Ribbon of Darkness

The Trouble with Elves #1

by Decadent Kane

An old family secret draws Ribbon into an Elven world while Draven is forced to find a way to drag her back home to save Christmas magic.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Short Stories, Paranormal, Fiction, Christmas, Romance

41 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2013

About the author

I'm an indie author with a pen name taken from a burlesque name generator and began my career on a dare...

The fae, magic, and mystical worlds of possibility are carved into my soul. When I write my stories I pour all of my heart into what they whisper. I'm the kind of lady who will stare off into space to better understand my characters thoughts, listening to them speak their own version of the story.

I'm a mother of two girls and several furbabies. I'm engaged but have no intention of getting married.
Like most authors I've been writing most of my life and have dreamed of being an author since the 5th grade.
When I write, I write to explore characters and a world first for myself. Then I revise, edit, and publish for readers.

Find Decadent Kane
FB : https://www.facebook.com/decadentkane
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DecadentKane
Blog: http://decadentkane.blogspot.com/

Reviews

[Tia]

Have you ever woke up and found elf ears had grown overnight? Well Ribbon Winter’s did, but instead of panicking she went to work at her parents book store trying to pretend that nothing had changed. While putting away some books she bumped into a gorgeous man that look like he and just come off the cover of a romance novel. Feeling sexual tension between them, she tried to continue about her business but things continued to change for her. Draven , the gorgeous spy that was sent to take her family back to where they belonged, was trying to avoid the attraction himself. Was he out to harm her family or was he there to help them? How can you be attracted to someone you think you should hate? Draven hints that they are needed back home, but never tells her the reason and she fears that they are to be punished for her parents Can Ribbon stop him or will they get away from him? I won’t tell, but I will say this was a great short story from beginning to end with some nice naughtiness in between.

[Sherrie Henry]

A friend on FB recommended this title, and as it was a free read for the day, I checked it out. I was not disappointed. Really well-thoughtout short novella, plenty of hot sex and romance and a plot that was really fun. A great twist on elves.

At the end was a teaser of the author's next book, which has me hooked. The author has a great sense of humor and her use of language is spot on. Can't recommend it more.

My only drawback was it was too short. Could have had a couple more chapters, especially leading up to the climax of the story (pun intended). Also want to know what happens afterwards.

But don't let that deter you - this was an awesome read!

[Autumn Lake]

Nicely done. I'll be upfront and say I'm not a huge fan of Christmas stories (yeah, I'm a grinch!) and I've never given much thought to elves, but Ribbon of Darkness was a real treat! Ribbon is adorable and spunky. Her reactions are realistic and funny, which I really liked. Draven adds just the right amount of spice, but he is also dedicated to preserving his home which made him very relatable.

Decadent Kane's story has a good mix of humor, friskiness and sweetness. A very enjoyable read for a winter afternoon!

[Torie]

I'll be the first to admit, I was never a big Elf Fan, but Decadent Kane has changed my mind! Ribbon has depth, charm and sassy appeal as she struggles to accept and process the latest change in her life. Draven is hot, stubborn and determined to make sure this Lady Elf embraces her destiny rather than to keep running from it. A great read with compelling dialogue that keeps you wanting more. All hail Elves...the new Sexy!

[Jen]

Fun with naughty Xmas elves

My first time r www adding a Decadent Knae book. Hot, steamy, and fun. I love her elves and love her way with words. Gonna keep this author on my naughty list ;)

[Tammy]

Got free from Instafreebie.

I have never read a Christmas Elf story with a erotica feel to it. Very well written story. Loved the characters. Loved all the hot steamy parts in it. You told it so well that you could melt the north pole with your story. Yes, that's how hot I thought it was. Today found a new author to read from. I will add this one to my favorite books as well. Hope to read more of your stories.

Thank you, for letting me read your story.

[Brantwijn Serrah]

When it comes to cross-genre involving passionate erotic romance and lovable St. Nick's helpers, I have never found a compatible pairing. Decadent Kane, author of Ribbon of Darkness, seems to have discovered the happy medium finally, however, in her short but sweet holiday treat, the romancing of Ribbon Winters, rogue elf.

Ribbon hardly has time to digest the fact that her ears have become the pointed ears of a holiday elf, before the chase is on and she finds herself hiding from a North Pole spy determined to drag her back to the Christmas workshop her parents left years ago. If that isn't bad enough, the spy just happens to be gorgeous: the kind of guy that won't leave your naughtiest dreams no matter how hard you beg.

This is the premise for Ribbon of Darkness. I'll admit, I was skeptical about an attempt to make the Santa Claus elves into a compelling (and sexy) story. Kane's story, though, took an approach that made the tale downright fun: it's got a healthy dose of holiday humor running throughout, turning this short novella into a friendly, funny, heartwarming holiday read, that truly has fun with the idea of elves, and Santa, and frisky holiday tradition. Throughout the book characters who find themselves frustrated or angry will swear "Sweet silver bells!" and "Deck the freaking halls!" Atonement for naughty behavior among the elves might consist of mucking out the reindeer stables. There's a mysterious tradition involving a strange, nameless powder sprinkled atop a fresh mug of egg nog, too...

I think that, for a story that looks at the sexy side of Christmas Elves, Ribbon of Darkness took the right approach. The book is funny, just a touch silly in all the right ways, but it is also very endearing and, when it comes to knocking those pointy little elf boots, it definitely measures up. One of my favorite things about the book is that it includes a solo-masturbation scene, which is something I always like to see getting more of a spotlight. (I think solo scenes get too little attention, but maybe that's just me.)

Other great things about this book are that it's fun, it's sexy-cute, and it's one you can read through on a nice Winter afternoon, with a steaming mug of peppermint hot chocolate or maybe egg nog by your side. It will make you smile and it will make you swoon, and it will leave you with a warm holiday feeling (after a few other warm feelings, that is).

Check out Ribbon of Darkness, coming this Friday from Breathless Press. Also check out our neighbor Decadent Kane, the author of this delightful little romp. And then, of course, have a very happy holiday.

[Sapphyria]

3.5 Stars

Welcome to the world of Elven Obsession by Decadent Kane. The series begins with Ribbon of Darkness, Book One. Much to the surprise of Ribbon Winters, she awakens one morning to discover she has elves ears. Not only does she develop the trait of the characters in Christmas stories, she accosted by a rude man in the bookstore owned by her parents.

Draven North has spent the better part of 20+ years trying to located the rogue Winters family. Their leaving caused some serious problems at the Pole, ones that are continuing and getting worse the longer they are missing. Christmas Magic will be swallowed up by darkness if he is unsuccessful in returning the missing elves to the North Pole.

When he discovers Ribbon in a bookstore, is she who Draven thinks she is? Can she be part of the family he's been searching for?

I enjoyed Ribbon of Darkness for the most part. The novella is sexy and sassy. The storyline is fantastic and the confusion just adds to the mystery. Nothing makes sense to Ribbon because she has been kept in the dark about her family's past until her ears stood up and demanded to be noticed.

I did find that some of the scenes in this short story were unnaturally rushed, especially in uniting Ribbon and Draven. Ribbon completely accepted both her mother's reveal of the family secret and of Draven's tale....after like 5 minutes. She also accepted certain possibilities a little to quickly, even for a 41 page story. Regardless, I still found the story enchanting and both Draven and Ribbon totally likable. Even with the couple issues, this story is well worth the time I took to read about elves.

Review copy courtesy of the author, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.

[K]

This novella deserves every one of the five stars I've given it, and more. Steamy and fun, Ribbon of Darkness has surpassed my expectations in grand style. This was written and formed and will be a great addition to anyone's collection.

Ribbon is absolutely adorable. You can't blame her for the way she reacts to the discoveries she makes, or her reactions to Draven. Draven, though easy on the eyes, isn't perfect either. He stumbles and he makes you smile and smolder. You feel their connection from the beginning, and join in on their mutual frustrations.

No words are wasted here, everything serving a purpose. While the poet in me wishes for more detail, what is written succeeds in giving the reader freedom to use their imagination to fill in minor details. One can picture the scenes with well placed descriptions.

This world that Decadent Kane has built seems like one I wouldn't mind living in. Who wouldn't want to be around elves? It is believable, a big plus in my book. The characters aren't perfect. They have their faults, as do any normal living being does. They also draw you into their world. You feel their confusion, you feel the tension between each other. Oh such sweet tension it is!

Nothing worth winning is easily won. There is proof of that within these pages, again adding to the believability and readability of the work. I never grew bored, and was not able to put it down until I reached the end! (Marathon read anyone?)

Yes, I do recommend this to anyone. Everyone needs a touch of magic. Just be sure to read this in private. Its hot enough to make the windows steam! Why are you still reading this? Hurry and click buy! You won't regret it.

[CJ - Sensuous Reviews]

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars

This book presents readers with a very original view of Santa Claus and his Elves, and it is a fun story. Ribbon Winters is a young woman working in her parents’ bookstore in Florida. When you first meet her, she is suffering a burning sensation in her ears, and it turns out that her parents are two ‘Claus Elves’ who left the North Pole before her birth and do not intend to return. However, Santa has sent one of his Elven spies, Draven North, to find them and bring them back. Draven has been searching for 24 years, and finds them just as Ribbon learns about her true background.

This is the heart of ‘Ribbon of Darkness’: how Draven brings the missing elves back to the North Pole to save Santa’s world, and meets his true mate along the way. It’s intriguing, with interesting characters facing a serious problem they must resolve. I very much enjoyed reading it. However, when I finished reading, I had several unanswered questions. I sincerely hope that subsequent books in this series will clear up this mystery, and others.

I give ‘Ribbon of Darkness’ a rating of 3.5 stars, because of the unanswered questions, and a somewhat intrusive encounter between Draven and his Sylvan Elf lover. I like most of the characters, the handling of the Christmas elves, and the definite chemistry between Ribbon and Draven, but I don’t feel like I have read a complete story.

I am grateful for the free reviewer’s copy I was given.

Reviewed by: Roberta

[Ann Marie]

Well, I have never ever read anything like this before ever! I was a bit thrown off by the fact that I was reading about Elves as in Santa’s elves. But I have to admit that I totally liked it! It was completely different than anything I have read before. It was actually refreshing to read this, I usually read about wolves, vampires, mages etc. But this was pretty cool.

The Winters had left the North Pole because they felt restricted. So they ran away before Ribbon was born. They are part of the Claus Elves and they carry the Christmas magic within them. I like Ribbon, I found myself giggling out loud when she discovered her ears. As she cries out when she sees them for the first time; “Holy pointedness!” had me giggling! Love the references throughout the story as well “deck the freaking halls” and “sweet silver bells”.

Make no judgments here this book is for adults and it gets pretty damn hot!

Ribbon meets Draven. She finds him very attractive. Draven is a “spy” for Mr. Claus sent to find the elves that had left. The North Pole is affected by the Claus elves leaving; it is losing its magic. Draven is very attracted to Ribbon, he wants her, and he can’t wait to have her. Ribbon wants Draven; she has images of them together. Will they come together? Will the Winters family return to the North Pole and save Christmas? You will have to read this to find out!

Refreshingly different!! thank you!!

[VampireRomanceBooks ThatsErotica]

Ribbon of Darkness: The Trouble with Elves was a such a pleasant surprise. I had only skimmed the description for Ribbon of Darkness before reading it and it was nothing like I thought it would be. I figured it would be a cute little Christmas story with some elf characters thrown in. I was very wrong! Yes it was a Christmas theme, but cute it was not. Ribbon of Darkness is a very well written story of with plenty of humor, suspense, and to top it off you have Draven, a very sexy elf indeed. Makes me want to be on the naughty list for sure. Ribbon is just a regular girl until she starts growing pointed ears, eventually learning that she too is an elf, a Claus Elf no less. Yes, that would be Santa Claus elf. Even though it was only a little over 40 pages the author provided so much vivid detail and well developed characters I found myself attached after the story ended. I want more!

This is the first book I’ve read by Decadent Kane, but will not be the last. I hope that the author will continue with The Trouble With Elves series and give us more of Draven and Ribbon! This is one of the best starts to a series with elves that I’ve ever read. Such a fresh and unique story anyone who enjoys elves, fairies, or just a good love story will enjoy Ribbon of Darkness.

[Nicky Peacock]

This really shouldn’t work – but it sooooo does! I love that Santa and his elves are put in a more adult book. It’s a short read, but is such a wonderful idea that it really doesn’t matter.

There’s enough intrigue for a decent plot and it doesn’t just revolve around the sugar and spice scenes – like some erotic romances do. The main characters were fleshed out and it really is a perfect read for this time of year – as long as you’re over 18 that is!

From a writer’s perspective, the book works well with a release around this time, but does limit the author to really only this season for the next books in the series– unless of course she expands out into other seasonal worlds – maybe the Easter Bunny is a hot muscle bound egg distributor? The flow was great, it wasn’t very long and didn’t take me more than one sitting to finish it.

The front cover is very pretty and I think really does the book justice. The cover artist obviously read the book and listened to the author.

Overall I’d give Ribbon of Darkness 4 out of 5 stars – a fab holiday read for adults who have stopped believing in Santa!

[Pratr- Authors]

Ribbon of Darkness

5 fangs





Imagine waking up one morning with the top of your ears burning. This is what happened to Ribbon Winters. Checking in the mirror she discovers her ears are now pointed. She has to hide them before going to work at her parents book store. Draven is an elf sent to find the Winters family and bring them back to the North Pole for anymore darkness over takes it. After looking for 24 years Draven runs into Ribbon at the book store and he makes her tongue tied, but she manages to run off. Draven has another problem the attraction he feels towards Ribbon makes him want her in his bed squirming under him. He can't keep his mind on the job.

Wonderful short story. Lots of sexual tension which you would expect in a erotic romance. It also has humor and suspense which you don't find to often in erotica. makes you look at elves in a whole new light. It really is a fun read, great for lovers of fantasy/ romance and erotica

[Maghon Thomas]

I read this as part of the Elven Obsession Omnibus...

Ok, so I really don’t want to get into each book, because to do a full review for each I’d probably spoil some damn good things for you, so with this I will write a summary for an overall. These are quick, sexy, intriguing, very fun books. Each one is a tale of different characters but set in the same world. The world building is quite good for being short stories. The all have a beginning and an end, so no worries, these have the perfect setting if you want something fun to read but not a whole lot of time. I also liked the writing. I swear I though I was going to either pass out from the suspense, or need a cold shower from the sexy. Oh yeah, it’s sexy LOL. I totally say GET IT! You won’t be disappointed!! 5 Elfy PAWS though please don’t tell them, or the crazy goblins I said elfy, I want to keep my life and my limbs intact :)

[Karlee]

I have never read a book on elves before so I thought I would give this a try, and can I say, I was not disappointed. When Ribbon wakes up one day, she discovers that her ears have grown points, she is mortified and tries to figure out a way to hid them. When she goes into her parents work that day for her shift, she runs into Draven. Both fell immediate chemistry for one another. Draven, a spy from the North Pole, has found the family of elves that left 24 years earlier, his task, to bring Ribbon and her family back to the North Pole to save Christmas. Ribbon's mother realizes they've been found and also tells her daughter about their true identity. But when Draven kidnaps Ribbon and brings her to the North Pole, will it be too late for them to save Christmas?

[E.F.]

Ribbon of Darkness was exactly what I had hoped it would be. It was funny, sexy, and inticing - everything I look for in a good book. I absolutely loved it! Decadent Kane did a fabulous job at creating such a wonderful world filled with magic, adventure, love, and sexy elves! Being her first novella a appluad her...I found Ribbon of Darkness to be truly lovely and a wonderful start to what I'm sure will be a fantastic series! And did I mention the sexy elves? I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by Decadent Kane very soon. She is a talent to keep an eye on!

[Lisa Adams]

This short novella is a perfect "Winter"'s tale! I read through this very quickly last night and was amazed at the times I found myself chuckling. Ms. Kane's use of Christmas lingo to liven up the dialogue was a perfect match for this Claus elves book!

The romantic aspect of the tale was written quite well and can I just say, I think I would love to have an elf in my life... especially if he is anything like our hero, Draven.

I can't wait for the next installment in this series to come out and I am looking for Ms. Kane to write another tale that will knock me out of the park!

Lisa A. Adams

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~]

Ribbon Winter doesn't know she's Claus Elf in hiding. Draven North is Mr. Claus' top spy and finally found Winter Family after twenty-four years of searching. Ribbon thinks that Draven is yummy in every sense of the word. Ribbon's desire for someone special like her parents have is all she wants. Draven wants to keep his candy cane in check. He doesn't want to let Mr. Claus down especially this close to Christmas. Can Draven bring the Winter's home? Will Ribbon accept Draven? Your answers await you in Ribbon of Darkness.

This series is unique and very steamy. I think I need to find my own special someone for a private party of my own. I will definitely continue reading this series.

[Felicity Nichols]

I don't usually get into fantasy but Decadent Kane has changed my mind on that. When I started Ribbon of Darkness, I couldn't put it down. I finished it in one sitting! Ribbon has no clue that she is an elf, she wakes up one morning to find her ears pointed.

Draven has been hunting a long time to find the Winters family and bring them back home before darkness takes over the pole and there is no Christmas Magic.

Ribbon of Darkness will take you on a quick yet enjoyable journey. This story is completely original and fresh perspective on Christmas and what all it entails. I cannot wait to read from from the Trouble With Elves!

[PelicanFreak]

Ribbon is a young, likable girl: down to earth and relatable. As she tells me a bit about her family I have a need to learn more and as I am soon introduced to Draven I’m hooked. I love the world inside this book to the point that I want to live in it myself.
I was unable to put this book down until there was no more – it was a bit too abrupt for me. The drama that sucked me in was wrapped up just a bit too neatly, without much further drama. As a standalone, it does work but is just a bit too tidy. Lucky for us readers, it kicks of a series – I’ll be needing more of this world and found Ribbon of Darkness to the be perfect introduction.

[Dawn Brower]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was a nice twist on a Christmas story. I have never thought of elves in quite this way. The story was very enjoyable and a nice quick read. The quick wit and numerous Christmas references thrown into thoughts and general conversation amused me. Sweet Silver bells this is a must read! Preorder it today and find out how much fun this book really is.

Draven is the sexiest elf I have ever encountered and his mate Ribbon gives as good as she gets. You won't find sexier elves any place else.

[aimee]

Wow! This book is hot! What I love most about novella's is that everything happens so fast. I love reading a romance novel, but sometimes it's nice to just read a book that gets right down to business, and this does. But it does so in a way that you are able to connect with each character, I was completely drawn into the story and into lives of the characters. I also love a book that can pull emotions out of me, and for being a novella this one still succeeded. I thought this was a great book, I highly recommend it!

[Kristi O'connor]

It's obvious from the start Decadent Kane has writing talent, it's a very cute story with sexiness and humor all wrapped in. Even though it's a Novella I think the story has enough texture that it could have been extended. It was a bit too fast paced considering the great story line is really good and could be taken so much deeper. If you are looking for a quick read you will enjoy this. I will definitely look up other books by this author as the talent is definitely there!

[Ishabelle Torry]

Ribbon of Darkness has restored my faith in Christmas magic, no doubt! This was a sweet, sexy, and humorous read that kept me flipping the pages. I never imagined I could find an elf so delicious, but Miss Kane's elves are freaking sexmatastic! Perhaps my favorite part though, is the consistent use of Santa/Christmas related sayings within. "Shut your bells!" LOL
I give it a 5 STAR, must read tag!

[Patricia]

Really fast read. I saw the book was free for kindle yesterday and decided to try it out, without really knowing it was fantasy erotica. I enjoyed the story, it seemed like an interesting plot, but I'm not really used to reading these types of books and associating a magical world where Santa Claus is a present character made it really hard for me to get turned on by the story.

Might try out Tempting Clover which is previewed at the end of the book.

[Pammy]

I was given this book as a gift from the author. From the first page I was drawn in by the main character Ribbon. The attraction between Ribbon and Draven was immediate and erotic. I found the story enjoyable and funny. The characters are all quirky and made me laugh. I only wish the story was longer, but it is a very enjoyable. Thanks for the good read Decadent!!!

[Mia Epsilon]

Ribbon of Darkness has everything a reader could ask for and more: gorgeous, strong heroine, sexy, handsome hero and a plot that grabs hold and doesn't let go! The Elf World comes vividly alive in these pages. Ribbon is an Elf we all want to be like or have as a best friend. Definitely reading the rest of this series.

[Riann]

I loved this book! What a way to introduce you to her series The Trouble With Elves. The words grabbed me right away and pulled me into her Elfin world. This was a sexy, fun read and I can't wait to read more of her books.

[Sheritha Singh]

This Christmas story is absolutely brilliant. I love Draven North and Ribbon's ears were a delightful touch to the story. The chemistry between Ribbon and Draven happened naturally and the elf tradition of mating for life added a touch of old fashioned romance to this fast paced, hot, novella.