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His Darker Paradox: A Dark MM Sci-Fi Romance
Nuri Narek wants out.
Having worked closely with the Emperor of Ignite for over a decade, Nuri is tired and just wants the freedom he willingly gave up long ago. Every time he tries to resign from his position, however, something seems to happen to prevent him from doing so. It doesn't help that Nuri is so used to helping Silver out that it's all but become second nature to him, but when Silver finally pushes things too far and commits an act Nuri deems unforgivable, Nuri thinks he's finally gained the courage to leave.
Silver Rein holds all the power.
As the Emperor of the planet Ignite, and the CEO of Rein Inc., he's created a world where he's not just Nuri's ruler, he's also his boss. Foolishly, he thought stature would be enough to chain Nuri to his side forever, but when his secretary tries to run, reality proves harsh. But not as harsh as he can be. Silver has never lost, and he doesn't intend to start now, especially not with the only person who has ever mattered to him. Even if that means going against Nuri's wishes and forcibly binding them together.
In this game of cat and mouse filled with manipulation and twisted desire, there can only be one winner. Silver has spent years hiding his obsession, but he's done pretending. If Nuri won't stay with him willingly, he'll make it impossible for him to leave, by any means necessary.
*Trigger This is a dark romance that features a seriously possessive emperor and the man he believes has always been his. It contains manipulation, dubious consent, and explicit sexual scenes not suitable for all readers. HEA guaranteed!
*Originally written by Chani Lynn Feener under the pen name Avery Tu, His Dark Paradox has been reimagined in this new, updated version. His Darker Paradox is not the exact same story, though it features the same characters, and much of the original text was included. It's darker, longer, and spicier than the original, and the author urges readers to please check the Author's Note at the beginning of the book for a full list of triggers.
Having worked closely with the Emperor of Ignite for over a decade, Nuri is tired and just wants the freedom he willingly gave up long ago. Every time he tries to resign from his position, however, something seems to happen to prevent him from doing so. It doesn't help that Nuri is so used to helping Silver out that it's all but become second nature to him, but when Silver finally pushes things too far and commits an act Nuri deems unforgivable, Nuri thinks he's finally gained the courage to leave.
Silver Rein holds all the power.
As the Emperor of the planet Ignite, and the CEO of Rein Inc., he's created a world where he's not just Nuri's ruler, he's also his boss. Foolishly, he thought stature would be enough to chain Nuri to his side forever, but when his secretary tries to run, reality proves harsh. But not as harsh as he can be. Silver has never lost, and he doesn't intend to start now, especially not with the only person who has ever mattered to him. Even if that means going against Nuri's wishes and forcibly binding them together.
In this game of cat and mouse filled with manipulation and twisted desire, there can only be one winner. Silver has spent years hiding his obsession, but he's done pretending. If Nuri won't stay with him willingly, he'll make it impossible for him to leave, by any means necessary.
*Trigger This is a dark romance that features a seriously possessive emperor and the man he believes has always been his. It contains manipulation, dubious consent, and explicit sexual scenes not suitable for all readers. HEA guaranteed!
*Originally written by Chani Lynn Feener under the pen name Avery Tu, His Dark Paradox has been reimagined in this new, updated version. His Darker Paradox is not the exact same story, though it features the same characters, and much of the original text was included. It's darker, longer, and spicier than the original, and the author urges readers to please check the Author's Note at the beginning of the book for a full list of triggers.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2026
26 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Chani Lynn Feener
63 books1,622 followersLibrarians, please don't add books. I stay up to date and add them myself and have ended up with many multiple copies because others add them later. Thank you!
Chani majored in Creative Writing at Johnson State College in Vermont. To pay her bills, she has worked many odd jobs, including, but not limited to, telemarketing, order picking in a warehouse, and filling ink cartridges. When she isn’t writing, she’s binging TV shows, drawing, or frequenting zoos/aquariums. She is the author of the Xenith trilogy, and the teen paranormal series, The Underworld Saga, originally written under the penname Tempest C. Avery. She currently resides in Connecticut.
Have a question? Check her blog! https://chanilynnfeener.wixsite.com/a...
Find her on Instagram @TempestChani
Chani majored in Creative Writing at Johnson State College in Vermont. To pay her bills, she has worked many odd jobs, including, but not limited to, telemarketing, order picking in a warehouse, and filling ink cartridges. When she isn’t writing, she’s binging TV shows, drawing, or frequenting zoos/aquariums. She is the author of the Xenith trilogy, and the teen paranormal series, The Underworld Saga, originally written under the penname Tempest C. Avery. She currently resides in Connecticut.
Have a question? Check her blog! https://chanilynnfeener.wixsite.com/a...
Find her on Instagram @TempestChani
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 1, 2026
OMG I FUCKING LOVEDDDDDD THIS BOOK AHHH HIS DARK PARADOX WAS ALREADY ONE OF MY FAVOURITES BUT HIS DARKER PARADOX? DARKER PARADOX INDEED!!!! AHHH LOVED IT SOO MUCH!!! IN SO HAPPY CHANI REWROTE IT CAUSE UT GAVE NE AN EXCUSE TO READ A 10/10 NEW BOOK AND THEN OBVIOUSLY I WENT BACK AND REREAD HIS DARK PARADOX!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LIFEEEEEE SILVER X NURI FORVERRRR
April 30, 2026
I started this book excited for another dark one with possessive and toxic tendencies. I read other books from this author and it'a win and miss situation, some I liked a lot, others I could not even finish. So I also had kind of an understanding of how his toxic and possessive characters could be.
Now for this book, I finished it pissed of and disappointed at losing so many hours finishing it. Honestly I was ready to DNF somewhere around the middle, but wanted to see how the situation would be resolved in the end. I knew there would be a power inbalance especially because of their employer/employee relation, but this was something way beyond that. Basically Nuri has been controlled, manipulated, lied since he was a teenager and started working for Silver's dad and after that Silver himself. He never had a saying, always did what Silver wanted, gave up his own family and barely saw them just because Silver did not allow him to do so. Silver mated and bonded them without Nuri's consent and he was like 'oh I don't like it but ok'.
I like possessive and dark men, but here Silver had a lot of moments where he was just cruel with Nuri, e.g. when he fu**ed him so hard to make it hurt the next day in order to avoid any possibility of Nuri leaving with his brother; during their sexual encounters Nuri said several times 'no' and 'stop' and Silver did not give a fuck and kept going on; and you can't convince me with oh he knew Nuri will like it. He could not have known since they never discussed it and Nuri never gave explicit content for it.
I kept expecting through the book to see even a bit of independence in Nuri's character, especially after discovering how Silver has been controlling and manipulating him his whole life behind his back and continuing to do it even in the present. But no, what did Nuri do? Tried to be 'upset' with Silver for a few days but then found out that that Silver dissapeared and that he would die without his mate. And he forgave him just like that because 'oh Silver would kill himself for me, oh I'll just forgive his other toxic actions because he must love me' 😀 like wtf. Not even just a few chapters of groveling, nope, just like that Silver cried one time, said sorry and that was it. Nuri forgave him so fast, but I don't.
The below scene pissed me of the most, because them getting together again and for good was - guess what - another manipulation tactic. Because of course anyone else would feel guilty and responsible if you'd know someone died because of you leaving.
"You're going to die, Silver. Without me-"
"I'd die without you either way," he said.
"Swiftbond or not. There's no point in living without you, and I knew if I told you as much, you would think I was manipulating you again. You would think it was a trick to guilt you into staying. That isn't what I want."
"No? What do you want then?"
"To prove my love for you."
Nuri almost couldn't believe this was the Silver Rein he'd always known, yet at the same time... The man beneath him felt more real than he ever had before. It was like they were finally bridging the gap, closing the distance that had kept them apart.
"I don't like being deceived." He wouldn't settle for it ever again. That had to be known.
"This isn't a deception," Silver insisted. "Use the knife or let me die from the bond, it doesn't matter. I'm done standing in the way of your happiness."
"Truly?"
"Don't feel guilty. When I'm gone. This isn't your fault, Nuri. None of it. I made my choices. I'll accept the consequences."
"If I leave knowing I could have prevented your
death, it will in fact make it partially my fault."
"No—"
"Yes, Silver."
Now for this book, I finished it pissed of and disappointed at losing so many hours finishing it. Honestly I was ready to DNF somewhere around the middle, but wanted to see how the situation would be resolved in the end. I knew there would be a power inbalance especially because of their employer/employee relation, but this was something way beyond that. Basically Nuri has been controlled, manipulated, lied since he was a teenager and started working for Silver's dad and after that Silver himself. He never had a saying, always did what Silver wanted, gave up his own family and barely saw them just because Silver did not allow him to do so. Silver mated and bonded them without Nuri's consent and he was like 'oh I don't like it but ok'.
I like possessive and dark men, but here Silver had a lot of moments where he was just cruel with Nuri, e.g. when he fu**ed him so hard to make it hurt the next day in order to avoid any possibility of Nuri leaving with his brother; during their sexual encounters Nuri said several times 'no' and 'stop' and Silver did not give a fuck and kept going on; and you can't convince me with oh he knew Nuri will like it. He could not have known since they never discussed it and Nuri never gave explicit content for it.
I kept expecting through the book to see even a bit of independence in Nuri's character, especially after discovering how Silver has been controlling and manipulating him his whole life behind his back and continuing to do it even in the present. But no, what did Nuri do? Tried to be 'upset' with Silver for a few days but then found out that that Silver dissapeared and that he would die without his mate. And he forgave him just like that because 'oh Silver would kill himself for me, oh I'll just forgive his other toxic actions because he must love me' 😀 like wtf. Not even just a few chapters of groveling, nope, just like that Silver cried one time, said sorry and that was it. Nuri forgave him so fast, but I don't.
The below scene pissed me of the most, because them getting together again and for good was - guess what - another manipulation tactic. Because of course anyone else would feel guilty and responsible if you'd know someone died because of you leaving.
"You're going to die, Silver. Without me-"
"I'd die without you either way," he said.
"Swiftbond or not. There's no point in living without you, and I knew if I told you as much, you would think I was manipulating you again. You would think it was a trick to guilt you into staying. That isn't what I want."
"No? What do you want then?"
"To prove my love for you."
Nuri almost couldn't believe this was the Silver Rein he'd always known, yet at the same time... The man beneath him felt more real than he ever had before. It was like they were finally bridging the gap, closing the distance that had kept them apart.
"I don't like being deceived." He wouldn't settle for it ever again. That had to be known.
"This isn't a deception," Silver insisted. "Use the knife or let me die from the bond, it doesn't matter. I'm done standing in the way of your happiness."
"Truly?"
"Don't feel guilty. When I'm gone. This isn't your fault, Nuri. None of it. I made my choices. I'll accept the consequences."
"If I leave knowing I could have prevented your
death, it will in fact make it partially my fault."
"No—"
"Yes, Silver."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
CLF always delivers a fabulous guilty pleasure read for me. Mind her TWs for every book, her stories are not for everyone for sure. But man are many of them majorly for me.
This is a revised, lengthened, updated version of His Dark Paradox, which I own and read so long ago I remembered only the MCs’ names (amazing I remembered even that, I swear my brain is a scary space…space being the applicable word…😂), but I know I enjoyed that shorter version too. CLF used the pen name Avery Tu for the original story, but her co-author is still listed as Kota Quinn, in case that’s helpful for checking if you’ve read the previous version.
Once again, I LOVED psychopathic MC and newly crowned emperor of planet Ignite Silver Rien’s feral possessiveness over his long-time hired friend/companion (not sexual) turned Royal Secretary, Nuri Narek, who helps keep his company, Rien Inc, and their planet running smoothly.
Now poor Nuri, who’s been keeping Silver in line since he was 16 and hired by Silver’s father the (now late) Emperor of Ignite to do just that—and was warned never to fall for Silver because Nuri is not Their Kind and can never be more than a friend/company/keeper for the rather feral in general Silver—well, Nuri is Done with keeping Silver in line while pining for him hardcore, plus never having time to see his own family. The emperor has just passed away, and Nuri plans to resign, leave Silver to his many, MANY faceless hookups, which Nuri will never have to envy ever again, and go see his siblings, who moved to planet Vitality a while back (yes, series followers, Nate of Devil May Care is Nuri’s little bro, and Nate and their sister Neve live there).
But then disaster strikes, keeping Nuri at Silver's side once again…and Nuri’s eventual frantic, angry resignation sends him headlong into a car crash and then an entirely different relationship with Silver, who finally acts on what both he and Nuri really want…
Well of course it’s hot AF, and I loved the new “Swift” heritage element that Silver now has and how it creates an actual bond. I wish that had been explored more, that its impact had been more overt on both Silver and Nuri outside of sex and the moon. (Also, if that was a possible thing, why didn’t Silver just do that ages ago instead of...what he did? Yes, yes, I know, Me, I can’t stand people who are pining for one person while also having sex with a ton of other people it just…ugh. Me. Yup.)
I did love that Silver has become more and more obsessed all along and thinks he owns Nuri, and Nuri doesn’t give in to that, ever, and the fight for Nuri’s freedom becomes a harsh learning curve for Silver and a seemingly heartbreaking fight for Nuri…the conflict, tension, desperation, claiming/mine-mine-MINE is sublime. Yes, it’s non-con/dub-con, so take the TWs seriously. Yes, there is something twisted in me that ATE IT UP all over again.
Silver’s actions are consistently inappropriate, controlling, unfair, unrepentant…until he has to repent at long last, and too little too late, but…yeah, yeah. I STILL ATE IT UP. Because he has one weakness, one thing he can’t live without, and that’s Nuri. And his burn the world down, touch him and die attitude is my catnip. Sorry, Nuri. I wanted you to escape but only so he would hunt you down and show you he can’t live without you, which, in fact, he kind of does. Heh heh.
Yes…there is too much OM info for me, I hated seeing the sex video and hearing about all the hookups, it squicked me out as usual, and even disliked hearing about Nuri’s few lovers (he’s bi, BTW), but, there’s NO OM action in the present. Terrific OM drama from someone from the past coming to town and really bringing out the feral side of Silver, loved it. Love the interactions with Nuri’s siblings and how they fight for Nuri and that becomes part of Silver learning a lesson about appropriate behavior ha ha ha. He may not feel or process emotions the way others do, but he can feel for sure.
There were a ton of typos in my ARC, noticeably so (especially the constantly changing spelling of Silver’s last name/company name) and I hope the book has had a thorough proofread since then.
HEA, or more of a OEA (obsessed ever after). Emperor-commoner, boss-employee, mating bond/claiming (yessss). Non-humans BTW, and sex and morality are not the same in these worlds as they are in ours. No OM action in the present; OM drama that is shut down decisively. Too much OP info from the past for me, but, you all know it’s a Me thing. Sigh. Highly recommended.
My thanks to BookSirens for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
This is a revised, lengthened, updated version of His Dark Paradox, which I own and read so long ago I remembered only the MCs’ names (amazing I remembered even that, I swear my brain is a scary space…space being the applicable word…😂), but I know I enjoyed that shorter version too. CLF used the pen name Avery Tu for the original story, but her co-author is still listed as Kota Quinn, in case that’s helpful for checking if you’ve read the previous version.
Once again, I LOVED psychopathic MC and newly crowned emperor of planet Ignite Silver Rien’s feral possessiveness over his long-time hired friend/companion (not sexual) turned Royal Secretary, Nuri Narek, who helps keep his company, Rien Inc, and their planet running smoothly.
Now poor Nuri, who’s been keeping Silver in line since he was 16 and hired by Silver’s father the (now late) Emperor of Ignite to do just that—and was warned never to fall for Silver because Nuri is not Their Kind and can never be more than a friend/company/keeper for the rather feral in general Silver—well, Nuri is Done with keeping Silver in line while pining for him hardcore, plus never having time to see his own family. The emperor has just passed away, and Nuri plans to resign, leave Silver to his many, MANY faceless hookups, which Nuri will never have to envy ever again, and go see his siblings, who moved to planet Vitality a while back (yes, series followers, Nate of Devil May Care is Nuri’s little bro, and Nate and their sister Neve live there).
But then disaster strikes, keeping Nuri at Silver's side once again…and Nuri’s eventual frantic, angry resignation sends him headlong into a car crash and then an entirely different relationship with Silver, who finally acts on what both he and Nuri really want…
Well of course it’s hot AF, and I loved the new “Swift” heritage element that Silver now has and how it creates an actual bond. I wish that had been explored more, that its impact had been more overt on both Silver and Nuri outside of sex and the moon. (Also, if that was a possible thing, why didn’t Silver just do that ages ago instead of...what he did? Yes, yes, I know, Me, I can’t stand people who are pining for one person while also having sex with a ton of other people it just…ugh. Me. Yup.)
I did love that Silver has become more and more obsessed all along and thinks he owns Nuri, and Nuri doesn’t give in to that, ever, and the fight for Nuri’s freedom becomes a harsh learning curve for Silver and a seemingly heartbreaking fight for Nuri…the conflict, tension, desperation, claiming/mine-mine-MINE is sublime. Yes, it’s non-con/dub-con, so take the TWs seriously. Yes, there is something twisted in me that ATE IT UP all over again.
Silver’s actions are consistently inappropriate, controlling, unfair, unrepentant…until he has to repent at long last, and too little too late, but…yeah, yeah. I STILL ATE IT UP. Because he has one weakness, one thing he can’t live without, and that’s Nuri. And his burn the world down, touch him and die attitude is my catnip. Sorry, Nuri. I wanted you to escape but only so he would hunt you down and show you he can’t live without you, which, in fact, he kind of does. Heh heh.
Yes…there is too much OM info for me, I hated seeing the sex video and hearing about all the hookups, it squicked me out as usual, and even disliked hearing about Nuri’s few lovers (he’s bi, BTW), but, there’s NO OM action in the present. Terrific OM drama from someone from the past coming to town and really bringing out the feral side of Silver, loved it. Love the interactions with Nuri’s siblings and how they fight for Nuri and that becomes part of Silver learning a lesson about appropriate behavior ha ha ha. He may not feel or process emotions the way others do, but he can feel for sure.
There were a ton of typos in my ARC, noticeably so (especially the constantly changing spelling of Silver’s last name/company name) and I hope the book has had a thorough proofread since then.
HEA, or more of a OEA (obsessed ever after). Emperor-commoner, boss-employee, mating bond/claiming (yessss). Non-humans BTW, and sex and morality are not the same in these worlds as they are in ours. No OM action in the present; OM drama that is shut down decisively. Too much OP info from the past for me, but, you all know it’s a Me thing. Sigh. Highly recommended.
My thanks to BookSirens for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
May 9, 2026
This was a definite step up from the original ‘His Dark Paradox’ that I read in 2024.
The opening chapters were familiar but the bulk of this is new and expanded material.
I liked the expansion on Swift culture and how they form bonds. Although not the same, they approximate an Alpha in omegaverse settings but lack ruts and pheromones. Instead here they self-lubricate like omegas usually do (but here from the front and not the back) and have a heightened sense of smell. I also liked the dependence they have on the partner they bond with. As this is dark romance, this aspect of ‘have sex or die’ is eerily familiar to domestic abuse tactics found in the real world that have no biological significance but here in this fictional verse it does. As part of the third act twist, the romance opens up beautifully when the sacrificial aspect of the bond comes into contention. (Nuri’s fear of manipulation over this and interrogation of the emperor was particularly good!)
This had some very affecting prose in the second half. Especially the love scenes, the menace in the night scene when Nuri was chained was particularly noticeable and the love scene immediately after had such a forceful tone that it essentially made me blush.
And I must say this romance really uses the miscommunication trope and takes it to the extreme in an enjoyable.
The only critique I have is regarding the romantic villain Romeo Brixton ( love the choice of first name!). Essentially his part of the story felt a bit underbaked. His interactions with Nuri weren’t as emotionally engaging although some of it is surely by design but perhaps more flashbacks between all three characters would’ve assisted with this part of the story.
The Easter egg scene of December Trace from ‘Echo’ was fantastic! 4.5/5 stars.
The opening chapters were familiar but the bulk of this is new and expanded material.
I liked the expansion on Swift culture and how they form bonds. Although not the same, they approximate an Alpha in omegaverse settings but lack ruts and pheromones. Instead here they self-lubricate like omegas usually do (but here from the front and not the back) and have a heightened sense of smell. I also liked the dependence they have on the partner they bond with. As this is dark romance, this aspect of ‘have sex or die’ is eerily familiar to domestic abuse tactics found in the real world that have no biological significance but here in this fictional verse it does. As part of the third act twist, the romance opens up beautifully when the sacrificial aspect of the bond comes into contention. (Nuri’s fear of manipulation over this and interrogation of the emperor was particularly good!)
This had some very affecting prose in the second half. Especially the love scenes, the menace in the night scene when Nuri was chained was particularly noticeable and the love scene immediately after had such a forceful tone that it essentially made me blush.
And I must say this romance really uses the miscommunication trope and takes it to the extreme in an enjoyable.
The only critique I have is regarding the romantic villain Romeo Brixton ( love the choice of first name!). Essentially his part of the story felt a bit underbaked. His interactions with Nuri weren’t as emotionally engaging although some of it is surely by design but perhaps more flashbacks between all three characters would’ve assisted with this part of the story.
The Easter egg scene of December Trace from ‘Echo’ was fantastic! 4.5/5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you enjoy dark, obsessive MM romance wrapped in a sci-fi setting, His Darker Paradox delivers exactly what it promises! Intensity, moral ambiguity, and a relationship that thrives in the shadows rather than the light.
At its core, this story leans heavily into classic dark romance dynamics: power imbalance, possessiveness, and a connection that feels as dangerous as it is inevitable.
Like other works set in Chani’s universe, the tone is unapologetically gritty, with themes of control, manipulation, and blurred consent woven into the romance. That won’t work for everyone—but if you’re the target audience, it hits so hard!
The dynamic hinges on contrast. Silver leans into control, calculation, and a kind of cold, almost clinical obsession. His interest doesn’t come across as traditionally romantic at first, it feels more like fixation, something he studies and claims rather than understands.
That detachment makes his moments of vulnerability hit harder, because when cracks do show, they feel earned rather than convenient! I loved watching his character grow and change for Nuri.
Nuri brings a very different energy. He’s more reactive, more openly emotional, but still carrying his own defenses. He’s not weak by any means, but he is placed in a position where he has less power, and the story doesn’t shy away from how that imbalance affects his choices, his trust, and even his sense of self.
What makes him compelling is that he pushes back. He questions, resists, and doesn’t simply fall into the dynamic without conflict!!
Together, I love them sincerely and I love how Chani has adapted their novel further!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
At its core, this story leans heavily into classic dark romance dynamics: power imbalance, possessiveness, and a connection that feels as dangerous as it is inevitable.
Like other works set in Chani’s universe, the tone is unapologetically gritty, with themes of control, manipulation, and blurred consent woven into the romance. That won’t work for everyone—but if you’re the target audience, it hits so hard!
The dynamic hinges on contrast. Silver leans into control, calculation, and a kind of cold, almost clinical obsession. His interest doesn’t come across as traditionally romantic at first, it feels more like fixation, something he studies and claims rather than understands.
That detachment makes his moments of vulnerability hit harder, because when cracks do show, they feel earned rather than convenient! I loved watching his character grow and change for Nuri.
Nuri brings a very different energy. He’s more reactive, more openly emotional, but still carrying his own defenses. He’s not weak by any means, but he is placed in a position where he has less power, and the story doesn’t shy away from how that imbalance affects his choices, his trust, and even his sense of self.
What makes him compelling is that he pushes back. He questions, resists, and doesn’t simply fall into the dynamic without conflict!!
Together, I love them sincerely and I love how Chani has adapted their novel further!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
His Darker Paradox is a sci-fi, boss/employee, MM romance. Nuri is the royal secretary to Silver, the Emperor of their planet. He has been Silver’s companion since they were teens and his father paid him to do so. They spent their teens and college years together and now work together in the business Silver created, inventing new tech. From helping run a very big business and also adding on any work it is to help run the world, Nuri is very busy. He is constantly putting out fires and managing Silver’s life. It’s time he finally gets to have a vacation and see his siblings, who are off planet, and haven’t seen in a couple years.
His tickets are booked, the temporary secretary is all ready and his bags are packed, but, of course, there is another incident. Silver is very busy, and is not great when it comes to feelings or social queues. When he pisses the Emperor off, suddenly he finds himself on a no fly list and can’t make it to his little sister’s graduation. In a fit of rage, he storms into Silver’s office and resigns. He then leaves and in his distressed state gets into a car accident.
Silver has been biding his time, not wanting to scare Nuri, but he no longer wants to wait. After this incident, and the threat of his secretary leaving, he decides to do whatever it took to keep him.
This was actually His Dark Paradox, published under the Author’s penname, Avery Tu. She has, since, decided to rewrite the book, and flesh it out more. I loved both versions. I love glimpses of Nate, Nuri’s brother, and the MC of Devil May Care. One of my favorite books in the Devil’s of Vitality series! Silver and Nuri are so codependent and attached, and Silver is so unapologetic about his manipulations. Love this book and the characters, so happy we got more to this story!! 😊
His tickets are booked, the temporary secretary is all ready and his bags are packed, but, of course, there is another incident. Silver is very busy, and is not great when it comes to feelings or social queues. When he pisses the Emperor off, suddenly he finds himself on a no fly list and can’t make it to his little sister’s graduation. In a fit of rage, he storms into Silver’s office and resigns. He then leaves and in his distressed state gets into a car accident.
Silver has been biding his time, not wanting to scare Nuri, but he no longer wants to wait. After this incident, and the threat of his secretary leaving, he decides to do whatever it took to keep him.
This was actually His Dark Paradox, published under the Author’s penname, Avery Tu. She has, since, decided to rewrite the book, and flesh it out more. I loved both versions. I love glimpses of Nate, Nuri’s brother, and the MC of Devil May Care. One of my favorite books in the Devil’s of Vitality series! Silver and Nuri are so codependent and attached, and Silver is so unapologetic about his manipulations. Love this book and the characters, so happy we got more to this story!! 😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
A new dark, obsessive romance from the queen of dark sci-fi! This book follows Emperor of Ignite and CEO of Rein Inc, Silver, and his Secretary and closest confidant, Nuri, as they try to find who has been trying to blackmail Silver.
Nuri is desperate for a vacation; he is overworked and spends his life catering to his boss’s whims. But Silver isn’t just his boss; he’s also the Emperor of the planet Ignite and he exerts his control over every aspect of Nuri’s life. Nuri is excited to finally take a break and visit his siblings on planet Vitality, but when Silver is faced with a blackmailer, Nuri finds himself being forced to stay by his boss’s side yet again. He’s sick of it, but the more he tries to pull away… the tighter Silver holds on.
Silver isn’t above using sex to keep Nuri at his side, but will his controlling nature in and out of the bedroom actually push the man he loves even further away?
This book is dark, and there is non-con right off the bat; Silver is a morally-black walking red flag, so do make sure to read those trigger warnings before you start! Nuri is completely at Silver’s mercy and only his steadfast determination to stand up for himself in the face of the man he has stood beside for the majority of his life carries him through.
Read His Darker Paradox for:
✨ MM Dark Sci-Fi Romance
✨ Non-con, dub-con
✨ MC is a walking red flag 🚩
✨ Boss x secretary
✨ Blackmail and mystery
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Controlling, obsessive, possessive
✨ Bonding through sex
✨ Touch him and die
Thank you to Chani for sending me an early copy for proofreading! ✨ It’s available 29th April!
Nuri is desperate for a vacation; he is overworked and spends his life catering to his boss’s whims. But Silver isn’t just his boss; he’s also the Emperor of the planet Ignite and he exerts his control over every aspect of Nuri’s life. Nuri is excited to finally take a break and visit his siblings on planet Vitality, but when Silver is faced with a blackmailer, Nuri finds himself being forced to stay by his boss’s side yet again. He’s sick of it, but the more he tries to pull away… the tighter Silver holds on.
Silver isn’t above using sex to keep Nuri at his side, but will his controlling nature in and out of the bedroom actually push the man he loves even further away?
This book is dark, and there is non-con right off the bat; Silver is a morally-black walking red flag, so do make sure to read those trigger warnings before you start! Nuri is completely at Silver’s mercy and only his steadfast determination to stand up for himself in the face of the man he has stood beside for the majority of his life carries him through.
Read His Darker Paradox for:
✨ MM Dark Sci-Fi Romance
✨ Non-con, dub-con
✨ MC is a walking red flag 🚩
✨ Boss x secretary
✨ Blackmail and mystery
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Controlling, obsessive, possessive
✨ Bonding through sex
✨ Touch him and die
Thank you to Chani for sending me an early copy for proofreading! ✨ It’s available 29th April!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved it. When I found out that Chani had rewritten and expanded this book, I was genuinely thrilled. I first encountered Nuri and Silver in Nate’s book, and by the end of that story I was already on edge, wanting to dive into theirs immediately. Luckily, I managed to track it down under Chani’s other pen name—but the only real flaw back then was how short it felt. That’s definitely not an issue anymore.
This story fits perfectly into the kind of dynamic I’m completely obsessed with: an intensely possessive and obsessive MMC. And this time, that dynamic is explored in much greater depth.
That core relationship absolutely delivers on the intensity it promises. The power imbalance, the psychological tension, and Silver’s extreme personality traits create a gripping, sometimes unsettling dynamic—but that’s exactly what makes it so compelling if you enjoy darker romance themes.
Overall, the expansion did exactly what it needed to do: it gave more space for the characters and their relationship to breathe, making the story far more satisfying.
I loved it. When I found out that Chani had rewritten and expanded this book, I was genuinely thrilled. I first encountered Nuri and Silver in Nate’s book, and by the end of that story I was already on edge, wanting to dive into theirs immediately. Luckily, I managed to track it down under Chani’s other pen name—but the only real flaw back then was how short it felt. That’s definitely not an issue anymore.
This story fits perfectly into the kind of dynamic I’m completely obsessed with: an intensely possessive and obsessive MMC. And this time, that dynamic is explored in much greater depth.
That core relationship absolutely delivers on the intensity it promises. The power imbalance, the psychological tension, and Silver’s extreme personality traits create a gripping, sometimes unsettling dynamic—but that’s exactly what makes it so compelling if you enjoy darker romance themes.
Overall, the expansion did exactly what it needed to do: it gave more space for the characters and their relationship to breathe, making the story far more satisfying.
Review of advance copy received from Author
For the first part of this book I was thinking there might be a little more detail but it's ultimately the same as the original. But the second part of the story has so much more added to it. It's much more deliciously dark and spicy. I love that we see more of Nuri's siblings too.
I received an advance review copy of His Darker Paradox for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can never get enough of Nuri and Silver. Nuri is so capable and smart and sexy. Silver is so intense and manipulative and possessive. I love them.
I love the cover art with Silver in his Swift form. He's so beautiful. He brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "this is my person." 😆
"Like moonlight. As a Swift, Silver had a strong affinity toward the moon, and to him, Nuri had always been like the moon personified. Constant and unyielding. A bright glow in an otherwise dark sky." 🥹
I sooo loved the ending of this book. It's kind of beautiful how it all works out. I love the epilogue where they're all being a family together. This story makes my little black heart happy. 🖤
I received an advance review copy of His Darker Paradox for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can never get enough of Nuri and Silver. Nuri is so capable and smart and sexy. Silver is so intense and manipulative and possessive. I love them.
I love the cover art with Silver in his Swift form. He's so beautiful. He brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "this is my person." 😆
"Like moonlight. As a Swift, Silver had a strong affinity toward the moon, and to him, Nuri had always been like the moon personified. Constant and unyielding. A bright glow in an otherwise dark sky." 🥹
I sooo loved the ending of this book. It's kind of beautiful how it all works out. I love the epilogue where they're all being a family together. This story makes my little black heart happy. 🖤
Review of advance copy
4 stars!
Rating this was kinda hard to be honest. While the beginning of the book was good, the ending reaaaaally made it shine.
I read the original around a year ago so in anticipation for this release, I reread the original a couple days ago. Maybe that is the reason the beginning of this was kinda boring me, because I already knew what is happening and the story was very fresh in my mind. I liked the little changes in the beginning and middle part, but what really got me was the last 15-25%. I just love a man who is desperate, clingy and cries. I think Silver might be one of my favorite MMCs by this author (joining Silas, Baal and Gunho, love these men!). I just wish Silver and Nuri had more of a connection outside of sex, because everything with them seemed to be only in that direction.
The rewriting really made this story shine a lot more, and while it would not hurt to read the original, I highly recommend reading this one instead! Also, I really love this new cover!
*I received an ARC, but this is my honest review on it.*
Rating this was kinda hard to be honest. While the beginning of the book was good, the ending reaaaaally made it shine.
I read the original around a year ago so in anticipation for this release, I reread the original a couple days ago. Maybe that is the reason the beginning of this was kinda boring me, because I already knew what is happening and the story was very fresh in my mind. I liked the little changes in the beginning and middle part, but what really got me was the last 15-25%. I just love a man who is desperate, clingy and cries. I think Silver might be one of my favorite MMCs by this author (joining Silas, Baal and Gunho, love these men!). I just wish Silver and Nuri had more of a connection outside of sex, because everything with them seemed to be only in that direction.
The rewriting really made this story shine a lot more, and while it would not hurt to read the original, I highly recommend reading this one instead! Also, I really love this new cover!
*I received an ARC, but this is my honest review on it.*
Review of advance copy received from Author
I liked His Dark Paradox but I loved this one! I loved Silver and Nuri but the original felt too short. This one delivered so much more! We get to delve deeper in to their relationship - Silver is even more possessive and obsessed. Which made me like Nuri more when he continued to stand up for himself.
The scene with Silver on his knees towards the end was my favorite from the original. I liked it even more here! I liked that he isn't forgiven immediately and there's more time for Silver to have to come to terms with the consequences of his actions.
I enjoyed learning more about Swifts and thought that was a great addition to the story. The bond just added another layer to Silver's manipulations. The extra plot and time spent with Nuri's siblings were great additions. Both versions of the story are great but I absolutely loved this one! Thank you to Chani for my early copy!
The scene with Silver on his knees towards the end was my favorite from the original. I liked it even more here! I liked that he isn't forgiven immediately and there's more time for Silver to have to come to terms with the consequences of his actions.
I enjoyed learning more about Swifts and thought that was a great addition to the story. The bond just added another layer to Silver's manipulations. The extra plot and time spent with Nuri's siblings were great additions. Both versions of the story are great but I absolutely loved this one! Thank you to Chani for my early copy!
May 6, 2026
His Dark Paradox is one of my favorite Chani books so I was really excited to get to experience it again and with all the growth Chani has accumulated over time. Do I wish she would send me her books so I can edit them for her? Yes. Do I enjoy the hell out of her books anyway? Also yes. This is one of the few Chani books that I think has the perfect formula for the relationship development and balance fir the "dark" part of the dark romance. Like I love me some Chani MM dubcon but sometimes either the taggressor is too rapey/unlikeable or the pursued party has some ass-backwards mental gymnastics. I think Nuri and Silver have the perfect balance; the heat is dark enough to satisfy but also I feel Silver is properly chastened and am legitimately happy to see them get together. Really enjoyed getting to experience these two again.
May 1, 2026
This is a revised, reboot of a novel Chani wrote as Avery Tu years ago. Set in a parallel universe to her current books, she added to the scenes and made it darker. Nuri is the Royal Secretary to the Emperor and CEO of the largest Tech corporation on the planet Ignite, Silver. Though Nuri has been a companion since childhood to Silver, he has always had suppressed feelings for him. Silver is a psychopath who is triggered by Nuri wanting to go visit his family, possibly leaving him forever and becomes deliciously possessive, dominant and obsessed with Nuri. Nuri is coerced and cheated nto doing Silver's bidding, satisfying him in all ways, unaware of a rigged system. It's dark, manipulative, controlling, super steamy and delightful.
Review of advance copy
ARC RECEIVED FOR REVIEW.
When I first read His Dark Paradox, I fell in love with Silver and Nuri. They were great to read and Silver was the perfect combination of toxic, somewhat romantic and definitely the type of obsessed we all want in our darkest fantasies.
Reading His Darker Paradox (the expanded, revised version), I fell even harder.
Nuri had received so much more rounding out, we learned more about Swifts (delighting my inner Berga) and we got a much more detailed plot.
I genuinely felt close to tears for each character at various points of the book.
This is definitely a new favourite and will stay on my re read list for a very long time.
When I first read His Dark Paradox, I fell in love with Silver and Nuri. They were great to read and Silver was the perfect combination of toxic, somewhat romantic and definitely the type of obsessed we all want in our darkest fantasies.
Reading His Darker Paradox (the expanded, revised version), I fell even harder.
Nuri had received so much more rounding out, we learned more about Swifts (delighting my inner Berga) and we got a much more detailed plot.
I genuinely felt close to tears for each character at various points of the book.
This is definitely a new favourite and will stay on my re read list for a very long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have loved a Dark Paradox for years. So was super stoked to hear it was going to be revised and extended with a darker edge. It did not disappoint! This version of Silver and Nuri's path to HEA is darker and even more emotionally satisfying. I love how the additions added depth to the already amazing story. I like how it now feels more inline with the feeling invoked with a Devils story. I enjoyed seeing how Nuri and Silver changed and it made me love their story even more. I will definitely re-read this story over and over!!
Review of advance copy
This somehow was the perfect surprise mix of dark and manipulative yet somewhat sweet under all the intense possessiveness. The setup was that Nuri who was genuine and wonderful was working for the ruthless Silver. He was given to him as a teenager. From there the story really forges its own path. Nuri is actually quite strong and resilient, and Silver remains a powerful and controlling man. Their romance is hot and spicy, and their attachment is strong as all their feelings are revealed. I was honestly invested in the both of them, even Silver and all his obsessive crazy ways.
May 1, 2026
I've read the older version of this book and have to say that the newer version is better. This felt much more like the author's style and wasn't as rushed because it was longer. Silver is deliciously dark and Nuri wasn't as much of a doormat. I also loved the few scenes where Silver was vulnerable. It added a little more dimention to him and I felt like we got to know him better than in the older version. I would recommend reading the new version if you like longer and darker story and the older if not. I received a free copy of the book and leave this honest review voluntarily.
Read
April 26, 2026liked His Dark Paradox but I loved this one! I loved Silver and Nuri but the original felt too short. This one delivered so much more! We get to delve deeper in to their relationship - Silver is even more possessive and obsessed.
I enjoyed learning more about Swifts and thought that was a great addition to the story.
I sooo loved the ending of this book. It's kind of beautiful how it all works out. I love the epilogue where they're all being a family togethe
I enjoyed learning more about Swifts and thought that was a great addition to the story.
I sooo loved the ending of this book. It's kind of beautiful how it all works out. I love the epilogue where they're all being a family togethe
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Chani never misses!!! I find her books so incredibly addicting. I read this all in one day because every time I put it down, I immediately wanted to pick it back up again. I loved Silver and Nuri and it was cool getting their story after I read Nate's story in another book.
Chani never misses!!! I find her books so incredibly addicting. I read this all in one day because every time I put it down, I immediately wanted to pick it back up again. I loved Silver and Nuri and it was cool getting their story after I read Nate's story in another book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I apparently read the original version of this but so much was new that it felt like a new book for me.
As always the characters reach out and grab me with both hands. I love the world building and how everything just works. I received an ARC of this and am happy to provide a review.
The amazing Chani Lynn Feener and Kota Quinn have created magic once again.
As always the characters reach out and grab me with both hands. I love the world building and how everything just works. I received an ARC of this and am happy to provide a review.
The amazing Chani Lynn Feener and Kota Quinn have created magic once again.
Review of advance copy
Seriously love everything Chani writes!
This was so good and it was nice to revisit some of her previous characters from other books.
Silver and Nuri are incredible together.
Each keeps the other in check while simultaneously driving the other crazy 🤣
Just go read it!
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
This was so good and it was nice to revisit some of her previous characters from other books.
Silver and Nuri are incredible together.
Each keeps the other in check while simultaneously driving the other crazy 🤣
Just go read it!
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
May 8, 2026
Another guilty pleasure read by Chani!
As always, this was deliciously deviant, angsty, and packed with that signature intensity, even if the premise was a little far-fetched. But honestly, that’s part of what I love about this universe. It leans fully into the fantasy of it all and delivers that gooey center of spice, obsession, tension, and emotional unraveling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One of my favorite recurring dynamics in Chani’s work is watching these seemingly impenetrable, powerful MMCs get brought to their knees by their quieter, softer, or more unassuming counterparts. That push and pull never gets old for me, and this book was no exception. I especially loved seeing Silver break under the fear of possibly losing Nuri. That kind of open vulnerability from the “powerful” MMC isn’t something we always get to see in this universe, and it made their bond feel even more compelling.
Overall, this was another addictive, spicy, angst-filled M/M read, and I’ll always be looking forward to more from Chani. These are truly some of my favorite guilty pleasure reads.
As always, this was deliciously deviant, angsty, and packed with that signature intensity, even if the premise was a little far-fetched. But honestly, that’s part of what I love about this universe. It leans fully into the fantasy of it all and delivers that gooey center of spice, obsession, tension, and emotional unraveling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One of my favorite recurring dynamics in Chani’s work is watching these seemingly impenetrable, powerful MMCs get brought to their knees by their quieter, softer, or more unassuming counterparts. That push and pull never gets old for me, and this book was no exception. I especially loved seeing Silver break under the fear of possibly losing Nuri. That kind of open vulnerability from the “powerful” MMC isn’t something we always get to see in this universe, and it made their bond feel even more compelling.
Overall, this was another addictive, spicy, angst-filled M/M read, and I’ll always be looking forward to more from Chani. These are truly some of my favorite guilty pleasure reads.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this book! It has a slightly different feel from the other connecting books, which gives it freshness! As with all of Chani’s books, this was a great and enjoyable read! I could not recommend this author more. An all-time favorite!
May 1, 2026
Clueless In Love
Dee’s Grade: A+
Nuri is blinded by self esteem issues he’s unaware of. Silver is clueless about courtship because of his psychopathy. Somehow these two find a way to make it work.
I adore Silver by the way.
Dee’s Grade: A+
Nuri is blinded by self esteem issues he’s unaware of. Silver is clueless about courtship because of his psychopathy. Somehow these two find a way to make it work.
I adore Silver by the way.
May 1, 2026
The reworked, darker version of this story was even better! I had loved His Dark Paradox, but this one felt more developed and meaningful.
Silver was more possessive and obsessive, but Nuri was also somehow more in control in the end. They felt more like equals by the end.
Silver was more possessive and obsessive, but Nuri was also somehow more in control in the end. They felt more like equals by the end.
May 2, 2026
Silver & Nuri 🌕💛
Loved this revamp of Silver and Nuri's story. Silver is OTT, jealous AF, and incredibly territorial of Nuri. Nuri is loyal to a fault, feisty, and in denial (haha). The groveling was TOP TIER. Auto-read author, best in the game for dark sci-fi mm romance, IMO.
Loved this revamp of Silver and Nuri's story. Silver is OTT, jealous AF, and incredibly territorial of Nuri. Nuri is loyal to a fault, feisty, and in denial (haha). The groveling was TOP TIER. Auto-read author, best in the game for dark sci-fi mm romance, IMO.
May 1, 2026
DNF. This book was ridiculous the first time around, and it’s still ridiculous in this new version.
May 1, 2026
3.50 ⭐
May 5, 2026
Thank you Chiani for always giving me the kind of good dark story where I can escape to for a few days, the plots and the characters you create are always interesting and well written for the genre.
May 5, 2026
3.5 stars
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