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Something Darker
A young woman who likes to watch finds herself caught between her sexy boss, his flawless wife, and the secret they would do anything to protect. Even kill.
It’s been three months since I escaped from my abusive ex, Ryan. But my life hasn’t gotten any easier. The large gap in my employment history from Ryan not allowing me to work has made it so that no one wants to hire me. But I can’t stay in my best friend Ava’s spare bedroom forever. Especially since she and her husband are in the midst of turning it into a nursery for the baby they are so loudly trying to conceive every night.
To make matters worse, my mother’s medical bills are racking up fast. And if I don’t find a way to pay for them, Ryan will use his legal connections to make himself her power of attorney, thereby cutting me out of her life.
Forever.
So when I get offered a live-in maid position for a gorgeous wealthy couple, I take it. But what I don't realize is that my new bosses want me to service more than just their house. And to my surprise, I find myself wanting to service more.
To service them.
But when I discover the truth about what happened to their previous maid, everything changes…
Something Darker is a fast-paced dark romance with explicitly spicy scenes and psychological plot twists intended for mature audiences only. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book.
It’s been three months since I escaped from my abusive ex, Ryan. But my life hasn’t gotten any easier. The large gap in my employment history from Ryan not allowing me to work has made it so that no one wants to hire me. But I can’t stay in my best friend Ava’s spare bedroom forever. Especially since she and her husband are in the midst of turning it into a nursery for the baby they are so loudly trying to conceive every night.
To make matters worse, my mother’s medical bills are racking up fast. And if I don’t find a way to pay for them, Ryan will use his legal connections to make himself her power of attorney, thereby cutting me out of her life.
Forever.
So when I get offered a live-in maid position for a gorgeous wealthy couple, I take it. But what I don't realize is that my new bosses want me to service more than just their house. And to my surprise, I find myself wanting to service more.
To service them.
But when I discover the truth about what happened to their previous maid, everything changes…
Something Darker is a fast-paced dark romance with explicitly spicy scenes and psychological plot twists intended for mature audiences only. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book.
477 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2025
64 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Michael Wellington
2 books19 followersMichael Wellington is a debut dark romance author who weaves complex characters, heart-wrenching stories, and forbidden romance into every page of his spicy novels. Michael’s writing is provocatively sexy, steamy as hell, and unapologetically erotic. He strives to take risks and push boundaries in an effort to provide his readers with an experience that is as arousing as it is heart stopping. With plot twists you will never see coming and morally grey characters that will stimulate your darkest desires, Michael Wellington’s books are sure to leave you breathless and begging for more. Visit www.michaelwellington.com to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 6, 2025
⭐️ 4.5
🌶 3
Well, that was a dark & spicy rollercoaster of a book!
Something Darker is a spicy psychological thriller that has some dark themes around abuse, off page rape and trauma.
Eve, who was in a terribly abusive relationship, finally breaks free and tries to rebuild her life. After struggling to find a job, she finally gets hired on as a live-in maid for a wealthy couple that reside in a secluded mansion.
What comes after is a story full of plot twists, danger, and spicy tension that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. This book made me laugh, and I even shed a few tears as I experienced Eve's story and history, while I kept impulsively turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next.
If you like spicy books with some dark themes, full of mystery and suspense, then you should definitely read this book.
🌶 3
Well, that was a dark & spicy rollercoaster of a book!
Something Darker is a spicy psychological thriller that has some dark themes around abuse, off page rape and trauma.
Eve, who was in a terribly abusive relationship, finally breaks free and tries to rebuild her life. After struggling to find a job, she finally gets hired on as a live-in maid for a wealthy couple that reside in a secluded mansion.
What comes after is a story full of plot twists, danger, and spicy tension that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. This book made me laugh, and I even shed a few tears as I experienced Eve's story and history, while I kept impulsively turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next.
If you like spicy books with some dark themes, full of mystery and suspense, then you should definitely read this book.
July 29, 2025
Forbidden love, Twists, and Thrills all in one
I was asked by the author to read his book. To be honest, after reading the synopsis I was a little skeptical but intrigued. But once I started reading I was hooked. Eve was in a really abusive relationship with a guy named Ryan. After finally leaving him, she lives with her best friend (and her husband) for a while she gets back on her feet. After applying to many jobs, she finally has an interview for a maid position that is hopeful. Before the interview, she goes to a high end coffee shop and gets coffee spilled on her. After going to the bathroom trying to clean her blouse, a man walks in and offers her his shirt. (It will make sense later) but she goes to the interview and finds out it is a live-in position and she starts the very next day. Lorelei is the wife and she tries to make Eve feel welcomed as best she can. As she’s living there she finds a journal in a floorboard that belonged to the previous maid and starts to read it. It has a lot of juicy details about the things that were going on between Harlyn and the couple living there. Eventually, Eve gets to meet the husband, Sebastian, but figures out that she already knows him because he has been her White Knight saving her from different situations especially her ex Ryan. And then the twist comes!!! I was not expecting the twist that came but I was so for it. And the ending!!!!!!!!!!! Oh man was it good!!! I definitely want to read the next book because it had my attention throughout!!
I was asked by the author to read his book. To be honest, after reading the synopsis I was a little skeptical but intrigued. But once I started reading I was hooked. Eve was in a really abusive relationship with a guy named Ryan. After finally leaving him, she lives with her best friend (and her husband) for a while she gets back on her feet. After applying to many jobs, she finally has an interview for a maid position that is hopeful. Before the interview, she goes to a high end coffee shop and gets coffee spilled on her. After going to the bathroom trying to clean her blouse, a man walks in and offers her his shirt. (It will make sense later) but she goes to the interview and finds out it is a live-in position and she starts the very next day. Lorelei is the wife and she tries to make Eve feel welcomed as best she can. As she’s living there she finds a journal in a floorboard that belonged to the previous maid and starts to read it. It has a lot of juicy details about the things that were going on between Harlyn and the couple living there. Eventually, Eve gets to meet the husband, Sebastian, but figures out that she already knows him because he has been her White Knight saving her from different situations especially her ex Ryan. And then the twist comes!!! I was not expecting the twist that came but I was so for it. And the ending!!!!!!!!!!! Oh man was it good!!! I definitely want to read the next book because it had my attention throughout!!
June 11, 2025
I just finished this book and what can I say. If you are a lover of dark romance with a lot of twists and turns…this book is for you. It was hard to put it down and really sucks you in right away.
Eve the FMC is an amazingly strong lead character who survives horrible domestic violence to try to create a new life for herself, to then find herself in a bigger, crazier situation. From landing a new job; with odd rules, to understanding her place in the new dynamic, to flipping the script on everything you thought you knew. The ending will leave you wanting another book to see what happens next cycle.
If you have struggled with domestic violence be cautious about this book as it may be triggering for you. The details are descriptive, but seem necessary for the book. It isn’t over done, just to give you a shock value. You will feel for her character and her struggle, and Sebastian’s as well. There will be times you will not like him though.
This is an absolute must read for those who love dark romance, thrillers, and mystery. It hits a lot of buttons. Thank you Michael for sharing this story!
Eve the FMC is an amazingly strong lead character who survives horrible domestic violence to try to create a new life for herself, to then find herself in a bigger, crazier situation. From landing a new job; with odd rules, to understanding her place in the new dynamic, to flipping the script on everything you thought you knew. The ending will leave you wanting another book to see what happens next cycle.
If you have struggled with domestic violence be cautious about this book as it may be triggering for you. The details are descriptive, but seem necessary for the book. It isn’t over done, just to give you a shock value. You will feel for her character and her struggle, and Sebastian’s as well. There will be times you will not like him though.
This is an absolute must read for those who love dark romance, thrillers, and mystery. It hits a lot of buttons. Thank you Michael for sharing this story!
May 5, 2025
This book was CRAZY! The plot twists had my jaw on the floor. I loved Sebastian and wish we would have had more chapters in his POV. I knew something was off about Lorelei! Hadlyn was frikkin nutso. Ryan was barf in human form. Scum of the damn earth. I really liked Genevieve‘s character. I think it was really awesome being able to see her grow through all the things she’s gone through. Now, I think because of how short the chapters were the story felt a little choppy and got a little confusing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a short chapters stan but with this many things happening and this many POVs, they could have been a little longer. Also that ending…the epilogue…whoa. I didn’t think it was going to end like that so consider me shocked. I’m trying not to give too much away so bear with me 😂. Overall, the story was frikkin nuts and I couldn’t wait to see how everything played out for Eve.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2025
Amazing dark romance psychological thriller with so many twists it keeps you on your toes!
Something Darker is a suspenseful novel that is gripping from the first page and beyond. Michael Wellington weaves a dark and intriguing story filled with unexpected twists and a growing sense of unease. The characters are complex and so personable you feel like they could be people you know. Written in such care to detail that each carry’s their own secrets and struggles. This was such a great read I couldn’t put it down! A psychological thriller with a slow build to a haunting payoff. I felt protective over the FMC throughout the book and didn’t seem to loath any of the characters as they were each written so well and with purpose.
*side note* Michaels descriptive words he uses for spicy scenes are exactly words people actually use and I am so grateful for that.
Something Darker is a suspenseful novel that is gripping from the first page and beyond. Michael Wellington weaves a dark and intriguing story filled with unexpected twists and a growing sense of unease. The characters are complex and so personable you feel like they could be people you know. Written in such care to detail that each carry’s their own secrets and struggles. This was such a great read I couldn’t put it down! A psychological thriller with a slow build to a haunting payoff. I felt protective over the FMC throughout the book and didn’t seem to loath any of the characters as they were each written so well and with purpose.
*side note* Michaels descriptive words he uses for spicy scenes are exactly words people actually use and I am so grateful for that.
June 13, 2025
I. Am. SPEECHLESS!!!! What an absolutely incredible author! This book was fucking amazing, like could not put it down! The thriller aspect, not knowing what’s coming next, the sheer fucking spice, we’re talking ghost pepper level spice!! Read the entire thing in one sitting. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for reaching out asking me to read this book@Michael Wellington | Author 🖤
The plot was incredible! The characters were phenomenal! The twists and turns were just mind blowing! I never saw that ending coming and I genuinely wanted to scream for Stephanie to run lol. Also: would kill to have Sebastian call me a good girl 🥵🥵🥵Wow, just wow. 10 out of 10!!! Will recommend this book to everybody!!! Well done!
The plot was incredible! The characters were phenomenal! The twists and turns were just mind blowing! I never saw that ending coming and I genuinely wanted to scream for Stephanie to run lol. Also: would kill to have Sebastian call me a good girl 🥵🥵🥵Wow, just wow. 10 out of 10!!! Will recommend this book to everybody!!! Well done!
June 6, 2025
Perfectly written
Where do I start with this novel?
I absolutely loved it. The author is so descriptive in his writing that I got lost very easily and felt like I was literally in the book! I was hooked straight away from the intro.
There's a twist that I have to say I was not expecting at all, well theres a few wee twists in it and honestly it just kept me hooked and wanting to read on.
There's a lottt of spice (iknow everyone likes to know this straight off the bat😂)
Not the darkest of novels I read but its definitely up there. If your looking for a book that keeps you on your toes and has your thighs clenched then this is 1 for you!
Bravo on this book Michael🥰
Where do I start with this novel?
I absolutely loved it. The author is so descriptive in his writing that I got lost very easily and felt like I was literally in the book! I was hooked straight away from the intro.
There's a twist that I have to say I was not expecting at all, well theres a few wee twists in it and honestly it just kept me hooked and wanting to read on.
There's a lottt of spice (iknow everyone likes to know this straight off the bat😂)
Not the darkest of novels I read but its definitely up there. If your looking for a book that keeps you on your toes and has your thighs clenched then this is 1 for you!
Bravo on this book Michael🥰
June 18, 2025
Something Darker is a gritty, emotionally charged dark romance that really dives deep into the psychological scars of its main characters. If you’re into slow-burn tension and flawed characters working through their trauma, this one’s worth picking up.
What really stood out to me was the character development. The author gives them so much emotional depth—they’re not just dark romance clichés. They feel raw and real, like two broken people whose pain starts to reflect and feed off each other. The push and pull between them is intense, but never over the top. It feels honest, and that’s what makes their connection hit harder.
What really stood out to me was the character development. The author gives them so much emotional depth—they’re not just dark romance clichés. They feel raw and real, like two broken people whose pain starts to reflect and feed off each other. The push and pull between them is intense, but never over the top. It feels honest, and that’s what makes their connection hit harder.
July 5, 2025
I loved this book! He's a new to me author & this is Eve's story. She has been in a horrible situation & finally escapes it. But she really needs a job to pay for her mom's care. When she does an interview for a housekeeper position, it seems she has no more financial worries. However, there are a lot of secrets in this household & she finds herself in a dangerous situation. There's so much happening here & secrets start coming to the light & she also has to cope with some attractions with her employers. The plot twists were amazing & I did NOT see them coming. I loved the story & the spice was fantastic!! Highly recommend this book & author!!
April 27, 2025
I’m gonna be 100% honest, I did not have high hopes for this book because I thought a man could never write a dark romance. I was so wrong!!!
This had me on the edge of my seat, loving every minute of it.
The FMC had just left her abusive ex and was constantly looking at her shoulder, waiting for him to strike. She’s down on her luck, searching for a job with no success until she goes to an interview to be a housekeeper. She gets the job, but there’s a catch she has to live there. She does all the normal cooking and cleaning. There is one room she is never allowed to enter. She meets an extremely sexy man that literally gives her the shirt off his back. She keeps running into him all over the city. Only to find out he is her boss after he beats the hell out of her ex after he sees him hurting her. She watches her bosses have sex and is so turned on.
She is presented with the offer to be the couples third by the wife and she begins to question her sexuality and that excites her. As she starts to explore this path she finds the diary of their last housekeeper and begins to worry about what really happened to her. During this time she is falling hard for the husband. After talking to him about his wife he drops a huge bombshell on her.
This dark romance/ thriller is definitely worth the read!!! It will have you gripping the book and wishing you could read faster so you can find out what happens next. I definitely didn’t see the twist it took!!
This had me on the edge of my seat, loving every minute of it.
The FMC had just left her abusive ex and was constantly looking at her shoulder, waiting for him to strike. She’s down on her luck, searching for a job with no success until she goes to an interview to be a housekeeper. She gets the job, but there’s a catch she has to live there. She does all the normal cooking and cleaning. There is one room she is never allowed to enter. She meets an extremely sexy man that literally gives her the shirt off his back. She keeps running into him all over the city. Only to find out he is her boss after he beats the hell out of her ex after he sees him hurting her. She watches her bosses have sex and is so turned on.
She is presented with the offer to be the couples third by the wife and she begins to question her sexuality and that excites her. As she starts to explore this path she finds the diary of their last housekeeper and begins to worry about what really happened to her. During this time she is falling hard for the husband. After talking to him about his wife he drops a huge bombshell on her.
This dark romance/ thriller is definitely worth the read!!! It will have you gripping the book and wishing you could read faster so you can find out what happens next. I definitely didn’t see the twist it took!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2025
Amazing book
Omg! I was not expecting any of that in this book! The plot twists and the spice. The spice was on point. This was a page turner! From a slow start to okay, she's not who she says she is to wow I was not expecting this. This was an amazing book. The author was on point with this. The ending was not what I was expecting. My eyes were wide on the twists in there. I was going What?! to OMG!!! to Oh to Oh No! Yeah this book was a favorite of mine and I am definitely going to have to read this one again.
Omg! I was not expecting any of that in this book! The plot twists and the spice. The spice was on point. This was a page turner! From a slow start to okay, she's not who she says she is to wow I was not expecting this. This was an amazing book. The author was on point with this. The ending was not what I was expecting. My eyes were wide on the twists in there. I was going What?! to OMG!!! to Oh to Oh No! Yeah this book was a favorite of mine and I am definitely going to have to read this one again.
July 23, 2025
This was a dark sexy wild ride.
Ummmm it was so wrong but felt right?
Our FMC is a bit lost trying to get away from a shite ex…so she starts a new job with a couple being a maid/assistant. Nothing is as it seems though.
Think was spicy af and had some dark scenes so check your triggers!
I eyeballed this on my Kindle in less than 24 hours! It was riveting and sexy and there were lots of twists and turns!! Check it out!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#darkromance #secretsandlies #darkthriller #triggerwarnings #thatwashot #redflags
Ummmm it was so wrong but felt right?
Our FMC is a bit lost trying to get away from a shite ex…so she starts a new job with a couple being a maid/assistant. Nothing is as it seems though.
Think was spicy af and had some dark scenes so check your triggers!
I eyeballed this on my Kindle in less than 24 hours! It was riveting and sexy and there were lots of twists and turns!! Check it out!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#darkromance #secretsandlies #darkthriller #triggerwarnings #thatwashot #redflags
January 18, 2026
Must read
From start to finish this book had me guessing trying to figure out the ending but I couldn't and I love that about this book you truly won't know everything toward until the end of the book I love how everything came together I love how it was written just a phenomenal job I read it in a couple hours this book is one of the best books of dark romance to me that I've read in a while has blown away by the ending 10 out of 10 definitely recommend
From start to finish this book had me guessing trying to figure out the ending but I couldn't and I love that about this book you truly won't know everything toward until the end of the book I love how everything came together I love how it was written just a phenomenal job I read it in a couple hours this book is one of the best books of dark romance to me that I've read in a while has blown away by the ending 10 out of 10 definitely recommend
April 28, 2025
There is an HEA
No spoilers sorry.
Let me tell you this I COULDN'T put this book down. It was that enticing, there's twists to this book and I much as I tried to expect the inevitable, I wasn't expecting that. There are a lot of povs from most of the characters with past and present.
I would definitely read again.
No spoilers sorry.
Let me tell you this I COULDN'T put this book down. It was that enticing, there's twists to this book and I much as I tried to expect the inevitable, I wasn't expecting that. There are a lot of povs from most of the characters with past and present.
I would definitely read again.
May 7, 2025
I was not expecting a lot of twists and wtf moments. I was thinking this would be your typical dark romance. Haha, nope, this book is everything you need to read. Like it's steamy and the right of spice you need to just keep flipping through the pages. I couldn't keep this book down. I was so into this one. and I don't get into a lot of books. I am so happy I got the opportunity to read this one!
May 19, 2025
Wow, just wow! The suspense. The buildup. The plot twists. The complexity of the characters. I just finished Something Darker and I loved it! It was definitely psychological. The only critique I have is I would have loved to have seen more of Sebastian’s POV but I get it all the same. I don’t want to spoil it for other readers so I’ll end it here. Such a good read!
June 23, 2025
If you love spice, dark romance, and thriller, then this book is for you! Once I got 20% into the book, I found it hard to put down. However, it was a little repetitive with some of the FMC thoughts and expressions, but overall loved Eve. The short chapters were a plus. Definitely recommend giving this book a try. I would say 4.5 stars!
June 27, 2025
Never ending cycle
I had a hard time with the beginning as it hut close to home for me with the toxic relationship but once I got past it this book had me I couldn't put it down with the multiple plot twists and how he ended it, it had me questioning is this going to be a cycle or is has Eve turned into a psychopath like harlyn?
I had a hard time with the beginning as it hut close to home for me with the toxic relationship but once I got past it this book had me I couldn't put it down with the multiple plot twists and how he ended it, it had me questioning is this going to be a cycle or is has Eve turned into a psychopath like harlyn?
May 19, 2025
So dark and twisty. Full of suspense and plot twists at just about every turn. Mind blowing ending for sure. Has a handful of typos but other than that, my friend and I had a very hard time putting this one down.
May 27, 2025
WOW!
What a ride! Truly an amazing story with suspenseful plot twists that you didn’t see coming! Definitely a story you need to read! Check the trigger warnings first! I will be reading more stories from this author!!!
What a ride! Truly an amazing story with suspenseful plot twists that you didn’t see coming! Definitely a story you need to read! Check the trigger warnings first! I will be reading more stories from this author!!!
June 4, 2025
This was my first dark romance written by a male author, and I absolutely loved this book! The spice in this was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and it was well written with so many unexpected turns and twist. A few times my jaw literally dropped! Easily one of the best dark romance thrillers I’ve read this year.
June 14, 2025
OBSESSED
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed and then more. A dark and twisty romance that kept me hooked until the very last page. Couldn’t recommend this book more for anyone who loves a good dark romance with more twists than they could even imagine!
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed and then more. A dark and twisty romance that kept me hooked until the very last page. Couldn’t recommend this book more for anyone who loves a good dark romance with more twists than they could even imagine!
July 14, 2025
AMAZING
I was not expecting these plot twists, had me gasping more than once and even yelling at my kindle to the characters on more than one occasion.
Definitely check your trigger warnings
The anguish, the fear, the hunger, the passion was felt in every word
I was not expecting these plot twists, had me gasping more than once and even yelling at my kindle to the characters on more than one occasion.
Definitely check your trigger warnings
The anguish, the fear, the hunger, the passion was felt in every word
December 26, 2025
This wasn’t my favorite. It felt a little juvenile in the writing style, which then made the romance aspect feel weird to read. I didn’t appreciate the way the female characters simped over every little thing. And the plot/twists were predictable.
May 2, 2025
Loved every second was sad to finish it. Need more….now
May 6, 2025
WOW!!
Talk about a plot twist! This book will have you fall in love with most of the characters, i love the protectiveness of the MMC & the fact that the FMC is a BAD*SS!! 10/10
Talk about a plot twist! This book will have you fall in love with most of the characters, i love the protectiveness of the MMC & the fact that the FMC is a BAD*SS!! 10/10
June 12, 2025
Loved this book! Loved the characters and all the plot twists
June 19, 2025
Not what I expected
This book kept me hooked and was full of surprises. Not how I saw this book ending at all, but the whole book was great! Definitely recommend!
This book kept me hooked and was full of surprises. Not how I saw this book ending at all, but the whole book was great! Definitely recommend!
July 4, 2025
Reliable narrator? I think not. Amazing masterpiece. 5/5⭐️
Check trigger warnings!
Check trigger warnings!
July 22, 2025
This book
This book is not what I was expecting at all. I love the fact that it mentions Sleep Token in it.
This book is not what I was expecting at all. I love the fact that it mentions Sleep Token in it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews