Dark Things: The Complete Series

by Lainey Delaroque

Includes an exclusive prequel novella.

Enemies to lovers. Kink. Emotional twists. Found family. Opposites attract. Hurt them and die. Protective love. The deliciously dark romantic suspense series Dark Things has all that and more.

Dark Rings: A no-strings attached triad become closer than intended as they get closer to the truth of a high-stakes criminal conspiracy. Hana, Mathias and Connor are all about trust, but will they know family from foe when someone is trying to tear their fledgling relationship apart?

Dark Ink: Months ago, Tanya and Ben thought their love could overcome the pull of their competing gangs. But then Ben disappeared, leaving Tanya with a dead body and a million questions. Now, as psychotic ghosts from the past push them closer together, will being reunited be enough to clear the misunderstanding between them?

Dark Pills: Dawn and Lu-Na’s paths were never meant to cross. One is the protected secret of her father, the other - a recluse in the middle of an elaborate lie. But when a gang raid goes sideways, Dawn becomes Lu-Na’s hostage. They stumble their way through the unexpected connection, but will their blossoming romance withstand the onslaught of a dark enemy that has long aimed to destroy them both?

Each story can be read as a standalone and comes with some content warnings. This omnibus edition includes the exclusive prequel novella Dark Sins where you can experience first-hand the sizzling romance between a man who only wants to play and the woman who will make him commit forever.

Get lost in the unyielding tension of Chicago’s hidden underworld but be careful – you may never want to return.

Genres: Dark

883 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2024

About the author

Indulge your hidden side with Lainey's books: packed with action, danger, and sizzling romance.

Lainey Delaroque started writing at eleven and studied Journalism only to rediscover her love for fiction. She writes stories packed with action, danger, and sizzling romance. She loves dangerous, fantastical worlds and morally grey characters. Lainey’s books are a mashup of her lived experience as a kinky pansexual immigrant and her relentless imagination. They are a refuge for those looking to indulge their deepest, darkest parts. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, watching, or gaming, because there are too many great stories in the world and too little time.

Reviews

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a trilogy from an author I’ve never read before. It’s a set of contemporary stories with dark themes with trauma that can be triggering for me (so make sure you read the trigger warnings), books I generally don’t read. So, I’m not sure why I selected this one to try. Maybe I was trying to step WAY out of my comfort zone. That said, all three stories are different from each other, albeit should all be read and in order, and deserve their own reviews. All three stories are very well written, with characters that really make you feel for them. I definitely would love to read a story about Damien, the savior of this world. Instead of DNFing them, I was compelled to read them all, even if I had to pause throughout the stories and read much lighter books before finishing.
Dark Rings
Hana is a social worker at a women's shelter. Mathias is her roommate and one of the men who are her weekend salvation. Mathias is a doctor who works undercover for a gang, trying to help take down an even worse gang. Over the course of this book, his mission and her job have their lives crossing over, putting them both in danger.
While this book wasn’t nearly as traumatic as the others, the story was compelling with well-written, which is what encouraged me to read the entire trilogy when I would’ve stopped. Even though Hana didn’t have a tragic upbringing, she does have things in her past that cause her to need some healing. Mathias cares about Hana, way more that she has allowed. Because of this, he’s exactly who Hana needs to accept all of herself and move forward.
Dark Ink
In Dark Ink, Ben is an explosive expert who meets Tanya after being sent to monitor a club. Tanya is a survivor who lives, not really living. After a misunderstanding in the past, Tanya is mad at Ben, forcing him to try to make it up to her.
Ok, so Tanya might be one of my favorites of all time, even if I hated (sad hate, not bad writing hate) her backstory and had to take a few days and a few books before I could do so. Ben is her personal savior even though she has to save him and controls their relationship, something I love about this story. Something that gets on my nerves is when a man shows up and saves the day and the woman is either on the sidelines or helps a little. This one is the opposite of that. I do wish I got to see some pegging;)
Dark Pills
This story picks up just after Dark Ink. In this one, we get a proper introduction of Dawn and the Lu-Na collective. Dawn and Lu-Na are each separate shut-ins from completely different situations. When Dawn is kidnapped by Lu-Na, she starts to feel a bond as she starts to figure out the mystery of the Lu-Na. As the bond grows, they might just be the ones to heal one another enough to find a bit of happiness.
This story is unlike any I recall reading before. Again, like with the other two books, it’s not a story I would’ve normally read. It’s a contemporary with dark themes with trauma, books I generally don’t read. Even though it’s not my thing, I highly recommend this story, as well as the other stories in this trilogy.

I highly recommend for those that like this genre.

[MandyViolete · Rating 5 out of 5]

This set is a binge read of an amazing world with vibrant characters you’ll want to know more about even after finishing. It includes four stories (one is a novella I think) that center around the same club and give us cameos of the different characters. I may have missed a different series this is a spinoff from, as this is a fairly new to me author and I’m still devouring their backlist, but there are some cameos from various characters that seem to be from a different set readers may have already read (Club Lavender) and I plan to read it next! The stories in this particular set also give us cameos from other books within the set, which I enjoyed getting to see our favorites interact with other people like Mathias’ cameos when he aids other characters in their books. Although the first two books were great reads, with excitement, originality, and hot steam, my favorite story was Dark Pills. Dawn’s story is such an interesting twist, with such raw emotion, I absolutely had to pick her and Lu-Na’s story to be my favorite. Each story touches on conflict and taboo themes, and the author has such a way of drawing us in to connect with these characters whether we have a similar background or not. I loved the way Hana struggled with meeting family expectations and balancing work constraints with what she felt was right. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Koschei to reap what he had sown, watching Tanya push through her past and Jenya embracing her new unknown. I was completely captivated meeting Lu-Na and navigating the twists and turns Dawn had to experience while fighting her inner turmoil over anxiety and finding her life isn’t what she thought. The short story at the end was like the cherry on top. Sparrow’s story is such a romantic cute-meet, filled with lots of spice! If I hadn’t connected so much to Dawn and Lu-Na, Sparrow would be my favorite. While this entire set is worth the read, the last two stories are so captivating it elevates the entire set. I like the way the author does little breadcrumbs for those who may not be familiar with the cameo characters, too-it provides just enough information so that you aren’t lost but very much want to find and devour their story too! Some of the flash backs were hard for me to read, but that is only because my reading preference makes me struggle with time changes. If you also struggle with this, the author makes it clear when an event is a memory and there aren’t so many that the original story line gets lost. A definite must read for those who like dark romance, intriguing characters, and getting lost in a story.

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars

"Dark Things" is a boxset that includes four contemporary stories that can be read as standalones. All characters are connected with each other though, so it would be wise to read them in order. I have to admit I haven't read the Lavender duet before starting this series, and as a result I was a little confused at times. I'm not saying it's absolutely necessary to have read the duet before starting this series, but I did feel like I was missing some background that would have helped me understand the full story better.

That being said, this entire series was pretty original. "Dark Rings" starts off quite spicy and kinky, and then evolves into an intriguing plot with lots of mysteries and suspense. The relationship building knows some original developments as well, making it a little hard to classify this story into a clear category. Something it has in common with book three, "Dark Pills". The entire series is filled with characters with a past and bruises on their souls, and I love how respectful the author is for the way they all deal with their trauma. It might not always be conventional, but the relationships between the main characters are always with respect for each others boundaries and needs. There is still quite a lot of darkness involved, but never from within the relationships that are front and center in each book.

All in all, this was an interesting and original series. I wish I had read the Lavender duet first though, but I might still pick that one up sometime in the future.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Things by Lainey Delaroque is the complete series all in one book. I love dark romances and these stories seemed interesting and unique from the book blurb so I was immediately in. Even though these books can be read as standalones it’s easy to get addicted to the characters and the overall plot you won’t be able to stop. I really enjoyed how realistic and relatable each of the characters were; showcasing how past events/traumas can impact lives. These stories made me stop and think for a moment, how would I react if I was in that particular situation. I also really liked how each relationship was different and fit that couple; how they made things work for them. Also the spice was really well done as well. I thought the writing was great with thought provoking moments. It has a steady plot line that I found myself wanting to know what happened next. The worldbuilding and descriptions of events was good that I could imagine everyone/everything I was reading. Overall I had a great reading experience and would definitely recommend reading this omnibus.

Final review:
4 out of 5 stars

[Kerri Vogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a series of stand alone stories. Each one has different main characters, but the back story builds throughout the series so, while you could reach each one individually, you will understand the overall story better if you read them in order.

Book 1 - Hanako is learning about herself and this strange new 3 way she is developing all while navigating her feelings about her Japanese heritage. In the background we have an ongoing mystery of disappearing women being forced to undergo medical procedures. Loved the steam, the suspense, and all the action.

Book 2 - Tanya's story and it did not disappoint. This one is a bit darker involving cults, assassins, and lots of action, but amongst that is a great story with lots of steam.

Book 3 - We finally get the answer to who is Lu-Na and it is certainly not what I expected. However, it is great story from slowly learning about who they are to watching them grow and learn to be brave enough to face the world. Loved this final book in the series.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic series. I loved bring able to read these 3 books about some wonderfull ladies snd the men that they fall for and all the chaos that is their lives and also the prequel was great to read.
Dark Rings which is about Hana,Mathias and Connor was my favorite out of the three because they knew and trusted each other already.
Dark Ink is Tanya's and Ben's story they have worked at Club Lavender for years after being found and rescued by Damien. Tanya's traumatic past had me really feel for her. Ben bringing back someone from her past trying to help her overcome was so sweet.
Dark Pills is about seductive twin siblings Dusk and Luan and also Dawn. I had been curious about Luan since he saved Damien,Sophie and her gang in the ones before this. So I was happy with this book.
We also get the prequel which was Connor and Laura's story. I liked it but it mad me sad as well. I'm hoping that maybe we will get another bonus scene or book where Connor comes back and is ready for Hana and Mathias.

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dark Things” a selection of stories each in their own right stand by themselves yet the the stories do show how characters and events do connect. These stories show how events and traumas in a person's life change them. As all of us, no one is completely all bad or all good. The stories take us to the darkness of the human world many of us only hear bits and pieces of but can not fully understand unless you have been forced, born or slipped into it. Situation happen and you are like how can you do that but then you have to take a deep breath and ask yourself what would your response be if you had been treated or hurt as they have been? I read this complete compilation of stories, taking my time enjoying each character, how the past made them but then a person or an event changed them again and you saw a who different view of them. Really an amazing characters and stories!

[katy andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great gang related three book series!

The first book, Dark Rings, revolves around Hana, Mathias and Connor's relationship and how their roles become intertwined through the missions they are unexpectedly involved in.

The second book, Dark Ink, revolves around Tanya and Ben primarily, and the cult that Tanya was born into. And is by far my favourite.

The third book, Dark Pills, revolves around Dawn and Lu-Na. Their complicated relationship and how they come to be in each others lives.

Throughout all three books there is a strong back story that ties them altogether involving two gangs, Damien and Sophie and how they work together to try to make Chicago a better place.

There's so much to unpack within the tree books, lots of different personalities and sub-stories, its a great read and one I would imagine most people would love!

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A contemporary collection of dark, twisted, beautifully tempting, and earthshaking stories, each different in their theme, triggers, and character cast, pushing the boundaries and easy to connect with. The stories are interconnected even though they can really be read separately, and vivid so that the reader lives the story alongside the main characters. Each of the stories provides different form of excitement, need for healing, stepping out of comfort zone, relationship development between the characters - yet all of them are hot and steamy :) It is definitely recommended to read the trigger warnings, it helps avoiding unnecessary wrong pick by the audience when the stories are written very well, depicting conflicting and difficult themes with ease and lots of emotions. Perfect for any fan of dark contemporary romance.

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I tell you that I love box sets. I like having the ability to reading completed series in one setting without any interruptions. This one definitely didn't disappoint. This box set is set up as standalone stories. Each story contains different main characters but the backstory builds throughout the series, So even though you could read each book individually you would get a better understanding If you were to read them in order. Just in my opinion!! So if you like dark reads I definitely recommend this box set. Believe me you won't regret it. As always my book reviews are totally voluntary no monetary compensation was received and the opinions that I have expressed are completely my own.

[Brandi Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
This is an omnibus of 3 novels in the Dark Things series, plus an exclusive prequel novella by Lainey Delaroque. Overall, I LOVED these books! I had so much fun seeing the different couples in these books develop their relationships and themselves as individuals. I was also so intrigued by the deep emotional content and themes. These books dealt with difficult subjects such as family acceptance difficulties, betrayals of trust, and insecurity. I adored seeing the diverse cast and how their cultures impacted their lives. It was very intriguing to see a cast that was impacted by cultural difficulties I haven't previously seen as represented in books. I am now definitely a big fan of Lainey!

[Holly Rife · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Dark Things’ is a complete series of dark romances that are beautiful, suspenseful, hot 🔥, and thought provoking.

With each couple, there is a fight for freedom, whether physical, emotionally, or both. They were able to start their healing journey with the help of someone else. The couples all explore what a club has to offer, but I wish they explored it a bit more. Found family and asking for help are core themes and I love that!!. I got warm fuzzies every time!!

These stories are best read from beginning to end, so this complete book is absolutely ideal!!
Dear ones, there is a list of content at the beginning of the book as these stories do cover dark themes. Please read them before going on this reading journey.

All in all, this is a good series!

[JackaayReadsallday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, 4.5 stars but I prefer to round up. I loved getting a chance to read this series again all at once & who doesn’t love more content in an omnibus. I never did read club lavender but after binging this series again I wish I had. It doesn’t affect the ability to enjoy the series, but I wish that I had made the time last year to read through the original series before I started the spin off.
It’s got everything that I want and need in a “dark romance” and the author knows what she’s doing to keep you in the edge of your seat. These are all standalone in a connected world but do yourself a favor and read them in order. The spice is great and not over the top. I do appreciate plot with my spice & Lainey delivers. I’ll definitely be rereading this series for years to come.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wild ride of emotions. The characters were all a mix of both dark and twisted, some of it stemming from trauma and grief.

You'll want to read the TWs but, with the title alone, you'll know your in for a ride so, you'll want to grab a glass of wine and prop your feet up and just enjoy how this writer can keep you wanting to read more and more until the very end (and then you want to just go and read her other works).

You'll get mad with the characters at times but, then you have to ask yourself how you'd react with their past and everything some of them went through?

Definitely pick this book up and read it, you won't regret it!

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like dark read this boxset is for you. The emotions and the action were all over the place, never a dull moment. These could be read as stand alone stories but I really enjoyed reading them in order better you get so much more out of it. You get hot and spicy, action packed, a rollercoaster of emotions throughout these books. Many of the characters have had a traumatizing past history so be prepared to delve into it a bit here and there, some of it is graphic where other parts are vague (so read the warnings). All in all these are great stories definitely worth the read. It's a wild ride!

[Missy Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bunch of standalone stories, with different characters in each one. But there is a method to this madness if you read them in order. The characters are either dark and twisted or both. But what really makes someone go dark and unfeeling? What happens in a person's life to make them that way.

I enjoy darker books and I could not stop reading. Because this takes us on a journey that I just could not stop reading about. There is action, some spicy moments, and I must say my emotions were all over the place.

There was some moments that are a bid darker than some, so read at your own risk. But overall a great read, with different stories. I would definitely recommend.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark but so good

Dark Rings

Is about a social worker and her roommate a doctor who is undercover for a gang. These two cross paths constantly. She needs some healing due to some issues in her past and Mathias is just the man to heal her.

Dark Ink
Ben an explosive expert meets Tanya who is just trying to live. She gets mad at Ben over a misunderstanding.she does seem a bit controlling.

Dark pil
Two shut ins for different reasons
Lu-Na kidnaps Dawn and they end up forming a bond. They have issues from the past and just might be each other's salvation.

Each story is a Dark Read.

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Things by Lainey Delaroque is a dark romantic suspense omnibus and a fabulous must read series! If you love things that are dark, kinky, suspenseful this is the one for you! This series has it all: enemies to lovers, found family, opposites attract, hot and steamy kink galore, twists and turns and lots of possessive protective vibes that will wreck havoc on your emotions!

From the deliciousness of a triad with Hana, Mathias and Connor in Dark Rings to an enemies to lovers rivalry with Tanya and Ben’s story, Delaroque will take you on quite the ride! However Dawn and Lu-Na will always hold a special place in my heart!

[iliana G · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing binge read!

I have to admit that i am really happy that i binged read this series!
I loved the continuity of it and that i didn't have to wait for the next book to come out.
Each story is unique and the world building is amazing!
A roller coaster of emotions and the twists and turns of the story line is amazing!
The characters are well written and fit one another so well and when you read the complete series!
Fast paced and filled with action this gang related series will sweep you away!
Absolutely loved it

[XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Things Omnibus is the complete collection of the Dark Things trilogy. This consists of the books, Dark Rings, Dark Ink, and Dark Pills. Each book is a complete standalone, but interconnected. This is best read in order.

I think this has to be my favorite Lainey Delaroque series. Each one of these books were so unique, yet still had the same vibe to it. There's plenty of action, twists and turns, spice, dark content, and definitely sends you on a rollercoaster ride. It was very well written and the character development was absolutely on point. I highly recommend this series!!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Things is a collection of Dark read books in a box set. If you enjoy dark reads ti's boxes will be a great read for you that you won't want to miss out on. All the books can be read as standalones.

I loved the emotions this box set inflicted on me. the action was a great bonus and the steam was of the charts. All stories have a happily ever after and thier own epic storyline that keep you hooked. You really won't want to miss this boxset.

[Suzanne McNeill Taviner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love an omnibus edition, I can binge read the series with no swapping books! This one was a roller-coaster of a read! 3 very different stories and a little prequel all made such good reading. There are some quite dark topics covered in the stories so please remember the TWs.
I don't want to spoil any of the stories for anyone so I'll just say that the women come out the other side stronger and with much more confidence in themselves.

[Camilla Bratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this set of stand alones that combines into a series - three books and a novella. They can be read separately, but you get more of an overall picture when binge reading them together. Dark, steamy and definitely twisted - these characters are flawed and morally grey, but that's what you get from all that trauma. Three couples, three HEA and one hell of a ride through their twisted world in the gang life of Chicago. If you like all things dark and kinky, this omnibus is for you!

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take a dive into Chicago’s dark side with 3 full length standalone stories. And a novella about the sins in a small town.

This omnibus has is all for those looking for a little bit of everything: Love, loss, betrayal, and all those dark feelings in between.

Spice: 4/5

Why Choose, and Traditional based on the stories

Triggers: Read the triggers as some can cause a visceral reaction if you’ve experienced something similar in the past.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of amazing stories with real life struggles, beautifully written. Mathias and Hanako and Connor in Dark Rings, Dark Ink - Tanya and Ben, Lu-Na and Dawn in Dark Pills, and finally Dark Sins telling the story of Connor and Laura. Each story has its own HEA as the series takes us on a journey through the gangs of Chicago. Really enjoyed.

[Allison]

This series keeps you guessing. It is an excellent compilation of 3 different, but equally connected stories. You’re introduced to Mathias in the first story and he has a lot to do in the second and third story. The other two stories are all intertwined with what has happened in the first one. It truly is an excellent set of books.

[Joy Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lainey gives us a fantastic boxset!! Make sure to read the trigger warnings as this is a boxset of DARK stories! The stories can be read as standalones and are well written with complex characters and plot twists that keep your attention right to the end. I loved reading this boxset and highly recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of darkness in their lives! Don't miss out on this boxset!!

[Arielle stahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark things are a series of books that take you into the underworld of Chicago and send you on a wild ride of love and other emotions. If your looking for a series that will keep you up at night look no further. I can't reccomend this series enough. There are trigger warnings so be sure to check those out before proceeding.

[Jes Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Binge Worthy!!

This was a great read of interconnected standalones centred around the same gang/club.
Each story is dark. Each is dark in a different way.
It was wonderful to read how each character progresses as an 'individual' and as part of a 'relationship'. The characters are well written and relatable.
I loved being able to binge read all the books at once.

[Gemma Osment · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 3 book collection that includes "dark rings", "dark ink" and "dark pills".
I absolutely loved these and each book can be read as a standalone,theres a back story that continues through them all. Each book features on a different couple and does have a hea.
This collection has everything you could want,action,suspense and heat