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Dark Aria #1

Dark Aria

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This series is perfect for lovers of From Blood and Ash, but wish that it had been more... stabby. It contains some darker themes and moments. The contents are suitable for readers 18 years and older.

All True Love Stories Begin with Murder

Havi York has lived contentedly in the city’s most opulent cage. She has never picked her own clothes, made her own breakfast, or invited a boyfriend to meet her father, one of the world’s richest men and known associate of notorious mobsters.

When someone she loves dies mysteriously, Havi’s controlled life is left in shambles. The police refuse to investigate the death further despite her insistence of foul play. Refusing to accept their dismissal, Havi is determined to take control of her life and solve the murder. Knowing she can’t do it alone, she seeks help from a stranger.

Renwick Prince, a private investigator with eyes blacker than any night, vows to solve the murder. During their investigation, Havi uncovers dark secrets when the investigation reveals more than the killer’s identity–Monsters lurk in the shadows, ones with claws and fangs and a thirst for her blood. And Renwick Prince is not as innocent as he claims to be.

479 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2024

4 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

bv Sloan

12 books40 followers
Romantasy that leaves your jaw on the floor.

Sloan writes love through trust and trauma. She also writes open-door spice because romance needs toe-curling steam. Her passion for romance comes from the belief that the world would be a better place if everyone found their fated mate. Fantasy and world-building are the ways she immerses you in a new place that feels familiar, and magic in the bedroom is never off the table.

When she isn’t behind her desk, she’ll be in the garden growing vegetables, or if Canada is buried in snow, she’ll be planning her garden and playing with the dogs. She spends her days with her crux… if you haven’t learned what a crux is, read her complete Dark Aria series. Sloan loves connecting with her readers. You can find her on most social platforms as bvsloanauthor.

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Anastasia シ.
768 reviews259 followers
March 14, 2025
╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟺.𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜, 𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚞𝚙 ⊹
╰ ✦ •

I loved this so much!! Such a great start to an amazing series! Starting book 2 now!!
Also happy release day!

────── ✧ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ♡ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ✧ ──────

After falling completely in love with Her Guard, I knew I had read Dark Aria! I was completely enchanted by the novella and by Sloan's writing!

Dark Aria not only builds on the foundation of the novella but also expands the intricate world and its characters. To fully appreciate the richness of the story, I highly recommend starting with the novella book, there are some clues for the series in it!!

From the very first page, Dark Aria sweeps you into a whirlwind of emotions. Sloan expertly captures joy, sorrow, frustration, and exhilaration, making every twist and turn feel deeply personal. The tantalizing blend of forbidden love, steamy encounters, and powerful themes of honor and loyalty. The character development is a standout feature, with each individual given a richly detailed backstory that makes them feel authentic and relatable. Not to mention how masterfully the author built the relationships between characters. There are so many loveable characters in this, I'm going to be sad when it's over!!

Havi has been sheltered all her life, she's a talented opera singer, billionaire heiress, and cherished daughter, and her world feels secure. But everything changes when her father dies suddenly, and Havi becomes convinced it wasn’t an accident. Determined to uncover the truth, she hires private investigator Renwick Prince to track down suspects. What she doesn’t expect is how his arrival will turn her world upside down—or how mysterious, swoon-worthy, and utterly tempting her new employee would be.

I love Sloan’s descriptive writing, it really paints a vivid picture, drawing the reader into a universe that feels so magical. I loved seeing Havi grow as a character and I can't wait to see as she ventures into uncharted territory in the next book!

⁀➷prereview:
just got my ARC, I can't wait to read more of this world! Thank you, bv Sloan!!

_________________________________
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Profile Image for Ellie Collins.
575 reviews11 followers
September 23, 2024
Firstly, thank you Sloane for allowing me to be on your ARC team! I read the novella Her Guard in June & I loved it so when I saw this becoming a series I just had to jump on & it did not disappoint.

💜Fated love
🖤Touch her & 💀
💜Magic & monsters
🖤Morally grey men
💜He falls first
🖤Body guard

This book is full of magic & spice. The world building is super easy to follow & the writing flows so well👏🏽

You have a mystery murder case to solve but make it fantasy & magical? Whats not more to love? I loved how it had the thriller vibe to this… and with a super hot mystery morally grey MMC?

‘Because you are the breath that sings light into my darkness. You show me the life I would burn the world to have.’

This book is full of dangerous lies, dangerous betrayal, & a forbidden romance story.

My highlight of the book tbh.. The cats!🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛ (if ya know, ya know!) & I also loved the friendship Havi & Lina had. The characters are just so easy to fall in love with, but you also have the ones you will hate😆

The ending! I am so ready for more of this world & to see where it goes next.. I feel more magic coming along😍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Kez Marie.
1,235 reviews76 followers
September 8, 2024
This book is an entire experience.
Havi's life seems normal enough albeit sheltered, she's a beloved and talented opera singer, billionaire heiress, and lives with her adoring father. Then her life is upturned with her father's sudden death and she's convinced he was murdered. She employs private investigator Renwick Prince, to help identify suspects for her father's death, but she could never have anticipated how it would change everything she knows, or just how mysterious, swoony and tempting her new employee would be.

This gripping story explores hidden worlds, impossible creatures, and dangerous truths, alongside a steamy forbidden romance that threatens to ruin them both.
Havi must navigate her new life and evolving abilities, battling for the control and freedom she's never had, and fighting for her life.
Surrounded by a host of mysterious and handsome men with varying agendas, her emotions are conflicted, and it's only getting worse as she approaches her pivotal 25th birthday.

I loved the range of characters, the hilarious banter, the surprising twists, animal companions, and the amazing range of powers.
If you want a story with lots of delicious chemistry and tension, secrets and betrayals, high stakes action, and a world of unique magic, surprising allies, monsters and villains, this is the series to read.
This book does end on a Cliffhanger as there is so much still to explore, and i would highly recommend reading the prequel novella Her Guard.



🗡️ "If you want me Miss York, scream my name and I'll come"

🗡️ "Never underestimate your beauty. It's worth rearranging the universe for"

🗡️"A man who carried concealed weapons, had them tattooed on his arms, and could make a grown man wet himself ... Who exactly was Renwick Prince?

🗡️ "You'll be the death of me. And I'm going to love every agonizing minute"

🗡️ "You had your chance to have me in my back and do anything to me...now it's my turn"

🗡️"Because you are the breath that sings light into my darkness. You show me the life I would burn the world to have"
Profile Image for d_uhreads .
259 reviews
October 17, 2024
If you love a good dark fantasy, then look no further!

This story and the tropes will have you salivating.

Dark Aria will give you...

Delicious Plot Twists

Curvy FMC

Scorching Tension

Magic & Tension

& so much MORE!!!
Profile Image for Caffs37.
179 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2024
Review of Dark Aria

After being completely captivated by the novella, Her Guard, in this enchanting series, I knew I had to dive into Dark Aria without hesitation. This latest installment not only builds on the foundation laid in the novella but also expands the rich tapestry of its world, making it essential to read the first book for a full understanding of the characters and realms.

From the moment I opened Dark Aria, I was taken on a rollercoaster of emotions. Sloan masterfully evokes feelings of happiness, sadness, frustration, and elation, allowing readers to experience every twist and turn alongside the characters. The depth of character development is truly impressive; each character comes with their own intricate backstory that adds layers of complexity and relatability.

The world-building, while perhaps a smaller portion of the narrative, is beautifully crafted. Sloan’s descriptive prose invites you to immerse yourself in this vividly imagined universe. I find myself eagerly anticipating more from Havi's perspective as she embarks on her journey into this new realm. The pacing of the story is spot-on, with gripping twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. Sloan has a knack for maintaining suspense and keeping readers guessing, especially with the introduction of the formidable villain, D’Angelo.

Dark Aria promises a tantalizing blend of forbidden love and steamy encounters, all wrapped in themes of honor and the bonds of love. The relationships between characters are portrayed with such tenderness and intensity that you can’t help but root for them. The magic in this world is not just a backdrop; it's intricately woven into the fabric of the story, described in a way that feels both immersive and enchanting.

One of the standout elements throughout both the novella and this book is the concept of weapons being tattooed onto the bodies of their wielders. This unique twist adds a sexy and fascinating layer to the story, showcasing a deep connection between the characters and their abilities, and creating moments that are both thrilling and visually striking.

In conclusion, Dark Aria is a dazzling continuation of this series that leaves you yearning for more. Sloan has skillfully built a world that is both enchanting and treacherous, filled with characters that are impossible to forget. I can hardly wait for the next installment to see where this beautifully crafted adventure takes us!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Just_a_nerd_withcats.
148 reviews15 followers
September 28, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Havi lives a bit of sheltered life. She is a talented opera singer and lives with her father. Then her world is turned upside down when her father dies. Everyone says it is a normal death but she is convinced that he was murdered. She hires an private investigator Renwick Prince, to help find her fathers murder. But she finds out her world is not as she once knew.

Havi is sheltered and has had people do everything for her. Made decisions for her and she has just gone with the flow. So it was nice to see her grow as a person and start to make her own decisions.

D'angleo creeped me out the whole time. He gave bad vibes. I love her best friend Lina, who just supports her in everything.

I read the novella Her Guard in May, which by the way I recommend reading first, and I wasn't sure how she was gonna top that story, but I had to read this too. Boy oh boy did she not disappoint, this was even better. The twist and turns in this was excellent. The magic system, the lore, is so well written. The cats! 🐈‍⬛😍 The forbidden romance *swoon* The spice 🥵

I can't wait to see what happens next in Havi's and Renwick's story.
Profile Image for Bee  Doom.
57 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2024
This book, and the whole series so far (starting with the intro to the series- a novella titled Her Guard- which you also mussttttt read!) has been absolutely incredible. I am completely astounded. This book had me surprised and second guessing and yelling at my book-
It continued with the fantastic world building that started in Her Guard, and there was also some very interesting and relevant mentions to that first book that I think are going to be incredibly important in the coming series.

Havi is an accomplished opera singer with a voice that imprints itself on everyone around her. But when the worst should happen, she finds herself in search of answers. In comes our MMC Renwick. A private investigator who swears to help Havi get the answers she needs and keep her safe while he’s at it.
But Havi will soon learn that her family isn’t what she thought it was. She will have to content with a pushy ex lover and a whole world conflict and monsters she never even knew existed.

We have:!
Great character building
Great unique concepts
Miscommunication
Fated loves (cruxs!)
Touch her and die
Some violence
Spice
Romance to build and break your heart
Mystery with a surprising ending
Hard to spot the bad guys
Things aren’t as they seem!!

This has got to be the best book series I have started this year. 🖤 read it! Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Moa Eriksson.
Author 1 book48 followers
November 14, 2024
Do you like Romantasy? Do you love your MMC's morally grey and with shadow magic? Do you like your spice mixed with a healthy dose of fantasy? Then I have the perfect book for you!

Dark Aria ticks all my boxes and then some. The main character, Havi, is so easy to like and root for. And while she starts off pretty sheltered, she grows throughout the book, and I have a feeling she'll keep growing in the following books.

And then there's Ren. Renwick Prince. Just the name says it all, doesn’t it? Ren is next level swoonworthy. There are no words to describe the awesomeness that is Renwick Prince.

And if the simmering, forbidden romance isn’t enough to convince you, how about a unique magic system? Creepy as heck monsters who'll fuel your nightmares for years to come?
Profile Image for Tiffany J McLay.
165 reviews9 followers
August 7, 2024
Holy fuck....

This book is incredible.
I'm so grateful I read the Novella, Her Guard first, it gave such depth to the background.

This book was packed with a strong FMC, though she struggles to see herself that way(like most of us do), sexy men, and amazing creatures!

I absolutely need more of this series. It is so fantastic!!
Profile Image for Alex Hodgins.
26 reviews
October 5, 2024
Overall- I very much enjoyed this book! I LOVED Her Guard. I connected with the characters and the world! I love the idea of a crux. Very unique to me. I was so excited to be chosen as an ARC reader for Dark Aria. Lots of twists and turns for the FMC, Havilieri, throughout the book. She experiences a death and learns that everything she knows isn’t the truth she has been told her whole life. Throw in a big buff MMC with monsters and magic and her world becomes one that is foreign to her. I definitely caught on to some (but probably not all) of clues from Her Guard. I enjoyed how bv Sloan weaved the two stories together. (There is no way Bastian left Dina- I will go to my grave on that hill so something must’ve gone down and I hope she learns the true story in the next books). I really wanted to give this 4 stars and I might change my mind over the next few days, but the FMC became repetitive at the end and I really wanted her to gain some strength in certain scenes but she just broke down crying. I still would recommend this book. There are two more books in the series so things can absolutely change at any time. I hope she finds her strength in the next book and maybe she might do so being in her native lands and I really need them to communicate about their love for one another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
58 reviews
October 10, 2024
This book was so good. Like so good it’s definitely a top book this year. I was counting the days to get the arc, and I would have sold my soul just to buy it, but thank you for letting me ARC this!! 🖤

The story was so well written, and you can feel the emotions the characters feel. Renwick is 🥵 to say the least. I was lucky enough to get her guard and dark aria as an ARC, and thank you because seriously I can not stop thinking about this book, and I will be rereading it again 😩 I can not stop talking to people about this book!

If you want a really good fantasy, this needs to be your next read! I do recommend reading her guard first but both are so incredible that you won’t regret it or be able to put them down!
Profile Image for Bianca.
191 reviews10 followers
July 5, 2024
What a great start to this series

There was so many secrets and twist that developed slowly and perfectly to allow the story and characters to develop

The world building is so easy to follow.

The book is so well written that it brings the story alive and makes you love and hate all the characters, I am so invested in them all even the cats (iykyk).

I cannot wait for the rest of the series to see how it unfolds.

Profile Image for Janet⚔️.
39 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2024
✨✨✨He is bound by an oath to protect her , but when his promise gets in the way of his love and desire for her , he is willing to risk it all ! Even himself ✨✨

🗡️🗡️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This one of my favorite reads by far this year ! This book consumed me , I couldn’t put it down !
This story has it all , magic, creatures , forbidden love.

Havi has to deal with sudden loss and grief , thrown in and forced to face the truth of who she really is. She Will discover just how strong she really is. Living all her life as a sheltered “princess” with her billionaire dad , Havy’s world is turned upside down in the blink of an eye…. In comes the best MMC I could’ve asked for …. REN !
This man… 🤤🤤🤤🤤
🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️
Ren is one of my favorite characters, Their chemistry and banter was perfect


✨✨My heart stalled and tears flooded my eyes. “I consent.” Gold eyes snapped to mine. “Make me yours, Ren.”✨✨

Highly recommend this book !
Profile Image for Aimee Clinton.
Author 10 books47 followers
February 7, 2025
I love a good murder mystery, and when you throw in a gorgeous PI, some super cute kitty sidekicks, a smattering of monsters, and a hefty dose of magic, well... what could be better?

This book is an exciting and heartwrenching story, following Havi, a filthy rich but relatable young woman, as she struggles to solve the murder of the world's hottest dad. Infuriated by useless police, she flashes her cash at a private investigator, and obviously gets much more than she bargained for, in a dark-haired, muscular, tattooed package.

Ren is perfect for anyone who loves absolutely deranged, obsessive, protective men with swords and colour changing eyes. He's not afraid to kill people over a minor insult, and he's not sorry. He's also a big softie, but only for Havi and her cats.

Speaking of cats, Havick and Pork are the ultimate adorable sidekicks, and my favourite characters in the entire series. I would die for them.

Unfortunately, there is a smarmy character called D'Angelo, who I hated from the moment he opened his mouth. A worse person has never existed. He spends all his time strutting around and trying to get in Havi's underwear, with varying success. I would like to put in a special request for Ren to stab him, or for the cats to claw his eyes out. Either would be ok.

Overall, this is a great read, packed with mystery, adventure, magic and romance. You can't go wrong.
Profile Image for bookishescape .
144 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2024
Omfg, this book is so good. I NEED MORE!!!
And let me tell you this if you are a reader that loves tensions, pick this book right now. I promise you this one will deliver you all those finger-licking tensions, all the feels, humor, spice over the roof and such a good plot (and of course let's not forget plot twists). Only regret I have is not reading Her Guard prior reading this one, but I will definitely need to grab that one this month.

If you are in mood for dark fantasy with forbidden romance then this is one for you.

Little edit:
Here is something that catched my eye. Fmc is plus size. Now can we appreciate how author wrote Havi's character, most of the time plus size character in books are described as or confident or not confident at all, there is no in-between. While Havi here, she has her bad and her good days. And I can't explain how much I love that, and it's simply because it really is like that.

⭐️5/5
🌶3/5
268 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2025
Bordering on dislike, but I really like the world and magic system, so I'm going to give the next one a shot.

We've got an incredibly sheltered hidden princess because keeping your kid ignorant about everything usually works out so well. And it's to an extreme where she never even learns how to boil water. She's not stupid, so I'm really confused why her father raised her helpless. Also, she exclusively switches to calling her father by his first name, which is weird.

A litany of more tropes I truly dislike: Miscommunication/lack of communication. Must protect her instead of teaching her. She thinks she's ugly because she's "curvy" even though everyone agrees that she's gorgeous. Dating violence.
Profile Image for Robyn Penney.
143 reviews12 followers
October 11, 2024
Dark Aria is a unique story about an opera singer whose dad is a very wealthy and powerful man with a mafia lifestyle. This only has a touch of that so I would not call this a mafia book.
Havi is famous for her singing but her dad has kept her protected and pretty well isolated her whole life. When there’s a murder, she hires a private investigator and her whole world turns upside down. There’s betrayal and danger. She falls in love but can’t have him. She finds herself surrounded by sexy men who each have a different role in her life. There are so many unique aspects about this story that make it one of the more interesting books I’ve read. Looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Reagan Meredith.
10 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2024
Havi York’s life as a world renowned opera singer/mob boss billionaire’s daughter was turned upside down with her father’s unexpected death. In order to get justice for her father, she employs a private investigator. They fight literal and figurative monsters to reveal more about Havi’s magical heritage and to seek the justice her father deserves. Her life will never be the same. Also there are really adorable cats ❤️

I really enjoyed the story and the world building in this book. I’d rate this 4.5⭐️ because I felt like it drug quite a bit. Some scenes felt unnecessary, even if written really well.

Definitely suggest reading this one! I’m excited to get more of Havi and Ren’s story! 🗡️🎼

P. S. The cats totally steal the show ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Megan White.
291 reviews6 followers
October 17, 2024
Dark Aria takes place in our realm… after the novella Her Guard which takes place in a realm full of magic.

Havi grew up in a gilded cage, never even dreaming of the existence of magical worlds - and certainly never imagining just how intertwined they would be with her life.

This second instalment of this progressively darker romantasy series was funny, sexy, full of mystery and oh so heart wrenching. For all fans of FBAA looking for a FA/FO female lead who is finally living her life according to her own terms.
176 reviews
October 17, 2024
What a phenomenal book it was. Renwick is the most delicious book boyfriend, and you wrote him perfectly.Loved this book with the slow burn,fantasy building, and betrayal. This book had me screaming so hard for Ren and Havi to admit their feelings!!!! The storyline for this book was fantastic, and I can not wait to see where the next book takes Havi and to watch her grow 💜💜
Profile Image for Daria.
17 reviews
October 19, 2024
I received an ARC for this and I'm so happy I did. Monsters, muscled men, and magic? It has it all. The tension was incredible and the magic system was unique. The cats were hilarious (if you know, you know. I won't spoil it for you). I'm so looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Nil.
88 reviews
October 4, 2024
I was excited to read this as I had read the prequel novella Her Guard and was looking forward to more of that world. This book is set quite a bit in the future but I believe that by the end of the planned books it all ties together. In this book we meet Havi, a world famous opera soprano & her privileged world. When Havi has to hire a PI to investigate a personal tragedy, we meet Renwick Prince - dark, lethal, & sexy. Together they combust in more ways than one. There are parts of this story that will break your heart & other parts that will leave you panting.

This is perfect for anyone wanting a magical, spicy, tension-filled, cliffhanger with mystery & lots of angst.
Profile Image for Natalie Fleckney.
42 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2024
Loved this book the magic system was so unique, forbidden love bodyguard it was excellent
Profile Image for Falon.
41 reviews
November 16, 2024
I’m so in love with Havi and Ren, I fell even more in love with this book than I did with Her Guard. Silent Paladin better give me some answers!
Profile Image for Bo-Maree Stuart .
57 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2024
Dark Aria by bv Sloan is an experience that you don't want to miss! Before diving into this book, I highly recommend reading the prequel novella Her Guard.

Havi York is a well renowned opera singer who has never wanted for anything a day in her life, except freedom from her opulent cage. As a billionaire heiress, she has never picked her own clothes or made her own breakfast. When her father dies, Havi, who believes her father was murdered, takes matters into her own hands when police refuse to investigate. Enter Renwick Prince, a mysterious private investigator and the only person willing to take on the job of finding out what really happened to Havi's father. During the investigation, dark secrets are revealed, not only about Havi's father's death but who Renwick is and what really lurks in the shadows.

Sloan's exquisitely crafted world and picturesque prose draw you so deeply into the story that you feel you are there with the characters experiencing this with them. The character development is exceptional, each with their own backstory motivations, complexities, and emotions that make them not only relatable but also truly hard to forget.

With twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat, the pacing of the story is perfect, and the suspense and tension build beautifully and leave you questioning what you think you know.

Dark Aria is a unique magical mystery full of forbidden romance, dangerous lies, spice, banter, friendship, love, betrayal, chemistry, monsters, and villains. It will take you through a journey of happiness, frustration, sadness, surprise, disgust, anger, and joy and leave you talking about it long after you have finished reading it.

After reading Her Guard, I wasn't sure how Sloan was going to top that story, so to say I was a little apprehensive going into this is an understatement. She definitely did not disappoint. As good as Her Guard is, Dark Aria is better, and I am excited for the next instalment of this gripping adventure to see where the story takes us.
Profile Image for Amber L.
10 reviews
October 25, 2024
I’m loving this series so far! Dark Aria has everything I love in a book: Magic. Monsters. Swoon worthy romance. A curvy FMC who loves her body (yes pls). Kitty cat side kicks (so amazing). And a MMC who will make you giggle and kick your feet. Definitely read the novella Her Guard first, it sets up the rest of the series and is a fantastic story in itself. I absolutely devoured this story and rode a roller coaster of emotions.
3 reviews
January 4, 2025
I really liked this book!!
Definitely a little different from my usual reads but I'm so glad I did I was HOOKED.

No major gripes, I just wanted a little more detail at the end of the book when they go to France, that part felt a little rushed but otherwise obsessed and need the next one like yesterday lol
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