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Black Rose #1
Black Rose
"Because some women don't want red roses and wine, they need black roses and knives."
Charles is a man who was born into wealth and power. Mix in his copper colored hair and tan fit body and you have the makings of a real playboy.
Charles could have any woman that he wants; but he wants Melanie.
Having an obsession with Melanie wouldn't be such a problem if it weren't for the fact that Charles is a serial killer.
Before it's over you are going to be wondering not only how did Melanie bond with a serial killer, but how did YOU bond with a serial killer. This is a dark erotic tale that will pull you in and have you wondering why and how Charles Wentworth III found redemption in your eyes...
Charles is a man who was born into wealth and power. Mix in his copper colored hair and tan fit body and you have the makings of a real playboy.
Charles could have any woman that he wants; but he wants Melanie.
Having an obsession with Melanie wouldn't be such a problem if it weren't for the fact that Charles is a serial killer.
Before it's over you are going to be wondering not only how did Melanie bond with a serial killer, but how did YOU bond with a serial killer. This is a dark erotic tale that will pull you in and have you wondering why and how Charles Wentworth III found redemption in your eyes...
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2014
56 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Steele
77 books615 followersTo keep up with all things Suzanne Steele you can find her on Facebook and her wordpress blog. Everything there is up to date. She loves her beautiful readers.
Suzanne Steele is an Amazon Bestselling Author and television host for a TV program in the Charlotte NC area. She focuses on volunteer work and is very heavily involved in giving back to her local community. The month of October will be spent focusing on breast cancer awareness.
Suzanne has a penchant for writing about dark characters with twisted behavioral patterns. If you're looking for the typical romance, this is probably not the author for you. Her characters are very alpha in nature and many times they operate under obsession for the object of their affection; rather than love. Though she does believe in happily ever afters, her characters many times have a bumpy ride getting there.
She also writes under the pseudonym Stormy Dawn Weathers for her writings that aren't so darkly laced with a true realism of shock and awe. Suzanne Steele does not believe in holding back when it comes to writing about how dark and depraved her characters are in the core of their primal natures.
Suzanne Steele is an Amazon Bestselling Author and television host for a TV program in the Charlotte NC area. She focuses on volunteer work and is very heavily involved in giving back to her local community. The month of October will be spent focusing on breast cancer awareness.
Suzanne has a penchant for writing about dark characters with twisted behavioral patterns. If you're looking for the typical romance, this is probably not the author for you. Her characters are very alpha in nature and many times they operate under obsession for the object of their affection; rather than love. Though she does believe in happily ever afters, her characters many times have a bumpy ride getting there.
She also writes under the pseudonym Stormy Dawn Weathers for her writings that aren't so darkly laced with a true realism of shock and awe. Suzanne Steele does not believe in holding back when it comes to writing about how dark and depraved her characters are in the core of their primal natures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 25, 2015
This was my first Suzanne Steele book, so like most readers who are reading an author for the first time I wasn’t sure what kind of story I was going to get. From the beginning of the book our MC socialite-turned-serial killer, Charles Wentworth III, tells the reader:
“For those of you who have read of my exploits in Miller’s memoirs (The Contract Series), I believe it is necessary to share this one story once again, for the sake of those of who have not. At the risk of repeating myself, please bear with me in order for me to enlighten those who have not read that series. Once again, I graciously offer my apologies. This will be the only story repeated and, I promise, I have purpose in doing so.”
So I guess that means that this is a companion novel of sorts?
When you start this book, you figure it will be a dark romance involving a serial killer and the woman he desires. Well… I wouldn’t exactly call this a “romance”. While I enjoyed the overall plot, I think it lacked character development needed for me to classify it as a “love story”. Charles calls Melanie his “soul mate” because she gets off on his depraved ways just as much as he does. Melanie calms the bloodlust in Charles with sex. And Charles has a seriously dirty mouth! I.e:
But while there’s plenty of sex and obsession… I didn’t feel a romantic connection between Charles and his obsession Melanie. I did, however, enjoy reading about their weird…relationship.
Another thing about this story is that there are multiple POV’s. Not just one or two…. but seven! Everyone has their own role in the story: Charles, Melanie, Dr. Anderson, Selena, Evelyn, Dr. Ozment, and Agent Turner. And Charles is not the only serial killer in town, oddly enough.
I think my favorite characters might have been Agent Turner and his mistress, Rene. Maybe it’s due to my love of Agent Reed in the Dark Duet series, but there’s something about the female dom/male sub dynamic that intrigues the hell out of me!
I don’t know if this book would be for everyone, but for me this story was weird, and kinky, and so screwed up that it helped to outshine the other small flaws of the story. I do want to read more of Suzanne Steele’s books because I think they hold some serious potential!
4 stars!
February 17, 2020
Charles Wentworth III is a wealthy man who moves in the upper circles of society.
He is also a serial killer who targets a certain criminality when he chooses his targets.
His goes by the moniker Black Rose Killer.
Charles also is not quite the norm when it comes to his intimate preferences not only does he like control he gets off on fear and degradation humiliating and then discarding his partners.
He's most definitely a sadist in the bedroom and he knows exactly what he likes.
But Charles has a new obsession one he will go to any lengths to claim as his own its an added bonus that despite or even because of her fear she also seems to get off on their interactions.
This is not a romantic read its a dark and twisted portrayal of need and obsession.
I really liked this part of the book all the play between Charles and Melanie he is very dominant and she bends for his will.
Mostly I think because he rescues her from the poverty of her current situation and she will do anything for her young son and then later because she likes the darkness he offers her.
My minuses with this were I think there were too many POV here, too many story arcs.
I would have prefered to just concentrate on Charles and Melanie as at times there was just too much going on.
I also thought the finish was rather abrupt, I still enjoyed this and I thought it was an enjoyable read.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
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December 26, 2014I got a good portion of this book done since I was intrigued by the concept of "sociopath-like guy finds a babe" but I'm just not ballsy enough as a reader quite yet to look past some of the gore of the book since I'm a bit on the timid side in terms of reading dark romances. The author is no doubt very talented and I hope I grow more as a reader who is just now truly dabbling in dark romances into a reader who can mature into reading books of a higher level of darkness that this one presents.
Until Next time :)!
Until Next time :)!
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March 4, 2024DNF @ 35%
This was a muddled mess. So much telling from the constant switching of POV’s. It lacks details and development. So far the main players are…
Charles is a Dexter-esque serial killer that kills bad people. He's a psycho and has a penchant for rough/violent sex. (consensual) His POV CONSTANTLY tells the reader hoe depraved and what a bad man he is, but so far most of his on-page time is having sex with random “submissives” while he obsesses about Melanie.
Melanie is the classic poor single mom trying to scrimp by. Most of her on-page is dodging her creepy boss.
Agent Turner is a profiler that thinks he super smart. He constantly thinks about his employee by day dominatrix by night partner.
I really struggled with the writing style of being fed information with new POVs telling me stuff. I couldn't find a flow to enjoy the story. I LOVE a good psycho romance, but this wasn't working for me.
Bottom Line- This has so much going on, 35% in and we have POV’s of Charles/Black Rose, Melanie, Agent Turner, Evelyn, Dr. Anderson… There’s a “good” serial kill--- a “bad” serial killer—a necrophiliac—BDSM—roofies—sex with OP… It’s so much, yet nothing because it’s so confusing. The H and h haven’t even met.
This was a muddled mess. So much telling from the constant switching of POV’s. It lacks details and development. So far the main players are…
Charles is a Dexter-esque serial killer that kills bad people. He's a psycho and has a penchant for rough/violent sex. (consensual) His POV CONSTANTLY tells the reader hoe depraved and what a bad man he is, but so far most of his on-page time is having sex with random “submissives” while he obsesses about Melanie.
Melanie is the classic poor single mom trying to scrimp by. Most of her on-page is dodging her creepy boss.
Agent Turner is a profiler that thinks he super smart. He constantly thinks about his employee by day dominatrix by night partner.
I really struggled with the writing style of being fed information with new POVs telling me stuff. I couldn't find a flow to enjoy the story. I LOVE a good psycho romance, but this wasn't working for me.
Bottom Line- This has so much going on, 35% in and we have POV’s of Charles/Black Rose, Melanie, Agent Turner, Evelyn, Dr. Anderson… There’s a “good” serial kill--- a “bad” serial killer—a necrophiliac—BDSM—roofies—sex with OP… It’s so much, yet nothing because it’s so confusing. The H and h haven’t even met.
January 29, 2015
I believe I just fell for a serial killer. ; )
Dark, different & good!
4.5black roses stars!
Dark, different & good!
4.5
March 16, 2015
4.5 Blood Dripping Black Roses Stars
Holy mind twistery of serial killing craziness. This book has your mind gripping to the edge of normal and what the who the crazy.
"YOU. ARE. PREY. "
This book is fully of crazy, dark, gritty, dangerous, sexual deviance on a whole new level. My draw dropped with a couple scenarios!! I give kudos to Miss Steele for daring to be daring.
Charles was one sexy serial killer. I crossed so many "I love you/hate
you" feelings. Vigilante killer that was a monster one minute to obsessing the next to evil sadist to passionate care taker. WOW.....he makes my head spin.
" You see, I am a born predator. "
Melanie. .....oh sweet Melanie.....you had my emotions confused. The life you have is tough as a single mother in the wrong part of town. I was cheering you on the entire book.
"He is calling forth a part of me that craves danger and obsession.
SHOCKING MOMENT!!!! Little miss innocent is NOT so innocent and I really liked that side of you. Picking Charles as your savior and accepting him as he is all in the name of the ultimate life for you and your son. I say we readers have a lot more to learn about you!!
" I am the only one that sates your hunger for blood."
That my reading friends is true crazy love!!
The bonus side of this book.....multiple craziness of characters weaving together....our author is grabbing us from many angles. Keep speaking those killer tentacles....leaves me needing more.
PS to my sexy serial killer. ....you don't have to remind me of how bad you are....we know sugar. .....you a very bad boy!
Holy mind twistery of serial killing craziness. This book has your mind gripping to the edge of normal and what the who the crazy.
"YOU. ARE. PREY. "
This book is fully of crazy, dark, gritty, dangerous, sexual deviance on a whole new level. My draw dropped with a couple scenarios!! I give kudos to Miss Steele for daring to be daring.
Charles was one sexy serial killer. I crossed so many "I love you/hate
you" feelings. Vigilante killer that was a monster one minute to obsessing the next to evil sadist to passionate care taker. WOW.....he makes my head spin.
" You see, I am a born predator. "
Melanie. .....oh sweet Melanie.....you had my emotions confused. The life you have is tough as a single mother in the wrong part of town. I was cheering you on the entire book.
"He is calling forth a part of me that craves danger and obsession.
SHOCKING MOMENT!!!! Little miss innocent is NOT so innocent and I really liked that side of you. Picking Charles as your savior and accepting him as he is all in the name of the ultimate life for you and your son. I say we readers have a lot more to learn about you!!
" I am the only one that sates your hunger for blood."
That my reading friends is true crazy love!!
The bonus side of this book.....multiple craziness of characters weaving together....our author is grabbing us from many angles. Keep speaking those killer tentacles....leaves me needing more.
PS to my sexy serial killer. ....you don't have to remind me of how bad you are....we know sugar. .....you a very bad boy!
dnf
December 23, 2014I couldn't rate this because I haven't read the entire book yet. But just for the record, I stopped reading at 38%. I have no problem with the author's writing whatsoever, but there were just too many POVs from different people in this book. It reminded me of when I read Dark Lover by J.R. Ward. I wasn't able to finish the book too because of those too many damn POVs.
Another thing I'm concerned about this book is the hero. I don't get the idea of him fucking other women during the first few chapters of the book and treating them like garbage when all he thinks about is the heroine. That was an asshole move, I believe.
I'm marking this as DNF for now, but maybe later I'd read this when I'm in the mood for some Suzanne Steele's dark and dangerous obsessive alpha heroes.
Another thing I'm concerned about this book is the hero. I don't get the idea of him fucking other women during the first few chapters of the book and treating them like garbage when all he thinks about is the heroine. That was an asshole move, I believe.
I'm marking this as DNF for now, but maybe later I'd read this when I'm in the mood for some Suzanne Steele's dark and dangerous obsessive alpha heroes.
December 10, 2014
2 Stars for the hot dirty talking man, as for the rest I'm not sure what the heck I read.
The "H" never lies about his motivations, he's looking to clean up the streets and make the "heroine" his submissive/doormat.
If only the sexy talk came out of a decent guy and a decent Dominant.
The "H" never lies about his motivations, he's looking to clean up the streets and make the "heroine" his submissive/doormat.
If only the sexy talk came out of a decent guy and a decent Dominant.
December 6, 2014
Looking forward to reading more about theses dark men and the women who loves them.
November 24, 2017
This story had it all: bdsm, degradation, disturbing scenes, intriguing mystery, necrophilia, vigilante justice and of course serial killers. I really enjoyed this fast-paced book, loved Black Rose *Sigh* but there was some scenes that where a little bit ridiculous (especially on the Bdsm) Sorry, but it takes time, trust and communication to just have a woman become submissive over-night! Just saying! The other negatives I have, I would have loved to have known, "Why Black Rose (Charles) was so obsessed/possessive of Melanie?" And the "6" POV's was way to much. I just wanted to know more about Black Rose/ Melanie.
My Favorite Quote:
"Why is it always you white boys who are so kinky? Y’all must have some fucked up kink DNA or sumpin’. I don’t mind a little bit of kink but I ain’t gonna have no mother fucker tryin’ to piss on me and playin’ dead is just weird."
My Favorite Quote:
"Why is it always you white boys who are so kinky? Y’all must have some fucked up kink DNA or sumpin’. I don’t mind a little bit of kink but I ain’t gonna have no mother fucker tryin’ to piss on me and playin’ dead is just weird."
Want to read
December 15, 2014Is is wrong to love books about a hero that is a serial killer?!?!?!
November 2, 2014
I liked this story bc the H was so obsessed with the h. Unfortunately, I wish we would have seen him express some of his feelings for her but all he did was threaten her. Also, I had an issue with the constant descriptions of the author telling us something and then the characters themselves repeating it. Was a little turned off with the H always saying how he was rich and powerful. It would have more of an impact if we see it instead of having him tell us. I did like the story with the escort finding love. I commend the author for treating such a character with respect and giving her a HEA. Plus, this book made it seem like everyone wants to land a doctor and all women are predators.
December 18, 2014
How do fall for a serial killer? I dont know but Suzanne did it maybe not in love, love but an understanding of why he does what he does. Of course he's bossy, he pretty much just took Laura and her son, but she looks at it as a much better place than were she was...her only rule is to obey him, not to bad of a deal since she's loving the kinky sex. Alot of people in her but you were able to keep track of them all. Dr.Anderson*****gulp**** I dont believe I have read someone like him O.O before..Recommended for lover's of the Dark, some kinky sex and a bossy rich man who will take care of you as long as you take care of all his needs :))
August 27, 2016
This dark story of obsessive love hooked me on page one. I love to see flawed characters grow in redeeming ways and these didn't disappoint. The heroine is so real, I could put myself in her place. Her conflicted feelings as she was being stalked came through loud and clear. This is another winner from an author who knows how to write dark, twisted romance.
July 11, 2014
Great job Suzanne!!! Breathtaking, haunting, mind numbingly obsessive and soooo...freaking hot. Right up my alley. We might share the same fantasies ;) I also highly recommend His Captive Bride by the same author if you like this type of genre. Thanks again Suzanne for the great read...please keep writing.
April 9, 2015
What? It's dark and twisted. There weren't enough details to make this story realistic. So a serial killer kills bad people including another serial killer who kills women and sleeps with their dead bodies? He makes the woman he wants marry him but everything just seems so incomplete. It had the potential to be a great story....but it fell flat.
April 15, 2021
Very muddled because there is multiple povs that don't tie seamlessly to tell the story. Many parts of the story didn't make sense to me and left me wondering if I missed a whole chunk of the story, like why is the H so obsessed with the h, and why did the h accept the H so quickly even when he was essentially a stranger. Characters were quite flat as well and I didn't connect with any of them
January 11, 2015
He’s crazy passionate and always in control. Dominate and deviously calculating by nature he pretty much is the epitome of an evil jerk. This was actually kind of HOT maybe I’m just as wicked as the intangible Black Rose
July 18, 2016
Apart verhaal: serial killers (good & bad).... and cops, chirurgen, whores and kinky sex. Gezien vanuit (zeker in het begin te) veel POVs, maar dat maakt allemaal sense tegen het einde. A very nice read!
December 18, 2014
This had the potential for a great book, but it had way too many main characters with their own stories. It read like cliff notes. With so many characters and plots to wrap up it felt rushed. Each couple should have had their own book.
February 18, 2015
Holy smokes talk about a dark twisted mind fu**. For a serial killer Charles was sexy as hell with his dirty talk. A must read!!
November 1, 2016
Been waiting on this book and I would recommend reading the contract series buts it's not needed. But honestly I would recommend anything by this writer.
December 28, 2014
I want more
This was such a good book but I want more of Charles and Melanie. I love Charles..he maybe crazy but he's hot.
This was such a good book but I want more of Charles and Melanie. I love Charles..he maybe crazy but he's hot.
March 29, 2015
Confused
June 15, 2015
Omg someone get this author a thesaurus and a better editor! Had potential but I cannot handle all the repetitiveness!
Also, way too many POVs!
Also, way too many POVs!
March 17, 2015
I really like this book. Suzanne Steele did good with this one.
January 7, 2019
Just plain awesomely NUTS
This book was everything it said it will be, dark, twisted, obsessive, but oh so addictive. Suzanne Steele has become a favourite of mine ever since Glazov. Bloody hell this was intense, looking forward to soo much more
This book was everything it said it will be, dark, twisted, obsessive, but oh so addictive. Suzanne Steele has become a favourite of mine ever since Glazov. Bloody hell this was intense, looking forward to soo much more
October 14, 2019
Wow
If you want dark proportion reading , twisting minds , sexual tension, seductive desires and unpredictable characters males, and females. This is a marvelous book to read.
If you want dark proportion reading , twisting minds , sexual tension, seductive desires and unpredictable characters males, and females. This is a marvelous book to read.
October 7, 2020
What A Story!
Black Rose was trilling from start to finish!
I love the look into several stories in one then they merge together. Perfect!
Black Rose was trilling from start to finish!
I love the look into several stories in one then they merge together. Perfect!
November 6, 2015
2.5 stars
I liked the premise of the book. And seeing inside the minds of the serial killers was quite interesting. Unfortunately, there was too much narration for me. Also, I really couldn't buy into Melanie's not just instant acceptance, but flat out loving, his ownership of her and the way he treats her in bed. Look, I'm sure there are people out there who do get off on sex like that and I did expect him to make her to want it...eventually. (After all, seeing the process of maneuvering the woman to the point of physical and psychological acceptance and desire is half the lure of these type books, isn't it?) But come on, out of the thousands of women in the city he could have fixated on and kidnapped, it just happened to be a nice woman who, despite never having sexual encounters like that before, and with no indication given that she had even fantasized about such things previously, turns out to be super into that type sex. And right off the bat, no coaxing or mental twisting required. Wow, how lucky and convenient for him. So while her inner monologue says she likes it, and you see her getting off during sex, I never actually *felt* that desire or need because the author had not laid a believable foundation (in my opinion, of course). That severely damaged the romance aspect of the story for me and cheated me of watching him seduce her -- in his twisted way -- into becoming what he needs. As this is supposed to be a dark erotic romance, those were two big problems, as indicated by my 2.5 star rating. All that said, there was enough interest in Black Rose himself and his twisted, sadistic thought process that kept me reading until the end. And I'll even read the next book because I want to see how the game plays out between him and the FBI profilers looking for him.
I liked the premise of the book. And seeing inside the minds of the serial killers was quite interesting. Unfortunately, there was too much narration for me. Also, I really couldn't buy into Melanie's not just instant acceptance, but flat out loving, his ownership of her and the way he treats her in bed. Look, I'm sure there are people out there who do get off on sex like that and I did expect him to make her to want it...eventually. (After all, seeing the process of maneuvering the woman to the point of physical and psychological acceptance and desire is half the lure of these type books, isn't it?) But come on, out of the thousands of women in the city he could have fixated on and kidnapped, it just happened to be a nice woman who, despite never having sexual encounters like that before, and with no indication given that she had even fantasized about such things previously, turns out to be super into that type sex. And right off the bat, no coaxing or mental twisting required. Wow, how lucky and convenient for him. So while her inner monologue says she likes it, and you see her getting off during sex, I never actually *felt* that desire or need because the author had not laid a believable foundation (in my opinion, of course). That severely damaged the romance aspect of the story for me and cheated me of watching him seduce her -- in his twisted way -- into becoming what he needs. As this is supposed to be a dark erotic romance, those were two big problems, as indicated by my 2.5 star rating. All that said, there was enough interest in Black Rose himself and his twisted, sadistic thought process that kept me reading until the end. And I'll even read the next book because I want to see how the game plays out between him and the FBI profilers looking for him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews