The Dark Proposal

by Megan Cashman

A young woman copes with being forced to become a vampire as the man she loves reveals he is more evil than she can comprehend.

Claire McCormick has graduated from college and is eager for her new life to begin. She thought it would happen when she began dating Daniel Bertrand, who was everything she wanted in a boyfriend. But just as her dreams are about to come true, Claire’s life is turned upside down when Daniel reveals to be a bloodthirsty vampire, with the intent on making her his eternal companion. Frightened, Claire desperately tries to rid herself of him, but Daniel is too evil to defeat. She has to come to terms with reality, as she faces a vampire world fighting to survive in modern times, with many of them unaware of how devious Daniel can be.

The Dark Proposal is the first book in a trilogy that follows what becomes of Claire and the vampires.

WARNING: contains thematic elements, explicit content and some strong language

NOTE: As of June 5 2013, this book has been re-edited with the grammar and typos fixed :-)

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal, New Adult

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2012

About the author

I'm a self-published author who loves to explore - people, thoughts, and emotions. I enjoy diving deep into the hearts and minds of my characters, and take my readers to different worlds - both real and unreal. I love to analyze and wonder "what if?" I plan to do that through my books in the urban fantasy, fantasy and historical fiction genres.

Reviews

[Joshua Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Proposal by Megan Cashman is, as the title suggests, a darker take on the vampire genre. Claire has just graduated college and her boyfriend Daniel is everything she could want. Things are looking up. But when Daniel turns out to be an evil vampire hellbent on making her his slave for all eternity, Claire must find a way to stop him. I enjoyed the darker take on the vampire genre, and Cashman brings things to life very vividly with her descriptions. This is a good one for any of you bloodsuckers who love vampires out there!

[theereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Proposal (The End of Eternity Book 1) is about Claire who has to weigh the decision of accepting or rejecting what her vampire boyfriend Daniel has demanded. I found Daniel to be evil and abusive. Claire is in an abusive relationship. The way Daniel manipulates, controls, and threatens Claire is enraging, and on top of that Claire kind of goes numb and just goes with it, as sadly happens in many abusive relationships.

With all the warning signs about Daniel, she ignored them all. Even though he was cold and aloof to her throughout much of their relationship. I know a woman in love can overlook a lot of things. There's no denying the attraction to bad boys. We do crave excitement and wild passion but ultimately we want someone we can rely on, someone who cares for us.

It was very different from The Twilight Saga. It is not your typical love story. But the story was very interesting and I did like it. I do recommend the book if you are looking for something different.

[Chani · Rating 3 out of 5]

**This review can also be found at http://www.readingingthewindowseat.bl...**

I was torn over what to give this book in terms of rating. On the one hand, there were things that I liked about it, and on the other there were things I didn't like about it. In the end, I think I'd really give it a 2.5, but seeing as how that's not an option I'll round up to 3. Claire is a freelance writer fresh out of college who ends up meeting Daniel, a professor who also happens to have freelance career. Because of this she asks him for help and the two eventually start seeing each other romantically, despite the warnings she gets from basically every where, including a coworker. I liked the idea behind this book, that a vampire would take a liking to a human and then trick her into joining him for eternity. I also liked that he wasn't all sweet or sparkly in the sunlight. Basically, Dan was an ass. A complete jerk. From the get go it was hard to see what Claire found so attractive about him (besides the physical of course). But that was one of the tough parts for me. I also hated Claire. It wasn't as deep rooted as my emotional "wish I could find a way to jump in there and stake you myself" towards Daniel, but I still didn't like her. She isn't very bright. Despite all of the efforts the author makes into hinting otherwise, I just could not buy into Claire being very intelligent. Ok, she fell for the wrong guy, that's believable, it happens to the best of us. But then she proceeds to taught him at the wrong moments, under estimate him at all moments, and basically always over looks asking questions that could be helpful. Like, for instance, do I have to kill when I drink from someone? If she'd known the answer to that from the get go it might have helped ease her mind a little, but instead she doesn't even think about it. Her mind automatically zeros in on, "I'm going to be a murderer" which kind of makes me think that some part of her finds that part of the exchange worth it. She gets pretty stuff in return right? So what's the harm, a girls gotta eat. That's how I felt about her mind set, anyway, even though she tries really hard to convince herself and the reader otherwise. When someone threatens the people I care about, especially if it's an extremely young person I care about, I don't risk their safety the same way she did. She keeps saying she loves Ava and doesn't want her hurt, yet every five minutes it's like she forgets all about that. She ends up putting people in danger and getting them hurt just because she can't come up with an intelligent idea. Yes, her situation was hopeless, there was nothing she could do to get out of it. But I realized that from chapter five or six, and I didn't have to put the innocent lives of other people on the line to do it. She got people killed for trying. They were murdered because of her, and not only does she not dwell on that for very long, the first time doesn't even cause her to hesitate doing it again. Another thing was the POV. It switched randomly and often enough that I started getting a little frustrated. There are some parts that just really don't need to be there. They don't really add very much to the story and all in all they're a hindrance because they jar the reader. I like that we know her roommates are worried for her, because that helps make the fact they're all really close believable, but I don't want to jump between four different characters heads in one scene, it's too much. There's a scene where the vampire back story is given, I won't say much about it because I don't want to give anything away, but it was very awkwardly placed in the story. I loved the idea of it, how it happened and how the vampires all began, but I didn't want to find out about it like that. The way the info was given felt like it was forced on me. Again we're in a different POV (a couple actually) and it's just off putting. It's interesting to know, and I like the concept of it, but I would have liked to find out differently. Other then those major things it was little details, like if the Brothers are big and powerful couldn't they have gotten servants to pick her up from the airport?, and grammar bothered me a lot. Sentences are missing words quite frequently so as I read I either had to fix or add them in my mind. That's nothing a little more editing won't fix however, so I wouldn't let that deter anyone from reading the story. All in all, I was able to finish it and I didn't hate it. I hope there's a second one, the way it ending sort of implies that there is, and if so I would like to read it. I hope the second one moves a little smoother then the first, but if it still has that strong back story there to hold it up then it'll be worth the time. Even though this book was frustrating at times, I like to think of it as one of those good horror films you watch where you actually don't like anyone. I was fine with either possibility happening: Daniel being defeated (he was a dick) or Claire being defeated (she was annoying). That's kind of what kept me reading, the wanting to know which of them would win out. Which is a pretty good thing, because it means I was invested in the characters despite not liking either of them. Even now I still really want to know what's going to happen to them next. Maybe the loser of this round will get a chance to redeem themselves? :)

[Nicole Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review. I posted on our blog page the other day that I wanted a dark and twisted read this book was offered up by the author. Beyond any shadow of doubt she gave me what I was looking for. She warned me that this was not a happily ever after or romance story at first I was like hmm normally all my books even my dark reads are romance but. Said why the hey give it a try. I am so very glad I did, there is a hint of romance or at least what you think is going to be romance but as you read you find out that it is nothing more than a game being played.

Claire is your typical college graduate down in her luck working part time while trying to become an established freelance writer. Daniel is the somewhat older English professor who also happens to be a freelance writer. They have a chance meeting at the school where Claire is completely taken by Daniel's looks and knowledge. Daniel offers to help guide Claire in becoming a better writer. This is where you begin to think that a romance is going to bloom they start spending loads of time together and have some intimate moments. Claire's roommates start question their relationship when she starts to spending more and more time with Daniel.

Claire being a young woman only sees the bright side of the time they are spending together she doesn't notice the subtle controlling nature Daniel has with her. All she knows is that this man has so many of the same interest with her and she is tired if being alone or feeling like an outsider. At this point is when the story really starts getting good. The twist and turns that this relationship goes through is bone crushing and heart pounding. Claire begins to think she is losing her mind when Daniel reveals he is not what he has portrayed himself to be.

Claire has to make the decision of being turned into a vampire or watch as her family and friends are slowly murdered. She at first fights it tooth and nail because she cannot imagine living a life killing people. Daniel does a fantastic job of showing her how he will go to whatever lengths to make her into what he wants. What I love the most is in the back of your head you are wow he really wants to spend the rest of his life with her and then you feel the slap through the page and you are so taken back that you don't know what to think.

All I can tell you is if you are looking for a great vampire read this is the one for you. There is no glittery, playing in the beach vampires in this book, these are the ones of your nightmares. Megan did a wonderful job building the relationships between Claire and Daniel along with all the secondary characters. I cannot wait for book 2 to hit shelves because I am dying to know where Claire and Daniel are going to end up.

[Sunshine Somerville · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m somewhere between 3 and 3.5 on this book.
First of all, I love that these vampires get back to the more traditional mythology – they’re bad, murders, monsters, and do not sparkle or suffer from emo angst. The darkness of this book really was my favorite aspect, and the suspense and danger is done really well so that I stayed intrigued and tense as I was reading. The story has a good collection of characters, both vampire and human, and the backstory for how the vampires came into existence is pretty cool without dominating the story set in modern day.
“The Dark Proposal” really is the perfect title for this story, as the main character of Claire has to weigh the decision of accepting or rejecting what her vampire boyfriend Daniel has offered/demanded. Very quickly I came to interpret this story as one about abusive relationships (vampiric or no), and you could almost take out the vampire element and it would still be just as disturbing. The way Daniel manipulates, controls, and threatens Claire was enraging and deeply disturbing, and on top of that he’s a blood-thirsty (literally) killer. And it’s equally disturbing how Claire kind of goes numb and just goes with it, as sadly happens in many abusive relationships. Although she has friends and family and coworkers who love her and are supportive and want her to get out, she doesn’t. Of course, because of the vampire factor, she CAN’T. The danger is far more potent than an average abusive relationship, but it’s interesting because the way Claire hides this is again like a typical abusive situation – she claims she hurt herself accidentally, she says he was just upset, that she was making it up, etc. etc. Their relationship in this abusive sense was very realistic, I thought, and it’s what kept me reading and hoping for a good outcome.
The biggest problem I had with the story was Claire, however. She just doesn’t seem that bright, even though she begins as this driven, educated, ambitious young woman. And how does one forget that the people you’re in danger from can read minds? It was incredibly frustrating the way she swung between being furious and defiant to then being submissive and wondering if it was all okay after all. She’s angry and sick at the idea of murder, but then soon after that she’s okay because Daniel buys her pretty things. She’s kind of a mess as a character. While I really wanted her to be okay, I also was annoyed with her. This is only the first part in the story, however, so hopefully she will grow into a fully likeable character down the road.
The editing in the first few pages made me wince, but it did get better and I didn’t notice it as much once I got into the parts of the story that pull you along. Then towards the end I caught several more, but again the goofs weren’t so distracting that they made me stop reading.

[Lisseth (Read-a-holicZ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Originally on Read-A-holicZ, HERE**

Okay when I signed up for this tour I did NOT know what I was getting myself into. I thought this was a YA/ New Adult YA book, boy was I wrong! It was a more adult book that was both chilling yet addicting. I still don't know how to feel about it because it baffled me while reading it.

The story starts out simple enough a college grad living with her friends and trying to make ends meet and then pop in Daniel. GOD how i wished she hadn't met him at all! Claire was strong minded but odd & that singled her out from her friends. Which ultimately brings Daniel into her life.

During the whole novel we see Claire in a number of situations that no human being should see or endure. I got really emotional because I could feel her anguish & despair. I wanted for her to get help, to be free from Daniel BUT AH it doesn't!!

This book was strong with the emotional details and held me captive while reading it. The only flaw was that at times the writing felt rushed, like it was telling you what happened not showing you. It was like a whole time lapse would occur but you only read it in minimal detail.

I will give a HUGE credit to the author on how she brought about the Vampire origins in the book. I thought that creating these vile & soulless creatures was good because it gave us a different theory as to how they came to be. It is like a HUGE story that u MUST READ.

Overall, Yes, I was help captive by the story & had my emotions pulled but it wasn't what I was expecting. It is DEFINETELY for ADULTS and would recommend you to read it & see what I mean when I say i had *CHILLS* & was a crying wreck with Claire. I really liked it & will be reading the next in the series. SO i give this book 4/5 STARS!!

[Francis Franklin · Rating 3 out of 5]

We have created a modern mythology of beautiful vampires who are passionate lovers. The defining act has become one of erotic surrender and unparalleled ecstasy. Sex with such a vampire is merely foreplay for the sublimation of blood drinking.

Fantasy is one thing, reality another. There's no denying the attraction to bad boys (is there an elegant way to make that non-gender-specific?) - we do crave excitement and wild passion - but ultimately we want someone we can rely on, someone who cares for us.

Discovering suddenly that the person you are falling in love with is a ruthless (and frequent) killer, and apparently a sociopath incapable of genuine compassion, is never going to be a pleasant surprise. How would you react if, further, the monster declares that you too must become a monster, or else all that you love will be destroyed?

The Dark Proposal poses this question. Claire, a young aspiring journalist, is seduced by older, wiser Daniel - who's handsome and, for the most part, charming. One day, as the relationship between them starts to get more serious, he reveals that he is a vampire and that he has chosen her to be his eternal companion - and he makes it brutally clear that she has no real choice in the matter.

This is intended as the first book in a trilogy, and I have no idea where the story will go. Being the first book, there is no promise of resolution and closure, let alone a 'happy' ending. It takes courage to write a novel in which there is no hero, only an ordinary woman ensnared by a cruel and dangerous monster.

Full marks for embracing and exploring the dark side of vampirism, stripping away the glamour that so many authors use to conceal a soup of moral poison.

I want to give this book four stars, because it's original and engaging, but it needs an editorial review.

[Anjie Kendall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the look on the woman's face on the cover pretty much sums up how I felt about this book. I'm all for vampires being evil creatures, they're not cuddly or sparkly or anything else. Daniel was evil and abusive, and it just became too much for me, but I finished the book. There were a few times when I thought I wouldn't.

The lack of editing was also rather distracting. Words were incorrectly used, or left out and I had to fill in the blanks with my mind.

As evil and abusive as I found Daniel to be, I found Claire to be on the other end of the spectrum: weak. With all the warning signs about Daniel, she ignored them all. Even though he was cold and aloof to her throughout much of their relationship. They spent the night together their first date, and the next morning, he all but kicked her out "it's 9am, you need to go" and she still came back. Yet, she said she didn't put up with abuse. I know a woman in love is able to overlook a lot of things, but so early in the relationship, I doubt I would have gone back. I just couldn't sympathize with Claire for the plight she found herself in, and wanted Daniel to die. If there are more to follow this book, I doubt I will read them.

[Eugene Gorodinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

How refreshing! One of my hobbies of late is scouring amazon for vampire books that don't have traditional "worthless heroine is turned by a hot looking good samaritan vampire who happens to be a master vampire and just happened to fall in love at first sight" or "a (still worthless) heroine with convenient martial arts skills is turned into a vampire and battles vampire masters (who are hundreds of years older than she is and just as many times stronger) on a nightly basis" theme going. I'm sincerely glad to see this addition where vampires are portrayed as villainous and yet the heroine has no choice but to become one of them. All because of a sick manipulative bastard that she crossed paths with. A set up like this sounds infinitely more plausible to me. Can't wait for the sequel.

[goodperson · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had potential as a return to the darker side of vampires, but it failed when it came to character development and logic.

Daniel was unlikable. That's okay as it's supposed to be a darker take, but I couldn't forgive Claire being ignorant and delusional. Might have worth as an example of why battered women stick with an abusive relationship, but don't tell me the girl is smart then make her act like a dimwit.

3 stars for the concept.
2 stars for the execution.

[Renea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently finished this book. I thought it was VERY different from what I normally read. It is not your typical love story. But the story was very interesting and I did like it and the writing style.


SPOILER ALERT
I like to think that in the end Claire rose above the Vampirism and gained some power, and that she got revenge on Daniel for doing what he did. I just think that it couldnt just end like it did.

I do recommend the book if you are looking for something different.

[Mihaela]

WTF???

[Patti · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a great story

Honestly tried reading this but became so bogged down in what I did not like. Just my opinion, not to my taste.