Unraveling Charlotte

by Sarah Kennedy

How far would you go to protect those you love?

Would you brave raging oceans and treacherous mountain paths, hunt down the fiercest predators, and fight the strongest enemies? Would you take a stand, knowing that your own life is at risk?

Would you kill?

One chilling evening, I found myself caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. As I stared down the barrel of a gun, all I could think about was my little brother, who already lost so much.

I should have died, but he spared me—the man wrapped in shadows and secrets. He let me slip from his grasp, allowing me to breathe another day. Why?

Questions claw at my thoughts, demanding answers, yet I fear the truth might shatter the fragile reality I’ve built for my brother and me.

My thirst for understanding refuses to be ignored, however, and the world around me unravels, mirroring the secrets that veil this town. As I pry into the darkness, I can’t help but feel the tendrils of madness creeping in, threatening to destroy my sanity.

In a town where everyone has a secret, and danger lurks around every bend, I am presented with an ultimatum—to remain in the safety of ignorance or take a dive into the unknown with three strangers who swear they will protect us.

* This marks the debut installment of the Dynasty of Shadows series, which is a why choose dark romance. Within this series, you will find sexual content, violence, and mature language not intended for a youthful audience. Recommended reading age 18+

Genres: Dark Romance, Ebooks, Contemporary Romance, Dark

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2023

Reviews

[DMJ73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received a free copy of this book for a honest review.
Brilliant book, very dark at times but the author has written a very compelling story that I thoroughly enjoyed, even though I needed a tissue at times. If you enjoy dark romances this is definitely for you.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing read. I loved the storyline and the chemistry between the characters. The harem is perfect for the FMC the only thing I wish the book had was dual POV. I would have love to have known what the MMC’s were feeling. If you like dark romance this is definitely a read for you!

[Bent Letters · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I wasn’t excepting much when I first picked up this book. I was pretty shocked how quick I devoured it. I absolutely loved the plot and the pacing of this story. Can’t wait for the next installment!

[Charisse Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING BOOOK!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25+ stars

I did enjoy this. I hoped that the second part would contain the men’s POV though.

[Ems · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reverse harem, mafia romance

Charlotte is trying to take care of her little brother, they moved to a small town starting over after their parents lost their lifes in a car accident. She works at a diner and loved the people she works with. One night she takes on a shift that will change everything she thought she knew not only about the little town they live in, but her own life as well.

I did not know this was a reverse harem book, i am usually not overly found of those, but this book was written in such a great way that it all came together smoothly and logically. And let me tell you, it is a really steamy story!

It's a very intriguing and exiting book, i had problems putting it down for the night because i wanted to know what happened next. There are so many twists and action in this book, it keeps the interest going and i know it is very difficult to keep so many stories going at the same time while following just one main story. I applaud the author for the excitement she maintains in the book, there is always something happening and everything is put together in a smooth way with a red thread through out the entire book. And i love the change in perspective in the epilogue, it gives the reader a feeling that something else exciting can only be expected in the next book.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars because there were a handful of times where i had to re-read the sentence to understand what was said, but i would have loved to give it 5 stars! Since half a stars is not physically possible, i give a writing 4,7 stars instead.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mafia romance, love being found in the darkest part of the world. This is not a book for those sensitive to violence.

[Kassey J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm only 30% in but I'm kinda already tired of all the inner monologues in our fmc head. Also I hate how the author doesn't have the males pov. I feel like that gives dimension and so without it, it reads kinda flat. Welp back I go to reading.
I'm now 62% in and this fmc is annoying like pity me, "I couldn't save him" like girl get it together you shouldn't of even checked when you had heard a noise because you should been thinking about what would happen to your brother without you. It's a conundrum of feels because in the beginning She's all about doing everything to help her brother and get custody but then you take a risks when you should of just left well enough alone and kept quiet. I'm really dragging in this book because I'm not getting a break from the fmc seeing as I spov 😪. Anyways back I try to go.
64% in and gotta say this bish seriously has no survival instincts. On top of that she's a shit guardian by doing stupid things that could LITERALLY leave her brother without anyone. She deserves to get her ass beat in my opinion. Anyways I got to finish this book cuz I've dnf-ed alot recently and I like the plot but don't really gaf abt the fmc who is unfortunately the star of the show -.-.
OK so I'm stopping at just part 1 because I honestly don't care for the fmc and the guys are flat character wise, it's like we're told how that are but not shown. The only character I cared for was lyric and milo. Hell the kid was more mature and steady then the fmc was. Idk I just couldn't get into the book but you might...

[Steef · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea of the story. Also, the connection between Milo and Lottie. Further in, I started to notice how much repetition there was in Charlotte’s inner dialogue. First it didn’t bother me that much, but it became more and more and it started feeling as if there had to be pages filled instead of a strong story told. I’d rather read a shorter book that contains all necessary info en entertainment than hearing over and over again how she felt the same way. There were also parts where she rambled in inner dialogue that I read and after I would think, what did I actually read? I read the words but it wasn’t interesting or important enough to really be part of the story. A lot of those times were at the beginning of a new chapter where the author had a unique way of introducing us to a new part of the story. I’m not really sure how I felt about that— other than irritated at times when I just wanted to move on to the relationship development.
There were a lot of words used to describe something. A feeling (like how she felt when aroused), a place where she was. And a lot of those words weren’t needed to write a strong story. When reading that I felt like, ‘come on, get to the good stuff’. Ultimately, that’s also where I decided to dnf, which is sad because I was like 75% in. There was just too much inner dialogue and words that didn’t really contribute to the story.

[Amy ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte lost her parents in an accent, leaving just her and her baby brother. At the young age if 18 and her brother, only 2, she spent years fighting for custody of him. Finally, 6 years later, she has her entire world permanently. They went from town to town trying to start a new life together before settling in lenora. Now they have a cosy small house to call their own, milo has friends and school, and she has a job she loves at the local diner. Only one night when she covers a shift does her whole world flip, and she slowly realises what exactly this town is and ultimately who she is. She has to learn how far she will go to protect all she loves.

This small town, burn the world for you, touch her and die, spicy, why choose, found family, mafia romance is deep!

The story is gripping, the spice is spicy and the plot twists are great. I really enjoyed this ☺️

Would have loved to read one of their fantasy played out, but hey, what can I say? I'm a sucker for why choose.

🖤

"Peer into the darkness. Do you see your reflection?"

"kitten. I'm not going to kill you, but I will make you question everything you've ever known."

"Truth has a way of revealing what's real and what's strong. If something withstands the truth, it will remain, and if it doesn't, perhaps it wasn't built on the right foundation."

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this freebie book from a comment saying get it while its free. The clicky link on goodreads brough me to it and didnt tell me its a two part book. I didnt think anything of it and devoured it. Left wanting more i searched and found its second part only to be saddened that the second part was actually printed in the book one that i had purchase so its the end of their story for me.

I loved it, ill recommend and I hope it stays with me forever. It gave a story line of trying to protect a younger brother while having nothing and no one to protect yourself. A story of survival and stumbling into this small town where you are accepted, loved, and cared for. Only to realize you walked into a "special town." Off all maps a town left to its own devices like the town in the Ballerina (the John Wick series movies) where its run-lived in by serial killers. This town had its secrets but chose to let Charlotte and her brother in and keep them safe as long as it could.

When shit hits the fan and the small towns true background is revealed its enough to make your head spin. Again Charlotte is just fighting for survival and ends up in some mafia war that apparently is also her birth right. Yep her past she wasnt aware of (bio dad bounced) connects her to this town and its mafia rivalry in more than one way.

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can love servive lies and twists?

I really enjoyed this book. The only negative I can think of is that seriously the lack of brain function in her just at a sight of men is daunting. It's unrealistic. and the way she just forgives everything just by a touch a eye Contact. She should of been more backbone. Other then that I loved every bit of it. Milo the boy genius at just 8 years old. The Desmond acts as he is mafia boss but it's his mother instead. I can't say I understood how he talk about her in the epilog as if he resented her for being the boss by calling her B!@CH. But ik its not that and he loves her and will do anything for her. I love Lyric animalistic vibe and Mattys Softness. But all their protectiveness. I'm glad Matty got his brother back as well and was saddened when is older had been killed. I hope that they are all Married and not just Desmand and charlette I mean come on Desmand has 2 dads his mom 2 husband's. So why not charlette with 3. Anyways I cant wait for Autums and Harlows story coming up next and hmm what about Tatum will she find love too. I think anyone who reads this will love it. They author did an amazing Jon on it and it's the 1st I've read and can't wait for the next one.

[Rebbbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't even finished this book and I have come to say if you want to read it read it now!! Take this book off your TBR and start reading!!!

Omg it's amazing! I'll keep it spoiler free because it's the kind of book you really need to just read and discover the hidden secrets for yourself! The first 45% of the book is all about learning about our FMC, her life and laying down the foundations so that (I think cause I haven't even read the rest yet) you can make sense of the rest of the book! Let me tell you the small hints in this book are not like others I have read - you think you can guess what's gonna happen? Think again! Defiantly read trigger warnings because the I get impression it's
Gonna get dark fast! Think that scene in haunting Adeline with the 🔫🌶️ IYKYK!! So it's not for faint hearted! But what I love about this book is it's not just focused on the spice there are other deep relationships that you get hooked into and want to know more and it's written so well!! I'll update once I read the rest⭐️😬

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to know these characters. Lottie is innocent in so many ways, and yet has had to grow up way too fast and raise her little brother since he was 3 years old. She is so quirky and I really loved the authors incorporation of neurodiversity in her writing. I understood Lottie’s different ways of thinking and acting, and think it’s so important to represent. The men were hot and made me want more from them. There are some really difficult situations, and emotions that have to be handled in through her life and they help her get through them. Maybe they help with unaliving someone for her, or chasing her down in the forest to give her pleasure, or tying her up until she admits her feelings and understand theirs. One of the main themes through out is the idea that family is for life, and if you come into their family you stay for life and will be protected for life. Sometimes you just need to know that you will be loved and protected. This is

[Melissa Burch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed her writing style but not all the sex scenes

I like the way the author wrote, and the way she describes things. The story moved along in an interesting way, and at a good pace. What I did not like about it, are some of the sex scenes where Charlotte would be called a filthy slut. I know some women love that, but I have to say if my lover called me that I would be put off. So that put me off in the book also, the breath play. That is just not something that I like as they say not my cup of tea. I find it hard to believe that someone like our female lead would like to be choked, hard enough to where she sees dots before eyes and almost passes out. I debated giving the book just three stars but I felt the writing style was so strong that I bumped it up one. I’m going to try the second book and see how I feel about that one. That will determine if I read more books from this author.

[DarkTwistedReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I got the two books in one edition)

The first half was 3 🌟 it was alright. I actually enjoyed the first part of it, even teared up at some parts.
The second half though, what happened there? It's like it was almost written by a different person. The amount of times the word sensation was said was ugh.
Alot of things seem to be repeated and that was annoying, almost whole sentences.
I found Charlotte to be on and off with the weak and strong personality, just when I thought she was a strong woman.. she says or does something that makes her appear weak.
She ignored her intuition more than once and that was annoying.
Even though the sex scenes were good, eventually they became meaningless to me and lacked any emotional response.
The second half was a 2 star and the ending was meh.
The "twist" wasn't even a surprise. 

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author may be new to contemporary writing, but she is not new to romance. I was honored to be part of her debut as a contemporary romance author. I have loved every minute of it. This book shows she is multi talented and her writing.
The FMC is a remarkable character you feel for her and everything she went through before and during the story. She is strong and independent. Even though she's been faced with a lot.
The MCs are complicated and diverse. You're not sure if you love them or you hate them lol. This story gives us a lot of information leading us to needing more from book2. Can't wait to fall of this authors amazing career down this new path.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, Charlotte and her little brother Milo were fantastic characters. There are so many secrets in this book, and at each turn Charlotte unravels more and more leading her through dangerous and emotionally dark places. Desmond, Lyric and Matty were hot af and the heat in the scenes with Charlotte were off the scale. I have to admit that I'd have loved some more group 'activities' but the 'torture' scene more than made up for it.
I can't wait to read about the other brothers and their girls in the next books.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark and captivating start to a new series and pen name. I flew through this book, not realizing how quickly I became absorbed into the story. Charlotte and her men have a story of intrigue and mystery. This is only the first part of their story and I can only hope that the next part is just as engaging and intriguing.

[Krystal Hanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in AWE. My first RH, and I absolutely loved. I had to force myself to put this down to sleep. When Desmond, Lyric and Matty constantly showed up for Charlotte and Milo, my heart melted. They are truly the best for each other. I cannot recommend this book enough!

So glad I gave this a shot when it was for free on Amazon!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected

What did I just read??? I loved it. Great suspense, high heat tension and chemistry. Off the charts. Can’t wait to read the 2nd book. Desmond, Lyric and Matty are all so different but all so sexy. No wonder Chatlotte can’t choose. And I loved her little brother Milo and Tate.

[Mac Maine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Sarah Kennedy wrote this book! She had me invested in Charlotte from the very beginning and I wanted to see her win! I loved the way she described the unconventional relationship of having three lovers! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series

[Jade Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

I really enjoyed reading this. I like the storyline and the characters as well. I'm excited to read more from this author!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

was entertains expect for the few times the mfc pissed me off.

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully crafted.

The deep undercurrent of danger from the very beginning intrigues the reader, page after page. The prose is lyrical, beautifully crafted words. It is a book you won't soon forget! I've found a new favorite author.