What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dark Side #2
Darker
Book Two in the The Dark Side series.
Can she outrun the secrets of her past, or is surrender her only choice?
Eva Byrne’s first encounter with the darker side of Nathan Darke’s sensuality ends in disaster. Frightened, hurt, betrayed, she struggles to regather her shattered confidence—in him, and in herself.
Desperate to continue her journey of exploration and self-discovery, Eva has to convince a sceptical Nathan that she’s worth the trouble. And that she can learn to submit to him. When she is forced to reveal elements of her past she has preferred to keep hidden, both her brilliance and her vulnerability are laid bare. Will Nathan accept Eva as she is, and help her to become the woman she longs to be, or will she face yet another rejection?
Terrified and intrigued in equal measure, Nathan has no idea how to deal with the exquisitely enigmatic Eva Byrne. Should he cut his losses and run, or allow their relationship to continue, and watch as Eva’s delicate beauty unfurls in his hands?
Fascinated and ensnared by Nathan, Eva longs to taste what he offers and her erotic journey continues. But how much will she have to surrender to him in order to liberate her own desires?
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of dominance and submission, including sex toys, pain play, anal play, nipple clamps, erotic waxing, restraints and caning. It is best read in sequence as part of a series.
Can she outrun the secrets of her past, or is surrender her only choice?
Eva Byrne’s first encounter with the darker side of Nathan Darke’s sensuality ends in disaster. Frightened, hurt, betrayed, she struggles to regather her shattered confidence—in him, and in herself.
Desperate to continue her journey of exploration and self-discovery, Eva has to convince a sceptical Nathan that she’s worth the trouble. And that she can learn to submit to him. When she is forced to reveal elements of her past she has preferred to keep hidden, both her brilliance and her vulnerability are laid bare. Will Nathan accept Eva as she is, and help her to become the woman she longs to be, or will she face yet another rejection?
Terrified and intrigued in equal measure, Nathan has no idea how to deal with the exquisitely enigmatic Eva Byrne. Should he cut his losses and run, or allow their relationship to continue, and watch as Eva’s delicate beauty unfurls in his hands?
Fascinated and ensnared by Nathan, Eva longs to taste what he offers and her erotic journey continues. But how much will she have to surrender to him in order to liberate her own desires?
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of dominance and submission, including sex toys, pain play, anal play, nipple clamps, erotic waxing, restraints and caning. It is best read in sequence as part of a series.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2013
7 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Ashe Barker
140 books807 followersUntil 2010, Ashe was a director of a regeneration company before deciding there had to be more to life and leaving to pursue a lifetime goal of self-employment.
Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.
She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.
When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.
Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.
She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.
When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 23, 2017
This second entry in the The Dark Side Trilogy is just as good if not better than the first. Instead of getting some back-story then taking off, Darker begins right where Darkening left right off at (Thank God!). Boy I was not disappointed.
Holy crow! I knew Eva was intelligent but WHOA! (OK no spoiler reveals). Where in the first book I felt it was more get to know Eva story, Darker feels more evenly split between the two. The story is still told from Eva’s first person perspective but there are revelations that are more personal and soul baring from both Eva and Nathan. The sex is this second entry is bow-chica-wow-wow hot! Note to Eva – if you get tired I’ll tag in for you! Yes this is a erotic story but there is so much more than just sex. The soul baring and secret revealings have my alternating being laughing, gasping and tears.
One thing I got to say about this series that I am enjoy is we are given a sense that Nathan is very well off. But, instead of it being a in your face he is filthy rich billionaire, it is just merely implied instead of. I for one find that refreshing. Really, I could careless is he’s rich and she’s poor, I just want a good story about two people and that’s exactly what I got. Author Ashe Barker has definitely mastered the art of cliffhangers because just when I think her books are going to end on a high note, BAM! there it is. There’s one more book to go and I know I will just be crushed to see this story end. Darker is an absolute must read and I do highly recommend reading the Dark Side Trilogy.
I received this book from JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 5 Flames – 4
Holy crow! I knew Eva was intelligent but WHOA! (OK no spoiler reveals). Where in the first book I felt it was more get to know Eva story, Darker feels more evenly split between the two. The story is still told from Eva’s first person perspective but there are revelations that are more personal and soul baring from both Eva and Nathan. The sex is this second entry is bow-chica-wow-wow hot! Note to Eva – if you get tired I’ll tag in for you! Yes this is a erotic story but there is so much more than just sex. The soul baring and secret revealings have my alternating being laughing, gasping and tears.
One thing I got to say about this series that I am enjoy is we are given a sense that Nathan is very well off. But, instead of it being a in your face he is filthy rich billionaire, it is just merely implied instead of. I for one find that refreshing. Really, I could careless is he’s rich and she’s poor, I just want a good story about two people and that’s exactly what I got. Author Ashe Barker has definitely mastered the art of cliffhangers because just when I think her books are going to end on a high note, BAM! there it is. There’s one more book to go and I know I will just be crushed to see this story end. Darker is an absolute must read and I do highly recommend reading the Dark Side Trilogy.
I received this book from JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 5 Flames – 4
May 14, 2016
Darker is book two in the Dark Side series by Ashe Barker and I think I loved it even more than the first! I am so glad this picked up right where book one left off! The cliffhanger was just- oh my!
Nathan is a dom who says he is strict. He likes to use pain with pleasure to amp up his sex and because of that, the use of safe words is a must. He pushes limits and when he finds that Eva has a problem using her safe words, he is not comfortable knowing her safety could be as risk. He is not a sadist. He has a specific plan for the pain and pleasure. However, with Eva, he is feeling something different with her from the other subs he's previously had. He's lenient with her about his rules. He seems to not want to punish her for infractions. He just wants to enjoy her and have her enjoy him.
Eva pushed herself and lost control. She was determined to be the best sub Nathan has ever had and in her mind, she had to endure more than any other sub had. When a scene goes wrong, she terrified Nathan. Against his better judgment, she convinces him to give her another shot.
We are treated to all that Nathan is and I loved every minute of it! Nathan is falling and he is confused about how he feels and why. He knows he wants more and more of her- most certainly for sex, but also her time, and dates, and conversations. Just more.
Eva meanwhile is gaining confidence, not only sexually, but also as who she is. Yes she is a genius, but maybe not so weird as she feels she is. Nathan doesn't make her feel that way. He seems very interested in whatever she has to say. I loved their talks. Yes they are raw and sad, but then some are oh so funny too! She is a brainiac and he's a billionaire, seemingly from so very different worlds, that connect and get each other. I am hooked on them and the I feel the story wrapping around me-gripping me tighter and tighter as I continue to read on.
As this is a three book series, I know there are things that will happen which will make the couple question their situation. I am so hopeful that they make it and decide the other is worth the effort to overcome whatever is thrown their way.
Yes, we are once again treated to another cliffhanger. Ms. Barker seems to be a master of those! And yes book three is sure to be a doozy! I loved everything about Darker! I am anxious to start the final book in the Dark Side series and am already certain it will have a place on my "read before you die" shelf!
5 stars/4 flames
This book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
Nathan is a dom who says he is strict. He likes to use pain with pleasure to amp up his sex and because of that, the use of safe words is a must. He pushes limits and when he finds that Eva has a problem using her safe words, he is not comfortable knowing her safety could be as risk. He is not a sadist. He has a specific plan for the pain and pleasure. However, with Eva, he is feeling something different with her from the other subs he's previously had. He's lenient with her about his rules. He seems to not want to punish her for infractions. He just wants to enjoy her and have her enjoy him.
Eva pushed herself and lost control. She was determined to be the best sub Nathan has ever had and in her mind, she had to endure more than any other sub had. When a scene goes wrong, she terrified Nathan. Against his better judgment, she convinces him to give her another shot.
We are treated to all that Nathan is and I loved every minute of it! Nathan is falling and he is confused about how he feels and why. He knows he wants more and more of her- most certainly for sex, but also her time, and dates, and conversations. Just more.
Eva meanwhile is gaining confidence, not only sexually, but also as who she is. Yes she is a genius, but maybe not so weird as she feels she is. Nathan doesn't make her feel that way. He seems very interested in whatever she has to say. I loved their talks. Yes they are raw and sad, but then some are oh so funny too! She is a brainiac and he's a billionaire, seemingly from so very different worlds, that connect and get each other. I am hooked on them and the I feel the story wrapping around me-gripping me tighter and tighter as I continue to read on.
As this is a three book series, I know there are things that will happen which will make the couple question their situation. I am so hopeful that they make it and decide the other is worth the effort to overcome whatever is thrown their way.
Yes, we are once again treated to another cliffhanger. Ms. Barker seems to be a master of those! And yes book three is sure to be a doozy! I loved everything about Darker! I am anxious to start the final book in the Dark Side series and am already certain it will have a place on my "read before you die" shelf!
5 stars/4 flames
This book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
January 9, 2014
3.5 STARS....book 2 in the Dark side trilogy. The continuing story of Nathan and Eva. This story picks up right where the first book ended. We find out more about Eva and her brilliance. She is not the typical lending lady. I find her difficult to relate to at times, but all in all I like her. Nathan is amazing!! Kind, sweet, but domineering as well. Really great HOT sex!! Can't wait to read the next one.
October 5, 2013
http://blue-moon.fr/spip.php?article8795
Ashe Barker n’est pas allée chercher très loin son inspiration pour sa trilogie. Elle a lu et aimé Cinquante nuances de Grey et beaucoup de romans écrits dans la suite du best-seller et a créé sa propre histoire. Le résultat est étonnamment maîtrisé et réussi. Si le premier livre plantait le décor et suivait exactement le même chemin que les premiers tomes de ce genre de série, ce second trouve son originalité et laisse beaucoup de perspective pour la troisième partie.
Ne lisez pas ce livre sans avoir lu le premier, bien-sur et cette critique risque de vous donner quelques détails sur l’histoire si vous ne l’avez pas commencé. Rappelons rapidement que l’héroïne, Eva est violoniste ( entre autres, car elle cache une série impressionnante de talent). Elle a accepté une drôle de proposition d’emploi dans le nord de l’Angleterre, pour donner des cours de violon à une petite fille. Elle va découvrir alors le père adoptif de l’enfant, un architecte renommé et riche de Leeds. Elle va aussi découvrir qu’il a des goûts sexuels particuliers et qu’elle lui plaît beaucoup. Le premier tome était consacré au début de cette relation entre une innocente qui va découvrir le bdsm. La fin du premier livre montrait les limites de ses capacités à être une soumise. Le second commence juste là où le premier se termine après une séance éprouvante de sexe.
Le second va être concentré sur quelques jours, un long week-end où le couple se trouve loin de la maison sur la lande où vit Nathan Darke., à Leeds. Ils tentent alors de clarifier ce qui les unis, leurs limites, leurs attentes respectives. Si la teneur d’un second tome d’une telle trilogie est souvent celle-ci , ce que propose Ashe Darker est particulièrement cohérent et intéressant. Evidemment, Eva est jeune, innocente et en plus très fragile psychologiquement. Les raisons vont peu à peu se clarifier. Eva est une sorte de génie au QI exceptionnel et qui a tous les problèmes de ces personnes. Elle est super intelligente mais a des problèmes de relations affectives qui la rendent fragile. Quant à Nathan c’est le classique héros, dominateur, riche, follement beau et sûr de lui mais il va faire un immense chemin en direction d’Eva. C’est chaud, chaleureux, d’une sensualité renversante. Evidemment, les amateurs de vrai bdsm lèveront les yeux au ciel en s’étonnant qu’un homme si dominant, s’intéresse à une jeune femme qui est une mauvaise soumise selon ses propres critères et que bien souvent, le bdsm est oublié. Mais les autres apprécieront cette relation intense, fusionnelle, en grande évolution ici.
Le deuxième tome se termine évidemment sur un cliffhanger saisissant, pas celui auquel on s’attend peut-être ce qui est évidemment un autre bon point à mettre à l’actif de Ashe Darker. Le contexte d’une ville qui na rien de glamour pourtant, Leeds dans le Yorkshire ( le pays des sœurs Brontë, il est vrai) est aussi un très bonne idée. Il y flotte justement une atmosphère de lande victorienne et des soeurs Brontë, qui est un apport supplémentaire.
Ce second tome continue donc dans la très bonne lignée du premier. Heureusement le prochain tome sort très prochainement et conclura cette belle histoire, classique, pas toujours originale mais parfaitement racontée.
Ashe Barker n’est pas allée chercher très loin son inspiration pour sa trilogie. Elle a lu et aimé Cinquante nuances de Grey et beaucoup de romans écrits dans la suite du best-seller et a créé sa propre histoire. Le résultat est étonnamment maîtrisé et réussi. Si le premier livre plantait le décor et suivait exactement le même chemin que les premiers tomes de ce genre de série, ce second trouve son originalité et laisse beaucoup de perspective pour la troisième partie.
Ne lisez pas ce livre sans avoir lu le premier, bien-sur et cette critique risque de vous donner quelques détails sur l’histoire si vous ne l’avez pas commencé. Rappelons rapidement que l’héroïne, Eva est violoniste ( entre autres, car elle cache une série impressionnante de talent). Elle a accepté une drôle de proposition d’emploi dans le nord de l’Angleterre, pour donner des cours de violon à une petite fille. Elle va découvrir alors le père adoptif de l’enfant, un architecte renommé et riche de Leeds. Elle va aussi découvrir qu’il a des goûts sexuels particuliers et qu’elle lui plaît beaucoup. Le premier tome était consacré au début de cette relation entre une innocente qui va découvrir le bdsm. La fin du premier livre montrait les limites de ses capacités à être une soumise. Le second commence juste là où le premier se termine après une séance éprouvante de sexe.
Le second va être concentré sur quelques jours, un long week-end où le couple se trouve loin de la maison sur la lande où vit Nathan Darke., à Leeds. Ils tentent alors de clarifier ce qui les unis, leurs limites, leurs attentes respectives. Si la teneur d’un second tome d’une telle trilogie est souvent celle-ci , ce que propose Ashe Darker est particulièrement cohérent et intéressant. Evidemment, Eva est jeune, innocente et en plus très fragile psychologiquement. Les raisons vont peu à peu se clarifier. Eva est une sorte de génie au QI exceptionnel et qui a tous les problèmes de ces personnes. Elle est super intelligente mais a des problèmes de relations affectives qui la rendent fragile. Quant à Nathan c’est le classique héros, dominateur, riche, follement beau et sûr de lui mais il va faire un immense chemin en direction d’Eva. C’est chaud, chaleureux, d’une sensualité renversante. Evidemment, les amateurs de vrai bdsm lèveront les yeux au ciel en s’étonnant qu’un homme si dominant, s’intéresse à une jeune femme qui est une mauvaise soumise selon ses propres critères et que bien souvent, le bdsm est oublié. Mais les autres apprécieront cette relation intense, fusionnelle, en grande évolution ici.
Le deuxième tome se termine évidemment sur un cliffhanger saisissant, pas celui auquel on s’attend peut-être ce qui est évidemment un autre bon point à mettre à l’actif de Ashe Darker. Le contexte d’une ville qui na rien de glamour pourtant, Leeds dans le Yorkshire ( le pays des sœurs Brontë, il est vrai) est aussi un très bonne idée. Il y flotte justement une atmosphère de lande victorienne et des soeurs Brontë, qui est un apport supplémentaire.
Ce second tome continue donc dans la très bonne lignée du premier. Heureusement le prochain tome sort très prochainement et conclura cette belle histoire, classique, pas toujours originale mais parfaitement racontée.
May 5, 2014
3.5. Second in the series. It has been a bit of time since I read the first one but I remember the writing and the couples chemistry warmer. The connection (of my memory) was gone. I am anxious to finish the series quickly now so I don't lose my perspective. I def. recommend
July 8, 2017
I still love this series, but I didn't enjoy this as much as the first.
I've found the female MC Eva to be a bit pathetic, although she is clearly exceptionally clever.Nathan I felt wasn't as strong a person as the first book, and I loved the intrigue of the surroundings in the first. It may be because they travel to Leeds in this book, have lots of kinky sex, but then decide that Nathan does really like to hurt Eva, so has lots of passionate sex, interspersed with getting to know how bright she is, but lacking in sexual experience.
I must admit I was dissappointed with this book, until the cliff hanging at the end, which lead me dashing to the next book. If it hadn't been for this, I may have struggled to pick up the next in this series.
I've found the female MC Eva to be a bit pathetic, although she is clearly exceptionally clever.Nathan I felt wasn't as strong a person as the first book, and I loved the intrigue of the surroundings in the first. It may be because they travel to Leeds in this book, have lots of kinky sex, but then decide that Nathan does really like to hurt Eva, so has lots of passionate sex, interspersed with getting to know how bright she is, but lacking in sexual experience.
I must admit I was dissappointed with this book, until the cliff hanging at the end, which lead me dashing to the next book. If it hadn't been for this, I may have struggled to pick up the next in this series.
June 3, 2018
This book continues right from where the last one ended and this story does not disappoint. We get to know more about Eva and just how gifted she is. Nathan is becoming enthralled with her. Great follow-up.
Read
December 15, 2025Dnf. Got repetitive and boring after some time.
May 19, 2016
Darker is the second book in the trilogy. Holy freaking balls of painful ass-whipping fire, Batman. I loved it.
Shall we deconstruct the why with my favorite form of how-do-I-love-thee? Yes, lets.
Get ready to turn on the air con. Ms. Barker ratcheted up the heat factor here. We've got caning, spanking, bondage, sex toys, masturbation, blow jobs, bondage, anal play, bondage, and anal sex. Oh, and did I mention bondage? Even with Nathan's version of "just gentle sex," there's bondage. And *this* reader couldn't get enough.
The first book ended on a cliff hanger. If you haven't read Darkening, you'll want to before you read Darker. This isn't a standalone. This book begins with...
***Spoiler alert***: She's okay.
I mean, sort of okay. Her ass is on fire. She's pissed at him, he's pissed at her, and they have a rip-roaring fight and Nathan tries to break up with her because she wouldn't use her safeword and can I just say Ms. Barker is an incredibly talented writer?
I wanted to throw my e-reader across the floor in frustration.
Why wouldn't Eva just *talk* to him?
Of course because Eva is sharing with us little bits and pieces of her life, the way people actually do in the real world, we build our picture of her a frame at a time. And every time you think you understand her? Every time you think you have her pegged?
Nope.
Sometimes I felt bad for Nathan Darke. He just wanted a subbie with spirit who'd let him spank her ass and, well, Eva tries but she's not really cut out for the hard stuff.
One of the reasons I wanted to yell at my e-reader? Nathan keeps going straight to the hard stuff.
The cane...of...doom.
And, I mean, I get that the cane is his fave spanking implement, and he's got the raving hots for her. And Eva, well, for such a smart cookie she doesn't. say. no. to. any-effing-thing. She just keeps saying sure, okay, let's try that. Spank my arse until I pass out.
But she's a little bitty thing with asthma who never even let anyone touch her until Nathan got her panties in a twist.
(Literally.).
And he's a Dom. He's had lots of subs. He should have known to warm her up with his hand, or a lovely soft flogger, or even a crop with that sweet little spanking tongue on the end.
But nope.
That right there - that human, messed-up interaction - that's one of the reasons I loved this book so much. So often, literary Doms are portrayed as perfect sex gods who know exactly what to do with a sub.
Doms are humans. Nathan is human. He has faults, like a quick temper and jumping to conclusions. And when he screws up, he admits it, then goes overboard buying lovely prezzies and lavishing her with multiple Os.
I also loved that he pried secrets out of Eva, cracking open that tough oyster shell and not letting her hide her past. He's protective of his daughter, and their angstiest moments are those times he thinks Eva might not be a good influence for her.
That's something else I loved about this book. Eva and Nathan have to build their budding relationship in front of his daughter...
And now back to Rosie. Nathan is all about acting appropriately vanilla in front of the kid. Which makes the heat RISE UP and combust when they catch a few mos alone. That scene in her bedroom, ohhhh. Loved it. And that time in the barn? pant, pant
Ms. Barker, you did it again. You crafted a book I love, with characters I love, and a plot I love. And you ended it on another cliff-hanger, you sneaky woman.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys quirky, smart female characters, Doms who spank hard and deliver tender after-care with lots of Os, gorgeous settings, great dialogue, and incredibly hot non-vanilla sex. It ends on a cliff-hanger but book 3 is already out, and thanks to a bit of judicious negotiation...Just kidding. I begged. Totally Bound kindly provided complimentary copies of book 2 and 3, in return for an honest review. Now I'm off like a swift winged thing to read Darkest.
Shall we deconstruct the why with my favorite form of how-do-I-love-thee? Yes, lets.
Get ready to turn on the air con. Ms. Barker ratcheted up the heat factor here. We've got caning, spanking, bondage, sex toys, masturbation, blow jobs, bondage, anal play, bondage, and anal sex. Oh, and did I mention bondage? Even with Nathan's version of "just gentle sex," there's bondage. And *this* reader couldn't get enough.
The first book ended on a cliff hanger. If you haven't read Darkening, you'll want to before you read Darker. This isn't a standalone. This book begins with...
***Spoiler alert***: She's okay.
I mean, sort of okay. Her ass is on fire. She's pissed at him, he's pissed at her, and they have a rip-roaring fight and Nathan tries to break up with her because she wouldn't use her safeword and can I just say Ms. Barker is an incredibly talented writer?
I wanted to throw my e-reader across the floor in frustration.
Why wouldn't Eva just *talk* to him?
Of course because Eva is sharing with us little bits and pieces of her life, the way people actually do in the real world, we build our picture of her a frame at a time. And every time you think you understand her? Every time you think you have her pegged?
Nope.
Sometimes I felt bad for Nathan Darke. He just wanted a subbie with spirit who'd let him spank her ass and, well, Eva tries but she's not really cut out for the hard stuff.
One of the reasons I wanted to yell at my e-reader? Nathan keeps going straight to the hard stuff.
The cane...of...doom.
And, I mean, I get that the cane is his fave spanking implement, and he's got the raving hots for her. And Eva, well, for such a smart cookie she doesn't. say. no. to. any-effing-thing. She just keeps saying sure, okay, let's try that. Spank my arse until I pass out.
But she's a little bitty thing with asthma who never even let anyone touch her until Nathan got her panties in a twist.
(Literally.).
And he's a Dom. He's had lots of subs. He should have known to warm her up with his hand, or a lovely soft flogger, or even a crop with that sweet little spanking tongue on the end.
But nope.
That right there - that human, messed-up interaction - that's one of the reasons I loved this book so much. So often, literary Doms are portrayed as perfect sex gods who know exactly what to do with a sub.
Doms are humans. Nathan is human. He has faults, like a quick temper and jumping to conclusions. And when he screws up, he admits it, then goes overboard buying lovely prezzies and lavishing her with multiple Os.
I also loved that he pried secrets out of Eva, cracking open that tough oyster shell and not letting her hide her past. He's protective of his daughter, and their angstiest moments are those times he thinks Eva might not be a good influence for her.
That's something else I loved about this book. Eva and Nathan have to build their budding relationship in front of his daughter...
Oh, oops! Did I say the "R" word? Yeah, I know in my review of Darkening I said this wasn't a sweet romance, it was all about the sexual awakening. That's top of the list here, too, but they're realizing that each may be something special for the other. So, even though we still don't have hearts and flowers, we can't help but make encouraging clucking noises toward them. "Come on, that's a good boy, sidle closer, isn't she cute?"
And now back to Rosie. Nathan is all about acting appropriately vanilla in front of the kid. Which makes the heat RISE UP and combust when they catch a few mos alone. That scene in her bedroom, ohhhh. Loved it. And that time in the barn? pant, pant
Ms. Barker, you did it again. You crafted a book I love, with characters I love, and a plot I love. And you ended it on another cliff-hanger, you sneaky woman.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys quirky, smart female characters, Doms who spank hard and deliver tender after-care with lots of Os, gorgeous settings, great dialogue, and incredibly hot non-vanilla sex. It ends on a cliff-hanger but book 3 is already out, and thanks to a bit of judicious negotiation...Just kidding. I begged. Totally Bound kindly provided complimentary copies of book 2 and 3, in return for an honest review. Now I'm off like a swift winged thing to read Darkest.
February 1, 2015
I received a copy in exchange for a honest review.
I fell in love with The Dark Side series from the moment Eva and Nathan first met. Eva is a genius that is stuck in a rut of her own making. When she begins to feel claustrophobic with one endeavor, Eva moves on to something else. She has what seems like a mental breakdown with her previous job and takes off with little notice. In need of new scenery, Eva quickly takes a position as a private music teacher for a young girl. She's very much out of her element, especially when she has an unfortunate meeting with her new employer, the mysterious Nathan Darke. Nathan is the dark, brooding billionaire with a taste for BDSM. He doesn't do gentle. He likes sex with pain and pleasure, but he takes it very seriously. He's dominate and possessive, but he's not a sadistic asshole that pushes women into something they are not comfortable with. He is very strict with safe words and the safety of his sub. Nathan and Eva bring out both the best and the worse out of each other. Nathan feels things for Eva that he's never felt before. He's willing to put his desires aside for Eva and that shocks the hell out of him. As for Eva, she pushes herself past the point of no return just to prove herself to Nathan. She doesn't know when to use her safe word and that terrifies him. Eva isn't afraid to question Nathan and she'll stand up to him. The attraction between them is instantaneous (once they dry off) and Nathan hopes that Eva will become his new sub, but he finds himself turned on by her spunk, especially when she pushes him.
The three novellas that make up The Dark Side series are Darkening, Darker, and Darkest. I know I don't normally do a series review, but I felt that this set-up worked best. Without further ado, here are my mini reviews for each of the three novellas.
Darker was my favorite novella of the trio. Most of the second installment is spent exploring the sexual side of Nathan and Eva's relationship. Where the first novella spends a lot of time inside Eva's head, this one has more interactions between the characters, especially between the couple. Throughout the second novella, Eva becomes more confident in herself, both as an individual and in her new found sexuality. Nathan's confusion over his feelings towards Eva starts to grow and he finds himself wanting more.
I fell in love with The Dark Side series from the moment Eva and Nathan first met. Eva is a genius that is stuck in a rut of her own making. When she begins to feel claustrophobic with one endeavor, Eva moves on to something else. She has what seems like a mental breakdown with her previous job and takes off with little notice. In need of new scenery, Eva quickly takes a position as a private music teacher for a young girl. She's very much out of her element, especially when she has an unfortunate meeting with her new employer, the mysterious Nathan Darke. Nathan is the dark, brooding billionaire with a taste for BDSM. He doesn't do gentle. He likes sex with pain and pleasure, but he takes it very seriously. He's dominate and possessive, but he's not a sadistic asshole that pushes women into something they are not comfortable with. He is very strict with safe words and the safety of his sub. Nathan and Eva bring out both the best and the worse out of each other. Nathan feels things for Eva that he's never felt before. He's willing to put his desires aside for Eva and that shocks the hell out of him. As for Eva, she pushes herself past the point of no return just to prove herself to Nathan. She doesn't know when to use her safe word and that terrifies him. Eva isn't afraid to question Nathan and she'll stand up to him. The attraction between them is instantaneous (once they dry off) and Nathan hopes that Eva will become his new sub, but he finds himself turned on by her spunk, especially when she pushes him.
The three novellas that make up The Dark Side series are Darkening, Darker, and Darkest. I know I don't normally do a series review, but I felt that this set-up worked best. Without further ado, here are my mini reviews for each of the three novellas.
Darker was my favorite novella of the trio. Most of the second installment is spent exploring the sexual side of Nathan and Eva's relationship. Where the first novella spends a lot of time inside Eva's head, this one has more interactions between the characters, especially between the couple. Throughout the second novella, Eva becomes more confident in herself, both as an individual and in her new found sexuality. Nathan's confusion over his feelings towards Eva starts to grow and he finds himself wanting more.
September 9, 2013
4*
Eva Byrne is running from who she is. Trying to escape her past she encounters Nathan Darke.
While Nathan is happy to divulge his sexual preferences to entice Eva to become his sub, he too has some secrets from his past.
After a disastrous first erotic encounter Eva vows to prove not only to herself but to Nathan that she can and will be able to give him everything he desires.
Admitting to themselves that the best way to move forward together is to share some of their innermost secrets.
Can Eva overcome her vulnerability and can Nathan admit that he truly needs Eva…….even if she is a terrible sub.
I have been waiting to read this for a while and I must say it didn’t disappoint.
When I reviewed book 1 in this series I pointed out the similarities to another BDSM trilogy, yes the references are still there but this time the story begins to flourish around them.
The relationship between these two characters is beautifully written with moments that had me catching my breath. Waiting for those three little words.
There aren’t many characters in this book but to be honest it really doesn’t need them. There is more than enough detail in this book to make you forget about everything else that could be going on around them. That for me makes a truly good romance.
Taken back once again to Bronte country I relish in the incredible descriptive. It makes me want to wrap myself up in a woolly cardigan, throw on my walking boots and spend hours taking in the countryside in the hope of finding my very own Heathcliff.
The erotic scenes are great, as well as being incredibly hot there are moments that really made me giggle, using a fantastic array of terminology.
I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to find out what happens next.
ARC Supplied For Review.
Eva Byrne is running from who she is. Trying to escape her past she encounters Nathan Darke.
While Nathan is happy to divulge his sexual preferences to entice Eva to become his sub, he too has some secrets from his past.
After a disastrous first erotic encounter Eva vows to prove not only to herself but to Nathan that she can and will be able to give him everything he desires.
Admitting to themselves that the best way to move forward together is to share some of their innermost secrets.
Can Eva overcome her vulnerability and can Nathan admit that he truly needs Eva…….even if she is a terrible sub.
I have been waiting to read this for a while and I must say it didn’t disappoint.
When I reviewed book 1 in this series I pointed out the similarities to another BDSM trilogy, yes the references are still there but this time the story begins to flourish around them.
The relationship between these two characters is beautifully written with moments that had me catching my breath. Waiting for those three little words.
There aren’t many characters in this book but to be honest it really doesn’t need them. There is more than enough detail in this book to make you forget about everything else that could be going on around them. That for me makes a truly good romance.
Taken back once again to Bronte country I relish in the incredible descriptive. It makes me want to wrap myself up in a woolly cardigan, throw on my walking boots and spend hours taking in the countryside in the hope of finding my very own Heathcliff.
The erotic scenes are great, as well as being incredibly hot there are moments that really made me giggle, using a fantastic array of terminology.
I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to find out what happens next.
ARC Supplied For Review.
August 29, 2014
the one thing it all comes down to - TRUST !!! trust that someone with your feelings, with your heart, with your body, with your limits and wishes and with your past. we are all mortal and trying to be better and even if we want to or not we hide our true selves and our past in a try of not the get hurt, not to repeat the pain and most importantly not to be judged for it.
you can say that book #2 is about trust between Nathan and Eva sharing their past is "make it or break it" step that they are taking. And what we all learned that when it comes to kink trust is crucial to the most basic need and the most important. trust him to know you wishes, tolerance and deepest desires - the once you won't even admit to your self.
the two of them take a step forward but it goes wrong cause they are missing the basics of a relationship for the trust to "kick in" so we see the emotional and physical journey they are taking to explore what they have. and each moment we are getting to know them but truly know them (including Eva's temper)
you are advised to learn from them ... let's see if they are in for a happy ending :)
you can say that book #2 is about trust between Nathan and Eva sharing their past is "make it or break it" step that they are taking. And what we all learned that when it comes to kink trust is crucial to the most basic need and the most important. trust him to know you wishes, tolerance and deepest desires - the once you won't even admit to your self.
the two of them take a step forward but it goes wrong cause they are missing the basics of a relationship for the trust to "kick in" so we see the emotional and physical journey they are taking to explore what they have. and each moment we are getting to know them but truly know them (including Eva's temper)
you are advised to learn from them ... let's see if they are in for a happy ending :)
December 19, 2013
Taking a Walk on the Dark side
Darker is the Second installment of a 3 part Trilogy Picking up where the first story stops with the burgeoning relationship of Eva Byrne and Nathan Darke.
Eva and Nathan’s relationship continues to grow and evolve. providing quite a few AH Ha Moments for the reader. Moments that make you smile cringe and shiver are intermingled with more than one a few clutch the pearl moments .
I Loved that Ashe Barker has a no holds barred way of writing , which allows the reader to see Eva and Nathan as 3 dimensional characters , who are not perfect and who are 100% human, who can make mistakes ,admit them and grow from them. Eva’s curiosity about the D/s lifestyle mad me think of a quote from Shrek , She has layers to her personality like a Onion *g* I truly enjoyed peeling those layers back one at a time as I read this book .
The second book takes you further in to the Eva’s and Nathan’s journey in to D/s and their relationship.
Darker is the Second installment of a 3 part Trilogy Picking up where the first story stops with the burgeoning relationship of Eva Byrne and Nathan Darke.
Eva and Nathan’s relationship continues to grow and evolve. providing quite a few AH Ha Moments for the reader. Moments that make you smile cringe and shiver are intermingled with more than one a few clutch the pearl moments .
I Loved that Ashe Barker has a no holds barred way of writing , which allows the reader to see Eva and Nathan as 3 dimensional characters , who are not perfect and who are 100% human, who can make mistakes ,admit them and grow from them. Eva’s curiosity about the D/s lifestyle mad me think of a quote from Shrek , She has layers to her personality like a Onion *g* I truly enjoyed peeling those layers back one at a time as I read this book .
The second book takes you further in to the Eva’s and Nathan’s journey in to D/s and their relationship.
October 20, 2016
Ok read, but a bit repetative
I read this second book in the series of three looking forward to a continuation of the last book, but I was a little disappointed. There is a LOT of sex in this book, which I usually love in a book, but this was a little over the top going from scene to scene??? The main bulk of the book focuses on one weekend which ends in a dramatic climax which I don't think the fall out was thought out very well and a bit unrealistic? Other areas also fell short, especially her past coming to light and surely an asthmatic having sex on a hay bale would have had an attack?? That all said, I'm currently debating to buy the next installment because it did end with a cliff hanger.
I read this second book in the series of three looking forward to a continuation of the last book, but I was a little disappointed. There is a LOT of sex in this book, which I usually love in a book, but this was a little over the top going from scene to scene??? The main bulk of the book focuses on one weekend which ends in a dramatic climax which I don't think the fall out was thought out very well and a bit unrealistic? Other areas also fell short, especially her past coming to light and surely an asthmatic having sex on a hay bale would have had an attack?? That all said, I'm currently debating to buy the next installment because it did end with a cliff hanger.
March 26, 2014
Holy Friggin'-smokin'-ovaries 5 stars!!
I'm in LOVE! This whole book was about a weekend, well almost, and I couldn't put it down!! Talk about HOT
So, I'm thinking.. after that mean cliffy, I'm off to read the next one!
I'm in LOVE! This whole book was about a weekend, well almost, and I couldn't put it down!! Talk about HOT
So, I'm thinking.. after that mean cliffy, I'm off to read the next one!
January 26, 2014
This story has turned in many directions and although it seems these book always center around a woman who is not aware of who she is or her worth . This book is different because this book works through all the self esteem issues that plague us all when good things begin to happen we wonder if you are dreaming or if it is a reality.
October 5, 2013
2 stars but the author is really milking this story in to 3 books. This is mostly a weekend filled with sex, at times I skipped a lot, the end is not even a cliffhanger.
So Im leaving book 3 for what it is.
The story was ok, but nothing really's happening.
This trilogy is not better than FSOG.
So Im leaving book 3 for what it is.
The story was ok, but nothing really's happening.
This trilogy is not better than FSOG.
April 25, 2015
The story continues with Nathan and Eva, a miss understanding nearly has them breaking up but they get through it. Of course another cliff hanger at the end and I look forward to reading the last book in the series.
May 23, 2015
I couldn't finish it. I quit. A good story flows like water, this reads more like an uphill climb through the mountains, in heavy fog. Everything is going fine, then it dips, restarts, juts to the left inexplicably and suddenly you're a little confused as to how you ended up where you are.
November 1, 2016
Good read
Had a lot of learning in this book. Loved that there wasn't as much as a big reveal as I thought would be. Love that the characters are taking their relationship very slowly and haven't told each other the L word yet.
Had a lot of learning in this book. Loved that there wasn't as much as a big reveal as I thought would be. Love that the characters are taking their relationship very slowly and haven't told each other the L word yet.
December 22, 2013
4.5 stars
June 8, 2014
The 2nd book in the trilogy. just as good as the 1st. I love Nathan and Eva.
September 21, 2014
I was hoping for more information. I understand erotica, but I need more story. I don't even know Damien's age or Eva eye color. Sex is good and I love the british idioms.
August 10, 2016
A good read but, I never thought I'd say this, but too much sex and not enough story. Cliffhanger ending again
October 15, 2016
My review for the entire Dark Side trilogy is under book 3, Darkest.
October 21, 2014
ok i like rosie lol
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews