Long summer nights, the rustle of leaves and flowers in full bloom.
It’s the perfect time of the year to live life the fullest, plan for tomorrow and forget about yesterday. But what happens when the shadows come out to play?
After all…you won’t see it coming until it hits you in the Shadows in Bloom.
Garry Michael, Bailey Nicole, Jessie Walker, Becca Steele, Chani Lynn Feener, Harleigh Beck, Marie Ann, Julie Anne Addicott and Lola Malone have come together to bring you deliciously exhilarating late summer inspired novella-length darkish romance stories featuring new and/or familiar characters.
This dark romance anthology has themes such as revenge, obsession or bullying, and as such, contains stories with situations, themes and references that some readers may find triggering. Reader discretion is strongly advised. For a detailed content warning, please check the author’s respective websites and/or note the listed warnings within the table of contents.
My name is Lola Malone and I'm a European-based author who has endeavored into the world of writing dark, morally gray characters who occupy fictive colleges.
When I'm not reading, writing, or fantasizing about other worlds and stories, I'm probably at the gym or away, visiting historic sites with my husband and three sons.
⊹ ⁺ ₊ ✧ Shadows in Bloom: A Dark Romance Anthology┊5 stars ✧ ₊ ⁺ ⊹
☆₊⋆ → Prey for us sinners by Jessie Walker┊I ate this up😩 I need more!! This sapphic paranormal story was mysterious and thrilling, I had to read it all in one sitting. I was so intrigued by Winifred and Ophelia, wanting desperately to figure out what happened between them in the past. If we’ll get more later on (🧎♀️➡️🛐🙏🏼) it’s safe to say I’ll be not-so-patiently waiting🫡🤭
∘₊✧ ── "I’m blinded by it. My hunger for her." ── ✧₊∘
⋆╰┈✩ some tropes are:
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄☆⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺ 1:35 ─── ⊹ songs I listened to ⊹ ────── 3:47 ♫ author’s playlist!!
☾ TWs☽
note: I received an arc and this is my honest review.
I will update these as I read each story but I received and arc of Jessie Walkers Prey for us sinners AND HOLY FUCK IT WAS GOOOD. If you want a sapphic PNR that feels like the craft meets the exorcist vibes than YOU NEED THIS. I AM OBSESSED I NEED MORE
I genuinely cannot explain how quickly I ATE THIS UP. If you know me, you know I swear by anything Jessie writes. And she did NOT disappoint.
Winifred and Ophelia intrigued me so quick and the town they live in Hollow Hill… obviously with a name like that you KNOW this book is going to be spooky as fuck. 🙏🏼
This novella is such a quick read, and I cannot explain how much I recommend it. PLEASE read the TWs.
MM Dark Romance → What to expect : Pyromania Pyrophobia Stalking/Obsession Touch him and die Hunter/Hunted Abduction Cannibalism Non-con/Dub-con Violence/Torture/Murder Childhood Friends
In this anthology, Julie introduces us to Salem and Justice from “The Desecration of Justice.” If you have read “Danse Macabre” you may have already met them. Salem who is Diablo's right arm and the most precious person in his life, his « brother » and I couldn't wait to read his story, because of his close relationship with Diablo but also for his atypical personality, and Justice who has been Salem's obsession since they are children.
I have already said this for “Danse Macabre” but also for many other books by Julie. But WOW, the way she puts herself in the shoes of characters who are just children is impressive. She perfectly masters the way a child reacts, thinks, speaks. There is never any exaggeration, no inconsistency in how a child may act. For me, this is one of the main strengths of Julie's writing talent. And once again, you won't be disappointed here.
Salem and Justice meet at school. Salem supervises Justice who is younger than him. But Salem is not like all children since he suffers from a syndrome. And this syndrome is certainly known by all of us but also little known. We only know the highest form and the most “shocking” form that is shared with us in the media. And once again, Julie masters her subject. She knows this syndrome and conveys it perfectly through the character of Salem. It’s never exaggerated, it’s never poorly presented. When Julie takes on a subject, especially a subject rarely presented in books. She doesn't do things by halves. We feel the research carried out, we possibly also feel that these could be real-life situations and that they are carried out perfectly. I won’t name the syndrome, I don’t want to spoil anyone but if you are curious about it, read the book, you will not be disapointed of how it’s represented in this book. Other than this syndrome, Salem is a pyromaniac since he is a kid. He has an obsession with fire. And Justice in the other hand, is terrified by fire.
𝐈𝐟 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐭𝐞.
Justice and Salem's relationship since they were children, aww.. How can Julie make psycho kids so endearing? Justice is Salem's obsession, and he doesn't want to leave him alone at school, he defends him, he always somehow takes care of him. They are simply adorable. Well.. as adorable as Salem can be while being a little arsonist from a young age haha.
The relationship between the two of them is intense. Salem has never forgotten Justice. He tracks him down, pursues him, chases him. He won't let anything get in his way to get what he wants, and what he wants is: Justice. Justice, for its part, is torn. He flees Salem, he is desperately afraid of him, while wanting him despite himself. It is a relationship of pure obsession, devotion, toxic driven by torture and violence. It's dark as hell. If you like stalking in dark romances. This book is the most perfect to enjoy this theme.
This short story in the anthology is just the beginning of the story of Salem and Justice. A small teaser. The Desecration of Justice will be an entire book with the complete story of our two characters and the continuation also of the characters we have already met in « Danse Macabre ». And, I can’t express to you how much I can’t wait to read the rest.
Reviews for each individual story in this anthology:
1. Prey for us Sinners - Jessie Walker *4.5 Stars*
This was a captivating short story with allllll the vibes. It was sexy, sweet, creepy, and I had NO idea where we were going throughout any of this. I don’t want to spoil much (because short story) but this would be the perfect Halloween read.
And that ending?!?! Jessie. I need mooooore 🤯
Read if you are interested in: - Dark sapphic paranormal romance - Estranged childhood best friends - Unsettling gothic vibes - Religious / occult themes - Twisted plot
I haven't read an anthology in a long while because I know sometimes the short stories don't lead to full-lengths, but I couldn't resist trying this out after seeing the list of authors and the different premises. Overall, it was a decent queer dark romance/horror collection, and the vibes that each author brought to the table matched each other well. No story felt like it didn't belong here and I loved the variety of dynamics here. That said, I definitely have my favorites. Here are my brief thoughts for each in order of appearance!
🔹Amaranthine by Marie Ann | F/F | 3 ⭐| ends in a cliffhanger, but had a compelling start and I was looking forward to seeing how things would build up. I only just discovered this author so it sucks to hear that she recently went on hiatus/retiring for now. 😭 🔹The Desecration of Justice by Julie Ann Addicott | M/M | 1⭐| Honestly, I could have probably been down for this premise, but there was zero chemistry, I didn't really care aout the characters, there was a bit too much going on for a short story, and I almost wish this was about Salem/Diablo rather than Salem/Justice lmao. (Me and my second lead syndrome, sob sob sob) 🔹Hemlock by Becca Steele | F/F | 4⭐| Loved the circus theme and really enjoyed the revenge story we got here. The hurt/comfort was really nice and I was intrigued by the cast enough to check out another short story the author had featuring three of the guys. This world is one where I wish would get fleshed out into a full-length, but what Becca did here served its purpose well as a short story!! 🔹Prey for Us Sinners by Jessie Walker | F/F | 3.5⭐| LOOOOVE the ex-best friends second chance with a super fun paranormal twist. This is another story that I hope gets a full length and reminded me of why I tend to not read anthologies. I need MOOOORE. 🤣 🔹Devil May Take by Chani Lynn Feener | M/M | 4⭐| Chani almost never fails to deliver for me and I'm happy to say that this novella was a perfect bite-sized read as part of of her Devils of Vitality series. It had the intense first meeting, the hurt/comfort, the immediate obsessions and hot smut. Could not ask for more in a short story! 🔹Nightshade by Harleigh Beck| M/M | 4⭐| This was one I was HIGHLY anticipating after a friend shared a reel with me and it totally met my expectations and more!!! I loved the forbidden taboo + erotica horror vibes. I really can't wait to read more about these two, even if Harleigh says it isn't a romance. 😏 🔹Warring Fixation by Lola Malone | M/M | 2⭐| There was way too much going on for this short story and I think I could've appreciated it more if there was more buildup, but this is supposed to be the foundational setup I assume, so I couldn't enjoy it as much and didn't feel invested.
Pray For Us Sinners is a dark romance short in the Shadows In Bloom Anthology.
This is your vibe if you like Sapphic Gothic vibes Religious and occult themes
I didn’t know what you to expect with this short, to be honest I didn’t read the blurb. I’m a Jessie fan and I’ll give whatever she writes a go.
I wouldn’t actively seek this out only in the sense that I don’t read the PNR vibes. But as always Jessie’s writing is brilliant and this is devilishly beautiful. If you’re looking to dip your toe in this would be a great place to start.
I completely devoured Nightshade in one sitting. It had me on the edge of my seat and SO hot and bothered let me tell you.🔥
The passion and heat between the two MMC’s was very apparent from the get go. The dynamic between the two had me sweating bullets and basically drooling on my kindle.😅
The plot was thrilling and Cruz definitely gives off a disturbing and unsettling vibe but at the same time you can’t help but root for him and sit with anticipation for his next move.
Harleigh Beck has a way with words that makes you never want put your book down. As always, read the trigger warning before diving in as it touches on some very dark themes. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Just read Prey for Us Sinners by Jessie Walker. This is Jessie's first FF story. And I'm here for it! Loved getting to know Winifred & Ophelia. Still lots to learn about their dark world and I can't wait for more.
Oh, I see how it is, Jessie Walker! You give us this fantastic taste of Winifred and Ophelia’s story, knowing that we will all be champing at the bit for the extended version you have up your sleeve. Gah! 😩 I’ll just be sitting here in purgatory until it’s done.
In all seriousness, this was fantastic. I haven’t read many dark sapphic romances, but clearly, I need more. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the full length book. 🥰😈
⚠️ A few trigger warnings: Paranormal possession, ouija boards, religious themes. Proceed with caution.
This story follows Jamie and Fiona, who made an appearance in Inevitable Destruction as side characters, while they tentatively start a new relationship with each other. However, Fiona seems to be hiding a dark secret. This story was intriguing and I would have liked to read more, but it ends on a cliffhanger, and since the author has retired it's extremely unlikely we'll ever see it resolved.
The Desecration of Justice by Julie Ann Addicott (MM) - DNF
This was kind of like a childhood obsession-to-lovers type scenario, except with lots of arson, stalking, noncon, bodily harm, and even cannibalism. It was okay at first, but around halfway through I grew bored, and it really felt like too many awful things were being thrown in there at once to make the MMC as morally black as possible. Plus he had Tourettes syndrome, however it kinda disappeared as the story went on, as if it were forgotten.
Hemlock by Becca Steele (FF) - 3★
This is a completed novella which takes place in some kind of vigilante circus, where two aerial acrobatics fall in love and exact their revenge on somebody from one of their pasts. It was a fun story, but not really much to it.
Pray for Us Sinners by Jessie Walker (FF) - 4★
A sapphic romance set in an all-girls catholic school, where two girls are seemingly possessed by some kind of dark spirit. I didn't know WTF was going on half the time, but I was definitely invested, and I can't wait to read this when it comes out as a full length novel!
Devil May Take by Chain Lynn Feeder (MM) - 4★
A completed novella about two aliens on a fictional planet who cross paths under precarious circumstances. Nikita finds himself indebted to Ledger, and all that that entails...
Honestly, this one was hella fun. Again, it's super short, so there isn't much time to really delve into the story and world building, but I liked the characters and they had great chemistry.
Nightshade by Harleigh Beck (MM) - 3.5★
An age-gap, dad's best friend, stalker romance, rife with dubcon, drugging, and murder. It was a fun time, but quite ridiculous. Ends on a cliffhanger of sorts, and supposedly will be continued.
Warring Fixation by Lola Malone (MM) - DNF
A fantasy MM story, seemingly involving battle, but I didn't get that far. The world building and the writing style was just not suited to me.
Overall rating: 3★
Overall I enjoyed the anthology, although a couple of the stories were misses for me, and it was difficult to be truly blown away by any of them with how short they were. I might have enjoyed this more if the stories were complete novellas, rather than unfinished books which may not be completed for years, if ever. However, there are a couple of these that I'm really looking forward to seeing expanded.
Picture this: a medieval gothic era, with gods, knights on horses, serving slaves, and games in arena.
Astor, the future Leopard of the Novarian army, and his one-year younger brother Fabiano will attend the new year at the prestigious Academiae Scientia. The entrance of the House of Darmayar delegation was quite impressive. Astor is stunned by the graceful and elegance of their blond leader.
After settling in their rooms, they will start the year with the games. The winner can claim another person for a chosen time.
I was a bit dazzled by this world. There were hundreds of different impressions, my head hurt a bit. Not only the content was medieval, but the words and the writing were exactly that too. As if I was reading an old weathered book, with a thick leather cover that smelled of history. Stunningly done. The story was short but felt large, I enjoyed it, only cliffhangers not so. A very intriguing story that left me a bit breathless.
This review is for Nightshade, Harleigh Beck's MM erotic short story for this anthology.
HARLEIGHHHHHH. WOW. She's done it again. Genuinely so thoroughly enjoyed this little fire pot of a short story whew. Harleigh's writing style is so engrossing I have yet to find a Harleigh book that I haven't fallen head first into. It was tense, it was sexy, it was everything I need from an erotic short story. If you enjoy erotic horror stories I not only recommend this one but ANY of Harleigh's novellas... QUEEN OF MH LIFFFFEEEEEE 🖤
When Jessie Walker announced she was writing a sapphic paranormal romance I was desperate to get my hands on it! I am a huge fan of Jessie Walker and having her writing spill into paranormal territory .... YES PLEASE.
Prey for Us Sinners felt more like horror romance to me (though I am no expert on the subgenre so don't come for me). It is SPOOKY!! Two ex-best friends Ophelia and Winifred are Catholic students in the eerie and gothic town of Hollow Hills. I was immediately hooked by the blend of hostility and desire between them and desperate to unravel their disturbing history.
I generally struggle with short stories and novellas so it's no surprise that I wish this was longer. The conclusion is also open-ended with space for further development of their story... and I really hope we get that! Overall, it was really exciting to see Walker flex her writing muscles with a paranormal story. She is such a talented storyteller and I’m so excited for whatever else she has coming our way!
I am incredibly grateful to Jessie Walker for providing an early copy of her short story for review.
Great story by Feener. We are coming to the end of the line as most of the Devils have their own stories. Ledger is one we don't see as often, but I loved his story also
I just finished Harleigh Beck’s novella Nightshade which is an MM erotic horror in this anthology and HOLY SHIT. Cruz and Marshall’s push and pull was delicious. And Cruz is a sexy little crazy psycho stalker and I loved his crazy ass. I NEED MORE. So delicious and so hot.
I enjoyed reading each short story from this anthology, however, I originally read it for author Harleigh Beck’s contribution to Shadows In Bloom.
The novella Nightshade, was an absolute fire of a read! Harleigh knows how to bring the unhinged front and centre and Cruz is one broody MMC that you're not gonna want to miss. A journey of obsession and awakening, this is an essential read for all the MM dark stalker romance lovers. Marshal, the other MMC is a professor whose life takes an unexpected turn. Cruz on the other hand is Marshal’s friend’s son. Overtly intense, Cruz brings all his dark desires and kinks to the fore in a single-minded obsessive dedication to his new Professor. He’s always wanted Marshal and now that he has him where he wants him he’ll stop at nothing to keep him. Forbidden desires will rage unchecked and anyone who gets in the way of Cruz may meet a tragic end. This short story will titillate and make your toes curl. The most unphased of you may even blush profusely— Nightshade is that darn delicious.
Overall, I cannot fault any of the Shadows In Bloom offerings and highly recommend any and all jump on it ASAP.
Prey for Us Sinners + The Desecration of Justice —— Im keeping the reviews short and sweet but I just want to say that both of these were utter perfection and I’m already absolutely F E R A L for their full stories!
𝕻𝖗𝖊𝖞 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖀𝖘 𝕾𝖎𝖓𝖓𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝘉𝘺 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘦𝘳 This was everything I could have possibly hoped for. If you love dark academia vibes, with a catholic school setting surrounded by dark coastal woods, you’re going to devour this. The ending will leave you squealing and screaming wtf just happened!? 👁️ sapphic pnr romance 🐍 secrets + betrayal 🕯️ religious / occult themes 🐍 estranged best friends 👁️ 🩸play + rituals + devilish deals
𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕯𝖊𝖘𝖊𝖈𝖗𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝖔𝖋 𝕵𝖚𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖈𝖊 𝘉𝘺 𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘦 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘦 𝘈𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘵𝘵 I fell in love with Salem in ‘Danse Macabre’ and became absolutely OBSESSED with him and Justice after this teaser! They had me hooked from the first chapter and craving so much more by the end. If you thought Diablo was insane? Think again! This was another absolute dark masterpiece by Julie and will give you a great taste for her writing if you’ve never read her work before. 🔥 pyromania + pyrophobia ⛓️ stalking / obsession 🥩 cannibalism ⛓️ abduction 🔥 non-con + dub-con
Nightshade by Harleigh Beck Sԋαԃσɯʂ ιɳ Bʅσσɱ - A Dαɾƙ Rσɱαɳƈҽ Aɳƚԋσʅσɠყ
It was damn interesting and I'm always a sucker for dark MM romance.
Book Review: What happens when you have been waiting for years to make him yours and now you finally have a chance? What happens when you spend a night with him and now he is confused as fuck as to what has happened? What happens when he is a straight man for years but now your presence and acts have left him confused? What do you think will now happen? Is he a straight man or has he been thinking that he is a straight man? What happens when that straight man happens to be your professor and your dad's childhood friend? Do you think they have a chance?
Tropes & T/Ws: >> Dark MM romance >> Novella >> Age-gap / St@lker >> Student x professor >> Dad's best friend >> Murder / Violence >> Mention of divorce >> Hurt/ Comfort >> Pain / fear kink >> Erotic horror >> Obsessive MMC >> Flirt with him & die >> Dom & Sub play
I loved this book. In for a sub-professor & dom-student dark stalker MM romance book, then what are you waiting for... read it now.
"Focus, Determination and Confidence. He could practically hear his father bark the word."
Warring Fixation By Lola Malone
I read Lola's short story in the Shadow in Blooms book and I am honestly not surprise at her ability of creating a world that she is new to. She has successfully piqued my interest in a MM medieval gothic fantasy, enemies to lovers.
Five years ago something happened. A death and a sacrifice for the good of a family, the House of Novar to be exact. Astor is the son of Leopard of House of Novar, becomes the head leader of one of the largest army. After a huge loss to him and his family, Astor dedicates his life to his people. His father, who he works hard for to make him proud, his brothers who his cares and takes care of in any way he can and his dear friends. Theres no room for anyone else. Forced to play nice at his university with other 4 other "Nations" Astor once again show the entire university the reason they are undefeated. Everyone takes their specialty seriously, his being a Jouster. Once its his turn to compete, he is left wondering if anyone will be strong enough to challenge him. Arriving late, a nation, a house, Damaryans, challenges him in a Joust. Who is the person accepting this challenge to joust against? The leader of Damaryans, Illias. From the moment that he rides up in his horse, Astor cant deny Illias beauty. His attraction to Illias, cant be denied. Their battle begins to see who is the strongest. I wonder who comes knocking at Astors door later? I am so excited to find out.
I am so excited to get lost in this new world that Lola is creating, I already know it’s going to be intense and exciting.
1st - I was like wow this is gooooood but then as I read the others this easily became mid 2.5/5
2nd - mmc was the captain of the delulu team in the town of unhingopolis, the chaos and pain was a wild ride minus a few plot holes 4/5
3rd - I’ve read so many circus ones that this one was a blip in my memory. Truly cannot recall much except two girls 🤷🏽♀️ 2/5
4th - NOW HERE IS THE GOOD SHIT. This story being so short, immediately illegal. I was 100% invested and I may just be a itsy bit biased but hot diggity damn I would give my left tit away without a second thought for a full version. It was spooky, spicy, angsty, occult, I could go on… the point is 5/5
5th - this one was just fun and so different from the others 4/5
6th - 👀 the start was very questionable and 100% not okay but the cookoo for Marshall with the age gap and all the psychoness to make Marshall his was good shit. Don’t condone the intro but the rest solid af 4/5
7th - againnnnnnn ….solid but I’m still reeling from the others especially pray for us sinners that this one only hit a 3/5
This novella was beyond amazing. 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘦 is a dark MM, dad's best friend, age-gap romance.
I couldn't get enough. I only wish it was MUCH longer. This novella was spicy WITH plot. It's so very forbidden and I loved every second of it.
Cruz.. well lets just say I wasn't expecting.. that. Cruz is a literal psycho who will stop at NOTHING to make sure Marshall, his father's best friend, is his. And ONLY his. Obsession. Stalking. Maybe even a little.. murder.
This was probably the best novella i've ever read. But it is very dark so do be aware of that!
I want more. I NEED more of this story and Cruz and Marshall.
i received an arc for the desecration of justice by julie anne addicott
GNAWING AT THE BARS OF MY ENCLOSURE!!! i need more right this second 😭 i can’t explain what the reason is but julie’s writing makes me FERAL!!
the amount of highlights i have from a 79 page short story is ridiculous, but i’m obsessed!
salem is absolutely unhinged, obsessive, possessive in the most extreme ways possible and i love him for it!! and justice ughhh i just love him! sweet baby, i can’t wait to learn more about him in the full book. finding out just how deep salems obsession with justice goes was everything i needed.
and of course seeing more of the bond between salem and diablo, my favourite unhinged brothers 🤭
as always i’m blown away with julie’s incredible talent and i can’t wait for more!!
A compilation of stories that are a great introduction that lead you into wanting to read the complete book by that particular author. There are MM and FF stories within this anthology and each has their own trigger warnings.
A few new authors to me too. The writing for each draws you in and keeps you captivated, meaning I now need the full stories for their characters 🖤
Love the fact proceeds from this book will be donated, such a lovely thing to do ❤️
Jessie Walker (Prey for Us Sinners): *FF romance *Dubcon *Religion stuff I seriously can’t describe how much I loved this book… I started reading thinking only about a dark story, with religious girls and their daily typical troubles. What I didn’t expect was a dark, consuming and twisted story, with ‘paranormal’ elements and a story that I really wish that was more, because it is perfect. 5 freaking stars absolutely!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ He’s a nightmare. I never want to wake up.
Oh Harleigh, I just love your diabolical mind! Horror, obsession, MM awakening. There’s just something special about Cruz and Marshall’s story. It can be read as a complete spicy and dark snack, but the ending does allow for further exploration.
The Desecration of Justice - Salem & Justice short story.
Early 2025 can't even come fast enough!!!! I'm happy I was able to read more about Justice and Salem. (although I need MORE!!) Salem to be honest is scary asf and I'm so ready but not ready for more of him 😂😭
I received the ARC for Harleigh Beck’s Nightshade and oh my goodness. I need more, like NOW!!! why would leave me on a cliffhanger like that?! 😭 this was such a messed up story but I loved every second of it!
Whoa whoa wow omg ok that was hot and dirty and alllll the effing things omg
If you like age gap (the younger one is deffff more dominant than the older one 😮💨) so over the top possessive that he kills for him? Um ya read Nightshade by Harleigh Beck in this anthology.