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Angels of Désirer #1
Burn With Me
Ginny
I’m torn between fantasy and reality.
On my first night working at an exclusive adult club—a club where we have to wear masks to conceal our identities—my stranger comes to life.
My attachment to him is instantaneous, but how could he be real when I created him in my mind more than a decade ago to shield me from the abuse I suffered at home?
And when the club owner’s nephew sets his sights on me, I want to resist his playboy charm, but I find I’m quickly falling under his spell.
How can I fall for two men at once? And what happens when my fantasy and reality finally collide?
Jackson
From the moment we laid eyes on each other, she’s hated me. Which is why making the little spitfire my latest conquest will be so much fun.
Imagine my surprise when I recognize the feisty redhead working at my uncle’s underground adult club. She doesn’t know it’s me, mistaking me for someone she refers to as her stranger.
She’s inexperienced. Nearly virginal. Everything I’ve always avoided in a woman.
But Ginny ends up being exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
The more time I spend with her in and out of the club, the hotter the flame between us grows—a passionate inferno just waiting to be released.
But if she finds out it’s me behind the mask, she’ll burn me alive.
Burn With Me is the first book in the Angels of Désirer series, which is an interconnected stand-alone series. It can be read alone. This book deals with heavy themes and possibly triggering content. Please check the warnings.
I’m torn between fantasy and reality.
On my first night working at an exclusive adult club—a club where we have to wear masks to conceal our identities—my stranger comes to life.
My attachment to him is instantaneous, but how could he be real when I created him in my mind more than a decade ago to shield me from the abuse I suffered at home?
And when the club owner’s nephew sets his sights on me, I want to resist his playboy charm, but I find I’m quickly falling under his spell.
How can I fall for two men at once? And what happens when my fantasy and reality finally collide?
Jackson
From the moment we laid eyes on each other, she’s hated me. Which is why making the little spitfire my latest conquest will be so much fun.
Imagine my surprise when I recognize the feisty redhead working at my uncle’s underground adult club. She doesn’t know it’s me, mistaking me for someone she refers to as her stranger.
She’s inexperienced. Nearly virginal. Everything I’ve always avoided in a woman.
But Ginny ends up being exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
The more time I spend with her in and out of the club, the hotter the flame between us grows—a passionate inferno just waiting to be released.
But if she finds out it’s me behind the mask, she’ll burn me alive.
Burn With Me is the first book in the Angels of Désirer series, which is an interconnected stand-alone series. It can be read alone. This book deals with heavy themes and possibly triggering content. Please check the warnings.
462 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2024
About the author
D.L. Darby
15 books493 followersD.L. Darby lives in Anchorage, Alaska, with her husband and dog.
By day, she’s a hairstylist, and by night, she’s continuously drafting new ideas on her “murder board” at home. While she writes across multiple romance sub-genres, you can always expect to find spicy alpha males and strong-willed women with a flair for dramatics in her stories.
By day, she’s a hairstylist, and by night, she’s continuously drafting new ideas on her “murder board” at home. While she writes across multiple romance sub-genres, you can always expect to find spicy alpha males and strong-willed women with a flair for dramatics in her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
April 24, 2024
3 🎭🔥❤️⭐️
April 7, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I read this is one sitting and stayed up late to finish it. It was fantastic.
I lovedddd our FMC Ginny and her journey throughout this book. Jackson was also a loveable MMC. Essentially, Ginny works for anonymously (masked) for a sex positive club as a side gig to help get past some sexual trauma due to repeated sexual assault. Jackson is a billionaire known name who gets rejected when Ginny turns down his advances. Jackson recognizes her in a mask and immediately begins exclusively booking her at the sex club. Jackson quickly becomes obsessed and our story takes off.
I read the triggers but was a bit surprised that the book immediately started with the repeated sexual assaults. I think I’m used to seeing these as a flashback instead of seeing everything in truly chronological order. It threw me for a loop but I’m so glad I pushed through.
This was my first book by this author and I’ll be reading more!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I read this is one sitting and stayed up late to finish it. It was fantastic.
I lovedddd our FMC Ginny and her journey throughout this book. Jackson was also a loveable MMC. Essentially, Ginny works for anonymously (masked) for a sex positive club as a side gig to help get past some sexual trauma due to repeated sexual assault. Jackson is a billionaire known name who gets rejected when Ginny turns down his advances. Jackson recognizes her in a mask and immediately begins exclusively booking her at the sex club. Jackson quickly becomes obsessed and our story takes off.
I read the triggers but was a bit surprised that the book immediately started with the repeated sexual assaults. I think I’m used to seeing these as a flashback instead of seeing everything in truly chronological order. It threw me for a loop but I’m so glad I pushed through.
This was my first book by this author and I’ll be reading more!!
April 25, 2024
a book with a great plot and good spice 😗🤌🏽
September 28, 2024
DNF @ 28%
I'm bored as fuck, I couldn't care less about this MCs. I think it's a me problem, I kinda hate manwhore x virgin/almost virgin fmc. Page 1 he's 'I don't like inexperienced women' and three pages later he's already obsessed with our almost virginal fmc.
And, I can't get over the fact that she doesn't recognize him. She spoke to him with and without the mask and she doesn't hear the same voice? she doesn't see the same hair? body? eyes? I was going to pretend our FMC was partially blind and deaf to enjoy this book, but I can't.
Let's not talk of the whole family, it's creepy.
I'm bored as fuck, I couldn't care less about this MCs. I think it's a me problem, I kinda hate manwhore x virgin/almost virgin fmc. Page 1 he's 'I don't like inexperienced women' and three pages later he's already obsessed with our almost virginal fmc.
And, I can't get over the fact that she doesn't recognize him. She spoke to him with and without the mask and she doesn't hear the same voice? she doesn't see the same hair? body? eyes? I was going to pretend our FMC was partially blind and deaf to enjoy this book, but I can't.
Let's not talk of the whole family, it's creepy.
February 1, 2024
One of my favorite authors and her books DO NOT disappoint. This book was written beautifully and deliciously. For the spicy book lovers, the spice was top notch. I’m excited for the next book in the series.
January 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Rating
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ = Spice
There are trigger warnings so please read them before reading this book.
This was my first read of 2024 and it started out with a bang! Literally and figuratively! The story is about Ginny whose mom died and was taken in by a well-off foster family. The brother doesn’t want a foster sister and starts to treat Ginny poorly eventually sexually abusing her. He begins college and so does Ginny and the abuse continues. She is traumatized by it.
Ginny starts to find her own way and in comes Jackson to the picture. Jackson is a rich, playboy and never had a relationship before. Ginny rejects him realizing he’s trouble but Jackson won’t take no for an answer.
From there there is an exclusive sex club, the friendship starting between Jackson and Ginny and the brother getting more angry. Things go from bad to worse but in the meantime there is spice and heat and depth of characters and an interesting storyline.
I loved how even though this is really spicy there is a real story here and it also beautiful! I say add this to your TBR now!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ = Spice
There are trigger warnings so please read them before reading this book.
This was my first read of 2024 and it started out with a bang! Literally and figuratively! The story is about Ginny whose mom died and was taken in by a well-off foster family. The brother doesn’t want a foster sister and starts to treat Ginny poorly eventually sexually abusing her. He begins college and so does Ginny and the abuse continues. She is traumatized by it.
Ginny starts to find her own way and in comes Jackson to the picture. Jackson is a rich, playboy and never had a relationship before. Ginny rejects him realizing he’s trouble but Jackson won’t take no for an answer.
From there there is an exclusive sex club, the friendship starting between Jackson and Ginny and the brother getting more angry. Things go from bad to worse but in the meantime there is spice and heat and depth of characters and an interesting storyline.
I loved how even though this is really spicy there is a real story here and it also beautiful! I say add this to your TBR now!
August 8, 2024
The only reason I didn’t give this book a higher rating was because all the “bad” constantly fell onto the guy. Nothing that the girl did, that I thought wasn’t the best, was mentioned at all and he was always the bad guy. That was frustrating to read for me. Yes what he did was maybe worse, but she was also lying to him… working where she did AND all the while, begging another man to have sex with her AND constantly being mad that Jackson was seen as a player and couldn’t be trusted… so yes, was what he did wrong? Yes, but what she did was also wrong and manipulative and a double standard.
August 24, 2025
* This was an ALC review*
Spice 🫦🫦🫦🫦
Sadie Provost & James Cassid REALLY knocked it out of the park with D.L. Darby’s characters! Sadie brought Ginny’s personality and quirks to life beautifully, while James gave broody Jackson the depth and presence he needed. Hearing it play out in my ears had me feeling it all.
Ginny has faced some tough things in her life, and Sadie’s expressive delivery made me feel every bit of it. (Damn that part) Jackson, on the other hand, had that strong personality I love in an MC, and James’s commanding voice made it shine. He was willing to do whatever needed to be done for his little ember, and it showed.
The story moved at a great pace, with strong world-building and banter that kept me hooked. The push and pull between Ginny and Jackson had me wanting to grab them both and say, “just get it over already, behind closed doors!” The tension practically dripped off every page.
I loved every bit of it and even did the audio + ebook combo, which made the experience even better. I highly recommend grabbing this audiobook when it releases. Be prepared, it’s hot! Kudos to D.L. Darby for writing such a raw, beautiful love story for Jackson & Ginny.
Thank you to D.L. Darby & Blue Nose!
Spice 🫦🫦🫦🫦
Sadie Provost & James Cassid REALLY knocked it out of the park with D.L. Darby’s characters! Sadie brought Ginny’s personality and quirks to life beautifully, while James gave broody Jackson the depth and presence he needed. Hearing it play out in my ears had me feeling it all.
Ginny has faced some tough things in her life, and Sadie’s expressive delivery made me feel every bit of it. (Damn that part) Jackson, on the other hand, had that strong personality I love in an MC, and James’s commanding voice made it shine. He was willing to do whatever needed to be done for his little ember, and it showed.
The story moved at a great pace, with strong world-building and banter that kept me hooked. The push and pull between Ginny and Jackson had me wanting to grab them both and say, “just get it over already, behind closed doors!” The tension practically dripped off every page.
I loved every bit of it and even did the audio + ebook combo, which made the experience even better. I highly recommend grabbing this audiobook when it releases. Be prepared, it’s hot! Kudos to D.L. Darby for writing such a raw, beautiful love story for Jackson & Ginny.
Thank you to D.L. Darby & Blue Nose!
August 21, 2025
~Alc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
~Burn With Me~The Angels of Désirer Book 1~D.L. Darby~
~Duet Narration~Sadie Provost & James Cassidy~
~Produced By~Blue Nose Audio~
“I would burn the world for you, Ginny. Say the word, and I’ll turn it all to ashes so you can recreate it into whatever you want.”
♡This was my first read by D.L. Darby & I devoured it in one sitting! Once I started listening I couldn’t stop, this book became my only responsibility for that day & it left me on my knees begging for the next book! The plot was amazing, the spice was top-tier, & the MCs have my entire heart!
The duet narration for this audiobook was perfection! Sadie & James brought so much chemistry & emotion to life between Ginny & Jackson that you felt everything they felt. I laughed, I cried, I got so mad, & then I healed right along with this amazing couple. James also did a phenomenal job switching from being the good guy to being the villain, it was like having whiplash between loving him & hating him!
If you love dark spicy books that take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride & mend your broken heart at the same time look no further you've found it!♡
~As Always Happy Reading~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
~Burn With Me~The Angels of Désirer Book 1~D.L. Darby~
~Duet Narration~Sadie Provost & James Cassidy~
~Produced By~Blue Nose Audio~
“I would burn the world for you, Ginny. Say the word, and I’ll turn it all to ashes so you can recreate it into whatever you want.”
♡This was my first read by D.L. Darby & I devoured it in one sitting! Once I started listening I couldn’t stop, this book became my only responsibility for that day & it left me on my knees begging for the next book! The plot was amazing, the spice was top-tier, & the MCs have my entire heart!
The duet narration for this audiobook was perfection! Sadie & James brought so much chemistry & emotion to life between Ginny & Jackson that you felt everything they felt. I laughed, I cried, I got so mad, & then I healed right along with this amazing couple. James also did a phenomenal job switching from being the good guy to being the villain, it was like having whiplash between loving him & hating him!
If you love dark spicy books that take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride & mend your broken heart at the same time look no further you've found it!♡
~As Always Happy Reading~
March 29, 2024
Prepare to have your heart stolen faster than Jackson's stolen glances and Ginny's fiery comebacks! This dark romance is like a decadent dessert – sweet, spicy, and impossible to put down! Jackson's cockiness and Ginny's firing personality create a deliciously combustible mix, while their banter will have you laughing out loud and swooning in equal measure. As they navigate their insecurities with all the finesse of a bull in a china shop, you'll find yourself rooting for them with every turn of the page. Absolutely loved this book—solid 4 stars for its perfect blend of romance, humor, and heart!
April 14, 2024
This is the first book in the Temptangels series. I happened to read the second book first and I could not go back fast enough to this one.
I loved the way Jackson was written, how he lived pre"Red" and how he realized there was more to life than how he was living it. My heart broke for Ginny so many times. The lies and the growth of these two was huge in such a short time, but when you know, you just know.
I am eagerly awaiting book three, Play With Me.
Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion.
I loved the way Jackson was written, how he lived pre"Red" and how he realized there was more to life than how he was living it. My heart broke for Ginny so many times. The lies and the growth of these two was huge in such a short time, but when you know, you just know.
I am eagerly awaiting book three, Play With Me.
Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion.
March 27, 2024
This book was insanely good! Ginny & Jackson were perfect for one another. I loved how it had a element of surprise and drama. I honestly was not sure what to expect but I LOVED IT. If you need a juicy billionaire romance with a twist. Add this to your TBR immediately!
Thanks to DL Darby for the gifted copy!
Thanks to DL Darby for the gifted copy!
August 10, 2026
Oh my lanta, I LOVED this book so much. Jackson & Ginny deserve the world and then some. Jackson reminds me of Logan Huntzberger with a dash of Christian Grey, and I’m all about it. This story was so beautifully told and I could read about them forever. I love when justice is properly served and gives the absolute best ending. I can’t wait to read the next book, Lenni is my girl. Soooo good
July 31, 2026
2.75/5 ✨ 3/5 🌶️
Review in a song: the boy is mine by Ariana Grande
Parts of this book could have been an email. The trauma was equal parts an important part of the story and included in a way that seemed like “ooooo you know what this book needs? SA.” The way she navigated the relationship and her trauma annoyed me— there was something really powerful that could have happened with the “you must be disgusted with me” situation, because I imagine that’s how a lot of individuals with these experiences feel, but it fell flat. Nonetheless I still had to finish my so idk what to tell you.
Review in a song: the boy is mine by Ariana Grande
Parts of this book could have been an email. The trauma was equal parts an important part of the story and included in a way that seemed like “ooooo you know what this book needs? SA.” The way she navigated the relationship and her trauma annoyed me— there was something really powerful that could have happened with the “you must be disgusted with me” situation, because I imagine that’s how a lot of individuals with these experiences feel, but it fell flat. Nonetheless I still had to finish my so idk what to tell you.
July 14, 2024
D.L. Darby is a new author for me and I loved this book! ❤️❤️❤️
September 3, 2025
I enjoyed this but there were times that both the FMC and MMC really annoyed me.
January 22, 2026
This book gave me the creeps and was extremely slow to the point. I don’t think I’ll continue the series.
July 26, 2026
This was a great find, different storyline, perfect pacing & chemistry with characters!
🌶️🌶️🌶️❤️🔥
🌶️🌶️🌶️❤️🔥
January 4, 2024
This is D.L. Darby's best book to date!
The story line/plot is SOLID.
The spice is INTENSE.
I loved every minute of it.
Ginny and Jackson's relationship is not your typical relationship at first. It's a dare that eventually turns into an intense love between the two they can't deny, no matter how hard they both try.
The way Jackson helps Ginny, without her even knowing it's him, is beautiful.
This story made me laugh, swoon, blush and cry.
THE MOUTH ON JACKSON TAILOR! 😜👌
If you read Sweet as Sin, you'll get some revisits from past characters which perfectly enhances the story.
This is by far my favorite read of 2023/2024. I 10/10 recommend pre-ordering, adding to your TBR and sharing with ALL your friends!
The story line/plot is SOLID.
The spice is INTENSE.
I loved every minute of it.
Ginny and Jackson's relationship is not your typical relationship at first. It's a dare that eventually turns into an intense love between the two they can't deny, no matter how hard they both try.
The way Jackson helps Ginny, without her even knowing it's him, is beautiful.
This story made me laugh, swoon, blush and cry.
THE MOUTH ON JACKSON TAILOR! 😜👌
If you read Sweet as Sin, you'll get some revisits from past characters which perfectly enhances the story.
This is by far my favorite read of 2023/2024. I 10/10 recommend pre-ordering, adding to your TBR and sharing with ALL your friends!
July 9, 2024
𝔹𝕦𝕣𝕟 𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕄𝕖
𝔹𝕦𝕣𝕟 𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕄𝕖
By D.L. Darby
✩✩✩✩
My first book by Darby but not my last. Burn with me is in a series but I had no problems reading as a standalone.
Jackson is a rich playboy just living his life for himself until he stumbles across Ginny. Ginny lives with her past as her present and don’t want anything to do with men like Jackson. It starts as a game to him with secrets identity to have access but turns into more then he bargains for.
Jackson and Ginny where both great characters you really get all there back story to understand them both and the decisions that are made. Jackson wants to be that playboy but underneath all that he is just lonely and a little bit lost. Ginny was vulnerable and not very confident in herself. They both complete each other. They get there happy ending while Chris, well he gets what he deserves….
𝔹𝕦𝕣𝕟 𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕄𝕖
By D.L. Darby
✩✩✩✩
My first book by Darby but not my last. Burn with me is in a series but I had no problems reading as a standalone.
Jackson is a rich playboy just living his life for himself until he stumbles across Ginny. Ginny lives with her past as her present and don’t want anything to do with men like Jackson. It starts as a game to him with secrets identity to have access but turns into more then he bargains for.
Jackson and Ginny where both great characters you really get all there back story to understand them both and the decisions that are made. Jackson wants to be that playboy but underneath all that he is just lonely and a little bit lost. Ginny was vulnerable and not very confident in herself. They both complete each other. They get there happy ending while Chris, well he gets what he deserves….
May 24, 2024
Ehhh. Easily could have been a 200 page book instead of 400. Jackson was alright, Ginny pissed me off a couple of times, Chris was a FREAK honestly F him. Had cringy parts- “my fiery little ember” Boo 🍅🍅 . Ending was very wack. A lil spicy
February 16, 2026
Hot Take: The first 75% was fire. Really great story. Engaging plot and characters. The last 25%, was either written by a Tina-esque fan fiction prepubescent girl, or AI. That last quarter was awkward, childish, and whiny. Whereas, I can appreciate that the author made them more like a real life couple, where the MMC shows vulnerability, I am sad to say, i didn't like that. I didn't like that he held her to a higher standard than he held himself and then doubled down on it. He made himself pretty unlikeable while he gaslit her, and then SHE had to crawl back to him. Fuck that. He needed to grovel. Also, in the epilogue, during their engagement party, he called her his prison warden? NUHUH! Run away Ginny, he isn't changing and her certainly doesn't respect you. I will not be continuing this series.
Main Characters: Ginny (24) and Jackson (34)
Other Characters of Note: Tripp and Lenni
Spice level: 3/5
1st kiss: 36%
1st actual sex scene: 53%
Pet names: Ginny, Scarlett, Red, Little Ember.. eh.
rRecap: Ginny is a foster child who endured years of sexual abuse from her foster brother Christopher (Chris) Calloway, beginning when she was twelve years old. Though the Calloways treated her well, they never adopted her at Chris's request, allowing him to justify his predatory behavior. Ginny coped with the trauma by mentally escaping to an imaginary "stranger" companion. At eighteen, she accepted a college scholarship that required living with Chris, planning her eventual escape. Years later, living in New York while attending NYU, Ginny works multiple jobs including waitressing at Decadence restaurant and secretly at Désirer, an exclusive sex-positive club where she performs as an Angel named Miss Scarlett. Jackson Tailor is a wealthy playboy billionaire who runs Tailor Industries and has a reputation for meaningless sexual encounters. He was abandoned by his mother as a baby and lost his father to suicide as a teenager, leaving him emotionally guarded and raised primarily by his uncle Scott. Jackson's world collides with Ginny's when he visits Decadence and becomes intrigued by her cold response to his advances, unlike other women who typically fall for his charm and wealth.
Jackson becomes obsessed with Ginny after meeting her at both Decadence and Désirer, where he discovers her working as an Angel in the Confessional wing. Without revealing his identity, Jackson creates an alter ego using an English accent and a mask, booking Ginny exclusively at the club as her anonymous "stranger." Meanwhile, he pursues her in real life as himself, challenging her to a thirty-day celibacy agreement before she'll date him. Ginny finds herself drawn to both men, unaware they're the same person. Through their encounters at Désirer, the stranger helps Ginny explore her sexuality and rebuild confidence after years of abuse, while Jackson in real life shows her genuine care and protection. Their relationship deepens as Jackson introduces her to his world, helps her find a new apartment to escape Chris, and demonstrates unexpected tenderness despite his playboy reputation.
As their romance develops, complications arise from Jackson's deception and Ginny's secrets. Jackson's uncle Scott, who owns part of Désirer, knows about Jackson's dual identity but keeps the secret.
Ginny struggles with feelings for both Jackson and her stranger, not realizing they're one person. When Chris returns and discovers Ginny's relationship with Jackson, he becomes violently possessive, revealing the extent of his abuse to Jackson. The relationship faces multiple crises: paparazzi photos suggesting Jackson's infidelity, Ginny's inability to choose between Jackson and her stranger, and the revelation that Ginny knew about Scott's terminal cancer but kept it secret at his request. These betrayals and misunderstandings create distance between them, with both struggling to trust fully despite their deep love.
The truth about Jackson's dual identity eventually comes out when Ginny overhears his English accent during a business call at Désirer. She confronts him about the manipulation, though she acknowledges he helped her escape abuse and find herself. Jackson admits he initially pursued her as a conquest but genuinely fell in love. Their reconciliation is interrupted when Chris kidnaps Ginny from her workplace, taking her to their old apartment where he attempts to sexually assault her. Scott arrives to help but Chris produces a gun, leading to a violent confrontation when Jackson bursts in to save Ginny.
During the struggle between Jackson and Chris, the gun discharges and Scott is fatally shot while protecting Ginny. Scott dies in their arms after asking them to tell his ex-wife Sadie he loves her and requesting they sing his wedding song. Chris is arrested for murder and assault. In the aftermath, both Jackson and Ginny struggle with grief and trauma, with Jackson initially pushing Ginny away as he processes losing his only family member. Scott's will reveals he left Ginny the apartment at The Bryant and Jackson significant assets and control of the business empire. After the funeral, Jackson's friends convince him to stop giving Ginny unwanted space. He arranges a meeting at Désirer where he proposes they can return monthly for him to be her "stranger" again, allowing them to maintain both the fantasy and reality of their relationship. Ginny assures him she only wants him, not the persona. Six months later, at their engagement party, they reflect on their intense love and continued monthly visits to Désirer, having found a healthy balance exploring boundaries together. Ginny has learned to trust completely, and Jackson has learned how to love, with both having healed each other from their respective traumas.
Main Characters: Ginny (24) and Jackson (34)
Other Characters of Note: Tripp and Lenni
Spice level: 3/5
1st kiss: 36%
1st actual sex scene: 53%
Pet names: Ginny, Scarlett, Red, Little Ember.. eh.
rRecap: Ginny is a foster child who endured years of sexual abuse from her foster brother Christopher (Chris) Calloway, beginning when she was twelve years old. Though the Calloways treated her well, they never adopted her at Chris's request, allowing him to justify his predatory behavior. Ginny coped with the trauma by mentally escaping to an imaginary "stranger" companion. At eighteen, she accepted a college scholarship that required living with Chris, planning her eventual escape. Years later, living in New York while attending NYU, Ginny works multiple jobs including waitressing at Decadence restaurant and secretly at Désirer, an exclusive sex-positive club where she performs as an Angel named Miss Scarlett. Jackson Tailor is a wealthy playboy billionaire who runs Tailor Industries and has a reputation for meaningless sexual encounters. He was abandoned by his mother as a baby and lost his father to suicide as a teenager, leaving him emotionally guarded and raised primarily by his uncle Scott. Jackson's world collides with Ginny's when he visits Decadence and becomes intrigued by her cold response to his advances, unlike other women who typically fall for his charm and wealth.
Jackson becomes obsessed with Ginny after meeting her at both Decadence and Désirer, where he discovers her working as an Angel in the Confessional wing. Without revealing his identity, Jackson creates an alter ego using an English accent and a mask, booking Ginny exclusively at the club as her anonymous "stranger." Meanwhile, he pursues her in real life as himself, challenging her to a thirty-day celibacy agreement before she'll date him. Ginny finds herself drawn to both men, unaware they're the same person. Through their encounters at Désirer, the stranger helps Ginny explore her sexuality and rebuild confidence after years of abuse, while Jackson in real life shows her genuine care and protection. Their relationship deepens as Jackson introduces her to his world, helps her find a new apartment to escape Chris, and demonstrates unexpected tenderness despite his playboy reputation.
As their romance develops, complications arise from Jackson's deception and Ginny's secrets. Jackson's uncle Scott, who owns part of Désirer, knows about Jackson's dual identity but keeps the secret.
Ginny struggles with feelings for both Jackson and her stranger, not realizing they're one person. When Chris returns and discovers Ginny's relationship with Jackson, he becomes violently possessive, revealing the extent of his abuse to Jackson. The relationship faces multiple crises: paparazzi photos suggesting Jackson's infidelity, Ginny's inability to choose between Jackson and her stranger, and the revelation that Ginny knew about Scott's terminal cancer but kept it secret at his request. These betrayals and misunderstandings create distance between them, with both struggling to trust fully despite their deep love.
The truth about Jackson's dual identity eventually comes out when Ginny overhears his English accent during a business call at Désirer. She confronts him about the manipulation, though she acknowledges he helped her escape abuse and find herself. Jackson admits he initially pursued her as a conquest but genuinely fell in love. Their reconciliation is interrupted when Chris kidnaps Ginny from her workplace, taking her to their old apartment where he attempts to sexually assault her. Scott arrives to help but Chris produces a gun, leading to a violent confrontation when Jackson bursts in to save Ginny.
During the struggle between Jackson and Chris, the gun discharges and Scott is fatally shot while protecting Ginny. Scott dies in their arms after asking them to tell his ex-wife Sadie he loves her and requesting they sing his wedding song. Chris is arrested for murder and assault. In the aftermath, both Jackson and Ginny struggle with grief and trauma, with Jackson initially pushing Ginny away as he processes losing his only family member. Scott's will reveals he left Ginny the apartment at The Bryant and Jackson significant assets and control of the business empire. After the funeral, Jackson's friends convince him to stop giving Ginny unwanted space. He arranges a meeting at Désirer where he proposes they can return monthly for him to be her "stranger" again, allowing them to maintain both the fantasy and reality of their relationship. Ginny assures him she only wants him, not the persona. Six months later, at their engagement party, they reflect on their intense love and continued monthly visits to Désirer, having found a healthy balance exploring boundaries together. Ginny has learned to trust completely, and Jackson has learned how to love, with both having healed each other from their respective traumas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2025
Well, I wasted my credit on this.
I love James Cassidy's narration so I didn't think twice about purchasing the audiobook.
I should have.
It took me a while to get into the story, and when I finally did it went to shit again. The FMC got on my last damn nerve... and, how is she counseling other women and not getting counseling herself (especially with all of THAT happening) is beyond me.
The female narrator didn't help the situation and I could barely finish this thing. I had to skip a half chapters here and there just I could keep moving on and finish already.
There's nothing particularly special about the MMC either aside from the narrator so yeah, meh.
I love James Cassidy's narration so I didn't think twice about purchasing the audiobook.
I should have.
It took me a while to get into the story, and when I finally did it went to shit again. The FMC got on my last damn nerve... and, how is she counseling other women and not getting counseling herself (especially with all of THAT happening) is beyond me.
The female narrator didn't help the situation and I could barely finish this thing. I had to skip a half chapters here and there just I could keep moving on and finish already.
There's nothing particularly special about the MMC either aside from the narrator so yeah, meh.
January 2, 2025
This book was perfection.
I am obsessed. D.L.Darby has once again demonstrated why she’s a firm favourite author of mine.
Burn with me had trauma & healing, sass & banter & sizzling chemistry, slow burn & spice. What is there not to love?!
When Ginny finds herself having caught the attention of playboy billionaire Jackson and being asked on a date, she makes a bet with him- 30 days without dates, touching or sex with another woman. . . But he has an alter ego she’s not aware of
I am obsessed. D.L.Darby has once again demonstrated why she’s a firm favourite author of mine.
Burn with me had trauma & healing, sass & banter & sizzling chemistry, slow burn & spice. What is there not to love?!
When Ginny finds herself having caught the attention of playboy billionaire Jackson and being asked on a date, she makes a bet with him- 30 days without dates, touching or sex with another woman. . . But he has an alter ego she’s not aware of
May 17, 2024
DL does it again!!
This was an unputdownable read for me, and as my first read of 2024, it’s setting the bar REAL high!
“I would burn the world for you. Say the word, and I’ll turn it all to ashes so you can recreate it into whatever you want.”
❤️🔥Dark Billionaire Romance
❤️🔥Secret Identity
❤️🔥S€x club
❤️🔥Masks & wings
❤️🔥Who hurt you?
❤️🔥He falls first & hard
‼️ check your TW ‼️
This was an unputdownable read for me, and as my first read of 2024, it’s setting the bar REAL high!
“I would burn the world for you. Say the word, and I’ll turn it all to ashes so you can recreate it into whatever you want.”
❤️🔥Dark Billionaire Romance
❤️🔥Secret Identity
❤️🔥S€x club
❤️🔥Masks & wings
❤️🔥Who hurt you?
❤️🔥He falls first & hard
‼️ check your TW ‼️
June 8, 2024
oh now this is a story that i can get behind…
spicy club? a good plot? TENSION? spice that lives rent free? yes pls. and yes my jaw was on the floor the whole time i was reading😚
(and thank you hope for recommending you a real one💯)
spicy club? a good plot? TENSION? spice that lives rent free? yes pls. and yes my jaw was on the floor the whole time i was reading😚
(and thank you hope for recommending you a real one💯)
July 2, 2024
There were several things I liked in this brook and others that I didn’t. Good premise, good character development and separately I really liked Ginny and Jackson. However together? Toxic. The book went on longer than it should have and I was in a rare state of mind, where I’d be ok if they didn’t end up together. I really only like to read HEA, but if they didn’t end up together I wouldn’t be heartbroken.
August 26, 2025
3.8 ⭐️
story was interesting. Please be aware that there is a heavy trigger in this. It was hard for me to continue to read at times, so be prepared, overall it was a good read and I got it for free so it’s a win-win.
story was interesting. Please be aware that there is a heavy trigger in this. It was hard for me to continue to read at times, so be prepared, overall it was a good read and I got it for free so it’s a win-win.
September 1, 2025
50% edging and 50% trauma
April 28, 2025
I’m upset with myself for ever picking up this book.
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