Taken by the Lord of the Nocturne Court: Dark Companions, Book 1

Dark Companions #1

by K.A. Merikan, Jamie Treselyan (narrator), John Hartley (narrator)

"I am yours, and I can be your prince as well as your beast."

Luke

I'm your typical small-town loser stuck in a dead-end job. Single, because dating is for well-adjusted human beings, not traumatized gay boys with trust issues. All I want is to leave my past behind and finally start living.

My wish comes true in the most bizarre way imaginable. One evening, a beautiful man with pointy ears and flowing dark locks appears out of nowhere. He proclaims I am to be his 'Dark Companion' based on some stupid deal I made in a dream. Oh, and apparently he's an elven prince, the Lord of Shadows, Protector of the Nightmare Realm, and Knight of Grief Ocean.

Which is a weird way to ask me out, but okay.

It's a hard no for me, but this absolute psycho abducts me to his palace in a moonlit realm populated by vicious beasts and backstabbing courtiers.

If I am to ever get back home, I need to adapt, because our full moon wedding is approaching fast. I can't allow myself to buy into his seductive kisses, poet shirts made of spider silk, and bouquets of sapphire roses. They hide poison and deception. A gilded cage is still a prison.

But…

What if I just never realized that what I need is a man with a cruel smile and a sword dipped in midnight? A man with secrets, scars, smoky eyes, and a past filled with darkness, and… have I mentioned he has a big d—

Taken by the Lord of the Nocturne Court is a standalone, scorching hot, dark gothic M/M romantasy filled with snark and dark humor, but also violence, peril, jealousy, and angst.

This book is a darkly romantic escape into the shadows where love and destiny collide. Listen to discover if a gilded cage can become a home when shared with a seductive elven prince devoted to his Dark Companion's every wish. Includes enemies to lovers trope; fake relationship; an obsessive hero; isekai; shadow magic; and monsters and fantastical creatures.

Intended for mature listeners.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Dark, Fae, Magic

Audible Audio

First published June 19, 2024

About the author

(Goodreads profile run by Kat)

K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.

K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.

e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com

More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan

Reviews

[Astra · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I wasn’t completely digging Luke’s vibe who is our main character but as the book continued I grew to like him more and all of his gothness, besides this fantasy does take place in the nightmare realm after all. There were a lot of touches to the building of this dark land that just pulled everything together, like the shadowy eels, the kelpies and the little bat Luke encountered. I liked every creature and how it was different from the ‘normal world.’ My favorite has got to be the demon cows, I want some of those ngl. I did wish we got glimpses into Kyran's past, not just retellings but an actual pov that takes us back. I feel like that way we would have been able to see how his wicked brother truly acted, along with his family, plus moments with his mother. Also I want a book with Sylvan 😅 I think his character is a bit misunderstood, I need his story!!

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nocturne Court is like Game of Thrones on steroids.

I enjoyed the originality of this world, but the characters felt flat for the first half of the story.

Gay gothic fantasy
Insta lust/sex
Captivity/abduction
Elf Prince/human
Non-communication
Childhood trauma (both)
Shadow tentacle play

Luke (21) is miserable. Living with his homophobic mother, flipping burgers at a dead end job. He is a high school dropout, trying to find his way in the world when one evening, a mysterious character walks into the burger joint. This man is Luke’s walking wet dream.

Luke is soon whisked off to another world, where he’s at the mercy of some very manipulative family members.

Issues: Why was Luke so indecisive? I couldn’t understand how this man had found absolutely everything he had ever wanted, and for some reason he wanted to go back home? It made zero sense.

I’m flipping burgers, saving a few bucks a month, and sucking mediocre Grindr dick. Why would I ever go back to my cramped attic room in the house of a mother who never wanted me?

Exactly.

I can forgive his immature decisions because he is only 21, but it was tough when he believed everyone but the lord, repeatedly.

The prince/lord was an amazing character, his vulnerability, innocence and lack of understanding relationships was so refreshing. There wasn’t a manipulative bone in his body. Well, maybe to keep Luke at his side.

The Twilight reference was hilarious.

All in all, telling rather than showing hurt the emotional depth of the story, but the ending was done so very well.

TW: Attempted suicide (off-page), violence/gore, childhood SA (off-page)

[Jay H (Hiatus)]

DNF - No Rating

Well it's official. It looks like I will be taking a break from mm romance. I don’t know what went wrong with this book but I was STRUGGLING to pick this back up.



______________
Pre Read:

Guys am in the worst book slump ever. I started over 20 books but I’ve only finished 5 books this month and the month is almost over. I refuse to end my trip without reading a single mm romance book this month so this book better solve all my problems.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️

♛ What if I just never realized that what I need is a man with a cruel smile and a sword dipped in midnight? A man with secrets, and scars, and smoky eyes, and a past filled with darkness, and… have I mentioned he has a big d— ♛

This was probably my most anticipated read of 2024, and I’m so happy it did not disappoint.
Taken By The Lord Of The Nocturne Court was everything I was hoping it would be, and so much more.
The gothic fantasy vibes, the royal politics and intrigue, the intoxicating romance, the swoon-worthy Prince — this book was just so damn perfect.

“Will you be away for long?” Luke asks. He’s missing me already, be still my heart!

The way this badass warrior elf prince pined for and adored the lonely and hurt emo boy made me melt and gush and giggle and blush. (Rhyme not intended, but happy surprise).
Luke is definitely living my inner goth’s dream, and the fantasy of being whisked away by a handsome elf prince to a faraway land was the escapism I needed this week.

☼ Oh, how I love being the sun to his darkness. ☽

Not only was this ultra romantic and steamy, it was also funny, with a whole cast of fascinating characters, a unique plot and plenty of nail-biting action.
Did I want more shadow tentacle smut? Yes, yes I did. No shame.
Other than that, I really have no complaints.

K.A. Merikan have really demonstrated their versatility in multiple genres. Be it contemporary or dark, fantasy or paranormal, they always bring it with excellent writing, interesting worlds and different characters.

«One thing is for certain—if this is a dream, I want it to keep going forever.»

Big same, Luke.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Enemies to lovers
- Abduction
- Violence and gore
- Size difference
- Jealousy and possessiveness
- Hurt/comfort
- Fantasy themes
- Childhood trauma (neglectful parent)
- Mentions of past suicide attempt (not graphic, off page)
- Virgin MC
- Strict top/bottom
- Shadow tentacle smut (one scene)

Pre-read update

GRR gods, forget about all the other ARCs i just need this one please 🙏 😭✨

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

As far as I’m concerned, dark romances—with morally grey anti-heroes and boatloads of dubious consent—are where the Merikan’s excel within the M/M genre. With that in mind, I feel like their new gothic romantasy series-starter, which is set in a dark and violent Elvish realm, was totally on point for these two illustrious and atmospheric writers.

The story kicks off with the kidnapping of a small-town human loner named Luke by an elven prince named Kyran, who has claimed Luke as his treasured ‘Dark Companion’—a title closely resembling a consort, bestowed on a human whose soul was once saved, and claimed, while on the brink of death.

Taken against his will and thrust into the Nightmare Realm, Luke must navigate his new, bizarre, and definitely unnerving circumstances, wherein he must marry/bond with this strange but alluring Prince, which will essentially give Kyran more potent shadow-magic and help establish his seat on the throne, all because of a deal Luke unwittingly made as a teenager on death’s door.

It sounds pretty dire for poor Luke, but kidnapping and prisoner status aside—and, of course, ignoring the odd attempted murder scheme by the ruthless royals and literal bloodthirsty monsters that surround Luke constantly—he can’t help but be drawn to his sexy and commanding captor-Prince, who actually seems pretty damn smitten with Luke and generally wants him by his side to rule the realm.

The story has a touch of enemies-to-lovers, but only because Luke has the nerve to be miffed by his abduction and the whole forced-marriage hubbub. Plus, it’s definitely filled with fae-like royal intrigue and violent machinations and monsters of varying terror, all of which add to the grittiness and angst of the story.

But, if you enjoy a bit of dark humour and dubious beginnings to your romantic pairings, you may really dig this one like I did. Add to that, Kyran has plenty of quintessential characteristics of many fantasy heroes of his ilk, showing lots of possessive-growly behaviour—lots of touch-him-and-die death-glare moments that both amused and delighted—and plenty of steamy sexual claimings, that Luke was more than on board with, honestly.

For an extra kick, Kyran is a virgin-MC, which was like an unexpected cherry on top of an already trope-perfect cake for me, and you best believe their sex scenes were increasingly passionate, tender, and emotionally charged, mixed in with the f*ck-hot nature of the whole thing.

My only real qualm was that I felt this was perhaps longer than it needed to be. I wouldn’t say I was ever bored per se, but I definitely had a few times when I was reading away and then checked my progress and was shocked I wasn’t further along in the story.

Mostly, I had a grand ole time reading this. I loved the moody, dark world-building within the Nightmare Realm (particularly the shadow-magic), and felt the elven characterisations were equally unique and familiar, on par with the most disturbing and fanciful fae stories I’ve read in the past. I adored Kyran as our alpha MC and his unfolding love for outcast Luke. They made a perfect match, once they understood each other better and realised their compatibility in all things.

I especially liked a few of the secondary characters, making this an absolute must for a larger series. Honestly, I’d drop what I was reading today if it meant I could get more from the Nightmare Realm and it’s dark elven lords right now.


Note: pls be sure to check those content warnings before tackling this one.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover on this book is so good!

The world building in this story was incredible, but also subtle at the same time. Everything is revealed in such an organic way. It did not feel like a big info dump. I loved learning all the unique and interesting things in this fantasy world. I am begging for more stories to be set here!

Besides including a wonderful setting, this book included court intrigue, betrayal, mystery, action, hot sex, and sweet moments.

So many of the side characters were great. And I cannot forget about Count Flapula.

I received an ARC of this book from GRR and this is my honest opinion.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
ACOTAR but make it gay? Kinda, but I was so underwhelmed by this book that I don't understand what everyone else was reading! It was way too long for what it was and barely anything happened - also the whole wedding disruption thing was like reliving the stress of my own wedding planning when covid happened, so it was just annoying not suspense building. I would still rather have an MMM version of ACOTAR with Rhys, Cas and Az....

Kyran was a combination of Rhysand's doting and Tampon's controlling nature, and both of their inabilities to just explain the circumstances to their victim upfront. If they just opened their mouths instead of their trousers then there would have been less miscommunication and misunderstanding and I might have wanted to learn more, but this has really put me off.

Dare I say it, but I never thought a character would irritate me more than Feyre, darling. Enter Luke! The sheer idiocy and stubborness of this guy had me hoping he was going to meet his end in a suitably stupid way and then we could have a true enemies to lovers romance between Kyran and Anatole (forget that they're cousins, they had weird chemistry and I would have liked to see the outcome!). Feyre and Luke would definitely be besties. I do wish Anatole had been a bit more prominent though because he was the only remotely interesting character to me.

I fail to see how this was enemies to lovers also. It was more disgruntled obstinate brat and a prince who was more than a little delulu and just assumed Luke would be his willing husband immediately.

I also don't understand why, in the middle of a hunt for the sunshine stag who would give the one who stabbed it's heart some shadow powers, they just nip off to the shadow world for a shadow monster sex session..... Do you want to kill the stag or not dude? It felt ridiculous that they could somehow manage to do that and still get back to the forest and find it before any of the others could - did they all have blindfolds on, were their horses having a nap?? Literally made no sense. I'm never a fan of when the MCs have a time sensitive quest but stop to have an orgasm or two, it disrupts the plot and the flow of the story and all honesty it's just there for the sake of having a sex scene. Boring. It makes ACOTAR look like a well rounded plot 😂😂

Other than the fashion, and the general plot idea, I can't say anything really appealed to me and I struggled to make it to the end, where again the battle was pretty anti-climactic.

Not in a rush to read more of this series if there's more to come...

[haletostilinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in another buddy read with the always lovely Lilly ❤️

Oh I absolutely loved this. It had everything that this writing duo is so good at and put into a supernatural, elven realm.

One might fantasize about being taken by a tall hottie elvan prince with a *cough*bigdick*cough* but it's another thing entirely for that to actually happen.

For Luke, it becomes entirely real when Kyran shows up at his work at a burger joint to tell him they're going to a whole other realm for him to become Kyran's Dark Companion.

Luke is, of course, not believing of this, and tries to leave out the back, when he's taken by Kyran anyway into the Nightmare Realm.

In this realm, almost everything is born of nightmares, and almost everything could kill you. Luke learns that the hard way when he, predictably, tries to run away at the first opportunity.

Kyran, for his part, is a twin, and his brother, we come to learn, was horrible and nasty, but has recently died. Kyran has been shoved into the shadowild - basically a realm of shadows - his whole life, for reasons I will not spoil. But he's barely gotten to live in 34, almost 35 years of life.

But with his brother dead, he took his place, pretending to be him in order to become the Lord of the Nocturne Court - the ruler of the elvan people in this realm - only he needs Luke to become his Dark Companion in order to secure his position as the Lord of the Nocturne Court, as there are other branches of the royal family, especially the Goldweeds, who want to jump at any opportunity to usurp the throne from Kyran's main family line.

A Dark Companion is always a human, who was dead or on the brink of death, whose soul was in a river in the shadowild, who an elf has to go in and pluck from this very dangerous river, and they will then be the one who, if they attach their shadows together, will give the elf practically mastery over shadows - or at least, make their powers even stronger.

Because some elves come into magical powers. Most often they can wield shadow magic, as Kyran does, but they can do other things as well. But Kyran tying his and Luke's shadows together would make him so much stronger than he already is.

And for Kyran who is secretly an imposter, it will secure his place on the throne.

Only, Luke....well, Luke is very resistant, for quite a while. Understandably, as he's taken against his will to this scary place, expected to marry someone he's barely met, and potentially get many freedoms taken away once married as well.

But, there is no denying that there is chemistry between them. Luke can't resist the very sexy, muscly, well-endowed elvan prince. Kyran is mightily smitten with Luke basically right away too - more than Luke actually, as Luke is very cautious and he does not trust easily in the least.

But as the month until the blood moon comes - and also something about this realm, it's perpetually night, and there is no sun, only a much bigger moon than on our earth day after day - they get to know each other and start to fall for each other, big time.

Luke tries to fight it for quite awhile as it takes him awhile to trust Kyran fully. But as for Kyran...that boy is smitten and smitten hard. As he falls deeper for Luke, all he begins to want more than anything is Luke. Yes, he does need his shadow, for him to become his Dark Companion and that doesn't change, but he cares more about just being with Luke, mainly.

But with Luke's distrust - and sometimes being an idiot, as he seems to think he can somehow navigate this scary new world where almost all creatures are murderous nightmare creatures all on his own - and some Goldweed family members out to get Kyran's crown...these two have some shit to get through before they can get their HEA. Most especially the looming threat of this big scary monster, Heartbreak, that has been known to literally devour people.

The chemistry in this was wonderful, and the sex scenes were sufficiently hot and sexy and passionate. I really enjoyed these two and this whole book. It was just so good!

I HIGHLY recommend this, I would definitely pick this one up when it comes out. It's full of fun twists and turns and not knowing who to trust, but also introducing us to a cast of characters who could potentially get their own books one day. (I'd love getting Tristan's book, Sylvan's...maybe even Reiner. So many possibilities!)

Kyran and Luke were just so perfect together, and became so devoted to each other, I was so happy, and seeing them get their HEA was perfection.

Can't wait for more! 😍🥰😘

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[JonathanSamuelReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gay ACOTAR vibes 🦇

[Mx. T *Chaotic Reader* · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

Is cosy dark romantasy a genre? Because if it's not, it should be created for this book.

Luke is whisked away to the Nocturne Court by Kyranis, the Prince and heir with a long list of titles. Luke is to wed Kyranis as his Dark Companion to merge their shadows and grant the prince extra power. All this is told in that dark humour mixed with just plain dark way that KA Merikan have of telling stories. Luke of course is super unhappy with this development, because he has HUGE trust issues. My dude, you're a goth in the most gothic realm to ever exist being courted by a hunk of a man with shadow powers. What's with the reticence? This is what all the readers will be wondering when they get to Luke's inner turmoil. But he's kinda right, because dear hunky prince Kyranis is not what he seems. But he's got that 'I'm going to spoil you rotten and fuck you so hard, none of what I'm not telling you will matter' vibe and we love him for it. And truly, Kyran is just a sweet murder baby who needs love and cuddles and someone in his corner because my man has been treated SO poorly. And he gets drunk for the first time ever, and I just can't with how bb he is. I wanted to live in his thoughts and emotions for Luke.

There's backstabbing courtiers, fluffy but deadly pets, cosy and tender moments, hot af sex, a hunt, shadow magic, nice people when we were expecting them to be shitty, and a monster made of people that reminded me of Clive Barker's 'In the Hills, the Cities'.

It was great how the power imbalance between MCs was handled.

Also, the shadowild felt like the Twilight from the Night Watch series. We don't like Lukanyenko very much, but I still love those books *sighs in trying to separate art from artist and failing*

And the pop culture references LMAO (Twilight and ACOTAR, I'm looking at you)
Well, this book was fun, dark, bloody, smexy and kinda cosy. And the epilogue was great. Fuck Mom.

Will Kurt and Sylvan get a book??? Can Tristan get his own Dark Companion??

[patrícia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gothic romance? Yes please! It’s not dark per se, some gory details yes, but most of all is full on romance! Incredible declarations, a total goth cheesefest! We even get a batish creature as a pet, so you know the goth is ruling!

So like a gothic wet dream, this is full of incredible world building, so many incredible creatures, amazing outfits, My eyes would shine with the descriptions of the castle, the carriages.. and how shallow of me, the clothes! Wow beautiful, wet dream as I said. And of course, two beautiful MCs who are so perfect for each other that even without the soulmate thing they could stay away from one another. One so innocent and the other… so well experienced?! The sex scenes are hot, sweet, desperate, lusty and full of elven stamina 👀 and come on, shadow tentacle sex? So damn hot 🥵 more was needed!!!!!!

They are both so strong but vulnerable and fragile at the same time, they’re upbringing was not an easy one… they take their time, maybe a bit longer than needed, to feel worthy of each other. Luke was a bit stubborn and a tiny annoying ,but he was kidnapped and forced to marry a stranger, a hot one but still a stranger. Kyran, wow. His innocence is so hot I can’t even … he is a bit literal 😅 but he was raised alone in the shadows… both their back stories are so intense and sad… this solidified their love for me, the way that they heal each other's demons. It took a while and I unfairly thought of them both as annoying and stubborn, but in the end it made sense.

Add the plot shenanigans, Jesus, court business is all shady business. So much envy, betrayal and murder attempts but that’s just a normal day at the Nocturne Court😎🍿 . It’s also full of so many interesting side characters, I love Tristan, and Reiner the perfect butter. Very intrigued with Sylvan🤍.

After 50% and Luke waking the hell out, this book was a page turner and I couldn’t put it down. The walk to the village, the stag hunt and the shadowwild, the ultimate prize with bloody kisses, the ILY coming first from Luke… Tristan 😢.the marriage and fighting the Heartbreak, epic! Love to see Luke using his new powers🖤

I admit I struggle reading this, I’m not in a good phase to read fantasy and rich and complex world building, so I got distracted a lot, had to stop several times, read o other books I'm in between, but in the end I was satisfied, the journey was worth it. Maybe this should have been shorter, I don’t think this story needed 440 pages, since most of them were repetitive doubts. We have long periods of time ( pages )when absolutely nothing happens, just drags, when then you realize it passed a week… and every time they come to a sense of balance, Luke falls for some court gossip or superstition…. Damn that was infuriating… and we restart the suspicions… it’s like this throughout the book… and of course Kyran endless need to prove himself worthy…. One time ok, all the time? He had his reason but… gets tiresome.
There’s no big plot twists and everything is very predictable, the traitor is very early identified and no big surprises there, and the possibilities we’re endless. While I love a good morally gray Mc, I was disappointed that Kyran let a certain prince die… and yes we know he would eventually betray him and deserved it, but… it’s like a long list that he let die for himself and not for the good of the realm.the teacher thing in the end… pointless, not funny or evil…

115 Dark Companions’s later we get our ott merikan HEA, with burgers and torture in the human world! The short story from Renier POV is 🤌

Some gothic cheesefest quotes to die for :

🦇🖤“Will you take care of me?” I whisper. “Do you promise? late
”Kyran’s eyes hide whole galaxies, and each star within them promises a safe haven. He takes my hands, kisses them both, and pulls them to his face, as if I’m the prince, and he—my humble servant. “For as long as I breathe.”

🗝️🖤Luke,” he mutters in that strange, gravelly voice.The shadows throb around us as I arch against him, but when gravity shifts, the room seems to roll around us. I find myself straddling his hips, with his hard dick between my thighs, and my wrists still captured in his massive paws.
“What is it, darling?” I say with a smirk, loving how his gaze glides over my exposed body.Am I horny out of my mind? Yes. But am I feeling mushy inside over how much I crave to connect with my Prince of Darkness? Also yes. Circles spread over his smooth black eyes, like water around a pebble thrown into a lake, and he squeezes my waist, holding me in place as he thrusts up, spreading the slick shadows between my legs, over my taint, cock, balls, my buttocks…
“I want you to sink onto me. I want to be the darkness inside you,” he says in a voice that’s dull yet somehow sexy, and it awakens a new yearning.

🩸 🫀Blood trails down Luke’s fingers, but he doesn’t pull away and hums, touching my hand with both of his, as if he’s afraid I might take the prize from him at the last moment. But I would never do that. He is my joy, my crown, my beloved, and what is this sacrifice in the face of his happiness?
My greedy little monster bites into the heart just like he latched onto mine. He shivers under my arm, so I stroke his back, watching his Adam’s apple bob with every gulp he takes.
“Until it stops beating,” I instruct, but the pulsing in my hand is already so faint, it won’t take long.
Our eyes meet over the heart, and in that moment I know I couldn’t love him more. He wants to embrace everything I give him, and stay with me as my Dark Companion. He’s perfect. With his flush, his hair in a tangle and lips smeared with black blood, Luke is the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.

[QuietlyKat]

DNF at 14%. I’m not a fan of conflict based on lack of communication. I get that Luke doesn’t feel like he can trust Kyran but I’m already so frustrated with him and irritated by the failure to communicate. Reading other reviews I can see that the things that are annoying me continue and other things I haven’t encountered yet will irritate me even more so I’m pulling the plug on this one.

Love Kat and Agnes but this one isn’t working for me. If you’re a fan of their writing, completely ignore me, this one has their signature style and seems cute, I just have a VERY low threshold for conflict based on misunderstanding and failure to communicate.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine you're working at your dead-end job flipping burgers when you're approached by a tall, hot stranger who says he's there to marry you and make you his Dark Companion as Lord of the Nocturne Court. Do you go with him, or tell him to take a hike?

Luke, our somewhat ornery hero, is very much into tall, sexy strangers, but he isn't buying what the guy is saying, no matter how hot he is. He tries to get away, but ends up getting kidnapped by Kyran to the Nightmare realm. Lord Kyran is the kind of stable, responsible, civic-minded guy who is somehow well adjusted in spite of everything he's been through. I will always be a sucker for cinnamon roll characters who deserve all the love but have been deprived of it their whole life. Luke was a well-written character but not one I found easy to relate to. He has massive trust issues and has plans to return home (thankfully this doesn't last long... there's nothing more tedious than MCs trying to get back to their mundane lives. Personally, gimme an adoring Lord with a big 🍆 and I am on board yesterday). The two are #couplegoals and that scene with Kyran using his shadows for adult fun... 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.

I shouldn't be lusting after a guy who's kidnapped me, but I've never had good taste in men. No reason to break that pattern now.

Count Flapula the bat was a bit of a scene stealer and my favourite character tbh. I really enjoyed the creativity and worldbuilding (especially the different food and creatures, like the cows 😂) . There were a few moments in the middle where things dragged and I lost interest a bit, but I love the K.A. Merikan duo and I love that they're writing a fantasy series!

Rating: 3.75
Angst: 3.5/5
Steam: 3.5/5

I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[m · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My flesh will be your shield. My blood is yours to drink if you are thirsty. I shall perish before I let anything harm you. This I vow under the Blood Moon. I am yours for as long as our hearts beat.”

I’m a huge fan of captor/captive and all things K.A. Merikan so this was inevitably going to be a hit for me.

Swoony, sexy, funny - I couldn’t get enough of Shadow Daddy Kyran and his insecure human Luke.

Me? Beautiful? I’m a strong six in Maine, if you’re into goths.

There’s twists, action, betrayal, super spicy smut, and heaps and heaps of romance! It’s everything I wanted in a Dark MM Romantasy and I cannot wait for book 2 😍

“I’ve… never seen someone die. I wasn’t expecting it. Was that supposed to be a positive surprise for me?”

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beware, the book starts slow. Very slow. Slow enough that at 20% I was very much struggling and wanted to drop it. By 45% I was glad I gave it another chance and kept on going. It gets not only better, but actually really, really good.

[Aricka Decker · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Nothing feels easier than being with you. It’s as if it’s in my nature.”

3⭐️

So, I thought I’d give K.A. Merikan another try after reading a book by them that just did not sit right with me — honestly, it was pretty fucking awful in my opinion.

Here we’ve got the classic setup: a boy living a not-so-great life in the human world gets kidnapped by a fae king/prince/whatever. It’s a common trope in romantasy, and I usually expect a lot from those kinds of books. I wasn’t disappointed, but not exactly wowed either.

Luke was a whiny little bitch who wanted to go back home to his bad-paying job instead of being forced to marry a rich man obsessed with him. Girl, bye. That’s exactly why I stopped reading these romantasy setups. Like, you hated your life, but now someone’s forcing you into a situation where you don’t have to struggle and you’re complaining about freedom? Be so fucking for real right now. You weren’t free before, living with your mom who hates you and working at a burger joint. Please.

Anyway, this book didn’t have anything particularly surprising. It was straightforward and to the point. My main beef with this author is that they try so hard to be “alternative” or “goth,” but a dude saying he’s goth every five pages doesn’t make him goth. I don’t need to be reminded constantly that he’s a “cool, dark twink.” Like, I get it. I also love a spooky aesthetic and wear all black, but you don’t see my characters walking around saying “well, I’m goth sooo…” because that’s just cringe as fuck.

All that said, the book wasn’t bad. We had a hot, spooky elf dude railing his goth lover, and that’s always a win in its own right. But the ending wrapped everything up too neatly, and it left a lot to be desired.

I think at the end of the day, me and this author just aren’t meant to be — and that’s fine. It wasn’t a horrible time; I actually enjoyed parts of it. A 3⭐️ isn’t bad, it’s just not great either.

If you’re looking for a simple, gothic romantasy that’s easy to read and gives you a taste of that dark-fantasy vibe, this might hit the spot. But for me personally, it was a “take it or leave it” kind of read, and sadly, it just didn’t work.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was immediately hooked from the first sentence to the last word. I was immediately wrapped up into the story these two characters told. Between the creative world-building and the heated chemistry, the two Heroes shared, i loved every minute of this story!

[TrippyBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75
I listened to the audio and i enjoyed it well enough but i wasnt obsessed
The characters are interesting, i laughed at some moments& id continue the series but the book was a bit too long for my liking

I did expect it to be more dark but its moreso a fluffy romance set in a dark environment

[Libros y Citas · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was worried a bit about the angsty part, but I took the risk anyway, the “morally gray characters unafraid to burn the world down for their beloved” sounded too good to pass. Unfortunately the book was not form me.
Luke is stupid and reckless, making catastrophic decisions one after other instead of gathering information first. That is the angsty part for me, stupid decision after stupid decision. All thorough the book, when I think he’s done he does it again, knowing is dangerous, and without even talk to Kyran first. I don’t like it, it spoiled the book for me. I liked Kyran too much and Luke anything at all.
I can understand trust issues—and insecurities—, but not stupidly and betrayal. He can’t trust Kyran, despite everything he shares with Luke, but he does everyone else, unbelievable. He needed to talk to Kyran, and later with other people, but fist talking to him up front not running behind his back. He doesn’t have any reason to be afraid of Kyran, guilt? He should feel that a lot. He’s the one who can’t be trusted, and he’s hurting Kyran all the time with his stupid decisions.
This is one of those book when I don’t like the main characters ending together. Stupidity and dishonesty are not my thing, sorry (and better not begin with not rejecting other characters flirting right the second it happens).
And when you think everything is settled, no, more bad decisions that filled me with uncomfortable feelings, not what I want when reading.

«…my scars make who I am».

[Princess under cover · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF 22%.

It was interesting at first, lots of weird but imaginative descriptions. But then I got bored. Too slow. And I don’t really feel anything for either MC.

[martina (the life of a chaotic reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay congrats to these authors they did a wonderful job!!! i’m not in the mood to review so i’ll just say it makes me so happy to see someone improving this much.

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
Primera novela que leo de A.K Merikan. Sinceramente, no puedo decir que me ha gustado, pero tampoco me ha disgustado tanto para abandonarla. El inicio ha estado bien, las ideas me han gustado incluso el desarrollo. Siento que el problema con esta novela es que no la he leído en el momento justo y se me hizo demasiada larga.

[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: MM Fantasy Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
4.25 Stars



Luke Moor thought his life couldn’t get any worse, stuck in a dead-end job with no social life. But when an unexpected visitor, Kyranis (Kyran) Nightweed, stole him away to a different realm, it could either be his ticket to a new life or his impending doom.



This one is delightfully romantic, blended with the author's signature darkness and humor, making for an engaging read. I loved the world, the court drama, the actions and the monsters.

I know what it means to be left wanting. I know how it hurts to be ignored.

Kyran was amusing and considerate as he navigated the unknowns of Luke’s world. Luke was understandably doubtful, yet open to new possibilities. Their chemistry was palpable, and one particular sexy scene was quite exquisite.

Taken by the Lord of the Nocturne Court is a story of aspiration and adaptability. It would appeal to readers who enjoy MM fantasy romance.




⚔️👑⚔️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . ⚔️👑⚔️


For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:



For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.

[Jen (Fae_Princess_in_Space) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a fun take on the fae x human romantasy genre; with a detailed magic system, morally grey characters in abundance and two flawed and difficult MCs, this book really had me hooked ✨

Luke is living his worst life - stuck living with his horrible mother, working at a fast food chain and being shunned by almost everyone in his life, he has reached a dead end at only 21 years old. That is until the mysterious and alluring Prince Kyranis of the Nightmare Realm sits down in a corner booth, snacking on burgers and fries. This Prince of Darkness seems to think that Luke is his promised fiancé and although Luke is drawn to the gorgeous man, he doesn’t want to be someone’s pet… not that he has much of a say in that when the Prince kidnaps him and drags him into the fae realm.

This book was so angsty; Kryanis has a whole host of issues from his past he is working through and Luke is like a feral cat - shunning affection even though it’s what he wants. In fact Luke is terrified of any sort of commitment after repeated betrayals in his past, and Kryanis spends a lot of the book lavishing attention and affection on Luke just trying to win his love.

There was a big overarching fantasy plot with nightmare magic and a big bad boss for our MCs to defeat; as well as scheming members of court, ancient curses and prophecies galore! Plus I enjoyed all the tongue-in-cheek modern day references; ACOTAR, Twilight… no one is safe 🤣

Read TBTLOTNC for:
✨ Elf royalty x Human
✨ High fantasy in the shadow realm
✨ Virgin MC (not the one you think!)
✨ Everyone is morally grey
✨ Shadow magic
✨ Scheming and court politics
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Marriage to save the world

Thank you to GRR and the author for an ARC of this book! It’s available on 26th June 2024.

[Teeny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started skimming after the 68%.

Although I know of this duo of authors for some years now, because they usually write MC romances and I'm not fond of those, I've only ever attempted them once with Laurent and the Beast, which I ended up pretty much skimming it as well. Since it was more than 5 years ago, I didn't remember their story telling style. And from here I have to say that is long winded... not necessarily a bad thing if the story keeps you engaged but I wasn't so it felt never ending.

Luke was hard for me to like because he kept harping in his inner monologues about how he couldn't trust anyone and one day Kyran will realise that he could do so much better with all the beautiful elves surrounding him, yada, yada, yada. Yes, Luke had legitimate trauma and I get that, I get his fears, his lack of trusting (although he was quick to trust Elodie and Vinia in the beginning to help him escape, like really?), but when Kyran opened up to him about pretty much everything that had to do with his life, his treatment of his closest relatives, what the symbol in his chest meant, what Luke meant to him, how he would anything for him, Luke still never opened up, never hinted even about his fears and wants. Kyran gave him everything (aka the Stag thing) and would have given him even more (aka the Carol thing) if only Luke opened up and talked to him. But nope Luke wanted to wallow till the very end pretty much.

And that was tiring because it was going on for 300ogs interspersed with a few scenes of one of the MC being in the company of a secondary character, usually Luke, where he was again filled with new doubts to add to a growing pile Kyran never ever knew existed.

There wasn't much UST to speak of but Kyran and Luke had great chemistry.

So yeah I feel like this was just an ok story for me.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

not for me

I knew that when it took me several days to get thru this, that it wasn’t going to be for me. I was really looking forward to this for the Fey and fantasy, dark world aspect but it just didn’t live up to what I wanted.

Luke seemed like a strong character but then was so wishy-washy when it came to Kyran. One minute he was standing up for himself over being kidnapped, the next he was moaning “under” him and saying he’ll never leave. He kept making horrible decisions after several attempts on his life and didn’t learn. He said he trusted no one and yet he trusted all the wrong people and got in trouble over and over again. Ugh!!!!

Then there was Kyran. I wanted to like him but all he did was whine about being locked away and how nobody liked him….CONSTANTLY!!!

The book felt dragged out and then concluded rather quickly with no real way to say if the dangerous monster was defeated or not or even why it kept attacking. I didn’t really understand the monster thing either.

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Kyranis is the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. While I know he took me against my will and that his reasons are selfish, I can’t help the way my body reacts to his presence. There’s a raw power in him, and not just in those firm muscles and wide shoulders. His eyes burn with the conviction of someone who knows what they want and how to get it."

Taken by the Lord of the Nocturne Court is a different read for me from K.A. Merikan, in that it's not their usual MM, dark and dirty contemporary read, this one is a MM PNR/fantasy romance with less dark but still as much dirty.

What To Expect:

❥ MM PNR/fantasy romance
❥ Dual POV
❥ Kidnapping
❥ Forced proximity
❥ Elf prince/human
❥ Possessive MC
❥ Dark humour
❥ Virgin MC

3.5 stars

[Moraa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The first half was exciting but after the village scene I was just bored and disinterested and couldn’t wait to finish the book.

WHAT I LIKED
- Premise. Very intriguing! I haven’t read gothic fantasy like this before, I’ll give the author that.

- Spice. Smoking hot!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 for detailed, no holds barred descriptions.

WHAT I DISLIKED
- Loads of telling. I hate to whip out the old “show don’t tell” but there was just TOO MUCH TELLING going on. This book could’ve been 1/3 shorter, especially without all the back and forth on Luke’s part. It was established early on that he has trust issues but for some reason it kept being brought up in increasingly lengthy monologues😮‍💨

Audiobook review: 4 stars
Jamie Treselyan and John Hartley understood the assignment and delivered! I will say though that Luke’s voice started to get on my nerves towards the end.

Expect
- Forced proximity
- Possessive MC
- Age gap
- Size difference
- (Minor) political intrigue

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
These authors are so versatile. This is the first fantasy I read from them and I am blown away. It’s swoony and scorching hot with loads of effortlessly navigated world building and tons of intrigue and power plays, danger and smidge of death and violence. I was completely pulled in and the story kept me entranced from the get go. I also loved the humour that’s threaded through as the Elven and Human worlds and cultures collide in some pretty funny situations.

Kyran is a phenomenal character Alpha traits with a world of hurt, unable to be himself with anyone but Luke. Luke who needs to feel wanted and special, specially after the traumatic life he’s lead. Their story before they met was so heartbreaking to read. When Luke gets pulled into the Nightmare realm everything changes, peril is around every corner and he doesn’t know whom to trust or what to do but slowly Kyran is determined to chip away at his walls and make him his.

Absolutely loved Flap and Tristan and Kurt. Loved the whole Moonlit world the authors created and naming the monsters heartbreak and despairs was so perfect. I hope there are more books coming because I would love to go back.


Expect:
* Phenomenal lore and world building
* Forced proximity
* Romantic Fantasy
* Elven Prince x Human
* Hidden identity
* Protective MC
* Possessive MC
* Darkish romance
* Morally Grey characters
* Hurt comfort

The authors have provided content warnings incase you want to check out the sensitive subjects touched on in the story

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know what possessed me to read this book. Yes, I absolutely love shadow magic. And I love forced marriage. But some of the tags don't line up for me. Enemies to lovers? Fish-out-of-water? Fake relationship? Where?

At no point did I feel like Goth Dean Winchester Luke and Elf Dean Winchester Kyran were enemies. Luke didn't want to be swept off to this gothic fairy wonderland but; He wasn't complaining much. Luke wants freedom, which being the goth wife of the goth prince gets him in the end. He isn't really out of his depths that much. He doesn't know the society and the culture, but he doesn't make huge social blunders. People fall all over themselves to accommodate him. He's the prince's wife-to-be after all. Luke plays with a will-they-wont-they for a long ass time but it's clear from its inception that he's down. There was no fake relationship from the moment he entered the palace. At no point was I worried they wouldn't get together.

As I was reading I absolutely went in. Some of my status updates were only a few minutes apart. There was a lot of screaming about this book. I know the authors didn't intend this to be a comedy but I was laughing. I mean no disrespect to the authors.

The book cover is a ripped Dean Winchester with elf ears. I said it so you don't have to. I don't want to rip into the cover art for the hardcover edition; someone obviously spent a lot of time and hard work in making it and I can appreciate that. I was super mean about the hardcover in my status updates and I apologize.

I kept waiting for this to turn into omegaverse. I was expecting it. It was all there. Scent. Possessiveness. Kidnapping. Breeding. The bottom is property. People being knot-heads....people. Also omegaverse, the alpha wants to keep the omega and dick him down just make sure he's happy and can live his soft boi omega life without any worries. How is this not omegaverse? Where is the mpreg? I sound like a crazy person

While I was screaming about this book a friend said this: "it's definitely omegaverse. the author is probably embarrassed to admit that their book is supernatural omegaverse selfcest fanfic"

I'm a chronic rereader but I don't know if this will ever be a reread for me. For me rereading is visiting old friends and I don't know if I'll ever need to visit the Goth Dean Winchesters again. In the end I did enjoy the book no matter what my low rating might make you think. For me this wasn't a serious book. This was, Goth boy get's abducted and taken to goth sea world by goth fey prince. This is one of those movies where you throw popcorn at the screen. And I might be inclined to read a second book if it ever comes out. I do want to see them kill the Sin leviathan from final fantasy 11 but goth. I think if my suspension didn't snap so quickly I would have been all in on this book.

Two things I really loved: The baby bat stole my fucking heart and Kyran being a virgin.

See my quotes below for a comprehensive argument on why this is secretly omegaverse.

'He doesn’t get that not everyone is a serial monogamist. I don’t want a relationship. I don’t want to engage in any mushy feelings, buy Valentine’s cards, or plan a future with some other guy while we both look at the stars. A dirty quickie in the back of a car has always been good enough for me.' So who hurt you?

'“You’re hopeless. The Prince of Darkness himself could walk through the door right now and you’d give him the cold shoulder ‘cause his horns are uneven.”' Okay but, same.

'Kurt holds back a snort. “Exactly, Luke Moor. He tied a thread to your shadow. Obviously, you have to date him now.”' I love Kurt why couldn't he have had more screen time?

'“You’re right. I don’t know you. But your life is mine now, so you should be on your best behavior.”
How can he flood me with so much terror while sounding so sweet? He even has a little smile on his lips as he says that. I should hate him for it, but didn’t I bargain with my shadow? Maybe he has the right to me.' Say it with me: Omega Verse. Omegaverse.

'“You wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for me. We made a bargain, and you no longer have a choice. You became mine when I threaded my shadow to yours. You are my crown.”'

'I know I’ve made a mistake when Kyranis chuckles and follows me without hurry. I don’t have the time to take everything in, but there’s a bed with a grand headboard, and red flower petals scattered over the silky black sheets.
I grab something off a dainty table nearby and hold it in front of me like a knife, but it turns out to be a hairbrush, which makes this ordeal all the more humiliating, but I stick to my guns.'

'“This isn’t fair! You can’t hold me to a promise I made when I was fourteen!” I try, feeling helpless and as trapped as the first time I tried to run away from boarding school, only to be caught crossing the fence.
But while I’m trying to reason with this man… this Prince of Darkness with magical shadow powers, I know it’s a lost cause. He brought me here, and no one can save me anymore.
“I can and I will. It’s best if you understand this now. It shall save you a lot of heartache,”'

'“My throne won’t be secured until we’re wed. The bars are for your safety.”'

'Is he a top? He definitely has top energ—
Stop it, Luke. He’s the enemy. He holds the key to your freedom.' And your orgasm.

'Am I expected to have sex with him? It’s not like we can have shadow babies or whatever—or can we? My mind goes in directions I’d rather not explore, but it’s too late. My panic reaches its crescendo.'

'Kyranis looks at me with a benign smile, as if I asked him what meat chicken nuggets are made from.'

'I could cry. I feel so safe in Kyranis’s hold. As if all responsibility has dropped from my shoulders because I know he will carry it for us both. He is that kind of man, and I already know I will beg for his forgiveness very, very soon. For now, I try to keep quiet even when tears of relief flood my eyes, even when regret chokes me.'

'Something is swelling inside me, and it presses against my prostate so intensely, all my defenses shatter.
I come so hard I seem to be losing my mind. Shameless moans and yelps escape my lips as I rock against him like an animal in heat.' That's a knot dude.