguing read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 29, 2023
Loved it!!! Devan and Aria's story was a rollercoaster ride and the smut was spectacular. Can't wait to read more books by Melanie ✨💗
December 22, 2023
Another great book. Loved the first one and this was just as good! Funny, dark, addictive and the definition of morally grey. I mean for all dark romance readers there really was nothing not to like
February 20, 2024
Loved the first one but this one I kept zoning out and loosing interest in. I found it quite boring.
September 30, 2023
BOOK 2: 🔥
Forbidden
Strong and independent heroin
Cop / Mistress of the Underworld in One Bed
One Bed
SPICCCY
Dual POV
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is Book 2 of the Empire Bay series. Book 1 are completely different characters (available on KU). It can be a standalone, however I would HIGHLY recommend reading Book 1 first to get the full experience 👏🏼
Devan and Aria are truly something else I don’t know what crack Melanie put in her character development but I’ve LOVED every single one of them!
The twists and turns, the banter and the raw sexual energy of this book is hands down beautiful!
Forbidden
Strong and independent heroin
Cop / Mistress of the Underworld in One Bed
One Bed
SPICCCY
Dual POV
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is Book 2 of the Empire Bay series. Book 1 are completely different characters (available on KU). It can be a standalone, however I would HIGHLY recommend reading Book 1 first to get the full experience 👏🏼
Devan and Aria are truly something else I don’t know what crack Melanie put in her character development but I’ve LOVED every single one of them!
The twists and turns, the banter and the raw sexual energy of this book is hands down beautiful!
September 20, 2023
Aria and Devans story will have ypu hooked with dark twists, desires drama action and more. A great addition to the series that has you craving more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2023
His Deadly Lies by Melanie Kingsley
You can’t go wrong with this one. It’s fantastic with wonderful character that captures your imagination.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You can’t go wrong with this one. It’s fantastic with wonderful character that captures your imagination.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2025
Dry. The first one was interesting enough and this one isn't. DNF. Tried a few times.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews