Darkly Yours

by M. Violet

“I like dangerous things, Arkana. And you are the most dangerous, most diabolical little thing I’ve ever encountered.”

Orphaned as a child, Bell has been hardened in unimaginable ways. So, when a chance to steal another man’s life falls into his lap, he doesn’t hesitate to take it. Along with the man’s bride. But he wasn’t expecting her to be the most beautiful woman he’s ever met.

His brutality knows no limits, his darkness suffocating…

Arkana knows it’s her destiny to marry a man she’s never met before. Yet when tragedy strikes on her wedding day, she fears her new husband is not who he says he is. But while cruel and insufferable, he also stokes a fire in her that she cannot resist.

Sometimes you’re safer with the devil you don’t know… Especially when he threatens to unalive anyone who touches you.

Darkly Yours is a dark Gothic romance with an HEA. Set in M Violet’s haunting world of Melancholia, this book can be read as a standalone, or in connection to the other books in this world. Please refer to the preview for a recommended reading order. A full list of CWs are available on the author’s website.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2026

About the author

M Violet is a dark romance author with a flair for the dramatic. She likes whiskey, rainy nights, and writing by the fire. When she's not creating scorching hot villains for you to fall in love with, you can find her eating chocolate and binge watching her favorite shows.

Facebook: Authormviolet
Instagram: Authormviolet
Tik Tok: Authormviolet

Reviews

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arkana is forced to marry someone she doesn't know and has never met. Bell decided that he wants someone else's life as he had a hard one and ends up becoming Arkana's husband.

Bell had a darkness surrounding him and I was very curious about what happened to him. Arkana was strong and didn't just give in. They had great banter, high heat, and were really good for each other!

I enjoyed finding out about the past and how everything fit together. I liked the mystery and that it had a gothic vibe to it.
 
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Bell and Arkana
Darkness: 3 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone - Set in the Melancholia world from other books by M Violet
Title: Darkly Yours
Ending Type: Cliffhanger
 
 
*OTT: Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC
*Forced Marriage
*Knife/Blood/Poison Play
*Cult Rituals
*Dub Con
*Degredation/Humiliation
*No cheating or sharing
 
 
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and dangerous

I love the way M Violet's books are all in the same world. You always see mentions of locations, phenomena, poison or characters. Seeing how everything connects is fascinating and this story is no different.

This book starts with an arranged marriage but the groom gets replaced by someone of a lower station though no one knows this.

I loved the push and pull between Bell and Arkana. Arkana refused to be this meek and mild thing they tried to make her. She is fierce, feisty and quite stabby. Seriously ask the groom about it. Lol.

Bell doesn't know anything about his legacy and when he does discover answers they are unexpected.

The relationship between Arkana and Bells was very entertaining. They have amazing chemistry and banter. She is determined to prove she is more than what meets the eye.

That ritual....was insane but what happened after was even more interesting. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jumped into this one, cos I enjoyed the previous books from Melancholia 😊

I thought Bell was gonna be an MMC I couldn’t gel with at first, don’t ask me why 🤷🏻‍♀️ However, the more I read he just grew on me and I love Arkana, even though they repress their females she still held onto her feistiness and as you read these two MCs just worked together so well. Their little quibbles were amusing but the depth of their relationship has started to work in their favour and I can’t wait until the next one comes out to learn just what this pair will become 😈

Graphic Violence | Dub Con | Blood Play | 🔪Play | Poison Play | SA | Cult Rituals | Degradation | Manipulation

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. I've been reading M. Violet's Melancholia world since the very 1st book and have loved every one of them. Getting back stories on families and towns now... it really makes you think about the other books in this world. I'm gonna need her to make a character family tree thing.

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh M Violet got me again with an amazing story that kept me on my toes at one point I know I laughed out loud

[Georgina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Yet another Melancholia mystery unravelled. The dark secrets of the Erebus blood line come to light in this new novella by M Violet

Darkly yours is a dark romance full of obsession and depraved lust as the daughter of a nocturnus elder is betrothed to the new, mysterious Lord Erebus who harbours a dark past and an even darker soul

[Kimberley White · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤 DARKLY YOURS BY M. VIOLET 🖤

Bell Erebus and Arkana are an absolute menace together, and I am HERE for it.
First of all, Bell. SIR. The darkness stirring inside you? The rage? The attitude? The sheer audacity of this man? I need answers. Was he always like this, or did being abandoned by his parents leave him with a darkness he could never quite escape? Because that question had me looking at him differently.
And Arkana? This woman has absolutely NO intention of making his life easy, and honestly, I adore her for it.
THE BANTER. THE ATTITUDE. THE ABSOLUTE CHAOS. 😂🖤
These two were made to get on each other's last nerve, and somehow that turns into the kind of chemistry that has you questioning every single one of your fictional-man standards.
And can we PLEASE talk about the forked tongue?!
I cannot even begin to explain how many times my mind wandered off thinking about what Bell could do with that tongue. I was supposed to be reading a book, not sitting there having an entire internal crisis. 🥵
Then we have THE WINDOW SCENE.
Arkana dangling out of a third-story window, laughing and offering Bell a deal if he'll just let her go. And what does he do?
The way he yanks her back against his chest? The possessiveness? The sheer audacity of it all?!
I probably shouldn't have been smiling as much as I was during that scene, but here we are. Apparently, this is who I am now. We adore a little twisted fictional love, don't we? 💀🖤
OH, THEY ARE SO PERFECTLY WRONG FOR EVERYONE EXCEPT EACH OTHER.
The way they bring out one another's darker sides, the carnal urges, the constant challenges and the refusal to back down? I was absolutely living for it. Arkana might have taken a little while to come around to his way of thinking, but watching that shift happen was delicious.
But the revelation about Bell's parents and the darkness he carries? THAT was an eye-opener. Suddenly, there was so much more to unpack about the man beneath all that arrogance and menace.
And I LOVE when a dark romance gives me more than just chemistry and spice. Give me the darkness, the secrets, the twisted family history, and the moments that make me rethink everything I thought I knew about a character. The tension, the mystery, and the darker undertones give this story an edge that makes it perfect for readers who like their romance a little twisted. Because apparently, having a perfectly normal, emotionally available man is just too much to ask. 💀
Final verdict? FIVE FUCKING STARS. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bell is a walking red flag wrapped in gothic darkness, Arkana is an absolute hellion, and together they are the kind of beautiful disaster I will happily lose my mind over.
Do I question my fictional taste in men? Frequently.
Will I be changing it? Absolutely fucking not.

[Jaimie M · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I'm part of the Indie Author Insider group who put arc readers with indie authors to give honest reviews. Darkly Yours was one I signed up for and I'm so glad I did. I gave the book 4.5 stars and 3 chili peppers.

At first I wasn't quite sure where this story would go reading the first chapter or two but once I got passed that I was hooked. I fell in love with Bell as soon as his darker side came out. He's the kind of MMC dark romance fans like me look for in our stories.

The brooding, tortured soul, with walls around his heart, & completely deranged mind. He was left by parents at the orphanage with no name, and no clue who they even were. He has spent his years biding his time to take what he is deserved. When an opportunity to become someone else entirely is presented with an arranged marriage that will provide him wealth and his own manor, he takes it.
He marries Arkana Graves thinking she is weak and will be easy to get rid of because he is intending to steal everything her family has and take power from the society that has always shunned him. What he gets is a fire breathing, knife wielding, stubborn, hot headed woman he finds he can't live without.

Arkana is used to getting her way because of her beauty with just a bat of her eyes, I small bite to her lip, but not with Bell. He will not back down until he bends her (literally lol) to his will. But she's no soft and scared little girl. No her father trained her to be fierce and cut first ask questions later. And she does just that on her wedding night with the man who has claimed her as his wife. She sees the dark side he is hiding and something in it calls to her dark side and she can't resist the pull any longer.

As her family members start dying for no apparent reason she decides to stand by Bell and keep his secrets and help him get what he is owed and desires most.
This is a standalone but is also connected to a series of 8 books. I didn't read the others first but I'm definitely going back now to read them and see what else this author has in store for her readers.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dangerously addictive, dark identity-swap romance that completely steals your breath!

Rating: 4/5 🌟

From the very first page, this book drags you straight into a suffocatingly dark, high-stakes world where survival has a brutal price. The premise itself is incredibly gripping—Bell, hardened by an unimaginable past, ruthlessly seizes a chance to steal another man's identity, completely unaware that his new life comes with a breathtaking bride he never expected.

Bell is the ultimate morally black hero. His cruelty and sheer brutality know absolutely no limits, and the raw, dangerous edge he brings to the story is intensely captivating. His possessive nature is everything you want in a dark romance—the moment he threatens to unalive anyone who touches Arkana, the "touch her and die" trope is executed to absolute perfection. You know you are completely at his mercy.

Arkana is a phenomenal heroine to pair against his darkness. Facing a forced marriage to a stranger is one thing, but realizing the dangerous, insufferable man at the altar is hiding a twisted secret changes the game entirely. The tension between them is a total slow-burn wildfire. He is cruel, but the undeniable heat and resistance she feels whenever he is near create an incredibly spicy, addictive dynamic. You genuinely feel that terrifying but thrilling reality: sometimes you really are safer with the devil you don't know.

The pacing is phenomenal, and the writing beautifully balances intense, gritty depth with absolute obsession. The only reason it isn't a full five stars is that I wanted even more time to unpack the heavy psychological aftermath of the wedding day tragedy, but the sheer steam and thrilling plot twists more than make up for it. If you crave an unhinged, possessive hero and a forced proximity nightmare turned dark romance dream, you need to add this to your TBR immediately.

[Adri · Rating 5 out of 5]

You want to like him…
I mean… Bell has all the makings of a Morally Black Character… Plus the Allure of Prince Charming..
BUT he says He is darkness.. He doesn't feel guilt…
And I still want to like him?
He is Dark.. He doesn't do nice things.. But I still excuse him.. Clearly the Villain.

BUT Oh So Good…

Arkana is brought up sheltered in a dark secret society.
But she is a princess amongst her kind.. She is promised to Lord Bellamy, a Rich man.
Her arranged marriage is the norm but not something she wants.

Then,
Things don't exactly go according to plan.
Like not at all.

Arkana needs to find her new truth.
Bell needs to figure out what in life is important to him. (he does)

He brings her to life.
She gives him reason.

(that last chapter….. shwooooooo…. hot hot hot)
I want the second book like yesterday!!
Not a Cliffy.. more like I want MORE..

So you need to be ok with the Morally Dark Romance Genre.. (with some hectic twists and turns)
If not, Don't stop, dont collect $100 lols.. Keep going.

I thought I walked into one kind of book and I definitely ended up somewhere else. (so good)

***“You are indecent,” she murmurs. “You are my wife. Everything I do to you will be indecent. Every inch of you will know my fire. My wrath is your pleasure. Your pain and violence and your heart, which threatens to explode out of your chest, belong to me.”***

***You are the worst thing to happen to me.”*…**
***“Mmm, no, darling. I am the thing that has brought you to life.”***


#darkromance #gothicromance #authormviolet #darkromancereaders #enemiestolovers

[Shanaé · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥🔥🔥🔥
💀💀💀💀

Abandoned as a baby, Bell was taken in by nuns until he was old enough to leave and work in the poisonous fields. Years later, Bell decides to leave in search of something better. The opportunity of a lifetime presents itself during his journey and leads him to Arkana, who believes she’s meeting the man she’s betrothed to. But Bell is something far more sinister, and she finds herself drawn to him.

Bell is arrogant, charming, and quite funny in a dark-humor kind of way. In such a short read, we get to see a variety of his emotions, including his desire and attraction to Arkana. The man was unhinged.

Arkana is an enigma. She was raised to believe that women should be seen and not heard, but that never stopped her from being inquisitive. It was fun watching her irritate her annoying mother. I loved watching how Bell’s arrival furthered her determination not to be hidden away.

This is a fast paced story full of darkness, mystery, blood, and lust. The spice is high and occurs at a moderate frequency.

I hadn’t read any of the previous books in this interconnected series, so I went in blind and absolutely enjoyed the ride. Since this is Part 1 of the Love Me Darkly duet, I can’t wait for Part 2.

Read If You Enjoy
* Dark Romance
* Gothic Settings
* Paranormal Elements
* Possessive/OTT MMCs
* Hidden Identities
* Touch Her and Die

I received an advance reader copy via the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jessica Partin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Origin Wrapped in Darkness 🖤

🖤🔥 DARKLY YOURS by M. VIOLET 🔥🖤
Just when you think you've figured out the world of Melancholia, M. Violet comes along and reminds you that you haven't seen ANYTHING yet.
If you've read the other books in the Melancholia world, DARKLY YOURS IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST-READ. This isn't just another dark and deliciously sinful story. It's an origin story that connects dots, fills in gaps, and ties together pieces from the other books in ways that will have you sitting there whispering, "OH. MY. GOD." 😳🖤
And let me tell you… there were SO many of those moments!
Dark, twisted, sinful, and completely impossible to put down. Every revelation makes you look back at the other books a little differently. It's the kind of story that makes you want to go back and reread everything just to catch all the little connections you might have missed.
M. Violet is an EVIL GENIUS. Seriously. The way she weaves this world together is nothing short of brilliant. She doesn't just write stories; she builds an entire universe and somehow makes every piece matter.
If you're already a part of the Melancholia world, you NEED this book. And if you aren't? What are you even waiting for?!
Now excuse me while I sit here processing everything I just read and impatiently wait for the next book. Because HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO JUST GO ON WITH MY LIFE AFTER THAT?! 😭🖤
Five stars. No hesitation. No regrets. Just pure, deliciously dark obsession. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Kyara Gevers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how to explain my obsession with MViolet's books, or her brain for that matter. I wish i could see her mind at work. This whole world that she had build, is insane. Every detail is so specific, every bloodline, every character, to even their names. All of is makes so much sense, because she makes it make sense.

Darkly Yours is incredibly good. If you like the gothic, dark, insane, vindictive, bloody, morally grey ( just plain black) then this book is for you. The two characters are in an arranged marriage but the instant attraction on both sides is one for the ages. The push and pull between them. That dark obessive feeling, ugh i could literally feel it through the words. It gave me chills, made me smirk. The way he had her back, instantly, made me fall in love with his character. And how she tried to stay away but come on, let's be honest here, there was no chance in H, he was gonna let her get away. Love these two so much!

I wanted more and i'm so happy that this couple gets another book because they are so deliciously dark and obsessed with eachother. I want it to never end! There is still so much more to explore in this world she has created! i think i always wish for her books to be longer, because i don't want to say goodbye to these incredible characters!

[Samantha Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

If M.Violet writes you net I'm gunna read it and love it.
Well, this book had me completely hooked from the very first chapter! 🖤 I was so invested in the story, the characters, and all the twists and turns that I honestly struggled to put it down. And that cliffhanger? Excuse me, how am I supposed to wait for the next book?! 😭
Arkана was such a fantastic FMC. I absolutely loved her attitude, her strength, and the fact that she wasn't afraid to speak her mind or do what she wanted, regardless of what anyone else thought. She was such an enjoyable character to follow. And Bell? Definitely one of those MMCs who works his way under your skin and stays there! 🖤
There were moments that genuinely caught me off guard, and I loved how the story kept me guessing. The twists made the characters even more intriguing, and by the end, I was desperate for more.
This was such an addictive read, with characters who really stood out and a storyline that pulled me in completely. I'm officially invested, and I NEED book two immediately! 🥹🖤
Highly recommend if you love dark romance, intriguing characters, unexpected twists, and a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more!

[Jamie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ma'am this was dark and delish in every way possible!!!

"Aeternum et in arternum" describes the bond they have so perfectly.

Bell thought he was dark and depraved and would never want a bride but that was before he met Arkana. That man fell HAWRD and fast lol. I loved watching him learn he was not the only dark soul in town.
Arkana may have been taught to be the good daughter but when you take a girls father away then you learn real quick what she can do to defend herself.

Going back and learning more about the origins was sooo good. I have loved book in the Melancholia world. Learning about that forked tongue on another level lol. Bell may not be Noxy baby but he is carrying a torch now for me. Bell may not have known who his parents were or about his beginnings before the orphanage but he knew he was going to make his future better one way or another.

Arkana knew she was destined to be a wife, but wasn't going to let any man rule her. Together these two will take over more than each others hearts.

If you love Dark Romance, Dark Secret Society, a little bit of this and that play, then you will love this read. M. Violet has done it again with another phenomenal read.

[Darcy’s Good Opinion · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

First Person
Dual POV

MF
Arranged Marriage
Secret Identity
Dark Gothic
Secret Society
Snarky FMC
He Falls First
Mutual Obsession
Touch Her And Perish

If you were missing the world of Melancholia, you will not be disappointed by this latest edition to that world. Although characters do crossover, you can read this book as a standalone.

Darkly Yours is a spicy dark tale with mystery, intrigue, and possessive love. Arkana is in a family where women are valued for the alliances their (arranged) marriages can make and their womb. Forced into an arranged marriage not of her choosing, she is determined to keep her new husband at a distance..at knife point if necessary.

Bell is an orphan who seizes the opportunity for a better life…unaliving the person who can give it to him is of no consequence. He’ll go through with the marriage for the wealth and power but he has no intention of falling for his bride.

When these two get together, sparks, insults, and weapons fly. Their chemistry is electric. The two soon discover that though they are formidable on their own, as a pair they are unstoppable.

[Merissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me just start off by saying, I was in a READING SLUMP😩

I was sent this book as an ARC, and WOW! It completely pulled me out of it! My mood reading has been all over the place lately, and I’ve been bouncing between multiple books, trying to find something that would finally grab my attention.

Once I started reading, I literally could NOT put it down. I devoured it in one sitting!

Based on how the book started, I definitely didn't expect the storyline to take the direction it did, but I was HERE FOR IT! 🤭

I've always loved M. Violet's writing, so it's honestly no surprise that I enjoyed this one so much. It has a similar feel to the other books in the series, but there's a twist that sets it apart and makes it feel a little different.

Needless to say, this was exactly the book I needed to get me out of my slump!🖤

[BookishEchoes · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Darkly Yours
by M. Violet is a haunting Gothic romance that completely captured my attention. The atmosphere, tension, suspense, and emotional depth made this an engaging read from beginning to end.

I especially enjoyed Bell and Arkana’s intriguing dynamic. Their connection kept me curious, while the gradual character development allowed the story’s darker elements and emotional intensity to unfold naturally.

Just when I thought I had an idea of where the story was going, I found myself wanting to know more. M. Violet created a captivating world filled with dangerous attractions, morally dark characters, and plenty of tension.

Overall, this story met my expectations and MORE! I’m looking forward to exploring more of the world of Melancholia and seeing where the series goes next.

Please check the author’s official content warnings before reading.

[OhSpicyBelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

❝𝐴𝑟𝑘𝑎𝑛𝑎, 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑐𝒉𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑐 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝒉𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝐼 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝒉𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝐼 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢. 𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑛𝑒𝑑… 𝐼 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑐𝒉𝑎𝑜𝑠.❞


I love when M Violet takes into the world of Melancholia and seeing how the books no matter the timeline are connected. Darkly Yours takes us back as we're introduced to Bell the orphan that was born with an unhinged darkness. He and Arkana are "arranged" in marriage after Bell takes the opportunity of stealing someone's life. Arkana obeys to the marriage but fights Bell at every opportunity. While Bell is living his new life he finds out the truth of where he really cane from and just how true his darkness is. The sarcastic banter between these two is wonderful and end up being their love language along with the fight. Both didn't plan on love but an obsessive love is what they got.

[Salsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world of Melancholia is as addicting as ever in Darkly Yours. It’s always fascinating to me to learn more about this gloomy cursed world the author has created, more about the blood lines of Nocturnus. All the little details that tie the interconnected stories together continue to amaze me.

This book starts with an arranged marriage, but quickly becomes a perfectly dark and complex partnership. I liked Arkana from the get go, she was fiery and passionate. Bell too! I was unsure about him at first and had so much curiosity of who he was and what secrets he had, but he grew on me so fast and strong. It wasn’t just the instant attraction or their constant deadly bantering that I loved, but also the way they quickly became loyal to one another and had each other’s backs.

The chemistry between them was boiling hot.

So glad to see that we will get more of their story!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bell & Arkana find themselves in an arrangement marriage. Only it seems that Bell is the one that wants the marriage. As if Arkana needed anymore reason to not like Bell, after a shocking ending to her marriage day, she hates Bell. It is very apparent in the way that she throws daggers at Bell. I was laughing at Arkana's "sharp tongue."

"This man haunts my dreams."

As the story progressed and I got Bell's backstory, I felt for him. An orphan who just wanted to be loved. Arkana realized this as well and as their love grew, so did their power as husband and wife.

I love this world of Melancholia that author, M. Violet has created. To get to visit it again with this newest book is great. Someone request gothic, secret society! Yes, please and thank you. Don't walk but run and read this book now. You will get sucked into Arkana and Bell's story. A one day, must read!

[Amy Frye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved this ARC from the author. My opinions are my own read it for youself and decide if you love it as much as i did.

If you have not read any of her other books you should check them out first. Though this can be read as a stand-alone it is way better if you read them in the order she suggests. These are dark, bully, and SPICY. Check your triggers!

This felt like to origin story we needed! I was immediately drawn in. The angst, the tension between Bell and Kana from the start was perfection. I could not put it down! The orphan boys rise to power was not what I expected and that made it that much better. Cannot wait to see what happens next with them. I want so much for Bell to help Kana show the Nocturnus they should have feared her from the start! Forever and Ever!

[Julie Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so upset when I forgot this ended on a cliffhanger 🥲 I was honestly sucked right into the story from the very first chapter and found myself glued to it until the very end.

I adored Arkana and she’s hands down, one of my favorite FMC’s I’ve ever read about. And Bell? Top 10 MMC’s for me. I loved that Arkana still did and said whatever she pleased knowing others would greatly disapprove. As for Bell, I honestly did not expect that twist but I am not mad about it one bit. If anything, it made me love him as a character even more.

I definitely recommend this book and I will be waiting very (i’m)patiently for book 2 🙂‍↕️

[Gwyn Gable · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with M. Violet’s Melancholia world. The dark, primal atmosphere hits in all the right spots.

This book introduces us to these two larger than life characters, as they navigate a world that doesn’t respect them.At the center of it all is Bell, a dark, intense, and twisted man who embraces his own monstrous nature and hunger for power. Letting fate lead him, he finds himself married to the stunning Arkana. Kindred spirits whose dark souls mirror one another. Together, their connection creates a darkly decadent energy that consumes them both.
Watching these two larger-than-life characters navigate a world that shows them nothing but disdain is captivating.

[Kathleen Lacoursiere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will love you until our bones are dust, and then I shall haunt you for a thousand eternities after"

Darkly yours delivered the obsessive, carnal, brutal romance I didnt realize I had been craving. A sumptuous Gothic dark romance, don't let the length deceive you; Bell and Arkana will linger long after the last page. A suffocatingly hot enemies to lovers, the world burning devotion left me utterly breathless, with each of the MC's stunningly unhinged in their own rights, and I fear I may have fallen for Bell's unique brand of all consuming brand of love. A deliciously dark read for the season, I cannot WAIT for part two

[Deanna (OnceUponADee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love M.Violet and her writing style. This book was dark but in the best way. Arkana and Bell are super entertaining and their relationship pulls you in as a reader. The world building and connection to all of the other books set in the Melancholia Universe. There are little gems that are woven throughout that make you go, oh wait, I remember that character or that location being mentioned before. I always end up wanting to re-read the other books and this was no exception to that sentiment. Darkly Yours is an origin story of sorts, and I am here for it. 100% read the trigger warnings before diving headfirst as always.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review -

“𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒎𝒆, 𝒉𝒖𝒔𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒅. 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚… 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒍𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔.”

This dark gothic romance was everything. The blood play? Give. 🩸Me. 🩸More. 🩸 Bell’s plan was to take over as Lord Erebus and destroy his new wife, but the exact moment he meets Arkana, he realizes things are absolutely not going to go according to plan. I was so invested in their story and the intense chemistry between the two. I am incredibly desperate for what comes next.

Thank you to the author for this ARC.

[Pat · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This was an ARC read. This was my first ever M Violet read, and a cool dark goth novella that turns out to be an origin story linked to other novels published earlier. Since it was an origin story I don't think I missed out on much of the whole universe.
It was the dark love story of Bell, an orphan and Arkana, the only daughter in a very original family of wealth. It was an easy read with nice twists, and when I get the chance, I will probably read up on everything Melancholia - Raven's Gate, Wickford Hollow etc... because now I wonder what Bell and Arkana started, what happened after.

[Kimberly Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, spicy and absolutely delicious gothic romance with the vibes you'll never forget. This follow Bell and Arkana doing their origin storyline. Bell is an orphan who makes his own way through life. Arkana comes from a family with power, influence and has to secure that power line through an arranged marriage. Little did they know. They would be meeting their match. Completely unhinged and worth a wild read. Clearly, something is afoot but that is to be continued through book 2. This is a HEA but we are on a cliffhanger due to this being book 1. I'm excited to see what happens next

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hauntingly beautiful start to Bell & Arkana’s love story. Arkana is a feisty young woman who has been betrothed to a man she has never met. While traveling to Wickford Hollow, Bell comes across an opportunity to make a life he has always wanted. He has dark soul, due to his parentage, but has fallen deeply in love with Arkana and she with him. Fate is a funny thing and they somehow are meant to be. I deeply love the world of Melancholia that M. Violet had created and the darkness in the series just calls to me. I love getting the family origin stories and how everything is intertwined.