A Dark Dawn

by Shaye Torrel

Makayla Morgan has always had it tough. In her life neglect, poverty and the threat of violence were standard. Now the sole upside to her daily grind is her friend Oakes and his younger sister Juni. They are the only real family she has. When their already risky life is further threatened, she and her friends are introduced to a shadowy underworld they never dreamed existed.

Andras Kerekes is an Enforcer, his long history awash with blood and darkness. Driven by loyalty and the need to protect his own, he never expected to find someone like Makayla. Even in his world she is an anomaly. Striking, powerful and completely unaware of the truth.

Makayla’s life has taught her not to trust, but could this dangerous fighter help her navigate an unknown path? Will his mysterious Boss, the one they call The Count, turn out to be an ally or just a charming villain?

As Makayla discovers a whole other side of herself she must find the strength to survive in the unfamiliar world of The Court, deal with old adversaries and keep her family safe. And perhaps find a way to understand the dark Enforcer, Andras.

Set in the fictional city of Norwesur, Virginia, A Dark Dawn is Book One in The Court series, an interconnected series of stand-alones. It is a M/F romance with an HEA.

A 90,000+ words Romantasy with a Dark Mafia twist.

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2024

About the author

Shaye Torrel has always loved to make believe. Reading was an extension of that, an opportunity to imagine hundreds of different people and places. As a teenager she discovered that by writing she too could create windows into other worlds, letting all the imaginary people out of her brain and onto paper. But life happened and her writing was shelved for Someday. After a brush with her mortality, Shaye realised there is no Someday, only Today. So now she is happily pursuing her dream of being an author with the loving support of her partner, The Tradie, and their four legged fur-baby. Shaye lives in the South Island of New Zealand, likes iced almond milk chai and reads whenever she can.

Reviews

[Deanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually head into books blind but I decided to with this one and I don’t regret it. I had no clue what it was about or even if it was contemporary or fantasy, and that made for a really intriguing read.

Despite the darker themes of the plot, this was still a really low angst romance. Andras and Mikayla were very cute together and there was instalust, if not instalove.

I liked the found family they all created from the original one between the three friends and then to the one they made within The Court.

I immediately downloaded book 2 and I’m thoroughly annoyed I have to go run errands instead of devouring it in one sitting haha

[Dahné "anotherbookchick" · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the concepts in this book & all of the characters! The romance is definitely a slow burn but because of who the FMC is this makes a lot of sense for the story!

My reason for not rating the book higher is I felt the overall plot was lacking & didn't progress as much as I would have liked.

However in saying that I am curious enough to continue onto book 2!

As this is a debut & the start of a series I suspect future books will make improvements 💙

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. It's a great start to a new series that i can't wait to dive into and read the next book. This is the first time reading anything from this author and she didn't disappoint at all. Looking forward to the next one and highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to explore a new world and find out about the mysterious Count and his court? Love stories with a bit of danger and a whole lot of spice?

I found this book by new-to-me author Shaye Torrel and I know it's not going to be my last book by her. The world building, the characters, the heat, the family ties are all there.

I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!

[Nat Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad this book was recommended to me by a friend. What a fantastic story and the start of a new series. Romance, mafia and paranormal give this book such a wonderful base. I adored Andras and Makayla's love story but the side characters were wonderful too.
I will be diving into the next book in the series right away!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Oh wow, Vampires, Witches, Shifters and Fae. What more could you want.
I loved the tale this author weaved throughout the course of this book. Love, vilans, and found family. And let's not forget the smexy times. Everything that makes my heart happy. I'm looking forward to book 2.

[kels · Rating 5 out of 5]

firstly, thank you to shaye for sending me a copy of your book! i leave my opinions with no bias and of my own accord.

this was such a good read!! i loved the concept i will absolutely eat up anything with strong fantasy world building like a SNACK. the spice, the high stakes, ANDRAS. delicious. 4.5 stars rounded up!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh wicked

They don't know what is happening to them.

Makayla Morgan, Oakes and his sister Juni they are her family. What happens to them?

Who is Andras? What is he? You'll have to read to find out.

Oooh my hot 🔥 sexy Paranormal read 📚

[Krystina C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes and Book Things:

- Found Family
- Magic
- Paranormal
- Slow Burn

A Dark Dawn is the first book in The Court series. Well written with a good on page reading flow and set in the modern age, we follow Makayla, who's world is changed when a deal goes wrong.

I enjoyed the idea presented by Shaye but I found the story progressed slowly and lingered too long on some scenes. This would be a good read for someone new to Paranormal books, but I found there was too much focus on things more experienced readers already know eg vampire lore (this is a personal preference as I read a lot of paranormal books).

As someone who is very new to Mafia I liked that it didn't overwhelm the story and added to the danger and helped to progress the story.

I would have liked to see more detailed focus and descriptive exploration on the magical aspects of the world.

I am hoping some of the questions I had will be answered in the second book which is out soon! Mainly, more info on the Court, more info on Andras crew/the leadership, and more info on Makayla's powers/father!