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The King of Living Stone: A Dark Gothic Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Romance
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2026
About the author
Derek Wolfe
55 books8 followersDerek Wolfe writes what your darkest desires whisper—then dares you to feel every shiver.
In Derek’s world, no fantasy is too wicked, no emotion too raw, no love too dangerous. Every book is a plunge into heat, hunger, and heartbreak—crafted for readers who crave stories that seduce their bodies and wreck their hearts.
His signature style blends the blistering intensity of erotica with the soul-deep pull of romance. Billionaire obsession. Taboo temptation. Ménage with consequences. Every story is a collision of desire and vulnerability, written with addictive pacing, unforgettable characters, and a voice that doesn’t flinch.
Derek doesn’t just write steamy fiction.
He builds emotional addictions.
If you're the kind of reader who rereads favorite scenes at 2 AM, who falls too hard for fictional men, and who wants more than just spice—you’ve just found your new favorite author.
Follow Derek for early releases, sneak peeks, and the kind of stories you’ll never forget.
In Derek’s world, no fantasy is too wicked, no emotion too raw, no love too dangerous. Every book is a plunge into heat, hunger, and heartbreak—crafted for readers who crave stories that seduce their bodies and wreck their hearts.
His signature style blends the blistering intensity of erotica with the soul-deep pull of romance. Billionaire obsession. Taboo temptation. Ménage with consequences. Every story is a collision of desire and vulnerability, written with addictive pacing, unforgettable characters, and a voice that doesn’t flinch.
Derek doesn’t just write steamy fiction.
He builds emotional addictions.
If you're the kind of reader who rereads favorite scenes at 2 AM, who falls too hard for fictional men, and who wants more than just spice—you’ve just found your new favorite author.
Follow Derek for early releases, sneak peeks, and the kind of stories you’ll never forget.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 4, 2026
So truthfully I picked this book due to the cover, but also the promise of some dark romance. The cover promises gritty and it delivered. By way of world building, which I must admit was spot on, and the main character's, which were much different than I expected but in a good way.
The world building is goldilocks, no information dumping but enough unsaid to let your imagination run wild. The idea of the rot castle and all its intricate passageways and doom and gloom was well done.
The characters were not what I was expecting. Its like a reverse damsel in distress. Yes Gerrick is very powerful and the epitome of doom and gloom. If there was ever definition of 'woe is me' it's him. Luckily for him Tamsin is hard headed badass, who doesn't let the world push her around and she survives just to spit it. She strong and always there to pick Gerrick up and force some sense into him.
Now I have pretty much fan girled over here, but there were some things that made me take a few more breaks than I was expecting. I really felt like the interactions with Silas were confusing and needed more explanation or background. His introduction was lacking. Plus I felt like Tamsin and Gerrick have history with Silas but there was no elaboration.
There was also conversations and observations that were brought up in the early parts of the book that had no follow up or were brought up again later on as something new; thoses sections made the story disjointed at times.
But really it was worth the read; if I could I would give it a 4.5 but alas I can't. Definitely hoping there is a sequel. Feels like it may explore Silas more. Excited for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The world building is goldilocks, no information dumping but enough unsaid to let your imagination run wild. The idea of the rot castle and all its intricate passageways and doom and gloom was well done.
The characters were not what I was expecting. Its like a reverse damsel in distress. Yes Gerrick is very powerful and the epitome of doom and gloom. If there was ever definition of 'woe is me' it's him. Luckily for him Tamsin is hard headed badass, who doesn't let the world push her around and she survives just to spit it. She strong and always there to pick Gerrick up and force some sense into him.
Now I have pretty much fan girled over here, but there were some things that made me take a few more breaks than I was expecting. I really felt like the interactions with Silas were confusing and needed more explanation or background. His introduction was lacking. Plus I felt like Tamsin and Gerrick have history with Silas but there was no elaboration.
There was also conversations and observations that were brought up in the early parts of the book that had no follow up or were brought up again later on as something new; thoses sections made the story disjointed at times.
But really it was worth the read; if I could I would give it a 4.5 but alas I can't. Definitely hoping there is a sequel. Feels like it may explore Silas more. Excited for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2026
Tamsin Vark is a "disposable weapon" sent to kill Gerrick Vrail, but she spends more time tied to him by a survival tether than actually doing her job. The sentient fortress of the Living Stone is arguably the best character here since its walls are actually hungry and proactive. Gerrick is marketed as a "Shadow Daddy," but he mostly just broods in the decaying dark while Tamsin realizes she needs him to survive the very rot she was supposed to spread. The forced proximity via the survival tether is a functional plot device, though it feels like a very long walk for a short drink of water. I did appreciate that Tamsin isn’t just a damsel and actually has a jagged soul to match the Warden’s intensity. The world-building is visually interesting, but the pacing occasionally feels as stuck as the characters in that fortress. It’s a solid start for a gothic romantasy if you don’t mind your romance with a heavy side of mold and existential dread.
Review of advance copy
Omg this was so good. Tamsin and Gerrick were absolutely hot in this. I’ve never read anything like this. But I want to read so much more. The world building in this was freaking killer. It was intense and wild. I devoured this book in one sitting. The description was so phenomenal. The visual in my mind was so cool. The way these two connected in the most unexpected way had me intrigued. I felt like there was no winning for either of them at that point. And when they collided, the world shifted. Fireworks went off, it was so freaking hot. I need to read more from this author. Like yesterday.
February 25, 2026
★ “This was the monster? This broken, shaking man?” ★
Tamsin is the villager chosen and sent in as a tithe to the dark castle to find the King of the Living Stone, to break the curse, to free the land. But when she meets the Warden, Gerrick Vrail, she realizes “He was powerful. He could control the house. But he was also broken.” This was a unique and creatively imagined gothic romantasy, the first installment I believe, because the end hints at what may come. Looking forward to reading more of their journey!
Tamsin is the villager chosen and sent in as a tithe to the dark castle to find the King of the Living Stone, to break the curse, to free the land. But when she meets the Warden, Gerrick Vrail, she realizes “He was powerful. He could control the house. But he was also broken.” This was a unique and creatively imagined gothic romantasy, the first installment I believe, because the end hints at what may come. Looking forward to reading more of their journey!
February 27, 2026
This book was such a pleasant surpise. I was drawn to the cover of the book and the story just pulled me in. The characters are well written, complex, and relatable. The chemistry between Tamsin & Gerrick is intense and burns hot. I can't wait to read more.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews