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Dark Winter
For ten years, I've watched her every move.
I never let her go.
And now, it’s time for her to come home.
Belle thinks I'm the villain.
She’s come back looking for revenge.
If only she knew how many bodies I've buried…
To keep her safe.
I let her hate me.
Let her plot against me.
But she belongs here. With me.
Whether she knows it yet or not.
I'll let her play her game of revenge.
Let her think she's winning.
But I won't let her leave again.
She’s always meant to be mine.
And I will make her see that.
Even if I have to lock her in this resort…
To keep her by my side this time.
Read on A dark romance where the boy she loved becomes a man possessed when she leaves. He might be the villain in her story, but she’s always been his salvation... whether she wants to be or not. Get ready for a love that never dies, deadly family secrets, and a fine line between protection and possession in this twisty second chance romance.
I never let her go.
And now, it’s time for her to come home.
Belle thinks I'm the villain.
She’s come back looking for revenge.
If only she knew how many bodies I've buried…
To keep her safe.
I let her hate me.
Let her plot against me.
But she belongs here. With me.
Whether she knows it yet or not.
I'll let her play her game of revenge.
Let her think she's winning.
But I won't let her leave again.
She’s always meant to be mine.
And I will make her see that.
Even if I have to lock her in this resort…
To keep her by my side this time.
Read on A dark romance where the boy she loved becomes a man possessed when she leaves. He might be the villain in her story, but she’s always been his salvation... whether she wants to be or not. Get ready for a love that never dies, deadly family secrets, and a fine line between protection and possession in this twisty second chance romance.
Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 20, 2025
The amount of inconsistencies ...
Emma/belle...plotted and planned revenge on Aston for ten years and the day of the interview she was already under his spell. He was too close to her... Breathing on her.
According to the book it seems within two weeks she was in bed with him... No protection. He said he took her skirt off and the only thing underneath is dark skin. The next page she is taking her panties off. But they were sleeping together. The next time they mention being intimate she asked about protection.
They ski three black diamond paths before noon but she falls and hurts her knee - ligament strain. In the hospital she has to have tests and Sarah comes in with Jaime After she sends Aston home for food/shower.
Emma/belle states she knows of Sarah (Ashton sis) but they are not close yet they appear to be best buds, drinking buddies, sharing secrets.
The next thing you read she has a routine of therapy, work & home. Except according to belle its the same day...
The knee is good one day, bad the next.. She's limping but can wrap her legs a round him or straddle him. Then she has a knee issue again.
She states he wears tom ford suits, expensive watches dressed for work but when he comes home he takes off his jacket, tie and shirt while she trying to get his jeans undone?!
After they take care of Victor he takes her back to the chalet and removes her black dress but she wore a black turtleneck, dark jeans and boots?
Another time he removes his shirt but a paragraph later she is getting his shirt off?. Did she pick it off the floor?
Toward the end the 10 years she was away mysteriously becomes 15 years...
Muscle memory and her body fits mine perfectly... Oh my goodness find some new phrases. I was tired of reading those two
Emma/belle...plotted and planned revenge on Aston for ten years and the day of the interview she was already under his spell. He was too close to her... Breathing on her.
According to the book it seems within two weeks she was in bed with him... No protection. He said he took her skirt off and the only thing underneath is dark skin. The next page she is taking her panties off. But they were sleeping together. The next time they mention being intimate she asked about protection.
They ski three black diamond paths before noon but she falls and hurts her knee - ligament strain. In the hospital she has to have tests and Sarah comes in with Jaime After she sends Aston home for food/shower.
Emma/belle states she knows of Sarah (Ashton sis) but they are not close yet they appear to be best buds, drinking buddies, sharing secrets.
The next thing you read she has a routine of therapy, work & home. Except according to belle its the same day...
The knee is good one day, bad the next.. She's limping but can wrap her legs a round him or straddle him. Then she has a knee issue again.
She states he wears tom ford suits, expensive watches dressed for work but when he comes home he takes off his jacket, tie and shirt while she trying to get his jeans undone?!
After they take care of Victor he takes her back to the chalet and removes her black dress but she wore a black turtleneck, dark jeans and boots?
Another time he removes his shirt but a paragraph later she is getting his shirt off?. Did she pick it off the floor?
Toward the end the 10 years she was away mysteriously becomes 15 years...
Muscle memory and her body fits mine perfectly... Oh my goodness find some new phrases. I was tired of reading those two
January 31, 2025
3.00 Stars. (BW/WM). Kindle Unlimited Edition of approximately 275 page e-book.
Setting: Contemporary times in Denver, Colorado.
Trope: Second change romance.
Characters:
1. Aston Sterling, hero, wealthy CEO of Sterling Resorts.
2. Belle Anderson aka Emma Lang, heroine, is a mixed race Black female of Chinese heritage. Belle is also a specialist in resort design and operations.
3. Sarah Sterling is Aston's sister.
4. Jamie Anderson is Belle's brother.
5. Marcus Barlowe is owns Apex Resorts, Sterling's main competitor.
6. Victor Kane is working to overthrow Sterling Resorts.
7. Dominic is Aston's head of security and his right hand man.
The author's craftsmanship is not in question; however, the storyline of this story is worrisome. Belle was fourteen and Aston was sixteen when their romance was ended by events around their family's businesses. Aside from disapproving of his son dating mixed race, Belle, Aston's father bankrupted Belle's father and as a result, Belle's father lost his Resort and committed suicide. Belle blamed Aston and for ten years plotted her revenge. Aston blamed himself and spent ten years loving Belle and keeping tabs on how she was doing. His intention being to one day claim her as his own. The story failed to show any romantic chemistry between Aston and Belle and their ten year histus didn't help.
Setting: Contemporary times in Denver, Colorado.
Trope: Second change romance.
Characters:
1. Aston Sterling, hero, wealthy CEO of Sterling Resorts.
2. Belle Anderson aka Emma Lang, heroine, is a mixed race Black female of Chinese heritage. Belle is also a specialist in resort design and operations.
3. Sarah Sterling is Aston's sister.
4. Jamie Anderson is Belle's brother.
5. Marcus Barlowe is owns Apex Resorts, Sterling's main competitor.
6. Victor Kane is working to overthrow Sterling Resorts.
7. Dominic is Aston's head of security and his right hand man.
The author's craftsmanship is not in question; however, the storyline of this story is worrisome. Belle was fourteen and Aston was sixteen when their romance was ended by events around their family's businesses. Aside from disapproving of his son dating mixed race, Belle, Aston's father bankrupted Belle's father and as a result, Belle's father lost his Resort and committed suicide. Belle blamed Aston and for ten years plotted her revenge. Aston blamed himself and spent ten years loving Belle and keeping tabs on how she was doing. His intention being to one day claim her as his own. The story failed to show any romantic chemistry between Aston and Belle and their ten year histus didn't help.
February 10, 2025
Indescribable Love
Not too many teenage love survived, but Aston ( I love the name) & Belle defied trauma, distance and time as in years. These two were definitely destined to be together. I love Aston protectiveness to the point some might call it controlling or obsessive, but it all came from deep love. He loved her above all else, there isn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for her, her pain was his , he could feel her pain and whoever hurt her, would pay dearly… She is the Only woman for him. Period!! … Ok I get carried away…
And, as for Belle , even though she was hurt and running away from it all, her heart was still beating for only one guy : Aston , she tried to hate him & consumed with the plan of destroying him… Funny thing is, even knowing all that, Aston still loved her & would gave up all for her.
I can’t do the review justice, there is too many twist and turns. So, let’s conclude with this: I loved it and it kept me captivated to the very end!
👍👍
Not too many teenage love survived, but Aston ( I love the name) & Belle defied trauma, distance and time as in years. These two were definitely destined to be together. I love Aston protectiveness to the point some might call it controlling or obsessive, but it all came from deep love. He loved her above all else, there isn’t a thing he wouldn’t do for her, her pain was his , he could feel her pain and whoever hurt her, would pay dearly… She is the Only woman for him. Period!! … Ok I get carried away…
And, as for Belle , even though she was hurt and running away from it all, her heart was still beating for only one guy : Aston , she tried to hate him & consumed with the plan of destroying him… Funny thing is, even knowing all that, Aston still loved her & would gave up all for her.
I can’t do the review justice, there is too many twist and turns. So, let’s conclude with this: I loved it and it kept me captivated to the very end!
👍👍
February 11, 2025
repetitive
It was cool. I’ll read another by this author but this story was really repetitive for me so I skipped around.
It was cool. I’ll read another by this author but this story was really repetitive for me so I skipped around.
February 8, 2025
ummmm
Ehhhhh. This book definitely had potential, but it fell flat before it could take off. The first few chapters were good, but after that, it felt rushed.
Ehhhhh. This book definitely had potential, but it fell flat before it could take off. The first few chapters were good, but after that, it felt rushed.
January 14, 2025
I am 99% convinced that this book was written by AI or Chat GPT. It was annoyingly repetitive and has ZERO continuality. Chapter 1&2 got me. Then the rest was copy and paste.
This part made me roll my eyes to the back of my head and it almost stayed there. almost - he put her on on the counter, then she wrapped her busted knee around his waist, he unbuttoned her jeans put his finger in and then slammed his jolly rogers in. so he did all of that with her jeans on??? And who wears jeans with a swollen knee the same day of the accident, going to the hospital and getting discharged. the things the FMC was doing while her knee was busted makes no sense. AI should've made her brake a finger instead, that would've made more sense.
When you see the name Sarah, it is ALWAYS followed by "designer heels clicking against the hard wood floor" and "Instagram ready"
When you see the name Dominic, it is ALWAYS followed by "his shoulder holster visible beneath his jacket" or "Military"
The way someone eyes, smell and look is described is the exact same way throughout the ENTIRE book
And the creme de la creme, EVERY.SINGLE.CHAPTER has "floor to ceiling windows" and "floor to ceiling book shelf" I knew the office and the chalet had that since chapter 1, but i guess the AI or chat GPT or the "author" needed reminder in every chapter.
Chalet was used way to much to describe the house. she walked across the chalet, she went to the bathroom in the chalet, he put her on the counter of the chalet, he walked out the door of the chalet. you see where I'm going with this.
This book was a hot mess and the plot was predictable. I gave it 2 stars because i wanted to see if my prediction was correct and it was so i finished the book.
This part made me roll my eyes to the back of my head and it almost stayed there. almost - he put her on on the counter, then she wrapped her busted knee around his waist, he unbuttoned her jeans put his finger in and then slammed his jolly rogers in. so he did all of that with her jeans on??? And who wears jeans with a swollen knee the same day of the accident, going to the hospital and getting discharged. the things the FMC was doing while her knee was busted makes no sense. AI should've made her brake a finger instead, that would've made more sense.
When you see the name Sarah, it is ALWAYS followed by "designer heels clicking against the hard wood floor" and "Instagram ready"
When you see the name Dominic, it is ALWAYS followed by "his shoulder holster visible beneath his jacket" or "Military"
The way someone eyes, smell and look is described is the exact same way throughout the ENTIRE book
And the creme de la creme, EVERY.SINGLE.CHAPTER has "floor to ceiling windows" and "floor to ceiling book shelf" I knew the office and the chalet had that since chapter 1, but i guess the AI or chat GPT or the "author" needed reminder in every chapter.
Chalet was used way to much to describe the house. she walked across the chalet, she went to the bathroom in the chalet, he put her on the counter of the chalet, he walked out the door of the chalet. you see where I'm going with this.
This book was a hot mess and the plot was predictable. I gave it 2 stars because i wanted to see if my prediction was correct and it was so i finished the book.
December 14, 2024
A Dark and Twisted Romance
Dark Winter is a captivating blend of passion, revenge, and forbidden love. The story follows Belle, a woman determined to seek revenge on the man who inadvertently ruined her life, and Aston, the man who's been patiently waiting for her return.
The author masterfully weaves a tale of obsession, desire, and the complexities of love. The intense chemistry between Belle and Aston is palpable, and their tumultuous relationship keeps you hooked. The plot is full of twists and turns, and the suspenseful atmosphere adds to the overall appeal.
While the characters are intriguing, some readers might find Belle's motivations a bit unrealistic at times. However, the author's vivid writing style and engaging storyline make up for any minor shortcomings.
If you're a fan of dark romance with a touch of suspense, Dark Winter is worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dark Winter is a captivating blend of passion, revenge, and forbidden love. The story follows Belle, a woman determined to seek revenge on the man who inadvertently ruined her life, and Aston, the man who's been patiently waiting for her return.
The author masterfully weaves a tale of obsession, desire, and the complexities of love. The intense chemistry between Belle and Aston is palpable, and their tumultuous relationship keeps you hooked. The plot is full of twists and turns, and the suspenseful atmosphere adds to the overall appeal.
While the characters are intriguing, some readers might find Belle's motivations a bit unrealistic at times. However, the author's vivid writing style and engaging storyline make up for any minor shortcomings.
If you're a fan of dark romance with a touch of suspense, Dark Winter is worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2025
Tropes: alphahole, medium burn, enemies to lovers (ish)
I like the idea of this book more than I like this book. It was difficult to get into, though. And here’s why. The author needed to have someone proofread it before publishing. And if she did have someone proofread it (besides herself), they did a very poor job of it. There were misspellings (such as “here” instead of “hear”), missing words, and looping. An example is in one spicy scene, the author writes that the FMC lifts his shirt over his head. In the very NEXT paragraph, she’s unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it off his arms. In this same instance, she’s talking about how smooth his chest is, and in the next paragraph, his chest has scars. It was things like that in which this book was hard to follow and hard to really get into.
I would not recommend this book to others, and I won't be reading more of her books. There are other books, same concepts found here, with better writing.
I like the idea of this book more than I like this book. It was difficult to get into, though. And here’s why. The author needed to have someone proofread it before publishing. And if she did have someone proofread it (besides herself), they did a very poor job of it. There were misspellings (such as “here” instead of “hear”), missing words, and looping. An example is in one spicy scene, the author writes that the FMC lifts his shirt over his head. In the very NEXT paragraph, she’s unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it off his arms. In this same instance, she’s talking about how smooth his chest is, and in the next paragraph, his chest has scars. It was things like that in which this book was hard to follow and hard to really get into.
I would not recommend this book to others, and I won't be reading more of her books. There are other books, same concepts found here, with better writing.
December 16, 2024
The Truth Always Comes Out…
I’m a firm believer that no matter what, the truth ALWAYS comes out. And it’s very evident in this book.
The intrigue and the fact that Belle and Aston have a chemistry that embodies both trust, but also respect. Their chemistry alone is enough to make one blush…
‘Dark Winter’ is definitely a book you read, to start any holiday weekend off with. Heck, any day is a good enough time to read it.
Any opinions, recommendations, or suggestions expressed within this review our Solely and uniquely made by me. I originally and voluntarily received in advance copy of this book via Bsprout.
I’m a firm believer that no matter what, the truth ALWAYS comes out. And it’s very evident in this book.
The intrigue and the fact that Belle and Aston have a chemistry that embodies both trust, but also respect. Their chemistry alone is enough to make one blush…
‘Dark Winter’ is definitely a book you read, to start any holiday weekend off with. Heck, any day is a good enough time to read it.
Any opinions, recommendations, or suggestions expressed within this review our Solely and uniquely made by me. I originally and voluntarily received in advance copy of this book via Bsprout.
December 9, 2024
Aston and Belle hooked me from the first page. Aston and Belle's father's ran resorts right next to each other until her father went bankrupt and lost everything changing her life. Now she is back to extract revenge but her connection with Aston is a strong one that has the feelings she has tried to put aside to resurface. Will their reconnection lead them to rekindling the love they had before all the trauma that had her leaving.
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.
December 12, 2024
If you like dark romances then Aston and Belle's story is a must read. There are dark and steamy moments and an obsession. Aston is obsessed with her and now that she is back he will not let her get away. Great storyline and characters that keep you interested with plenty of romance and hot and steamy scenes.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review..
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review..
January 13, 2025
💖💖💖
I loved Aston & Belle story. It was much different from previous BWWM romance novels I've read. It had a storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat. There was sexy scenes but the book didn't overwhelm you with them. The fact that Aston kept surveillance over Belle for years is remarkable. I thought it was creepy initially but he was keeping her safe in his obsessive way cause he loved her.
I loved Aston & Belle story. It was much different from previous BWWM romance novels I've read. It had a storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat. There was sexy scenes but the book didn't overwhelm you with them. The fact that Aston kept surveillance over Belle for years is remarkable. I thought it was creepy initially but he was keeping her safe in his obsessive way cause he loved her.
January 21, 2025
3.8
I was not really moved by the characters. Something about this story felt lackluster. Once her identity is revealed, a lot of the friction seemingly melted away. Her nightmares, his abuse & her alcoholism all remain unaddressed. The plot and their love could have been developed had those topics appeared more than once. She had more heart to heart conversations with her sister in law than her actual partner, which says something. It's decent but not worthy of the read.
I was not really moved by the characters. Something about this story felt lackluster. Once her identity is revealed, a lot of the friction seemingly melted away. Her nightmares, his abuse & her alcoholism all remain unaddressed. The plot and their love could have been developed had those topics appeared more than once. She had more heart to heart conversations with her sister in law than her actual partner, which says something. It's decent but not worthy of the read.
December 28, 2024
Aston and Belle. They have great chemistry. Theirs is a journey of intense emotions. Good and Bad.
A dark suspensful mysterious romance. Keeps you on the edge from beginning to end. Intriguing. Entertaining. Great charecter and world building.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A dark suspensful mysterious romance. Keeps you on the edge from beginning to end. Intriguing. Entertaining. Great charecter and world building.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2024
"Dark Winter"
By Kelani Knox
I fell in love with Aston and Belle on the first page. Belle's life changed when her father lost everything due to bankruptcy, even though Aston and Belle's fathers owned resorts next to each other. Although her connection with Aston is powerful and contains feelings she has attempted to suppress, she is now returned to exact revenge.
By Kelani Knox
I fell in love with Aston and Belle on the first page. Belle's life changed when her father lost everything due to bankruptcy, even though Aston and Belle's fathers owned resorts next to each other. Although her connection with Aston is powerful and contains feelings she has attempted to suppress, she is now returned to exact revenge.
February 11, 2025
Good story BUT
The first lady leaves the home wearing sweater jeans and boots and returns in a black dress and lacy underwear which fits with the sexy scene but messed up my mojo. More than one such line. Maybe consider some serious editing. Not a criticism of the writing just of the editing.
The first lady leaves the home wearing sweater jeans and boots and returns in a black dress and lacy underwear which fits with the sexy scene but messed up my mojo. More than one such line. Maybe consider some serious editing. Not a criticism of the writing just of the editing.
December 7, 2024
Loved it!!
Loved reading Dark Winter. This book was so good I couldn’t put it down until the very last page. Belle and Aston’s story was beautifully done and the chemistry between them was sizzling HOT too.
Loved reading Dark Winter. This book was so good I couldn’t put it down until the very last page. Belle and Aston’s story was beautifully done and the chemistry between them was sizzling HOT too.
December 8, 2024
Belle and Antons dark twisting tale will have you hooked! The boy she knew is no more but a man obsessed woth her ajd now she's returned he doesn't plan on letting her go. Well written steamy engaging desires and more.
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.
December 15, 2024
Dark Winter
Loved it!!!! So much detail in the storytelling and I could not believe who the villain was! Great job on that & the suspense was great. Would have loved an epilogue? Aston and Bella deserved clarity & HEA 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Loved it!!!! So much detail in the storytelling and I could not believe who the villain was! Great job on that & the suspense was great. Would have loved an epilogue? Aston and Bella deserved clarity & HEA 🥰🥰🥰🥰
December 25, 2024
It’s always been you!
Aston and Belle met when she was 13 and he was 15. Their relationship was a secret. His father didn’t like it, her father was fine with it. Until one day she leaves the country. He never stopped looking for her and he never stopped protecting her.
Aston and Belle met when she was 13 and he was 15. Their relationship was a secret. His father didn’t like it, her father was fine with it. Until one day she leaves the country. He never stopped looking for her and he never stopped protecting her.
January 25, 2025
Great story & well written
What a wonderful and sad story. Knox did an amazing job telling the past story so you could understand the future story. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished reading the book.
What a wonderful and sad story. Knox did an amazing job telling the past story so you could understand the future story. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished reading the book.
February 20, 2025
2nd chance revenge
She’s been playing the long game and planning revenge for her father’s death for over a decade and she’s read. But he’s been waiting too. 2nd chance with a lot of suspense.
She’s been playing the long game and planning revenge for her father’s death for over a decade and she’s read. But he’s been waiting too. 2nd chance with a lot of suspense.
November 24, 2025
2.5
I enjoyed the plot but not the story. I wanted more conflict I think she gave into him too soon. Even if they already knew who she was. I didn't feel their connection. I wanted more chapters of flash backs.
I enjoyed the plot but not the story. I wanted more conflict I think she gave into him too soon. Even if they already knew who she was. I didn't feel their connection. I wanted more chapters of flash backs.
January 7, 2025
This book was so good and it is the first time reading this author's books. A must read and I will also check out her other books.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews