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His Sinful Marks
This standalone dark romance is perfect for those who love enemies to lovers tropes with morally gray, unhinged & possessive MMCs, kidnapping, and forced proximity.
He was never meant to find me. But secrets can't stay locked away forever.
Sadie Ryan
All I ever wanted was an ordinary life away from violence, but it seemed like an unattainable dream. Being born into a wealthy family driven by money and power, I’m forced into an engagement with a man I loathe so our two families’ businesses can thrive together. It was an alliance of art and coding uniting for one goal: to guard the secrets of corrupt politicians and the criminal underworld.
My now fiancé, Keelan Blake, had always been a bully, a monster, and he grew up to be just like his demented father. Though physical attraction had always been there, our personalities were at constant war with each other. I tried to make it work so that I wouldn’t end up in a loveless marriage like my mother by surprising my fiancé at my family’s warehouse with a special gift. What I saw was the beginning of my end. Keelan had killed a man in cold blood, and I was the only witness.
Keelan Blake
Sadie’s betrayal led me to a life sentence in prison after she witnessed me slicing clean through a man’s throat, but I haven’t lost a second of sleep over it. Now, one year later, I’ve escaped prison. My little princess, my obsession, thought she could hide from me. But I’m the least of her worries. Someone far more dangerous than me is hunting for her. Once I find where she’s hiding, I’ll drag her back to me and my twisted world where she belongs.
Author's Note
This story is intended for an 18+ audience. It is dark and contains situations that may be disturbing to others. The MMC is unapologetically unhinged, possessive, and dangerous. This standalone does have a happily-ever-after, and it will conclude at the end of the epilogue with no cliffhanger.
He was never meant to find me. But secrets can't stay locked away forever.
Sadie Ryan
All I ever wanted was an ordinary life away from violence, but it seemed like an unattainable dream. Being born into a wealthy family driven by money and power, I’m forced into an engagement with a man I loathe so our two families’ businesses can thrive together. It was an alliance of art and coding uniting for one goal: to guard the secrets of corrupt politicians and the criminal underworld.
My now fiancé, Keelan Blake, had always been a bully, a monster, and he grew up to be just like his demented father. Though physical attraction had always been there, our personalities were at constant war with each other. I tried to make it work so that I wouldn’t end up in a loveless marriage like my mother by surprising my fiancé at my family’s warehouse with a special gift. What I saw was the beginning of my end. Keelan had killed a man in cold blood, and I was the only witness.
Keelan Blake
Sadie’s betrayal led me to a life sentence in prison after she witnessed me slicing clean through a man’s throat, but I haven’t lost a second of sleep over it. Now, one year later, I’ve escaped prison. My little princess, my obsession, thought she could hide from me. But I’m the least of her worries. Someone far more dangerous than me is hunting for her. Once I find where she’s hiding, I’ll drag her back to me and my twisted world where she belongs.
Author's Note
This story is intended for an 18+ audience. It is dark and contains situations that may be disturbing to others. The MMC is unapologetically unhinged, possessive, and dangerous. This standalone does have a happily-ever-after, and it will conclude at the end of the epilogue with no cliffhanger.
419 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2025
91 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Blade
14 books614 followersAuthor also writes under Diana B. Lynn
Hey readers! I'm D.L. Blade.
I've always had a passion for creative writing, starting my career as an author with somewhat milder books and now exclusively writing dark romance. I love looking for ways to take my readers on a journey into a world of unconventional love, morally gray men, and villains who get the girl.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, attending rock concerts, and exploring new restaurants in Denver.
I dream of continuing to create exciting novels for my readers and taking them on a journey through the magical realms that spill from the pages of my books.
***All three of my young adult novels are written under Diana B. Lynn. Please note that if you see the titles The Dark Awakening, The Dark Underworld & The Dark Deliverance out there, these are NOT adult, dark romances, like I write today. They are young adult romances.
Follow me!
https://linktr.ee/dlblade
Hey readers! I'm D.L. Blade.
I've always had a passion for creative writing, starting my career as an author with somewhat milder books and now exclusively writing dark romance. I love looking for ways to take my readers on a journey into a world of unconventional love, morally gray men, and villains who get the girl.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, attending rock concerts, and exploring new restaurants in Denver.
I dream of continuing to create exciting novels for my readers and taking them on a journey through the magical realms that spill from the pages of my books.
***All three of my young adult novels are written under Diana B. Lynn. Please note that if you see the titles The Dark Awakening, The Dark Underworld & The Dark Deliverance out there, these are NOT adult, dark romances, like I write today. They are young adult romances.
Follow me!
https://linktr.ee/dlblade
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
July 3, 2025
Every dark romance book is the exact same ugh, had to force myself to finish this. No thanks.
November 19, 2024
Holy Canoli!!!!!!
I was blown away reading the newest D.L. Blade C.M. Locke book.
Some people are not what they seem, and others will show you exactly who they are.
I can't go into more detail without spoilers because I want to tell everyone about the 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 scenes and how badly I want a O with ✌️while getting tattooed cause that has totally entered my bucket list. But I won't tell you 🙊🙊.
I want to scream about being in a strangers pool while having the most 🤯🍆 and getting caught.... but I wont.....
This book has added some 💡s to my bucket list. I can't wait to see what these two wonderful authors produce next!
I was blown away reading the newest D.L. Blade C.M. Locke book.
Some people are not what they seem, and others will show you exactly who they are.
I can't go into more detail without spoilers because I want to tell everyone about the 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 scenes and how badly I want a O with ✌️while getting tattooed cause that has totally entered my bucket list. But I won't tell you 🙊🙊.
I want to scream about being in a strangers pool while having the most 🤯🍆 and getting caught.... but I wont.....
This book has added some 💡s to my bucket list. I can't wait to see what these two wonderful authors produce next!
June 1, 2025
Keelan Blake Is Not My Book Boyfriend
Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, Forced proximity, Kidnapping, Morally gray MMC, Secret code, Organized crime, Redemption arc fail
Content warnings: Violence, murder, emotional manipulation, gaslighting, rough sex with minimal aftercare
This standalone dark romance tries to deliver everything readers love in the genre—enemies-to-lovers angst, dangerous liaisons, and an obsessive MMC with secrets—but ends up feeling more like a cautionary tale than a love story. With rage-fueled sex, zero emotional arc, and a heroine who stays confused and complicit, His Sinful Marks left me frustrated, detached, and honestly kind of mad.
At 2.25 stars, this one tested my love of dark romance. I came in ready for morally gray obsession, a heroine caught between danger and desire, and an epic grovel arc. What I got instead was Keelan Blake: a violent, unrepentant killer who kidnaps the FMC, tattoos a secret code on her body without consent, and calls it love. Sadie, the heroine, has no personality beyond sexual attraction to the man who literally ruined her life. Every time she tries to resist him, she folds. There's no slow burn. No character growth. No real tension. Just violence, secrets, and sex that reads more like a control mechanism than chemistry.
The dual POV format didn’t help much—both characters sounded like plot devices with trauma bullet points instead of people I could root for. The writing is direct and readable, but emotionally shallow, with breakneck pacing that rushes from Vermont to Vegas without ever pausing for a genuine feeling.
And while the spice is undeniably a 4 on the heat scale, it never worked for me. It leaned hard into hate sex without any intimacy, vulnerability, or trust. When they finally "make love," it lands like a laugh line: we’re supposed to believe that tenderness makes up for kidnapping and gaslighting? Hard pass.
SPOILERS BELOW
We find out that Keelan killed a man in cold blood—and Sadie saw it. She testified against him, which put him in prison. So he escaped, kidnapped her, and dragged her back to L.A. to decode a lockbox left behind by her dead brother Patrick.
Turns out the code? It’s a soft-focus bedtime quote he tattooed on her stomach: “Dark skies kiss stars good night.” Why her stomach? “I’m out of space,” Keelan says, already covered in tattoos. He admits he never told her about the code because he needed her to come home and use a special program only she knows how to run. And instead of screaming or punching him, Sadie blames herself. Because she showed off the tattoo in a photo shoot.
That’s when Keelan says: “I killed for you. I’d do it again.” No remorse, no nuance, just obsessive justification.
When Sadie calls him out—“You know you’re fucked up, right?”—I cheered. When she follows it with, “You’re incapable of love,” I had hope. When Keelan actually agrees and realizes he hasn’t loved her the way she needs to be loved? I almost believed this book might pull off a redemption.
Then they “make love.” And Sadie says she loves him too.
Reader, I groaned.
If you're deep into the morally gray but irredeemable pipeline and just want some unhinged spice without emotional connection, this might scratch that itch. But if you need even the tiniest glimmer of growth, accountability, or genuine chemistry—His Sinful Marks will leave you cold.
Keelan Blake is not my book boyfriend. He’s a cautionary tale in designer clothes.
Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, Forced proximity, Kidnapping, Morally gray MMC, Secret code, Organized crime, Redemption arc fail
Content warnings: Violence, murder, emotional manipulation, gaslighting, rough sex with minimal aftercare
This standalone dark romance tries to deliver everything readers love in the genre—enemies-to-lovers angst, dangerous liaisons, and an obsessive MMC with secrets—but ends up feeling more like a cautionary tale than a love story. With rage-fueled sex, zero emotional arc, and a heroine who stays confused and complicit, His Sinful Marks left me frustrated, detached, and honestly kind of mad.
At 2.25 stars, this one tested my love of dark romance. I came in ready for morally gray obsession, a heroine caught between danger and desire, and an epic grovel arc. What I got instead was Keelan Blake: a violent, unrepentant killer who kidnaps the FMC, tattoos a secret code on her body without consent, and calls it love. Sadie, the heroine, has no personality beyond sexual attraction to the man who literally ruined her life. Every time she tries to resist him, she folds. There's no slow burn. No character growth. No real tension. Just violence, secrets, and sex that reads more like a control mechanism than chemistry.
The dual POV format didn’t help much—both characters sounded like plot devices with trauma bullet points instead of people I could root for. The writing is direct and readable, but emotionally shallow, with breakneck pacing that rushes from Vermont to Vegas without ever pausing for a genuine feeling.
And while the spice is undeniably a 4 on the heat scale, it never worked for me. It leaned hard into hate sex without any intimacy, vulnerability, or trust. When they finally "make love," it lands like a laugh line: we’re supposed to believe that tenderness makes up for kidnapping and gaslighting? Hard pass.
SPOILERS BELOW
We find out that Keelan killed a man in cold blood—and Sadie saw it. She testified against him, which put him in prison. So he escaped, kidnapped her, and dragged her back to L.A. to decode a lockbox left behind by her dead brother Patrick.
Turns out the code? It’s a soft-focus bedtime quote he tattooed on her stomach: “Dark skies kiss stars good night.” Why her stomach? “I’m out of space,” Keelan says, already covered in tattoos. He admits he never told her about the code because he needed her to come home and use a special program only she knows how to run. And instead of screaming or punching him, Sadie blames herself. Because she showed off the tattoo in a photo shoot.
That’s when Keelan says: “I killed for you. I’d do it again.” No remorse, no nuance, just obsessive justification.
When Sadie calls him out—“You know you’re fucked up, right?”—I cheered. When she follows it with, “You’re incapable of love,” I had hope. When Keelan actually agrees and realizes he hasn’t loved her the way she needs to be loved? I almost believed this book might pull off a redemption.
Then they “make love.” And Sadie says she loves him too.
Reader, I groaned.
If you're deep into the morally gray but irredeemable pipeline and just want some unhinged spice without emotional connection, this might scratch that itch. But if you need even the tiniest glimmer of growth, accountability, or genuine chemistry—His Sinful Marks will leave you cold.
Keelan Blake is not my book boyfriend. He’s a cautionary tale in designer clothes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2024
If you’re looking for a morally grey (hindering on black), unhinged villain who will stop at NOTHING to protect his woman…READ THIS BOOK IMMEDIATELY ❤️🔥
I think Keelan Blake has taken the top spot on my list of possessive and unhinged book boyfriends. Plus he had a dirty talking mouth and the spice scenes were spicing 🥵
The plot had me gasping out loud and I was gripped throughout.
I think Keelan Blake has taken the top spot on my list of possessive and unhinged book boyfriends. Plus he had a dirty talking mouth and the spice scenes were spicing 🥵
The plot had me gasping out loud and I was gripped throughout.
December 26, 2024
Oh my goodness!! DL Blade and CM Locke did it again!! I absolutely LOVED this book! From the very beginning I was hooked. I went in not knowing what to expect since this is a very different genre than I’m used to reading by them. But I was blown away! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I never knew what to expect from Sadie and Keelan! Their story was intense. But the twist at the end had my jaw on the floor! Was not expecting it and WOW! It was a doozy!! I love a good enemies to lovers book and this one delivered!!
November 28, 2024
I went into this read semi blind, I had a look at the tw list and said sounds like a good time to me. His Sinful Marks did not disappoint. The banter was on point. I had some good giggles, smiles and some smirks. Thinking yeah you did *high five*
The plot twists just keep hitting and in a good way. You’ll be gasping saying no way, what where did that come from?! It’s a book that will keep you on your toes. Let’s talk about the spice, the chemistry is palpable and made me squirm.
This is my first D.L. Blade and C.M. Locke book, it will not be my last!
January 3, 2025
Do I have a new book boyfriend??? Maybe. This book was great. Morally Grey at its finest....and I mean finest. The things I'd let that man do... ooof.
I also really loved Sadie, though, too.
I also really loved Sadie, though, too.
December 4, 2024
What a masterblaster of a storyline! I'm at a loss for words complimenting you both. Freaking dark, brutal and emotionally challenging with dark spice fantasies in the play. Keelan is a MC of anomalies, beyond morally dark, a ruthless killer, but yet he loves animals and will go beyond the acceptable to protect Sadie, who fears him yet craves him to fulfill her fantasies. All the deception and depravities as well as surprises keep the reader on edge and tied to the book. A real mafia style knockout with the codes/secrets wrapped up in paintings and tattoos, killing without blinking. I so recommend grabbing it I devoured it.
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you ❤️
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you ❤️
December 24, 2024
This was a 4.25 for me. It was such a dark and crazy ride. First you have the whole situation of the MCs where Sadie is in hiding after testifying against her fiancé after watching him unalive someone and even though he is in prison all Keelan can think about is getting out and getting Sadie who he sees as his wife and getting revenge but you're not sure if that revenge includes Sadie. And he isn't afraid of getting his hands bloody when it comes to getting out and finding her. Then once he finds her his actions make you wonder what his true intentions are, but you also get glimpses of how sweet he can be I mean he does her laundry for her without being asked!! In fact, that was the whole book where you are not sure if you like a lot of the characters because you can't really trust any of them. Everyone is very complex in that they aren't good guys, but they may have good moments that maybe you think they are redeemable but then they will act in their own self-interest on the next page. Makes it very hard to know who to like or trust in the book which made it very exciting.
I really liked Sadie who just wanted to stay in hiding in a small town in Vermont and work in her bookstore and go home to her cat. But Keelan, her family and all the crazy people drag her back into their dangerous world and what a wild ride her reentry was with the road trip Keelan took her on. Keelan from the start I loved how possessive and obsessive he was even with Sadie even though she testified against him. Even some of the bad things he did or even the stuff he did to her were actually for the good of her. Not all the time but most of the time it was in reaction to Sadie's being in danger.
It was a twisted crazy story, and I really enjoyed every moment.
This book is about Sadie who is in hiding from her family, her ex's family and her fiancé after she testified against him and put him away for murder which is not something you do in family of criminals. But while she is trying to live her life peacefully working in a bookstore and going home to her cat what she doesn't realize is that she is on borrowed time. That's because Keelan her ex-fiancé who has bullied her since she was a child and grew up to be a monster like the rest of his family has plans to get out of prison and reclaim his princess, his wife and get revenge on everyone who betrayed him and left him to rot. He just has to find her and find her quickly because it's not just him who is looking for her and only a monster can protect her against an even bigger monster.
I received an ARC Copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Sadie who just wanted to stay in hiding in a small town in Vermont and work in her bookstore and go home to her cat. But Keelan, her family and all the crazy people drag her back into their dangerous world and what a wild ride her reentry was with the road trip Keelan took her on. Keelan from the start I loved how possessive and obsessive he was even with Sadie even though she testified against him. Even some of the bad things he did or even the stuff he did to her were actually for the good of her. Not all the time but most of the time it was in reaction to Sadie's being in danger.
It was a twisted crazy story, and I really enjoyed every moment.
This book is about Sadie who is in hiding from her family, her ex's family and her fiancé after she testified against him and put him away for murder which is not something you do in family of criminals. But while she is trying to live her life peacefully working in a bookstore and going home to her cat what she doesn't realize is that she is on borrowed time. That's because Keelan her ex-fiancé who has bullied her since she was a child and grew up to be a monster like the rest of his family has plans to get out of prison and reclaim his princess, his wife and get revenge on everyone who betrayed him and left him to rot. He just has to find her and find her quickly because it's not just him who is looking for her and only a monster can protect her against an even bigger monster.
I received an ARC Copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2025
His Sinful Marks is a complete standalone dark romance with an enemies to lovers trope. This book grabs your attention from the start and doesn't let go until the bonus epilogue. The MMC is OTT J/P/O and with touch her and die action while the FMC stands her ground with this bully and throws wit and anything she can pick up at him. They are very much enemies until 80% in and then both admit to that fine line of love.
TW: Drowning the FMC during intercourse, murder, violence and gore, graphic sexual content, attempted sexual assault - not by MMC, mature language, sexual asphyxiation, dubious consent, kidnapping, mentioning the death of a sibling, mention of suicide, anxiety/PTSD, rape fantasy role-play, touching without consent, domestic abuse, childhood physical abuse – off-page/memory, mental and physical abuse by a parent – to the FMC as an adult, on-page.
Sadie Ryan and Keeland Blake grew up together and he is 2 years older and her brothers best friend. He's always been her bully and that doesn't change even when their parents arrange a marriage between them to unite the families.
Sadie witnessed him killing a man and turns him in and when the court pronounced him guilty she leaves and hopes to never return. She's changed her name, her appearance and is living in solitude in Vermont.
A year later and Kee escapes from prison and sets out to find "his wife". He finds her and they take a road trip to Vegas. Kee needs her knowledge to unlock a code on a lockbox that her brother hid.
Only a trap has been set and things are not what they seem and they cannot trust anyone. Kee is not going back to jail and he will kill anyone who attempts to take Sadie from him.
TW: Drowning the FMC during intercourse, murder, violence and gore, graphic sexual content, attempted sexual assault - not by MMC, mature language, sexual asphyxiation, dubious consent, kidnapping, mentioning the death of a sibling, mention of suicide, anxiety/PTSD, rape fantasy role-play, touching without consent, domestic abuse, childhood physical abuse – off-page/memory, mental and physical abuse by a parent – to the FMC as an adult, on-page.
Sadie Ryan and Keeland Blake grew up together and he is 2 years older and her brothers best friend. He's always been her bully and that doesn't change even when their parents arrange a marriage between them to unite the families.
Sadie witnessed him killing a man and turns him in and when the court pronounced him guilty she leaves and hopes to never return. She's changed her name, her appearance and is living in solitude in Vermont.
A year later and Kee escapes from prison and sets out to find "his wife". He finds her and they take a road trip to Vegas. Kee needs her knowledge to unlock a code on a lockbox that her brother hid.
Only a trap has been set and things are not what they seem and they cannot trust anyone. Kee is not going back to jail and he will kill anyone who attempts to take Sadie from him.
January 11, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Looking for a new possessive, unhinged, morally grey (almost black) new book boyfriend? Look no further than Keelan!
This book had me hooked from the first page! Never would’ve guessed what was going to happen after that first chapter. And then it just gets crazier, it was intense, full of twists, full of spice, it’ll have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what’s gonna happen next. You’ll be audibly gasping during most of this read. If you can go into it blind please do, it’s an experience for sure but if you have triggers do check them cause it is a dark romance. Thank you DL Blade and CM Locke for this ARC, I cannot wait to read more from you!
Looking for a new possessive, unhinged, morally grey (almost black) new book boyfriend? Look no further than Keelan!
This book had me hooked from the first page! Never would’ve guessed what was going to happen after that first chapter. And then it just gets crazier, it was intense, full of twists, full of spice, it’ll have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what’s gonna happen next. You’ll be audibly gasping during most of this read. If you can go into it blind please do, it’s an experience for sure but if you have triggers do check them cause it is a dark romance. Thank you DL Blade and CM Locke for this ARC, I cannot wait to read more from you!
December 17, 2024
This story checks all the boxes. Dark romance, mafia, enemies to lovers, close proximity and unhinged characters. All the grittiness too. A masterpiece and a story that unravels the perfect plot. What an emotional rollercoaster of a ride. From the beginning I was captivated with this book. I really liked the details, the dynamics, how the words flowed effortlessly from one page to the next. The spice was perfection and the character development was on point. I couldn't get enough of this book. So darn good.
December 30, 2024
Absolute enemies to lovers…in fact, enemies for over half the book. Sadie fights Keelan every step of the way. He is unapologetically obsessed with her and she is sure he has come to kill her for sending him to prison. The more time they spend together, Keelan slowly softens to the fact that he is also unapologetically in love with her. Once Sadie stops fighting and realizes this, she comes to see he’s always protected her…in his morally grey, don’t touch what’s mine sort of way. Despite the fighting, the chemistry between the two is scorching hot and their bodies are connected, even before their minds are. Between the suspense and super hot spicy scenes, I could not put it down!
January 1, 2025
OMG if you’re looking for a dark romance with unhinged characters then look no farther. I loved this book. You have forced proximity, touch her and die, obsessive and possessive and did I mention all the spice. This book is a first for me by these author and they did an amazing job writing it. Let’s just say I will be reading more by these two. I highly recommend it.
January 8, 2025
His Sinful Marks definitely left a mark on me.
Blade & Locke seem to be masters of all the smutty smut a girl could ask for.
Not just smut though, deeply dark and twisty smut. It takes you on a whole rollercoaster ride with the characters as you discover motives and plot twists that suck the air right out of your lungs.
This book was heavily loaded with trigger warnings, and for good reason. The writing really does delve into those triggers and satisfies some primal need to hear more. I do not recommend you read in public. 😂
Dubious consent aside, wouldn't we all love a Keelan to be obsessed with us, fulfilling those hidden desires we force to the back of our minds, to treat us like a real treasure yet possessive of us and then literally give us everything we want in life?
Oh plus the MMC, turn out to be a complete gooey marshmallow.
Love that.
The complicated dynamics between both MCs, gave me a little Romeo and Juliet vibe, but spicy and dark.
I have been an arc reader for the authors for the better part of last year, and I am truly in love with each and every book I receive.
I binge read the entire book without sleeping, it was very late when I dived in, and I simply could not stop reading. Page after page consumed my mind.
This book is the literal definition of that meme, 'I read p0rn like a fricking lady'.
Considering this was a different direction for their work, it was incredible. Other books by Blade are fantasy. Fantasy and spice.
This book was a gritty dark romance with an underlying mafia theme.
I don't typically read this type of book, in fact I only have one other author whose dark romance I can stand.
(Sorry to all other dark romance authors out there, but I just can't vibe with your work).
Ohh and OMG I vibed proper hard when I saw my favourite bands mentioned in the book, like yesss queens, I'm super happy whenever someone slips in a little heavy metal into their story. 🤘🏻
I absolutely loved the ending of this book, HEA. No cliffhangers for me to obsess over and mail them for updates on other works, like some book addicted goblin waiting for a fix.
Anyway, big love to both Blade and Locke, for yet another smash hit.
5 big fat juicy stars for you ladies.
I'm very much looking forward to what you come up with next. ❤️
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Blade & Locke seem to be masters of all the smutty smut a girl could ask for.
Not just smut though, deeply dark and twisty smut. It takes you on a whole rollercoaster ride with the characters as you discover motives and plot twists that suck the air right out of your lungs.
This book was heavily loaded with trigger warnings, and for good reason. The writing really does delve into those triggers and satisfies some primal need to hear more. I do not recommend you read in public. 😂
Dubious consent aside, wouldn't we all love a Keelan to be obsessed with us, fulfilling those hidden desires we force to the back of our minds, to treat us like a real treasure yet possessive of us and then literally give us everything we want in life?
Oh plus the MMC, turn out to be a complete gooey marshmallow.
Love that.
The complicated dynamics between both MCs, gave me a little Romeo and Juliet vibe, but spicy and dark.
I have been an arc reader for the authors for the better part of last year, and I am truly in love with each and every book I receive.
I binge read the entire book without sleeping, it was very late when I dived in, and I simply could not stop reading. Page after page consumed my mind.
This book is the literal definition of that meme, 'I read p0rn like a fricking lady'.
Considering this was a different direction for their work, it was incredible. Other books by Blade are fantasy. Fantasy and spice.
This book was a gritty dark romance with an underlying mafia theme.
I don't typically read this type of book, in fact I only have one other author whose dark romance I can stand.
(Sorry to all other dark romance authors out there, but I just can't vibe with your work).
Ohh and OMG I vibed proper hard when I saw my favourite bands mentioned in the book, like yesss queens, I'm super happy whenever someone slips in a little heavy metal into their story. 🤘🏻
I absolutely loved the ending of this book, HEA. No cliffhangers for me to obsess over and mail them for updates on other works, like some book addicted goblin waiting for a fix.
Anyway, big love to both Blade and Locke, for yet another smash hit.
5 big fat juicy stars for you ladies.
I'm very much looking forward to what you come up with next. ❤️
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2025
“His Sinful Marks” is a thrilling dive into the world of organized crime, where love and animosity intertwine in the most unexpected ways. The author masterfully crafts a narrative centered around Sadie and Keelan, two characters whose fiery rivalry transforms into a passionate romance amidst the chaos of their family’s mafia ties.
Sadie, our stunning and resilient female protagonist, finds herself thrust into a precarious situation when she witnesses a murder connected to the very man she is forced to marry. Her decision to testify against Keelan, the hot and possessive male lead, sets the stage for a tension-filled plot that pulls readers in from the start. Keelan, with his smoldering charm and dangerous edge, is a character you can’t help but root for, even as he grapples with betrayal and the weight of his family's legacy.
The pacing of the story is exhilarating, with the initial conflict of their forced marriage evolving into a gripping tale of survival and partnership. The chemistry between Sadie and Keelan is palpable, and the "enemies to lovers" trope is executed with a perfect blend of tension and steamy moments. The spice in this book is undeniably spicy, offering readers plenty of sizzling encounters that heighten the stakes of their relationship.
However, while the romance and action are engaging, the plot occasionally feels overshadowed by the intense chemistry between the protagonists. I found myself wishing for a bit more depth in the storyline, particularly in the development of the mafia dynamics and the motivations behind their families' actions. Additionally, the ending, while satisfying, left me wanting a stronger resolution to some of the plot threads introduced earlier on.
Overall, “His Sinful Marks” is a captivating read that successfully combines romance, suspense, and the allure of the mafia lifestyle. If you’re a fan of gritty love stories packed with tension and passion, this book will not disappoint. Despite my desire for a more robust plot and a more impactful ending, the journey of Sadie and Keelan is one worth taking, making this book a great addition to any lover of the genre's bookshelf.
Sadie, our stunning and resilient female protagonist, finds herself thrust into a precarious situation when she witnesses a murder connected to the very man she is forced to marry. Her decision to testify against Keelan, the hot and possessive male lead, sets the stage for a tension-filled plot that pulls readers in from the start. Keelan, with his smoldering charm and dangerous edge, is a character you can’t help but root for, even as he grapples with betrayal and the weight of his family's legacy.
The pacing of the story is exhilarating, with the initial conflict of their forced marriage evolving into a gripping tale of survival and partnership. The chemistry between Sadie and Keelan is palpable, and the "enemies to lovers" trope is executed with a perfect blend of tension and steamy moments. The spice in this book is undeniably spicy, offering readers plenty of sizzling encounters that heighten the stakes of their relationship.
However, while the romance and action are engaging, the plot occasionally feels overshadowed by the intense chemistry between the protagonists. I found myself wishing for a bit more depth in the storyline, particularly in the development of the mafia dynamics and the motivations behind their families' actions. Additionally, the ending, while satisfying, left me wanting a stronger resolution to some of the plot threads introduced earlier on.
Overall, “His Sinful Marks” is a captivating read that successfully combines romance, suspense, and the allure of the mafia lifestyle. If you’re a fan of gritty love stories packed with tension and passion, this book will not disappoint. Despite my desire for a more robust plot and a more impactful ending, the journey of Sadie and Keelan is one worth taking, making this book a great addition to any lover of the genre's bookshelf.
January 15, 2025
D.L. Blade’s His Sinful Marks is a dark romance that sinks its claws into you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. With its enemies-to-lovers tension, an unhinged yet magnetic male lead, and a plot full of secrets, betrayal, and desire, this book delivers a deliciously dark and enthralling read.
Sadie Ryan is a heroine torn between two worlds: the life of normalcy she craves and the one dictated by her family’s wealth and power. Her engagement to the cruel and dangerous Keelan Blake feels like a gilded cage, but the intense chemistry between them keeps the sparks flying even amidst their constant conflict. When she witnesses Keelan commit a gruesome crime, everything spirals into chaos, and Sadie’s struggle for freedom becomes even more fraught.
Keelan Blake, however, is the star of this dark tale. He’s the epitome of a possessive, unhinged alpha who’ll stop at nothing to claim what’s his. His obsession with Sadie is as intoxicating as it is terrifying. His inner conflict, driven by revenge and a twisted form of love, creates a dynamic that’s both dangerous and undeniably compelling.
The forced proximity and kidnapping elements amplify the tension, keeping you on edge as their relationship transitions from bitter enemies to something far more consuming. Blade skillfully weaves in dark, thrilling moments that highlight the thin line between love and madness, making it impossible to look away.
The plot’s pacing is sharp and gripping, with just the right amount of steam and suspense. Each twist and turn uncovers new layers of the characters, pulling you deeper into their world of corruption, violence, and forbidden passion.
If you love dark romance with possessive heroes, fierce heroines, and a storyline packed with danger, revenge, and searing passion, His Sinful Marks is an absolute must-read. It’s a gritty, haunting journey into obsession and redemption, and I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended for fans of dark and deliciously twisted love stories!.
Sadie Ryan is a heroine torn between two worlds: the life of normalcy she craves and the one dictated by her family’s wealth and power. Her engagement to the cruel and dangerous Keelan Blake feels like a gilded cage, but the intense chemistry between them keeps the sparks flying even amidst their constant conflict. When she witnesses Keelan commit a gruesome crime, everything spirals into chaos, and Sadie’s struggle for freedom becomes even more fraught.
Keelan Blake, however, is the star of this dark tale. He’s the epitome of a possessive, unhinged alpha who’ll stop at nothing to claim what’s his. His obsession with Sadie is as intoxicating as it is terrifying. His inner conflict, driven by revenge and a twisted form of love, creates a dynamic that’s both dangerous and undeniably compelling.
The forced proximity and kidnapping elements amplify the tension, keeping you on edge as their relationship transitions from bitter enemies to something far more consuming. Blade skillfully weaves in dark, thrilling moments that highlight the thin line between love and madness, making it impossible to look away.
The plot’s pacing is sharp and gripping, with just the right amount of steam and suspense. Each twist and turn uncovers new layers of the characters, pulling you deeper into their world of corruption, violence, and forbidden passion.
If you love dark romance with possessive heroes, fierce heroines, and a storyline packed with danger, revenge, and searing passion, His Sinful Marks is an absolute must-read. It’s a gritty, haunting journey into obsession and redemption, and I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended for fans of dark and deliciously twisted love stories!.
January 9, 2025
Okay y’all this book though…KEELAN…YES….stare me down and call me princess oh my gawd!
This book is KEELAN and Sadie’s book and it’s starts off with a shock to the system from the start! Without giving too much away Sadie and KEELAN are technically engaged and the story begins with her testifying to his unalivimg someone!
Now there is a lot that goes down in this book and it’s one I’m gonna say strongly check those trigger warnings before diving in.
KEELAN, our deliciously unhinged in the best of ways, MMC is youngest son of a very bad bad man in cali and Sadie is daughter to another very bad bad man in cali. Their parents arrange for them to be married. With Sadie trying to help put KEELAN behind bars and succeeding well let’s just say’s his last words as he leaves the court room is “I’m coming for you”
Sadie of course smartly after the trail immediately runs and hides from everyone and everything finding a new life and a peace…until KEELAN is broken out of jail.
I’m not gonna lie you guys I devoured this book it was so good and I can’t stand that I can’tgive half stars on Goodreads ! Cause this book is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 stars for me Almost 5 I wanted to see a bit more at the ending with that epilogue. On that chili pepper scale not gonna lie this was a spicy treat 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️! I know this is as a standalone but I would love more from this world or universe! Maybe Mia’s story or Gavin’s !
Definitely. Heck out this book cause man some of the things that filthy mouth KEELAN says ….LAWD!
This book is KEELAN and Sadie’s book and it’s starts off with a shock to the system from the start! Without giving too much away Sadie and KEELAN are technically engaged and the story begins with her testifying to his unalivimg someone!
Now there is a lot that goes down in this book and it’s one I’m gonna say strongly check those trigger warnings before diving in.
KEELAN, our deliciously unhinged in the best of ways, MMC is youngest son of a very bad bad man in cali and Sadie is daughter to another very bad bad man in cali. Their parents arrange for them to be married. With Sadie trying to help put KEELAN behind bars and succeeding well let’s just say’s his last words as he leaves the court room is “I’m coming for you”
Sadie of course smartly after the trail immediately runs and hides from everyone and everything finding a new life and a peace…until KEELAN is broken out of jail.
I’m not gonna lie you guys I devoured this book it was so good and I can’t stand that I can’tgive half stars on Goodreads ! Cause this book is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 stars for me Almost 5 I wanted to see a bit more at the ending with that epilogue. On that chili pepper scale not gonna lie this was a spicy treat 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️! I know this is as a standalone but I would love more from this world or universe! Maybe Mia’s story or Gavin’s !
Definitely. Heck out this book cause man some of the things that filthy mouth KEELAN says ….LAWD!
December 25, 2024
Captor and Savior by MeemsAngel82
Holy moly. Now this has a possessive, and I do mean an over the top, she's mine and that's the end of of-POSSESSIVE! Woah. I need some ice and I'll be right back...This was some great writing and kept my curiosity up throughout the entire book! This was entertaining and I never knew just what was going to happen. There is so much going on and the two of them have a heated relationship despite it all.
He wasn't mad at her for putting him away. No, rather he was taking her back into their world.
I was on the edge of my seat, it was intriguing and I just had so many questions. The chemistry and characters are done so well! The absolute INSANITY of their relationship... There is so much heat my Fire Tablet was melting. The sheer fire between them...now please heed those triggers! There are a lot and there were warnings so take care in reading this. I loved the crazy and how much they were into one another. I do not, however, enjoy reading about her being with another and that took it away from me. These leads are SO good together, for me I don't want to read about her with anyone else. The writing and possession and heat were so good though I only took off one star. What a crazy, sexy and over the top ride! Excellent writing and a book that certainly kept my eyes glued to the page! But maybe don't read this at work, lol!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holy moly. Now this has a possessive, and I do mean an over the top, she's mine and that's the end of of-POSSESSIVE! Woah. I need some ice and I'll be right back...This was some great writing and kept my curiosity up throughout the entire book! This was entertaining and I never knew just what was going to happen. There is so much going on and the two of them have a heated relationship despite it all.
He wasn't mad at her for putting him away. No, rather he was taking her back into their world.
I was on the edge of my seat, it was intriguing and I just had so many questions. The chemistry and characters are done so well! The absolute INSANITY of their relationship... There is so much heat my Fire Tablet was melting. The sheer fire between them...now please heed those triggers! There are a lot and there were warnings so take care in reading this. I loved the crazy and how much they were into one another. I do not, however, enjoy reading about her being with another and that took it away from me. These leads are SO good together, for me I don't want to read about her with anyone else. The writing and possession and heat were so good though I only took off one star. What a crazy, sexy and over the top ride! Excellent writing and a book that certainly kept my eyes glued to the page! But maybe don't read this at work, lol!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2025
They say it is a thin line between love and hate we get to see that so get comfortable and watch the fireworks. Sadie was really strong to do what she did (personally I would have run and hid) but no our girl testified against her fiancé after watching him murder someone now in hiding trying to make a life for herself after he is sent to prison. Keelan sexy as all get out killer for lack of a better way of putting it was sent to prison key witness his fiancé while there with nothing but time on his hands thinks about getting revenge on his girl the thing is we aren’t sure if it is a good or bad but it could be a little of both all we know hi that he wants to get his bloody hands on her to make her pay for turning him in and boy does he make good on that promise. Sadie all she wanted was to stay in hiding in her small town go home to her cat just live in peace but nope Keelan brought her back to all the craziness but in the craziness we got to see that he really did love her in his own way, he showed her in his actions, he is her protector what she doesn’t realize there are others after her that only a monster can protect her from other monsters when she learns of this will she trust him, will her feelings for him grow or will she continue to fight him, will he protect her, will she trust him, will he get out of prison or get caught going back leaving her to the wolves, and will they find happiness somewhere along the way?
January 5, 2025
His Sinful Marks by Blade & Locke delivers a dark, addictive enemies-to-lovers romance that dives headfirst into moral grayness and raw passion. The story of Sadie and Keelan is an intense rollercoaster filled with betrayal, obsession, and the undeniable pull of forbidden love.
Sadie Ryan’s struggle to escape the toxic grip of her family’s expectations and a cruel fiancé is relatable in its desperation, but her journey takes a sinister turn when she witnesses a brutal murder. Keelan Blake, her fiancé and the story’s morally unhinged male lead, is as darkly compelling as he is dangerous. His obsessive, possessive nature drives the tension and makes their chemistry electric. The themes of forced proximity and the blurred lines between love and control are handled with grit, making this a gripping read for fans of darker romance.
The author’s unapologetic portrayal of Keelan as a dangerous antihero isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s precisely what makes the book so hard to put down. The pacing is relentless, with twists that keep the reader on edge, and despite the chaos, the promise of a happily-ever-after provides a glimmer of light in the darkness.
If you love morally gray characters, high-stakes romance, and a touch of danger, His Sinful Marks is a wild, unrelenting ride you won’t want to miss.
Sadie Ryan’s struggle to escape the toxic grip of her family’s expectations and a cruel fiancé is relatable in its desperation, but her journey takes a sinister turn when she witnesses a brutal murder. Keelan Blake, her fiancé and the story’s morally unhinged male lead, is as darkly compelling as he is dangerous. His obsessive, possessive nature drives the tension and makes their chemistry electric. The themes of forced proximity and the blurred lines between love and control are handled with grit, making this a gripping read for fans of darker romance.
The author’s unapologetic portrayal of Keelan as a dangerous antihero isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s precisely what makes the book so hard to put down. The pacing is relentless, with twists that keep the reader on edge, and despite the chaos, the promise of a happily-ever-after provides a glimmer of light in the darkness.
If you love morally gray characters, high-stakes romance, and a touch of danger, His Sinful Marks is a wild, unrelenting ride you won’t want to miss.
January 8, 2025
The FMC of this book testifies against her fiance after witnessing him murder someone. After he is convicted, she changes her name and flees to Vermont. He escapes prison, and she immediately suffers from Body Betrayal Syndrom the first time he shows up.
She also has a too stupid to live quality. She ran away from home and stopped in a place someone knew she was going. At least move ONE time so it's a bit difficult to find you. Besides that, she doesn't act afraid of her captor at all. She cusses at him all the time and fights him whenever possible. For someone 'afraid for her life' because her fiance killed someone and she testified against him, that's mighty stupid.
The writing was good except for the dialog which feels stunted and awkward in comparison to the rest of the story. An example: while she is testifying against her fiance she says things like'I let out a startled, horrified gasp' and 'His life pooled on the floor'. No one talks like that. The way the dialog was written in the rest of the book just pulled me out of the story. It was like someone completely else has written those parts.
I would've loved this story if the FMC wasn't stupid and the dialog was different.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She also has a too stupid to live quality. She ran away from home and stopped in a place someone knew she was going. At least move ONE time so it's a bit difficult to find you. Besides that, she doesn't act afraid of her captor at all. She cusses at him all the time and fights him whenever possible. For someone 'afraid for her life' because her fiance killed someone and she testified against him, that's mighty stupid.
The writing was good except for the dialog which feels stunted and awkward in comparison to the rest of the story. An example: while she is testifying against her fiance she says things like'I let out a startled, horrified gasp' and 'His life pooled on the floor'. No one talks like that. The way the dialog was written in the rest of the book just pulled me out of the story. It was like someone completely else has written those parts.
I would've loved this story if the FMC wasn't stupid and the dialog was different.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2025
This was a crazy ride and I enjoyed it so so much. Keelan is unmatched when it comes to protecting his woman, even if she doesn't want his protection. Keelan and Sadie are being forced into an arranged marriage. Sadie, trying to make the best of the situation, tries to really feel something for him, but when she witnesses him committing a murder, she testifies against him and gets him out away. 1 year after changing her name and identity, Sadie tries to live a normal life with her new guy Brian. But Keelan wants her and not even prison can stop him. He escapes and kidnaps Sadie taking her on a little road trip. This roadtrip however, forces some conversations to be had and some truths to be revealed.
Now, I didn't find Keelan to be that unhinged if I'm being honest. Was he a murderer... yes.. but where Sadie was concerned, he was so sweet, caring and protective. I was confused as to why she was running from him or why she even turned against him and testified. Even after all the things she did to him to try to escape, he never hurt her. If I ever had to have someone obsessed with me, I would want someone like Keelan. This story was so good. I enjoyed every second of it. I definitely recommend giving this one a read.
Now, I didn't find Keelan to be that unhinged if I'm being honest. Was he a murderer... yes.. but where Sadie was concerned, he was so sweet, caring and protective. I was confused as to why she was running from him or why she even turned against him and testified. Even after all the things she did to him to try to escape, he never hurt her. If I ever had to have someone obsessed with me, I would want someone like Keelan. This story was so good. I enjoyed every second of it. I definitely recommend giving this one a read.
December 24, 2024
She has run from her life. Born into a crime family, her path was planned for her. He father gave her hand to her brother's best friend who is the heir to another crime family. She followed the path laid out for her until the night she saw her fiance kill a man, she testified against him and now he is in prison, or he was until the night he showed up on her doorstep across the country. She had fled, using another name but somehow he found her and he is taking her back to face the music. This is a complicated crime family story. At the center are the couple who have a crazy chemistry and always have despite everything else going on around them. Their spice is very steamy, and sometimes dark, but they are both there for it. The characters are well developed and even more is revealed as the story unfolds. It is not your traditional mafia plot line and there are some very complex details that add layers to the story. While I didn't always love parts of the story, it was well done and I have mad respect for that. Against all odds, these two unwind the complex tale and find their happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2025
This book is an absolute page-turner! I’m not usually a fan of long books, but this one had me hooked from start to finish. I even surprised myself by finishing it so quickly—it’s definitely a new reading milestone for me. The characters are so well-written. Sadie is a total badass, and her name rhymes with “baddie” for a reason! And Keelan—oh my gosh. I get it, he’s a psychopath and a serial killer, but why does he have to be so irresistible? His soft spot for Sadie, despite his tough, dangerous exterior, is everything.
The enemies-to-lovers trope is done so perfectly here. The banter between Sadie and Keelan had me grinning like an idiot. Her sharp comebacks and his rough, possessive nature with that bad temper—it’s weirdly cute and undeniably hot. And the way he calls her “princess” and “baby” when teasing her? Chef’s kiss.
The plot twists had me all over the place—confused, angry, and completely invested. A good book always makes me feel something, and this one did exactly that. It’s well-written and captivating, and I was so thrilled to receive the ARC copy and it has an HEA. It’s a solid 5 stars from me!
The enemies-to-lovers trope is done so perfectly here. The banter between Sadie and Keelan had me grinning like an idiot. Her sharp comebacks and his rough, possessive nature with that bad temper—it’s weirdly cute and undeniably hot. And the way he calls her “princess” and “baby” when teasing her? Chef’s kiss.
The plot twists had me all over the place—confused, angry, and completely invested. A good book always makes me feel something, and this one did exactly that. It’s well-written and captivating, and I was so thrilled to receive the ARC copy and it has an HEA. It’s a solid 5 stars from me!
January 22, 2025
How to give my review without giving too much away!!!
5 out of 5 stars
This is not a mafia story but it is mafia-ish!!!
Awesome read, I really enjoyed it!!!
The Blake and Ryan family run a business with corrupt politicians, cops, FBI agents!!! Sadie Ryan was forced to marry Keelan Blake, they have known each other since kids and the way he has always treated her, she didn’t like this arrangement!! The Blake and Ryan family would put people’s wrong doings in Morse code in paintings!!! Keelan is a tattoo artist and he tattooed Sadie, when she went to her father’s warehouse to show Keelan that she did a photo shoot showing off the tattoo he had put on her, she witnessed him murder a man! She put him in prison!!!
Sadie decided to move away from hers and the Blake family because of this!!! Keelan escaped prison and found where Sadie was!!!
Does Keelan really love Sadie? Did Keelan and Sadie take down their family? What happened to Sadie’s brother Patrick, did he actually commit suicide or was he murdered and by who?
You will just have to read
5 out of 5 stars
This is not a mafia story but it is mafia-ish!!!
Awesome read, I really enjoyed it!!!
The Blake and Ryan family run a business with corrupt politicians, cops, FBI agents!!! Sadie Ryan was forced to marry Keelan Blake, they have known each other since kids and the way he has always treated her, she didn’t like this arrangement!! The Blake and Ryan family would put people’s wrong doings in Morse code in paintings!!! Keelan is a tattoo artist and he tattooed Sadie, when she went to her father’s warehouse to show Keelan that she did a photo shoot showing off the tattoo he had put on her, she witnessed him murder a man! She put him in prison!!!
Sadie decided to move away from hers and the Blake family because of this!!! Keelan escaped prison and found where Sadie was!!!
Does Keelan really love Sadie? Did Keelan and Sadie take down their family? What happened to Sadie’s brother Patrick, did he actually commit suicide or was he murdered and by who?
You will just have to read
February 5, 2025
His Sinful Marks: A Dark Romance That Keeps You Hooked
His Sinful Marks is dark romance perfection—packed with twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. And since it’s a standalone, there’s no dreaded cliffhanger to leave me, well, hanging!
The story follows Sadie and Keelan, lifelong enemies once bound by an arranged marriage—until the night Sadie witnesses Keelan "unaliving" one of her father’s employees. Fearing for her life, she goes to the police and testifies against him, landing Keelan in prison for life. She then flees across the country, starting over in the quiet safety of Vermont.
But Keelan isn’t one to stay locked away. After escaping prison, he tracks Sadie down, snatching her from her new life and forcing her on a cross-country road trip back to LA. Sadie assumes it’s for revenge—but does Keelan have other plans?
This book delivers all the dark, gripping tension I love in a romance, and I couldn’t put it down!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
His Sinful Marks is dark romance perfection—packed with twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. And since it’s a standalone, there’s no dreaded cliffhanger to leave me, well, hanging!
The story follows Sadie and Keelan, lifelong enemies once bound by an arranged marriage—until the night Sadie witnesses Keelan "unaliving" one of her father’s employees. Fearing for her life, she goes to the police and testifies against him, landing Keelan in prison for life. She then flees across the country, starting over in the quiet safety of Vermont.
But Keelan isn’t one to stay locked away. After escaping prison, he tracks Sadie down, snatching her from her new life and forcing her on a cross-country road trip back to LA. Sadie assumes it’s for revenge—but does Keelan have other plans?
This book delivers all the dark, gripping tension I love in a romance, and I couldn’t put it down!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2025
This book takes readers into a ruthless world of obsession, secrets, and explosive passion. This standalone dark romance is tailor-made for fans of the "enemies-to-lovers" trope.
At the center is Sadie Ryan, a reluctant heiress entangled in a cold, calculated engagement to Keelan Blake, a man as brutal as he is magnetic. Their relationship is combustible—driven by buried attraction and mutual disdain. But when Sadie catches Keelan committing a brutal murder, her testimony sends him to prison… temporarily.
Keelan’s escape sets off a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. What follows is a relentless, pulse-pounding ride through betrayal, forced proximity, and undeniable chemistry. Blade masterfully blurs the line between danger and desire, crafting a male lead who is violent and vengeful yet irresistibly drawn to the woman who betrayed him.
It's a daring, provocative read for those who crave dark romance with bite.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At the center is Sadie Ryan, a reluctant heiress entangled in a cold, calculated engagement to Keelan Blake, a man as brutal as he is magnetic. Their relationship is combustible—driven by buried attraction and mutual disdain. But when Sadie catches Keelan committing a brutal murder, her testimony sends him to prison… temporarily.
Keelan’s escape sets off a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. What follows is a relentless, pulse-pounding ride through betrayal, forced proximity, and undeniable chemistry. Blade masterfully blurs the line between danger and desire, crafting a male lead who is violent and vengeful yet irresistibly drawn to the woman who betrayed him.
It's a daring, provocative read for those who crave dark romance with bite.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2025
D.L. Blade and C.M. Locke are new authors to me, and they did not disappoint me with this read. Sadie escapes her family and sets herself up in a new life away from them. She finds a new friend in Mason, who runs a bookstore, gives her a job, and, by chance, has a place she can rent. Sadie enjoys her new life and even finds herself a boyfriend in Brian. But Sadie's peace is shattered when her past comes back to haunt her, and Keelan kidnaps her to return her to her old life. She puts up a fight, all to no avail. She doesn't give in easily and fights Keelan at every turn. The authors keep you turning the pages with the steaminess between Sadie and Keelan, along with the twists and turns you don't see coming. I received an arc for my voluntary honest review for the NN Book Blog. You will love this book if you love a dark romance with lots of twists and turns you don't see coming. However, this book may not be for everyone. So you should heed the author's warnings before reading.
December 31, 2024
4.5 Stars
His Sinful Marks is my introduction to authors D.L. Blade and C.M. Locke. What an exciting discovery!
The book follows Sadie, in hiding after testifying for being a witness to a murder, and my new boyfriend, Keelan. Let's pause for a moment to talk about how deliciously unhinged Keeland Blake is and how I need more of him?! That mouth - whew!! I love me, a possessive and obsessive book boyfriend.
I was hooked from the very beginning. The story had me in a chokehold the whole time. I made sure to read the trigger warnings, but I did not read much else about that book. I like going in blind. Not much can trigger me, and I love to be surprised. Oh, and I was! The twists! Yum!
Thank you to D.L. Blade and C.M. Locke for gifting me an eARC of His Sinful Marks. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
His Sinful Marks is my introduction to authors D.L. Blade and C.M. Locke. What an exciting discovery!
The book follows Sadie, in hiding after testifying for being a witness to a murder, and my new boyfriend, Keelan. Let's pause for a moment to talk about how deliciously unhinged Keeland Blake is and how I need more of him?! That mouth - whew!! I love me, a possessive and obsessive book boyfriend.
I was hooked from the very beginning. The story had me in a chokehold the whole time. I made sure to read the trigger warnings, but I did not read much else about that book. I like going in blind. Not much can trigger me, and I love to be surprised. Oh, and I was! The twists! Yum!
Thank you to D.L. Blade and C.M. Locke for gifting me an eARC of His Sinful Marks. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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