Declan: A Dark Rock Star Romance

Ends World

by MercyAnn Summers

Declan Hughes, the MMC in this book, was first introduced in the Ends World Series. While you definitely do not need to read that series to fully understand and enjoy this book, you may want to give it a read just to familiarize yourself with some of the characters are who will inevitably make random appearances in Declan's story. Declan first appears in Book 3, A Fine Line, but the best reading experience in my very biased mind is beginning with book one in the Ends Duet, Ends of Being.

Declan
So, I'm not exactly a great guy.
Sure, I'm a great musician and a helluva entertainer, but when it comes to the finer nuances of wooing a woman I may be somewhat lacking in patience and style.
You see, I tend to just want my way, and when it comes to getting my way, there are no limits, no boundaries, no lines that I will not cross in order to get exactly what I want.
And right now, I want her.
Sure, she hates me, and she's engaged to another man, but what is love if you don't have to prove you're the better option.
Or in this case, the best option.
And also, her only option.

Marissa
I've been America's princess for so long I don't remember what it's like to be anonymous.
My life in the spotlight has rendered me immune to many things, but especially the unwanted advances of men.
And for the most part, my ability to deflect and disengage have served me well.
Up until now.
Until him.
He thinks he can wear me down, that he can push someone else aside and step into his shoes as if that part of my life never happened.
But what he doesn't know is that I've been protecting myself from the evils of mankind for my entire life, and so far I'm still batting .500 on coming out unscathed.
And I won't let him be the exception.

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Contemporary Romance, Smut, Adult, Contemporary

359 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2024

Reviews

[Shhh ... I’m Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets 5 🌟 and 🌶️

There story had me engulfed and couldn’t put it down once I started it.

My favorite part is when Declan cages Issa on the stage for his concert! 🖤🖤🖤 The lyrics to the his last song 🔥🔥

Only 1 part of his song -

You may not like these uneven edges I usually hide so well. But know they were re-honed to you shortly after I fell. I’ll follow you into the depths of hell, serve you and service you. Get on my goddamn knees and crawl to you. Every crazy thing you feel I may have done to you was only done. Because I'm completely, utterly, irrevocably, possessed by you. 🩶

And when she raps her come back 😱

Only 1 part of her rap -

Can you believe the audacity, the complete irrational rationality. Of this rock god spouting poetry. As if his borderline criminal disclosure doesn't matter. Just because he has a wicked tongue and a Jacob's ladder 💣

🎤drop


I absolutely love this pair! Loved this book and look forward to more releases from MercyAnn Summers!

I received this book as an arc and decided to read the first 3 books in the series before starting this one! This book could be a standalone read, but to get the clarity of the other characters that intertwine in Declan and Issa’s story made it so worth reading the first 3 books first!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a MercyAnn Summers fan? A lover of rock star romance? A random curious reader wondering if you should read this?

I'm here to tell you that you most definitely should!

Declan is a wild ride of so many things, but I'll save the spoilers and not list them. Are there dark themes? Yes. Are there red flags? Yes, yes, yes. Will you care about them? Absolutely not!

These two are somehow funny and endearing while simultaneously being inferno level hot together. Their banter will have you laughing out loud. They'll make you feel all gooey with their sweet moments. And then... things escalate and phew! Buckle. Up.

As with every MercyAnn book, this isn't just a romance focused book. There is a web of story underneath that comes to light and will have you wanting to delve into it even more. And if you haven't read the other three books in the series, I definitely recommend starting there!

I highly recommend this one. I hope you'll jump in and give it a try!

[Sayde · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦, 𝘐𝘴𝘴𝘢. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐'𝘮 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧." Declan. F*cking. Hughes. ladies and gentleman 👏🏼👏🏼

As a lover of both the romance and thriller genre MercyAnn’s romantic suspense is the perfect combination for a un-put-down-able book. But fair warning, it’s dark & dirty in the best way. Not only are there powerful morally grey men, these women give them a run for their sanity - strong, determined, and not to be messed with.

“𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘱 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯.” 😮‍💨

Once Declan decides what he wants he is definitely an all in man. The way he loves with everythinggg he is, absolutely unashamedly - even America’s Princess Issa can’t deny the attraction.

I’ll be honest, I’m not usually one for rockstar romance but MercyAnn did an outstanding job with this one!!

[Smut Cartel · Rating 5 out of 5]

You see, I tend to just want my way, and when it comes to getting my way, there are no limits, no boundaries, no lines that I will not cross in order to get exactly what I want.
And right now, I want her.

I love a book with top tier banter, and this was it! Twists and turns, spicy tension and sexy scenes, and a morally grey Declan that's really hard not to fall in love with. Issa is the perfectly represented curvy FMC with a bestie we could all just wish for!
Great story, a great balance of everything you could need, wrapped up in one!

Tropes:
- Dark Romantic Suspense
- Rockstar Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- Touch Her & ☠️
- Curvy FMC
- He Falls First

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book. I’m excited for what is to come next

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I have no words about how much I loved this story! I have been dying to read Declan’s story since he showed up in the previous book and he did not disappoint. He has grit, he made me laugh and I loved his drive to get what he wanted. This book has so much depth and I loved seeing the characters I previously came to love from his view point. This is a must read, just like the previous books but is a standalone so you don’t need the others to enjoy this one. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author!

[BookinBritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought MercyAnn couldn't possibly blow me away anymore...this amazing Indie writer proves me wrong and puts out a rockstar romance that absolutely blows me away!!

I cannot properly express how much I loved Declan and Issa's relationship, getting so many glimpses of our FAAFO crew from previous Mercy books (iykyk), the heartfelt lyrics spread throughout, and an insanely epic moment on stage you're going to scream over when you read it.

You have to read this one if you love your rockstar romances with a bit of edge, men who worship their women to an obsessive level and would burn the world down for them, and a solid storyline all the way to the end.

[Vanessa Hilario Mata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Rockstar Romance! Declan is obsessed with Issa the curvy singer. Enjoyed reading this suspense, action pack, fake marriage, he falls first, wonderful characters, and FAAFO! A must read!

[Jacklyn B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we go!!!! Oh Declan. I was really excited for this book! We met Declan in A Fine Line and he was not my favorite…but then he won me over. Let me tell you he fits in with the FAAFO crew perfectly! Things are never as they seem with MercyAnn’s books!

🚩Are there some red flags here? Sure. A little st@lking…er surveillance. It’s purely for Issa’s safety…right?

"Are you insane?" she asks breathlessly.
"For you? Yes. Certifiably. Irrevocably. Without remorse."

I really loved Issa and Declan together. They seem like total opposites but they have a little more in common than you expect. They have amazing chemistry! I loved their duets and verses to their songs. There is a scene involving a cage (not exactly what you think!!) that had me swooning. I love how supportive Declan is and how he really helps build her confidence.

Three words: FAAFO Group Chat

I was laughing so hard reading this group chat. I have fallen in love with these quirky and stabby characters. The one liners are amazing.

I highly recommend this entire series and recommend reading the other books in this series first! The jokes will be so much funnier with context 😂

✨Genre/Tropes
🎤Dark Romantic Suspense
🎸Rockstar Romance
🔥Enemies to Lovers
💍Fake Marriage
🖤Touch Her & ☠️
💋Curvy FMC
🔹He Falls First
🩶Morally Grey MC’s
🤗Prisoner Hugs
😂All the jokes…and then some

[Vianca (Vee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first stalker romance I’ve read where the stalker is someone in the limelight. He is a rockstar who is obsessed with a pop star and he takes action to make sure that they get to spend time together. I love that he doesn’t let her feelings towards him disuade him from continuing to pursue her.

Declan is a morally grey, tattooed, protective individual who makes it his mission to get Issa to fall for him. He goes through a lot of effort to take care of things that are in his way. While his actions can be considered over the top we know that everything he does is in Issa’s best interest even if she doesn’t thinks so. Love that he pushes enough to get her to stop and think about him but never too much where he has her running for the hills.

Issa is a sweet, strong minded, and determined individual stuck protecting her best friend and put in a tough spot by a narcissistic individual. Thankfully, Declan has his eyes on that individual and does what he can to make Issa feel safe again. I like that she takes her time in letting Declan in by allowing him to continuously prove his point. When she finally gives in to his way they are couple to be reckoned with. Also, she takes Declan darker side in stride and accepts that sometimes he needs to do what he needs to do.

[Judie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan and Issa are perfection! MercyAnn Summers has delighted us with “Declan” in book 4 of the Ends World series

We met Declan in book 3 and I loved to hate him. I am so glad to get his story. He is going to make sure he gets Issa. The fact that she is engaged and supposed to be married in three days is not stopping him and I. Am. Here. For. This.

Issa still holds on to her “V” card. for no real reason except she just hasn’t found “the one” Declan comes along and takes care of her, but pushes her and she secretly loves it. The twist with Jessica? Didn’t see it coming and the way Summers wrote this story was just so good.

I always read a books dedication. You know sometimes you just get a vibe from them. This one was no different. “To the shattered. The tormented. The discarded. The deceived. I see you. Take my hand”. Or crawl to me. This IS what the book captures. I could not put it down. Do yourself a favor and read this series. You can start with Declan. It will just make you want to go back and read the rest

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate this up! You know it's going to be good when the opening line is "I am officially f**ked".
Enemy to Lover rockstar romance, stalker obsessive MMC, curvy FMC stuck in a bad situation, and a ton of amazing side characters, top tier banter, and complete crazyness.
Lots of dark themes and red flags, a fantastic plot balancing slow burn romance, swoony songs, angst and spice, and fast paced action.
Loved it! Issa and Declan are couple goals - especially if you want your man to treat you like a queen, burn the world for you, and F*** you senseless.
😉

🔥"You're gonna find out real quick, doll face, that I do what I F**king want. You may not like it, but you're gonna accept it"
🔥"I want you and only you"
🔥"I take care of what belongs to me"
🔥"I F**king all caps love you"
🔥"You want Chinese food at 1 am...you want a bath drawn for you...you want me to lock you in my basement for a full 24 hours of mind blowing O's? I am most definitely your guy"

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ARC review✨️ Declan by MercyAnn Summers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'm a bit delayed on this ARC review as the book has now been published and is available to read and purchase!

However, I'm still reviewing it as promised.

This book had literally everything in it, romance, action, bromance, mystery, found family, murd3r and spice.

First book of this authors I've read, however this book is book 4 in a series, albeit an interconnected standalone meaning you don't have to read the others beforehand, but if you do you'll probably get the characters stories better.

I loved the style of writing, super easy to read, and a quick read to be honest because there was so much going on. There was a lot of spice ( believe it or not I got a bit bored of it as I wanted to get back to the storyline) 🤷‍♀️

The characters were fantastic, perfect match.

The MFC, a curvy lady, in the same industry as the MMC, absolutely hates Declan, and is engaged to another man. She starts out as one personality but completely does a 360 change. This completely shows that the right person will make you feel comfortable in yourself and being you.

The MMC, is a rockstar but also a 🍆 with stalker tendencies. Has a reputation of being a use and abuse the ladies man, until he falls for our MFC. He's definitely something but I love the sweeter side that comes out when he's with her. Definitely touch her and d1e vibes going on.

There are definitely trigger warnings for this book, so please check them before reading.

I will most definitely be open to reading more of this authors work.

[Tifani Killion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually one for rockstar romances but this book might have changed my mind. I can't say no to the possessive stalker type. The development of the characters separately was such an amazing part of this story. Not to mention the chemistry and hate/love relationship was top tier. The plot twist at the end was completely unexpected but absolutely fantastic. The only downside is that while it is said that you can read it without reading the others, you will be lost for a while. All of the characters that were in the first 3 books of the series are not really explained at all. There are tiny hints as to who they are but for the most part, it's kind of a guessing game. So if you are wanting to read this amazing stalker rockstar romance, start at the beginning of the series.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read it in around 6 hours but over a few days.
Was a well written and spicy book. Lots of twists and turns but amazing to follow. Declan has an almost ‘no bs’ attitude and has to have the girl, despite her being engaged and to be married in 3 days.
I highly recommend the book, I won’t spoil it for anyone ;)

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I 💓 this book. This book is book 4, of the "An Ends Word Novel." This is a standalone, but I would start with book 1, to get to know the characters and what going on. I just couldn't put it down. 💓 Declan and Issa.
This book has great musician, entertainment, he's a Jerk but change his ways for her, lacking in patience and style when wooing a women, she hates him, sacrifice her happiness, intense, entertaining, page turner, unpredictable, romantic, wonderful characters, fake marriage?, stalker, obsessed, enemies to lovers, curvy virgin, pierced huh, romantic suspense, different sides of him, twist and turns, page turner, obsessed with her, rockstar romance, and so much more.
Definitely, on my reread list.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good rockstar romance! Declan Hughes is a stud with confidence! Declan and Issa together are hot!

[rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say it's good, I have seen the rates but to me it just isn't as good it good be. There is humor between the two and friends but it it's missing something can't say what. The story is good. You read and decide

[Readingwithdesi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book I read it as soon as the arc was sent! Declan is definitely one of my favorite! He’s one of the good guys!! I definitely recommend this to anyone who will listen!

[Crystal Garren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I read this entire book in one day? Yes I did. Did I also love this book? Absolutely! This book kept me on edge. I just love Declan and Issa. It was a beautiful story and I am hoping for more in the future especially if it’s a Matt story line!

[Beth Gifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole fuvking series!!

Loved it all, every character, every situation, every story line, and all of their development into full, crazy, loving characters! Loved! Loved! Loved!

[Lily tra le righe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Questo è quello che solitamente definisco un “dark romance leggero”, abbiamo infatti un protagonista maschile assolutamente morally grey, che non si fa scrupoli ad andare contro la legge, in ogni modo possibile.
La storia ti cattura, facendoti subito innamorare dei personaggi e delle loro vicessitudini.
Nulla mi toglie dalla testa che l’ispirazione per Marissa sia una certa pop star americana bionda che sta pian piano conquistando mondo e classifiche.

[JennyG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I loved Dare & Toni but now I'm torn. Declan and Issa are fantastic together. The music aspect is so much fun but seeing Issa melt into the fam, made my heart so happy.

Mercyann, you did it again. Fun, spice, action, great story and an even greater crew of characters.

I was absolutely honored to have an advanced reader copy. Thank you!!!!

Rest in hell, Bobby.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

**This is a great read that gives you more insight into the rockstar brother, Declan, who we met in ‘A Fine Line’. This is book 4 in MercyAnn’s Ends World. It can be read as a standalone but you will miss out on some of the inside jokes and character dynamics so it’s highly recommended that you read the series in order! If you love dark romance, great humor, and a good plot—you won’t regret diving into the Ends World!! **

‘Declan’ plunges readers into the electrifying world of rockstar romance, where passion and tension collide in unexpected ways. Is Declan a walking red flag? -definitely, but let’s ignore that 😂. This tale blends enemies-to-lovers into a forced marriage creating a story that is thrilling and entertaining.

You get to experience more from our beloved FAAFO crew and their infamous group chat. They add a delightful layer of camaraderie and mischief, injecting humor into the narrative that balances the high-stakes drama.

Issa and Declan are a wild duo and they have great chemistry. There’s a fine line between love and hate…and they are on opposite sides of that line…but once they come together, it’s pure perfection!

‘Declan’ is a must-read for fans of rockstar romance and enemies-to-lovers tropes. With its compelling blend of humor, unexpected twists, and the endearing dynamic of a man who falls first, this book will leave you craving more!

[Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Ends World Series. Each story is an interconnected standalone that will follow a different couple. Although I do recommend starting from the beginning, you do not need too in order to understand what is going on. I will say that I met several of the previous books characters and I definitely will be going back and reading those.

-Rock/pop star romance
-Morally grey characters
-Secrets
-Mafia vibes (previous characters)
-Unhinged characters (they are amazing)
-He falls first
-Possessive MMC

This was my first introduction to these character and this series by author Mercyann Summers. I can say without a doubt that it will not be my last. We get to see previous characters involved in this story with Declan and Issa. Their story begins as they meet at an awards ceremony and Declan is smitten right from the beginning. He arranges that hey become married and this is where the crazy begins. Again, Declan is head over heels in love withIssa she just needs a little push to get there as well. This story was so fun to read and the antics and banter had me rolling. I don't want to say too much because I definitely do not want t spoil the book but I need so much more from this world.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a first-time reader of MercyAnns work, i’m so impressed by her ability to craft characters that are as compelling as they are charismatic. The male main character Declan is a standout for me, his personality and rockstar character made total sense and I love everything about him.🖤
The chemistry between Declan and Issa, is really well developed, evolving from sparks of initial attraction to a deep connection. I love how they go through a series of humorous and spicy encounters that enhance the depth and relatability of their relationship.🖤
The blend of humor, heat, and heart makes this book a solid 4 star read for me and I’m really looking forward to reading more by MercyAnn.🖤

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect blend between rockstar romance and suspense. I really loved this book!!! I couldn't put it down!! The relationship between Declan and Issa is so well written and their push and pull was just the right amount to keep you invested. Go and read it, seriously!!!

[Gabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan by mercyann summers

5 ⭐️ 5 🌶️

I will never shut up about this book, Declan is a bred in himself but the protectiveness and the determination and soft inside for Issa is all I needed to make him a book husband. This book has everything a rockstar romance needs (in my opinion) it has some mystery, romance, spice cause duh. Build up and more spice and the mouth on this man 👌

Anyways go read it asap. 🤣 #rockstar #romancebooks #rockstarreads #tropes #smuttybooks #smuttyreads #smutslut #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #ku #tbr

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
It was really enjoyable that all the characters from the previous books had a part in the story. Declan was a good character. The tension was written brilliantly and clearly showed his persistence. I liked that he did connect back with his brother. Rockstar romances aren't my usual trope, but I found it interesting.

[Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a couple of chapters to get into but then I really got sucked into the book!
Life isn’t easy or simple when your famous and they way these two people got together definitely wasn’t traditional but it worked!