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Within the Darkness
Before I was born, the world changed.
When monsters stepped into the light to rule, most humans were forced into servitude. My family was one of many.
I hold a secret inside me. One I don't dare share. Until I meet my new vampire master—who wears cold and angry like a second skin—and his shifter friends. While he can't compel me, I long to share every part of me with them. Only fear holds me back.
I need the courage to move from within the darkness to the light. Maybe with the support of the three men, I can embrace my true self. If I bring change to humanity along the way, that will be an even bigger win.
Within the Darkness is a slow-burn, why-choose standalone fantasy romance.
When monsters stepped into the light to rule, most humans were forced into servitude. My family was one of many.
I hold a secret inside me. One I don't dare share. Until I meet my new vampire master—who wears cold and angry like a second skin—and his shifter friends. While he can't compel me, I long to share every part of me with them. Only fear holds me back.
I need the courage to move from within the darkness to the light. Maybe with the support of the three men, I can embrace my true self. If I bring change to humanity along the way, that will be an even bigger win.
Within the Darkness is a slow-burn, why-choose standalone fantasy romance.
12 pages, Audible Audio
Published September 12, 2023
366 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 11, 2023
Great
I was pleasantly surprised here. Our FMC was the type I like : strong, vulnerable and with secret powers. She made (mostly) sound decisions and was not overly brash or naive.
The guys grew on me though it was touch and go for a while for some of them.
Good writing that kept me entertained and interested up till the end. The big mystery regarding our FMC was a bit predictable and I would have liked something else after all the build up but it was still good enough. I would recommend this story.
I was pleasantly surprised here. Our FMC was the type I like : strong, vulnerable and with secret powers. She made (mostly) sound decisions and was not overly brash or naive.
The guys grew on me though it was touch and go for a while for some of them.
Good writing that kept me entertained and interested up till the end. The big mystery regarding our FMC was a bit predictable and I would have liked something else after all the build up but it was still good enough. I would recommend this story.
October 9, 2023
So to be fair I will never choose a stand alone over a series. I was in a rush and didn’t look into the book enough before beginning. If I had I would never have picked it up. Their was big MM and I hate that in a RH. The romance was lacking all the way through, the climax was boring and the twist at the end was no twist at all. I guessed the ending upon meeting the character. It was a very obvious turn of events. It being a stand alone also confused me because there was such a lack of detail. I was left saying “that’s it?” There is no journey of growth, no large troubles for the FMC to overcome and the ending? Everything went far too smoothly. It was just incredibly lacking. I tend to not write reviews unless I love a book or hate it. This is one of those times when I hated the book and felt like it was a huge waste of time. I’m not even sure it deserved the one star I gave it. I know RH isn’t known to be a genre with the best writing (though I still love it anyways and have found some amazing series) but this is some of the worst that I have come across.
October 22, 2023
DNF at 67%. It’s a standalone, but it’s a long book. I can imagine if this was a print book it would be a hefty thing to carry (if I actually went to a bookstore I bet it would be tiny). I think it should have been 2 books.
The plot was really unique and gave the whole, boss and employee vibes. She’s actually a servant and he is a vampire prince. A little bit of a prick, but there always has to be one.
Lev was the golden retriever of the group and Silas had a hard exterior, but showed lots of caring moments. These two are Kincaid’s (vampire prince) best friends and bodyguards.
Amara is pretty much a badass, who can fight and defend herself, so not a shy, little servant.
I did like the book and the build up to their relationships, but her personality kept flip flopping. I know she has to keep her fiery personality a secret because she’s a servant, but then she kept crying and crying and crying. It just completely juxtaposed how she was presenting herself. The personality switch just annoyed me after a while.
Also the switch from them being attracted to her, to her being their ‘mate’ and then becoming completely obsessed. Calm your jets !!! I felt like I was reading a whole new book.
The plot was really unique and gave the whole, boss and employee vibes. She’s actually a servant and he is a vampire prince. A little bit of a prick, but there always has to be one.
Lev was the golden retriever of the group and Silas had a hard exterior, but showed lots of caring moments. These two are Kincaid’s (vampire prince) best friends and bodyguards.
Amara is pretty much a badass, who can fight and defend herself, so not a shy, little servant.
I did like the book and the build up to their relationships, but her personality kept flip flopping. I know she has to keep her fiery personality a secret because she’s a servant, but then she kept crying and crying and crying. It just completely juxtaposed how she was presenting herself. The personality switch just annoyed me after a while.
Also the switch from them being attracted to her, to her being their ‘mate’ and then becoming completely obsessed. Calm your jets !!! I felt like I was reading a whole new book.
June 4, 2023
Within the Darkness started out interesting, then slowly lost its intrigue in exchange for cringey dialogue and clichéd plot devices.
Amara is a human who lives in servitude, as all poor humans do, to the supernaturals of the world. Since her old master died, Amara and her mother were resold to a powerful vampire family. As her new position in the Prince household requires her to shadow Kincaid, the son and heir of the Prince family, Amara quickly learns that being close to the enigmatic vampire and his shifter accomplices will be a dangerous task. With constant murder attempts on the trio, Kincaid and his friends are reserved and slow to trust. Unfortunately for Amara, she's keeping a secret, and they know it. Amara will have to navigate life threatening situations, as well as Kincaid and his companions trying to unravel her truth untold.
Sounds super interesting right? It started off good, but somewhere along the way it became tedious to continue reading. My first issue was with Amara herself. Whenever I read a book that's in first person, I want the main character to be interesting, or at the very least have a personality. Amara had neither, nothing truly interesting about her and no personality at. all. I mean sure, she had her hidden "darkness" (which referring to it as such I found to be cringey in itself) but I've read many books where the FMC has a secret power. It's not interesting enough for it to be the only characterization she ever gets. She has no personality, no interests, no humor, the only other aspect to her character, besides her darkness, is her attraction to the three musketeers.
All too soon, her and the dynamic three get together and are in love because... of course they are. This is when the book starts its downward spiral. This happens a lot in reverse harem books, where as soon as everyone is all in, the book gets redundant and boring. Amara forgives the mens previous transgressions because, she has such a "bleeding heart" and a "kind soul". (By the way we are only told this, and never really shown it. All that we are shown is her enacting on basic empathy... like once.) The dialogue became god awful, the plot became transparent, and at 80% I basically just skimmed my way through the rest.
2 stars because I liked the beginning, but unfortunately cannot look past how annoying the rest was.
Amara is a human who lives in servitude, as all poor humans do, to the supernaturals of the world. Since her old master died, Amara and her mother were resold to a powerful vampire family. As her new position in the Prince household requires her to shadow Kincaid, the son and heir of the Prince family, Amara quickly learns that being close to the enigmatic vampire and his shifter accomplices will be a dangerous task. With constant murder attempts on the trio, Kincaid and his friends are reserved and slow to trust. Unfortunately for Amara, she's keeping a secret, and they know it. Amara will have to navigate life threatening situations, as well as Kincaid and his companions trying to unravel her truth untold.
Sounds super interesting right? It started off good, but somewhere along the way it became tedious to continue reading. My first issue was with Amara herself. Whenever I read a book that's in first person, I want the main character to be interesting, or at the very least have a personality. Amara had neither, nothing truly interesting about her and no personality at. all. I mean sure, she had her hidden "darkness" (which referring to it as such I found to be cringey in itself) but I've read many books where the FMC has a secret power. It's not interesting enough for it to be the only characterization she ever gets. She has no personality, no interests, no humor, the only other aspect to her character, besides her darkness, is her attraction to the three musketeers.
All too soon, her and the dynamic three get together and are in love because... of course they are. This is when the book starts its downward spiral. This happens a lot in reverse harem books, where as soon as everyone is all in, the book gets redundant and boring. Amara forgives the mens previous transgressions because, she has such a "bleeding heart" and a "kind soul". (By the way we are only told this, and never really shown it. All that we are shown is her enacting on basic empathy... like once.) The dialogue became god awful, the plot became transparent, and at 80% I basically just skimmed my way through the rest.
2 stars because I liked the beginning, but unfortunately cannot look past how annoying the rest was.
February 22, 2023
DNF 73%
So this book was..cheesy. The dialog from the'bad guys' is just plain ridiculous. The relationship that develops between them all is nice but odd since Kincaid goes from being such a complete dick wad to all lovey dovey literally overnight.
The other guys weren't that far off from that too, except Levi who was nice to her from the start but also didn't intervene when the others were asses.
The power that she has is described really oddly.
Honestly, overall I feel like the book could use some heavy editing and beta readers.
But....I didn't hate it, and I did get to 73% before I threw in the towel so it's not a complete waste of time
So this book was..cheesy. The dialog from the'bad guys' is just plain ridiculous. The relationship that develops between them all is nice but odd since Kincaid goes from being such a complete dick wad to all lovey dovey literally overnight.
The other guys weren't that far off from that too, except Levi who was nice to her from the start but also didn't intervene when the others were asses.
The power that she has is described really oddly.
Honestly, overall I feel like the book could use some heavy editing and beta readers.
But....I didn't hate it, and I did get to 73% before I threw in the towel so it's not a complete waste of time
June 17, 2023
DNF@79% - I liked the beginning but it got annoying and I just wasn’t interested in finishing it. It was way cheesy and corny and too insta-love.
October 26, 2023
The cover of this book doesn't do this book justice at all. While it appears as if you'll be getting a more grim tale I found it anything but. I absolutely loved this book and the heroine. She's easily relatable and over the course of the book really comes into her own. While her life has not been grand it's not until a new assignment that she meets her future mates and boy do they take a liking to her. The relationship isn't a fast or slow build but something that works for them all especially since there is at least one member who is in extreme denial. I enjoyed the epilogue but I really wish we got to see a more drawn out epilogue and a glimpse into the new world order they find themselves in. Such a great read and the audio for this standalone is phenomenal!
March 9, 2023
dnf@66% I think this needed more eyes on it before publishing. The beginning was nice but it kinda went downhill once the mate reveal happened. It’s like suddenly a switch was flipped and everything is totally okay. The master/servant thing was kinda weird and I don’t think it really worked well. The dialogue is weird, it’s like modern times but also not. Idk, this was just weird. There was a lot not working for me in this.
May 30, 2023
So good
I really enjoyed this book and the world building. Amara was a great character and the spicy scenes were 🔥🔥
I really enjoyed this book and the world building. Amara was a great character and the spicy scenes were 🔥🔥
June 16, 2024
Wouldn’t read again. There’s just not nearly enough groveling, so the romantic storyline didn’t seem to flow for me. It was way too hot and cold.
January 6, 2023
I fell in love with the cover before winning an ARC of this wonderful fantasy. Amara is more than human, her master a vampire and 2 best friends who are shifters all have a fascination for her. I read this story in one afternoon as I just couldn't put it down. These characters burned for each other.
There is danger all around them, someone doesn't want changes to happen and is determined for them to die.
I love a kick arse heroine and the guys were awesome too. I used to read Anita Blake's vampire hunter years ago and this reminded me of them especially in the passionate scenes.
Great story, I highly recommend it.
There is danger all around them, someone doesn't want changes to happen and is determined for them to die.
I love a kick arse heroine and the guys were awesome too. I used to read Anita Blake's vampire hunter years ago and this reminded me of them especially in the passionate scenes.
Great story, I highly recommend it.
August 5, 2023
The beginning was very good, but after i got over page 125 or so, it became porn, and I don't want to read porn. No thank you, so I stopped around page 180.
May 22, 2024
I tried
I really tried with this book. I got to 50% and DNF. It was just too disconnected for me. Far too much random filler, repetition.
I have no feelings for the FMC at all, other than annoyance, one minute she’s weak human serving girl and the next she’s demanding she be alongside her chosen to fight after standing with them in one fight where she didn’t really do a lot.
The constant mention of her ‘power’ while never getting any further with it, I’m mean I’m half way in and it’s still only hinted at.
I don’t feel there has been enough character development for me to really care about any of them and I’m bored.
I’ve found the characters, story and writing to be really weak and a little amateur to be honest and I’m not forcing myself to read anymore
I really tried with this book. I got to 50% and DNF. It was just too disconnected for me. Far too much random filler, repetition.
I have no feelings for the FMC at all, other than annoyance, one minute she’s weak human serving girl and the next she’s demanding she be alongside her chosen to fight after standing with them in one fight where she didn’t really do a lot.
The constant mention of her ‘power’ while never getting any further with it, I’m mean I’m half way in and it’s still only hinted at.
I don’t feel there has been enough character development for me to really care about any of them and I’m bored.
I’ve found the characters, story and writing to be really weak and a little amateur to be honest and I’m not forcing myself to read anymore
May 4, 2023
Passing on this unfortunately
I really wanted to like this because the story line was really good but I couldn't get past the writing. The grammer was off a lot, the dialogue was hard to read and follow in some spots and areas that would've have been cute and quipy were followed with explanations which ruined it scene.
I really wanted to like this because the story line was really good but I couldn't get past the writing. The grammer was off a lot, the dialogue was hard to read and follow in some spots and areas that would've have been cute and quipy were followed with explanations which ruined it scene.
March 27, 2023
Why did you read this book?
It was a reverse harem romance with good ratings and an interesting synopsis.
What format did you read this book in?
Read it as an ebook on Kindle.
Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment?
I read this book for pure entertainment purposes.
What genres do you think this book belongs to?
Fantasy, LGBT+, Horror, Romance
What was your favorite part in the book?
My favorite part is when the love interests save the little slave boy.
Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes reverse harems with OP main characters, magic, and shifters.
What is your general opinion/ rating of this book?
It was OK. It had a lot going for it in the beginning. I like meek characters that come out of their shell as the story progresses. Unfortunately, I feel like the author rushed this book a bit. Given the main character’s history she acted within character for the first part of the book. Then all of a sudden she changes to an extremely forward and self-assured individual. I also felt like the main character was too much of a “Mary Sue.” I was shocked at how easily the main character was able to kill her mother. The world the author created was interesting and I wish they would have explored it more in the story. I loved Levi, he was a sweetheart and my favorite. The other two love interests were OK in my opinion. Overall if you don't mind your main characters to have God like powers for no good reason except for them being born special, then this is the book for you.
Are there any cliché scenes or concepts?
The main character was born special with special abilities. Basically the main character in the story is overpowered. Faded mates.
How intense are the intimacy scenes?
the intimacy scenes are vividly described. MF, MM, MFM, MFMM, Biting, Knife play.
At what “burn” level is the romance?
Hot.
Love interests, how many of them are there and what gender?
There are three love interests, all of them males, and Alphas.
Kincaid is a vampire and Amara’s master.
Levi is a lion shifter. (And a sweetheart, he's my favorite)
Silas is a dragon shifter.
Any trigger warnings?
Racial and Religious: Racism, Racial Slurs, Racial Profiling, Slavery, Talk of Superior Race, Police Brutality, Microaggressions, Prejudice, Genocide
LGBTQ+: Biphobia, Bi-Erasure, Internalized, Homophobia, Forced Outing of Character
Mental Health: Self-Harm, Scars, Trivializing Mental Illness, Romanticized Mental Illness, Emotional Abuse, Controlling Parents, Panic Attacks, Trauma, Child Abandonment, Eating Disorders, Confrontation Abuser, Non-consent behavior
Sexual Content: Explicit Sex Scene, Masturbation, Oral Sex, Sexual Predator, Human Trafficking, Sex Slaves, Violent Sex
Violence and Death: Death, Death of a Loved One, Graphic Deaths, Mass Death, Murder, Execution, Decapitation, Suffocation, Burning People, Extreme Violence, Gore, Torture, Mutilation, Cutting of Limbs, Forced Blood Draining, Threatening child, Violence against Children, Child Abuse, Physical Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Escalating Violence, Described Blood, Graphic Violence, Doxing
Other: Slut Shaming, Body Shaming, Female Oppression, Forced Marriage, Kidnapping, Hostage Situation, Adultery, Bullying, Profanity
It was a reverse harem romance with good ratings and an interesting synopsis.
What format did you read this book in?
Read it as an ebook on Kindle.
Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment?
I read this book for pure entertainment purposes.
What genres do you think this book belongs to?
Fantasy, LGBT+, Horror, Romance
What was your favorite part in the book?
My favorite part is when the love interests save the little slave boy.
Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes reverse harems with OP main characters, magic, and shifters.
What is your general opinion/ rating of this book?
It was OK. It had a lot going for it in the beginning. I like meek characters that come out of their shell as the story progresses. Unfortunately, I feel like the author rushed this book a bit. Given the main character’s history she acted within character for the first part of the book. Then all of a sudden she changes to an extremely forward and self-assured individual. I also felt like the main character was too much of a “Mary Sue.” I was shocked at how easily the main character was able to kill her mother. The world the author created was interesting and I wish they would have explored it more in the story. I loved Levi, he was a sweetheart and my favorite. The other two love interests were OK in my opinion. Overall if you don't mind your main characters to have God like powers for no good reason except for them being born special, then this is the book for you.
Are there any cliché scenes or concepts?
The main character was born special with special abilities. Basically the main character in the story is overpowered. Faded mates.
How intense are the intimacy scenes?
the intimacy scenes are vividly described. MF, MM, MFM, MFMM, Biting, Knife play.
At what “burn” level is the romance?
Hot.
Love interests, how many of them are there and what gender?
There are three love interests, all of them males, and Alphas.
Kincaid is a vampire and Amara’s master.
Levi is a lion shifter. (And a sweetheart, he's my favorite)
Silas is a dragon shifter.
Any trigger warnings?
Racial and Religious: Racism, Racial Slurs, Racial Profiling, Slavery, Talk of Superior Race, Police Brutality, Microaggressions, Prejudice, Genocide
LGBTQ+: Biphobia, Bi-Erasure, Internalized, Homophobia, Forced Outing of Character
Mental Health: Self-Harm, Scars, Trivializing Mental Illness, Romanticized Mental Illness, Emotional Abuse, Controlling Parents, Panic Attacks, Trauma, Child Abandonment, Eating Disorders, Confrontation Abuser, Non-consent behavior
Sexual Content: Explicit Sex Scene, Masturbation, Oral Sex, Sexual Predator, Human Trafficking, Sex Slaves, Violent Sex
Violence and Death: Death, Death of a Loved One, Graphic Deaths, Mass Death, Murder, Execution, Decapitation, Suffocation, Burning People, Extreme Violence, Gore, Torture, Mutilation, Cutting of Limbs, Forced Blood Draining, Threatening child, Violence against Children, Child Abuse, Physical Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Escalating Violence, Described Blood, Graphic Violence, Doxing
Other: Slut Shaming, Body Shaming, Female Oppression, Forced Marriage, Kidnapping, Hostage Situation, Adultery, Bullying, Profanity
December 24, 2023
When I tell you I loved this book, it was such a refreshing read for me. It was awesome, such a good read and amazing writing. It was like an entire series written in one book.
Usually when I’m looking for a book to read I look for three things: an awesome cover which leads me to read the description and if that’s fantastic I look to see if it’s a standalone or a series, so if it’s a standalone that book gets opened and devoured by my eyes and if it’s a series I always make sure it’s done bc I’m too impatient to wait. All in all I say this bc this book had all of that. The cover: gorgeous, the description: phenomenal, and the fact that it’s a standalone yet I have to leftover questions and got my HEA makes it all the more remarkable.
I throughly enjoyed this book, I loved the characters. Our FMC Amara with her quiet strength and fierceness even in the face of being human which in this world makes you the dirt of someone’s shoe was awesome. I love how she never lost that throughout the whole book and truly let it grow as she came into herself and who she was as well as her power when she stopped letting fear rule.
Plus our girls love interests Kincaid, Levi, & Silas they were everythinggggg. Despite their reservations and not knowing who to trust the fact that they each opened their hearts to her and put their trust in her as they all accepted one another and they each accepted who she is. Plus the way that despite being ‘better’ as a vampire, lion shifter, & dragon shifter them keeping love in their hearts no matter what they were put through and want for a better world for all humans and shifters alike made it so much better.
I truly adored this book. And I’m sure months from now I’ll still be able to remember it very clearly. It’ll be vivid in my mind like a movie. So to this author outstanding job, your abilities to tell a story and make it come alive are awesome. And to another reader as I always say if this is up your alley and something you believe you’ll like then give it a try bc I doubt you’ll regret it, I sure didn’t. It was without a doubt worth every minute it took to read. :)
Usually when I’m looking for a book to read I look for three things: an awesome cover which leads me to read the description and if that’s fantastic I look to see if it’s a standalone or a series, so if it’s a standalone that book gets opened and devoured by my eyes and if it’s a series I always make sure it’s done bc I’m too impatient to wait. All in all I say this bc this book had all of that. The cover: gorgeous, the description: phenomenal, and the fact that it’s a standalone yet I have to leftover questions and got my HEA makes it all the more remarkable.
I throughly enjoyed this book, I loved the characters. Our FMC Amara with her quiet strength and fierceness even in the face of being human which in this world makes you the dirt of someone’s shoe was awesome. I love how she never lost that throughout the whole book and truly let it grow as she came into herself and who she was as well as her power when she stopped letting fear rule.
Plus our girls love interests Kincaid, Levi, & Silas they were everythinggggg. Despite their reservations and not knowing who to trust the fact that they each opened their hearts to her and put their trust in her as they all accepted one another and they each accepted who she is. Plus the way that despite being ‘better’ as a vampire, lion shifter, & dragon shifter them keeping love in their hearts no matter what they were put through and want for a better world for all humans and shifters alike made it so much better.
I truly adored this book. And I’m sure months from now I’ll still be able to remember it very clearly. It’ll be vivid in my mind like a movie. So to this author outstanding job, your abilities to tell a story and make it come alive are awesome. And to another reader as I always say if this is up your alley and something you believe you’ll like then give it a try bc I doubt you’ll regret it, I sure didn’t. It was without a doubt worth every minute it took to read. :)
January 12, 2023
ARC Review of Within The Darkness by L.Rose
* * * * *
A sizzling and explosive supernatural romance filled with steamy scenes, epic fights, and smart-talk in dangerous situations that are just on key!
Amara was stuck in a life of servitude, something that poor humans have no control over. When she and her her horrid mother are forced into new placement after their old master dies - a good man who cared for Amara...as well as helped hide her dark secret - she is now stuck as the new servant to Kincaid.
A vampire.
A high ranking bloodsucker.
She must be by his side always, and that seems to include his two friends Levi - the kind hearted shaggy-blonde lion shifter, and Silas - the territorial and protective dragon shifter. Amara is trying to manage getting by and not ending up dead by her new master's hand, who aparrently kills his servant a lot.
That is until it apparent that his last help was force to be weapons for an unknown master wanting to kill Kincaid. Amara may not like Kincaid, Levi or Silas - three monster who she cannot help but feel the attraction to - but she doesn't want them to end up dead or be used against he will for someone else's twisted purposes.
Amara is proving herself to be their ally.
Soon, she will make them see she is so much more.
That is...until her secret is revealed. One she fears will have them more than just kill her...but break her.
New friends to widen her circle. A new chance in her life that had limited options. New experiences...especially erotic ones!
Another phenominal creation from this author whose work never disappoints.
I love who it just got more delicious with the growing bond between Amara and the boys. Amara's character was one I loved to stick with as she changed from her quiet obediant role to strong and proud and ready-to-cut-you-up dominant self.
Damn, Charlotte is a nasty biatch! Love the major twist at the end when the shtick hits the fan and the reveal happens!
Plus...it slipped? Of course it did!
* * * * *
A sizzling and explosive supernatural romance filled with steamy scenes, epic fights, and smart-talk in dangerous situations that are just on key!
Amara was stuck in a life of servitude, something that poor humans have no control over. When she and her her horrid mother are forced into new placement after their old master dies - a good man who cared for Amara...as well as helped hide her dark secret - she is now stuck as the new servant to Kincaid.
A vampire.
A high ranking bloodsucker.
She must be by his side always, and that seems to include his two friends Levi - the kind hearted shaggy-blonde lion shifter, and Silas - the territorial and protective dragon shifter. Amara is trying to manage getting by and not ending up dead by her new master's hand, who aparrently kills his servant a lot.
That is until it apparent that his last help was force to be weapons for an unknown master wanting to kill Kincaid. Amara may not like Kincaid, Levi or Silas - three monster who she cannot help but feel the attraction to - but she doesn't want them to end up dead or be used against he will for someone else's twisted purposes.
Amara is proving herself to be their ally.
Soon, she will make them see she is so much more.
That is...until her secret is revealed. One she fears will have them more than just kill her...but break her.
New friends to widen her circle. A new chance in her life that had limited options. New experiences...especially erotic ones!
Another phenominal creation from this author whose work never disappoints.
I love who it just got more delicious with the growing bond between Amara and the boys. Amara's character was one I loved to stick with as she changed from her quiet obediant role to strong and proud and ready-to-cut-you-up dominant self.
Damn, Charlotte is a nasty biatch! Love the major twist at the end when the shtick hits the fan and the reveal happens!
Plus...it slipped? Of course it did!
January 29, 2023
I don't know why I finished this book, it really didn't work for me. The premise was good enough, the main characters except for Amara were likeable and the writing was okayish.
The thing that kept bugging me was Amara. She is a lowly human servant and keeps mentioning how terrible her life is and her experiences so far were - thing is, she lived all her life in her former boss' employ who was nice to humans, taught her things and was like a father to her. He also apparently made her very fearful and wary of using her powers and taught her fighting perfectly in the span of one year? And her fighting with the guys wasn't even that impressive - she threw a dagger before the fight started, took out one guy and then had to be saved and tossed around like a sack of potatoes?
The plot progression was really weird as well. Problems cropped up and were solved instantly, and people did 180s in a matter of seconds.
Lots of cheesy and cringey dialogue was the solution to everything and people dropped everything while the main characters were talking.
The curses and exclamations kept throwing me off as well. People used "Jesus Christ" or "Jesus" a lot, while also talking about the gods and godesses or the Fates and I was just very confused about this world. And a terribly old dragon grandpa saying "How... what... fuck" was just weird.
I think I only kept on reading because of Levi and Silas. Those two were great.
The thing that kept bugging me was Amara. She is a lowly human servant and keeps mentioning how terrible her life is and her experiences so far were - thing is, she lived all her life in her former boss' employ who was nice to humans, taught her things and was like a father to her. He also apparently made her very fearful and wary of using her powers and taught her fighting perfectly in the span of one year? And her fighting with the guys wasn't even that impressive - she threw a dagger before the fight started, took out one guy and then had to be saved and tossed around like a sack of potatoes?
The plot progression was really weird as well. Problems cropped up and were solved instantly, and people did 180s in a matter of seconds.
Lots of cheesy and cringey dialogue was the solution to everything and people dropped everything while the main characters were talking.
The curses and exclamations kept throwing me off as well. People used "Jesus Christ" or "Jesus" a lot, while also talking about the gods and godesses or the Fates and I was just very confused about this world. And a terribly old dragon grandpa saying "How... what... fuck" was just weird.
I think I only kept on reading because of Levi and Silas. Those two were great.
January 24, 2023
Ok this is probably my favourite book's ever from this author and I've read them all, bar 1.
I'm a straight up pnr whorebag. Pnr is what made me love reading. It was the first books I ever did read and to this day are my favourite. Period. And let me just say I am a fussy bitch with pnr because it is my favourite and its hard to live up to the expectations of that on times.
But this took me back to what it was like when I first picked up a pnr book. Not because they are alike, but, Because the feeling I had when reading them felt the same. That feeling of the magical unknown. The excitment. The curiosity. The feeling of being able to imagine the crazy world as if it were right in front of your eyes. It's why I love pnr.
Amara is a human with a big secret. I mean is she a human ... What is the secret. There is ALOT going on with her character. She's shy but she had this fierce side that wills her to protect. Even when the people she protects don't always deserve it. She has a strength that shines through her shy personality, it makes you want to look further below the surface to see what lurks below. I love that she was loyal to a fault. She underrated herself despite being freaking fantastic and that she had to capacity to forgive even when I damn sure would of held a grudge a whole book longer. She was sweet and loving but also a certified badass when necessary. Oh and her crazy?.... That was epic.
Levi is our sweet loving flirtatious Lion. He has growl and claws but honestly he was the soft heart of the bunch. The caretaker, laugh maker orgasm giving extraordinaire. His larger than life personality floated through the pages like a honest to god loving caress. Reading Levi was like having a hug, all warm sweet and protective.
Silas is our grump dragon. The silent observer with smoke puffs seeping out at his frustrations. He was definingly the quiet one of the bunch but don't mistake that for him being more submissive of unwilling. He had layers you had to peal back but once you got to him he made you feel all the good feels. He just wasn't as in your face about it as Levi or as outwardly aggressive as Kincaid. But lord this was a power on his own with his greedy possessiveness and dirty shenanigans.
Then we come to Kincaid. The arrogant angry vampire of this merry foursome. The leader. The one who had a chip on his shoulder a mile wide and a real short sense of patience. Kincaid is easily the hardest one to love simply based off of the fact he is an actual dickhead head for a hot minute. But like Silas under his protective behaviour and his guards.. there truly is a man made of a thousand sins and worth every single one of them. Kincaid had been through and done some shit that does explain his behaviour and I mean I do love myself an antihero.
These four have quite the rollercoaster of a journey. It's a slow burn with each character having their own moment of realisation and again a different moment of surrender to their inevitable coupling. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of them fighting their attractions all the whilst trying to figure out what the heck was going on with their shy but feisty maid who did more than any of them every expected. I laughed my ass of at some of their antics. They all had their own journey alongside the one the had together. It was a real treat. I lived for the bickering and the banter. The chemistry is SPICY. The connection super sweet and as it grows it continued to get better.
To wrap this up I freaking loved it. I laughed, I ranted and raved and I swooned and the dirty nasty shenanigans they got up to. It was wholesome as fuck.
I loved the world building and plot progression. I freaking adored the characters and their journey to their HEA. As a whole it was a freaking rollercoaster I loved the shit out of. It just made me happy.
I read to escape reality and this done exactly that and then some for me. I can't wait to see what comes next.
Also Gus. I mean .. Where so I find a grumpy crazy out bat dragon?. I want one.
I'm a straight up pnr whorebag. Pnr is what made me love reading. It was the first books I ever did read and to this day are my favourite. Period. And let me just say I am a fussy bitch with pnr because it is my favourite and its hard to live up to the expectations of that on times.
But this took me back to what it was like when I first picked up a pnr book. Not because they are alike, but, Because the feeling I had when reading them felt the same. That feeling of the magical unknown. The excitment. The curiosity. The feeling of being able to imagine the crazy world as if it were right in front of your eyes. It's why I love pnr.
Amara is a human with a big secret. I mean is she a human ... What is the secret. There is ALOT going on with her character. She's shy but she had this fierce side that wills her to protect. Even when the people she protects don't always deserve it. She has a strength that shines through her shy personality, it makes you want to look further below the surface to see what lurks below. I love that she was loyal to a fault. She underrated herself despite being freaking fantastic and that she had to capacity to forgive even when I damn sure would of held a grudge a whole book longer. She was sweet and loving but also a certified badass when necessary. Oh and her crazy?.... That was epic.
Levi is our sweet loving flirtatious Lion. He has growl and claws but honestly he was the soft heart of the bunch. The caretaker, laugh maker orgasm giving extraordinaire. His larger than life personality floated through the pages like a honest to god loving caress. Reading Levi was like having a hug, all warm sweet and protective.
Silas is our grump dragon. The silent observer with smoke puffs seeping out at his frustrations. He was definingly the quiet one of the bunch but don't mistake that for him being more submissive of unwilling. He had layers you had to peal back but once you got to him he made you feel all the good feels. He just wasn't as in your face about it as Levi or as outwardly aggressive as Kincaid. But lord this was a power on his own with his greedy possessiveness and dirty shenanigans.
Then we come to Kincaid. The arrogant angry vampire of this merry foursome. The leader. The one who had a chip on his shoulder a mile wide and a real short sense of patience. Kincaid is easily the hardest one to love simply based off of the fact he is an actual dickhead head for a hot minute. But like Silas under his protective behaviour and his guards.. there truly is a man made of a thousand sins and worth every single one of them. Kincaid had been through and done some shit that does explain his behaviour and I mean I do love myself an antihero.
These four have quite the rollercoaster of a journey. It's a slow burn with each character having their own moment of realisation and again a different moment of surrender to their inevitable coupling. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of them fighting their attractions all the whilst trying to figure out what the heck was going on with their shy but feisty maid who did more than any of them every expected. I laughed my ass of at some of their antics. They all had their own journey alongside the one the had together. It was a real treat. I lived for the bickering and the banter. The chemistry is SPICY. The connection super sweet and as it grows it continued to get better.
To wrap this up I freaking loved it. I laughed, I ranted and raved and I swooned and the dirty nasty shenanigans they got up to. It was wholesome as fuck.
I loved the world building and plot progression. I freaking adored the characters and their journey to their HEA. As a whole it was a freaking rollercoaster I loved the shit out of. It just made me happy.
I read to escape reality and this done exactly that and then some for me. I can't wait to see what comes next.
Also Gus. I mean .. Where so I find a grumpy crazy out bat dragon?. I want one.
September 10, 2023
2.5 stars - 3 maybe. The first 50% of the book were great not gonna lie. I liked the FMC overall and the MMCs were also good. However, the MM element started at some point in the 60% mark and although I dont hate usually M/M but I'm also not looking for it. I felt the romance between Levi and Silas came out of nowhere and it didn't fit their macho personalities that were showed at the start of the book. Also, there is a situation where Levi gave Silas a b*job and Silas loved it (obviously) and Levi said " we will get the FMC far enough for her to be able to b*low you like this". It kinda felt disrespectful, I mean the girl just lost her V card like 2 weeks ago, and even tho she was great (typical virgen with great skills), so it was so unnecessary comparing Levi's B*job to the FMC's.
Also, the M/M was not very FMC centric either which it is weird too bc she is their bond/mate. Idk, this time M/M didn't hit where it should have.
Also at some point after the 60% mark the personality of the FMC just dimmed and her power too. IDK. I guess it is the typical of great start but at some point the whole thing just came down to complete a "meh" kind of book.
Also, the M/M was not very FMC centric either which it is weird too bc she is their bond/mate. Idk, this time M/M didn't hit where it should have.
Also at some point after the 60% mark the personality of the FMC just dimmed and her power too. IDK. I guess it is the typical of great start but at some point the whole thing just came down to complete a "meh" kind of book.
April 15, 2023
So I adore author Lila Rose and this standalone book did not disappoint. I read so much that I normally don’t like standalone’s, because I want more… But she really packed a series into this one book. It had all the great parts with a very satisfying ending. It’s just a great book!
The female character is strong and sassy and I love where the story goes with her (won’t spoil it). The men all grow on me. At first a couple are jerks but there is a reason explained. The story is so satisfying! I wish there was more but I’m still happy with the one book.
Note: her paranormal books are under pen name L. Rose (check out The Hidden Kingdom for a fill RH trilogy that is so spicy 🥵 and excellent!!)
✅ Reverse Harem
✅ 3 Men
✅ Harem Member Ages 21-25
✅ Vampires, shifters (dragon and lion) and other paranormal
✅ Mostly MF but MM towards the end
✅ Happily Ever After
✅ 5 Year Epilogue added
Triggers:
🛑 Verbally abusive parents
🛑 Slavery of humans
🛑Light bullying outside of harem
🛑Jerk harem member in beginning (mostly just a big cinnamon roll)
The female character is strong and sassy and I love where the story goes with her (won’t spoil it). The men all grow on me. At first a couple are jerks but there is a reason explained. The story is so satisfying! I wish there was more but I’m still happy with the one book.
Note: her paranormal books are under pen name L. Rose (check out The Hidden Kingdom for a fill RH trilogy that is so spicy 🥵 and excellent!!)
✅ Reverse Harem
✅ 3 Men
✅ Harem Member Ages 21-25
✅ Vampires, shifters (dragon and lion) and other paranormal
✅ Mostly MF but MM towards the end
✅ Happily Ever After
✅ 5 Year Epilogue added
Triggers:
🛑 Verbally abusive parents
🛑 Slavery of humans
🛑Light bullying outside of harem
🛑Jerk harem member in beginning (mostly just a big cinnamon roll)
January 29, 2023
Within The Darkness by L. Rose is a world where vampires, shifters, and enchanters have stepped out of the shadows, and it had me HOOKED from start to finish, hungry for more of this world, these characters, their love.
Amara is layered and interesting and has no idea what's in store for her. She's beautiful inside and out and has a sharp wit and sense of loyalty she won't hesitate to use for those she loves.
Kincaid is controlling, demanding, and struggling with what he desires vs what is demanded of him.
Silas is stoic and distant yet runs incredibly hot when he gives in and commits.
Levi is all around playful and fun and driven and dedicated to those he claims as his own.
The world building is fantastic, and the character dynamics captivating. The chemistry, the will they won't they, the drama and mystery and intrigue all work together to create an addictive story I couldn't put down!
P. S. ADORED the secondary characters!
Amara is layered and interesting and has no idea what's in store for her. She's beautiful inside and out and has a sharp wit and sense of loyalty she won't hesitate to use for those she loves.
Kincaid is controlling, demanding, and struggling with what he desires vs what is demanded of him.
Silas is stoic and distant yet runs incredibly hot when he gives in and commits.
Levi is all around playful and fun and driven and dedicated to those he claims as his own.
The world building is fantastic, and the character dynamics captivating. The chemistry, the will they won't they, the drama and mystery and intrigue all work together to create an addictive story I couldn't put down!
P. S. ADORED the secondary characters!
May 1, 2023
This had a promising start, but it definitely had one of the cheesiest endings ever.
Kincaid’s mom turns out to be a secret evil mastermind. It’s amazing she kept it secret for so long, since she’s also a homicidal maniac. She wages all out war on the front lawn of her house, in front of thousands of witnesses, and even a few viral videos, but takes inspiration from Shaggy by saying “It wasn’t me!”
Thankfully Kane ends up getting a happy ending with his one true love, the groundskeeper.
The council turns up and happens to have legislation to reform human treatment. They were always in favor of it and carried these new laws around everywhere they went, but gosh darn it… never quite got around to passing it. That all changes today!
And then everyone lives happily ever after. The end.
Kincaid’s mom turns out to be a secret evil mastermind. It’s amazing she kept it secret for so long, since she’s also a homicidal maniac. She wages all out war on the front lawn of her house, in front of thousands of witnesses, and even a few viral videos, but takes inspiration from Shaggy by saying “It wasn’t me!”
Thankfully Kane ends up getting a happy ending with his one true love, the groundskeeper.
The council turns up and happens to have legislation to reform human treatment. They were always in favor of it and carried these new laws around everywhere they went, but gosh darn it… never quite got around to passing it. That all changes today!
And then everyone lives happily ever after. The end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
3.5 stars.
I agree with the other reviewers who DNF'ed at around 70%, even though I finished the book. This started out really good, but then it just kinda...went on too long? Got too cringey? Too many side plots? I'm not entirely sure what happened, but the last ~20% felt like a real burden to get through.
I did like all the characters and minus the last quarter, it was an enjoyable read. Definitely best suited as a standalone, I wouldn't have bothered with additional books. But kudos to the author for even writing a standalone fantasy...sometimes I am just SO not into starting what I know will be a multi-book commitment, but I want to read some fantasy! There's absolutely a huge need for standalone fantasy.
I agree with the other reviewers who DNF'ed at around 70%, even though I finished the book. This started out really good, but then it just kinda...went on too long? Got too cringey? Too many side plots? I'm not entirely sure what happened, but the last ~20% felt like a real burden to get through.
I did like all the characters and minus the last quarter, it was an enjoyable read. Definitely best suited as a standalone, I wouldn't have bothered with additional books. But kudos to the author for even writing a standalone fantasy...sometimes I am just SO not into starting what I know will be a multi-book commitment, but I want to read some fantasy! There's absolutely a huge need for standalone fantasy.
December 13, 2023
I've never read anything quite like this before. Vampires, enchanters, and shifters enslaving lower class humans, and running the world. Personally, I’d be screwed.
The writing is crisp and clean. I didn’t find many errors at all. In fact, I can’t remember even one at this time. The author builds the world from the get, setting the reader up with all the information they need in the first few pages. I like going into a story, knowing what’s going on. That doesn’t happen often.
Amara is who I’d imagine myself to be as a servant. I got a big mouth. I’m a smart ass. I don’t think I could completely hold it back, either. She’s a secret badass and I am all here for it.
The writing is crisp and clean. I didn’t find many errors at all. In fact, I can’t remember even one at this time. The author builds the world from the get, setting the reader up with all the information they need in the first few pages. I like going into a story, knowing what’s going on. That doesn’t happen often.
Amara is who I’d imagine myself to be as a servant. I got a big mouth. I’m a smart ass. I don’t think I could completely hold it back, either. She’s a secret badass and I am all here for it.
January 13, 2023
WOW! This was such an amazing story! This is one of my favorite authors and this book is one of the reasons! So much action, suspense, heat, and many emotions! The story flowed so well and pulled you in and kept you totally intrigued! I couldn’t put it down! Three different paranormals and then there’s Amara who is quite unique. Absolutely loved these characters and their different personalities and they were an amazing circle! Absolutely loved this and I very highly recommend! I am voluntarily leaving an honest review for this complimentary copy of this book
January 25, 2023
this was good, but i think i want to reread it when i’m in a more fantasy style mood. ive been in a hardcore easy romance style mood for a while, so i think my minds a little too vacant for this at the moment. this had really powerful world building and characters, and i think it’s a really solid book. i found it tough to read, mainly because it’s not my leading genre, but for people who really love fantasy heavy romance, this ones just for you. Plus, by reading this, you would be supporting a smaller aussie author, which is really awesome! check it out!
April 7, 2023
Okay I loved this book! Amara was so strong with some attitude and sass but also so caring and forgiving. I love her. It was a shame about her mom being the worst. Sweet Levi was so sure from the beginning. Silas took a little bit but jumped all in. Kincaid was harder to get on board but when he did he was all in. I was shocked that she was a goddess. I loved Gus, he was cracking me up. I’m glad that Mary and Cassar got their happy ending. Plot twist about his mom being evil instead of his dad. Honestly did not see that coming. I loved this book a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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