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The Dark Pool #1
The Dark Pool
Sahara Taylor has never obeyed the rules. She hopes that a move to a remote mountain valley will help her forget the relationship she has ruined and temper her lustful soul. Far away from prying eyes, Sahara can practice her witchcraft and reconnect with the invisible forces that govern her life. But Fate has other plans. A well-worn path leading from Sahara’s cabin into the Aspen Wood brings a rugged lover who falls willingly into Sahara’s web of mystery and indulges her in the erotically submissive role she likes to play. Their passions reveal a desire for an unconventional relationship and before long Sahara is longing once more for the touch of a woman. Love is only a whisper away, when Sahara is undone by talking in her sleep. A secret from a lifetime in medieval England threatens to destroy Sahara’s every intention to be faithful to her new found loves. In this tale of wicked sex, sorcery and innocence lost, one woman must choose between her past and her present, find courage to live authentically and resist the charms of an alchemist whose love for her has survived six hundred years.
- GenresMagic
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2015
12 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Monika Carless
15 books16 followersAuthor of The Dark Pool Trilogy - (Pagan Erotica and Mysticism) & Tessa and the Faeries - a children's book on the wonder of the unseen realms.
FROM HAY HOUSE - TRANSFORMING MOTHER WOUND - SACRED PRACTICES FOR HEALING YOUR INNER WISE WOMAN THROUGH RITUAL AND EARTH-BASED SPIRITUALITY
Monika Carless is an author, certified holistic nutritionist ,and mentor to Earthkeepers, Witches, and Creatives. She lives a quiet life on Vancouver Island focused on simple pleasures with her partner of many moons. Her heart song is guiding women to their sovereignty and fearless authenticity. Especially interested in archetypes, myths and life mastery through self-healing practices, Monika mines wisdom from cronedom and the healing powers of art and words.
Monika has written over 350 articles across publications such as The Urban Howl, Rebelle Society, Radiance, Vitality, Natural Life, Vista, and Canadian Organic Grower. She has also been a featured author at elephant journal.
Her YouTube, Channel Conversations With the Universe, features intuitive coaching, connection with Earth Mother, interviews with inspiring women and channeled information.
She is an expert in relationships (including open, poly, queer), defining life purpose, sacred sexuality and sustainable living. Her mentorship addresses the whole individual--body, mind and spirit--while delivering clear, intuitive insights with lasting results. With worldwide clientele, Monika regards her work as an act of devotion to the Consciousness.
A student of Carl Jung, Eckharte Tolle, Clarrisa-Pinkola Estes, Osho, and influenced by classic literature and poetry, this Scorpio loves nothing more than to wander the Underworld unraveling ancient mysteries or casting spells under a full moon.
Reach Monika via her website monikacarless.com,
her author page on FB - https://www.facebook.com/MonikaCarles... or Instagram @MonikaCarless.official
FROM HAY HOUSE - TRANSFORMING MOTHER WOUND - SACRED PRACTICES FOR HEALING YOUR INNER WISE WOMAN THROUGH RITUAL AND EARTH-BASED SPIRITUALITY
Monika Carless is an author, certified holistic nutritionist ,and mentor to Earthkeepers, Witches, and Creatives. She lives a quiet life on Vancouver Island focused on simple pleasures with her partner of many moons. Her heart song is guiding women to their sovereignty and fearless authenticity. Especially interested in archetypes, myths and life mastery through self-healing practices, Monika mines wisdom from cronedom and the healing powers of art and words.
Monika has written over 350 articles across publications such as The Urban Howl, Rebelle Society, Radiance, Vitality, Natural Life, Vista, and Canadian Organic Grower. She has also been a featured author at elephant journal.
Her YouTube, Channel Conversations With the Universe, features intuitive coaching, connection with Earth Mother, interviews with inspiring women and channeled information.
She is an expert in relationships (including open, poly, queer), defining life purpose, sacred sexuality and sustainable living. Her mentorship addresses the whole individual--body, mind and spirit--while delivering clear, intuitive insights with lasting results. With worldwide clientele, Monika regards her work as an act of devotion to the Consciousness.
A student of Carl Jung, Eckharte Tolle, Clarrisa-Pinkola Estes, Osho, and influenced by classic literature and poetry, this Scorpio loves nothing more than to wander the Underworld unraveling ancient mysteries or casting spells under a full moon.
Reach Monika via her website monikacarless.com,
her author page on FB - https://www.facebook.com/MonikaCarles... or Instagram @MonikaCarless.official
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 9, 2019
The Dark Pool, the first book of a trilogy, is a magical, sensual story of romance and reincarnation. Touching upon a wide range of subjects, Monika Carless weaves her way through centuries of storytelling, exploring the impact and influence of past lives on the present. This is not a clichéd story of pointy hats and black cats, however, but one of pagan mysticism and spirituality.
It is the characters who make the story, men and women who live beyond the page and follow you into your dreams. They feel alive, full of passion and emotion, with personalities that sometimes feel more real than the strangers who cross our paths in real life. While many reviewers have focused on Aiden, singing the praises of a wonderful man and passionately creative lover, Richard is a wonderful character as well, and they are only pieces of a puzzle that (for me) gets more intimate and more interesting as Sahara brings in Holly and Iona.
The erotic scenes here are . . . well, almost hard to describe. They are explicit, and often use what many might consider to be tawdry language, but Carless uses contrasts to make it beautiful. We read words like 'whore' and 'milady' in the same sentence, and become entranced by scenes that talk of pagan energies and fire spirits, that place us amid circles and pentagrams, and then snap us into vulgarity again with the tug of a silver chains and erotic clamps. There is a ritualistic aspect to so much of the sexuality and I found that intensely arousing.
The narrative itself can be confusing, the type of novel that demands you sit and immerse yourself in the story, not just breeze through a few pages here and there, but it is also immensely satisfying. The past feels just as real as the present, and the contrast between what we might consider 'primitive' and contemporary kink is one of the most spectacular parts of the novel. We often forget that our generation did not invent kinks or fetishes, and that desire is just as much a mother of invention as necessity! Names and faces do sort of bleed across time, and even the character sometimes get lost in past lives or roles, but that is part of the magic.
With a little luck, and perhaps a little magic, I will wrap up The Raven and the Aspen King (Holly, Sahara and Iona, all in love with a man who’s crossed centuries to find them) and The Wilderness Years (While falling deeper in love, Sahara, Aiden and Holly continue to unravel the pieces of their ancient story) this month, and I cannot imagine a better time to indulge than the spooky season that owes so much of its own magic to witchcraft.
https://bibrary.blogspot.com/2019/10/...
It is the characters who make the story, men and women who live beyond the page and follow you into your dreams. They feel alive, full of passion and emotion, with personalities that sometimes feel more real than the strangers who cross our paths in real life. While many reviewers have focused on Aiden, singing the praises of a wonderful man and passionately creative lover, Richard is a wonderful character as well, and they are only pieces of a puzzle that (for me) gets more intimate and more interesting as Sahara brings in Holly and Iona.
The erotic scenes here are . . . well, almost hard to describe. They are explicit, and often use what many might consider to be tawdry language, but Carless uses contrasts to make it beautiful. We read words like 'whore' and 'milady' in the same sentence, and become entranced by scenes that talk of pagan energies and fire spirits, that place us amid circles and pentagrams, and then snap us into vulgarity again with the tug of a silver chains and erotic clamps. There is a ritualistic aspect to so much of the sexuality and I found that intensely arousing.
The narrative itself can be confusing, the type of novel that demands you sit and immerse yourself in the story, not just breeze through a few pages here and there, but it is also immensely satisfying. The past feels just as real as the present, and the contrast between what we might consider 'primitive' and contemporary kink is one of the most spectacular parts of the novel. We often forget that our generation did not invent kinks or fetishes, and that desire is just as much a mother of invention as necessity! Names and faces do sort of bleed across time, and even the character sometimes get lost in past lives or roles, but that is part of the magic.
With a little luck, and perhaps a little magic, I will wrap up The Raven and the Aspen King (Holly, Sahara and Iona, all in love with a man who’s crossed centuries to find them) and The Wilderness Years (While falling deeper in love, Sahara, Aiden and Holly continue to unravel the pieces of their ancient story) this month, and I cannot imagine a better time to indulge than the spooky season that owes so much of its own magic to witchcraft.
https://bibrary.blogspot.com/2019/10/...
June 22, 2017
3 stars - It is okay.
I like the writing and the flow of the story is enjoyable. I got interested in the premise of the novel and that is why I decided to pick it up. However, f/f stories including mnage trois are not really my cup of tea (even though I admit I read some books that had them and even liked them) and that is why I decided to drop it.
I would also like to add that I found the constant switching between the past and present a bit confusing and it would have been better if there was less stuff going on (supernatural elements, threesome, f/f, flashbacks from the past and so on and so on..) imo.
I would not recommend this book to those who, just like me, have no patience for reading all of these tropes at once, because if it is not done well, it can just turn out to be too much, like in this case.
A free copy obtained in exchange for an honest review.
I like the writing and the flow of the story is enjoyable. I got interested in the premise of the novel and that is why I decided to pick it up. However, f/f stories including mnage trois are not really my cup of tea (even though I admit I read some books that had them and even liked them) and that is why I decided to drop it.
I would also like to add that I found the constant switching between the past and present a bit confusing and it would have been better if there was less stuff going on (supernatural elements, threesome, f/f, flashbacks from the past and so on and so on..) imo.
I would not recommend this book to those who, just like me, have no patience for reading all of these tropes at once, because if it is not done well, it can just turn out to be too much, like in this case.
A free copy obtained in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
April 23, 2021Thank you Lil Elf with a Whip for this wonderful surprise birthday gift!
February 28, 2016
Monika Carless has a very altered style of writing. The past and present mixes with elements from the present but yet show elements of the past. One life merges with a new one and they relive things that happened in the past. My favorite characters are Aiden and Sahara from the present. While they have a love story all their own, it bounces back and forth between or flashbacks from this life to a previous life that was shared. One might say this is more of a paranormal romance with an erotic twist than just a plain erotic novel because the characters’ deal in witchcraft. The story takes place in a very quiet little town where everyone knows who you are and your business. The story is written with a very colorful cast and hidden stories that could possibly turn into other novels for Ms. Carless.
When if first started reading, I thought it was a historical novel until I got more into the story. You read about everyone having a book boyfriend and I think I have found mine in Aiden. As a character he is one of the most life like that I have read. Sahara is also one of the most realistic female characters that I have had the pleasure of reading about. While there are more than just these star characters in the novel, these two are the ones that stood out the most to me and the ones that I connected with on a personal basis.
This is the first of her work that I have read and while it left me a little confused at first, it explains everything as the plot develops. This is a very well written and put together novel. A lot of time and research has gone into this story and the way that Monika has pieced together the chapters it’s like living in the past and fast forwarding to the present all in one novel. I truly enjoyed reading this and would love to read another novel wrote by her. She has given the book a life all its own because it leaves you wondering what is going on throughout the entire novel until the end when she clarifies at the end to pull it all together. Enjoy the read!
When if first started reading, I thought it was a historical novel until I got more into the story. You read about everyone having a book boyfriend and I think I have found mine in Aiden. As a character he is one of the most life like that I have read. Sahara is also one of the most realistic female characters that I have had the pleasure of reading about. While there are more than just these star characters in the novel, these two are the ones that stood out the most to me and the ones that I connected with on a personal basis.
This is the first of her work that I have read and while it left me a little confused at first, it explains everything as the plot develops. This is a very well written and put together novel. A lot of time and research has gone into this story and the way that Monika has pieced together the chapters it’s like living in the past and fast forwarding to the present all in one novel. I truly enjoyed reading this and would love to read another novel wrote by her. She has given the book a life all its own because it leaves you wondering what is going on throughout the entire novel until the end when she clarifies at the end to pull it all together. Enjoy the read!
March 4, 2016
Ms. Carless has raised the bar for erotica, in general, as well as possibly created a whole new genre. This is a book of life's possibilities beyond the pleasures of well-written and delicious sexual experiences. The story she tells of lives lived, both past and present, enriches the erotic experience and infuses it with spiritual awareness and wisdom. The plot is rich with honest, believable and vulnerable characters from which there is much to be learned and loved. I have never read an erotic tale so poignant and full of such meaningful and heart-expanding relationships and I am reading it again with just as much intrigue and fun as the first time.
March 6, 2016
Confusing wasn't up for f/f I hardly ever read it not my cup of tea. It was forward backward reincarnated. I don't know who is who and what is what. And darn it is $8.99!
Received a free copy for a honest review
Received a free copy for a honest review
March 14, 2016
I have mixed feelings about book reviews that I'm sure I do not hold alone. I read many different books from various gendres. If I begin to read a book and am not into it, what does that mean? Does it mean the same as reading a book that is pure shite? NO.
This is not a rant.
There are some books that are written in a style that has yet to generate a gendre. It could be a sub-gendre, no matter. This book, The Dark Pool, by Monika Carless is one of them. If you are used to reading fluff erotica or Penthouse Forum, then maybe stay to that... this book is in an entirely different league! I believe that a general gendre does not yet exist that this work could sensually slide into. Putting it 'status quo' under the vast umbrella of 'Erotica' is a protocol, yet an injustice. This series of books (there will be more!) will grow it's own tribe of like minded souls and will be powerfully connected to the creation of a new gendre of writing.
I believe that I have become a member of that tribe... by compelling choice! I did not merely read this book, I lived every syllable, every intonation, travelled to those places in my dreams... I am certain that I am not the only one to 'experience' Monika's work in this way! The love, passion and life with which Monika magikally infuses her words mandates the greatest high a reader could ever expect! The incredible intensity of the ache of desire to read more is almost numbing...
The Dark Pool is not some trite, sex-fluff material to be used to masturbate in a closet. That's why we have material like Penthouse Forum, etc. There is a need and a place for all. Indeed, The Dark Pool is a culmination of lifetimes of relationships, magik, intense loves on a soul level, a deep non-conventional exploration of 'forbidden' human sensuality and sexuality. Reading Monika's work allows us to experience all of these things on a different level. This book is so real it will have you examining your own life, sexuality and level of existence. Take a risk... put aside your trepidations... for an instant cut the shackles and chains that bind you to the altars of convention, and slide sensually into the depths of The Dark Pool yourself... dare you, you may become a member of the tribe!
This is not a rant.
There are some books that are written in a style that has yet to generate a gendre. It could be a sub-gendre, no matter. This book, The Dark Pool, by Monika Carless is one of them. If you are used to reading fluff erotica or Penthouse Forum, then maybe stay to that... this book is in an entirely different league! I believe that a general gendre does not yet exist that this work could sensually slide into. Putting it 'status quo' under the vast umbrella of 'Erotica' is a protocol, yet an injustice. This series of books (there will be more!) will grow it's own tribe of like minded souls and will be powerfully connected to the creation of a new gendre of writing.
I believe that I have become a member of that tribe... by compelling choice! I did not merely read this book, I lived every syllable, every intonation, travelled to those places in my dreams... I am certain that I am not the only one to 'experience' Monika's work in this way! The love, passion and life with which Monika magikally infuses her words mandates the greatest high a reader could ever expect! The incredible intensity of the ache of desire to read more is almost numbing...
The Dark Pool is not some trite, sex-fluff material to be used to masturbate in a closet. That's why we have material like Penthouse Forum, etc. There is a need and a place for all. Indeed, The Dark Pool is a culmination of lifetimes of relationships, magik, intense loves on a soul level, a deep non-conventional exploration of 'forbidden' human sensuality and sexuality. Reading Monika's work allows us to experience all of these things on a different level. This book is so real it will have you examining your own life, sexuality and level of existence. Take a risk... put aside your trepidations... for an instant cut the shackles and chains that bind you to the altars of convention, and slide sensually into the depths of The Dark Pool yourself... dare you, you may become a member of the tribe!
April 19, 2016
An intoxicating, mesmerising and magical tale of souls bound together through time from medieval England to present day North America. The story flows effortlessly between the two worlds as the reader is reeled in and endeavours to unravel the intrigue and mystery.
The (super)natural world is an integral backdrop to the story, the fairies, sprites and feys sit easily and believably amongst the pages. The characters are interesting, complex and, importantly, characters you are happy to invest time getting to know. The medieval world is fully and vividly realised, potions and spells are no mere window dressing, there is true knowledge within Ms Carless's prose.
The sexual encounters are passionate, sensual and amazingly inventive but never gratuitous. I await book two with unbridled anticipation.
The (super)natural world is an integral backdrop to the story, the fairies, sprites and feys sit easily and believably amongst the pages. The characters are interesting, complex and, importantly, characters you are happy to invest time getting to know. The medieval world is fully and vividly realised, potions and spells are no mere window dressing, there is true knowledge within Ms Carless's prose.
The sexual encounters are passionate, sensual and amazingly inventive but never gratuitous. I await book two with unbridled anticipation.
March 14, 2016
Lots of suspense and drama hold you captive to your e-reader as you learn more about the amazing characters in this great read. Sahara has moved to a small remote mountain valley to forget her past relationship and practice her witchcraft. Fate has something different in store for Sahara however. I really loved the characters and the story is amazing. The sex is steamy! Great Read!
December 7, 2016
Loved it! I've never read another book with a more unique and enthralling storyline! Love, honesty, loyalty, polyamory, bisexuality and steamy love scenes abound, but ultimately it's a tale of people who follow their hearts and learn to live openly and authentically with their truths.
August 22, 2025
The Dark Pool by Monika Carless is a gripping, intoxicating read that sinks its hooks in from the very first page. Carless creates an atmosphere that is both alluring and unsettling, weaving the forest into the story as if it were its own living, breathing character. The woods feel dark, magnetic, and charged with an energy that heightens every encounter, every whisper of danger, and every brush of passion. It’s the kind of writing that pulls you in so deeply that you can almost smell the moss, feel the shadows, and hear the quiet pulse of something lurking just beyond sight.
Sahara and Aiden stand out brilliantly—both fierce and vulnerable in their own ways, and the chemistry between them practically leaps off the page. There’s a heat to their presence that Carless balances beautifully, never gratuitous but undeniably intense, layered with a sense of raw connection and unspoken hunger. Their journey through the forest, through the dark currents of desire and tension, feels both sensual and perilous. Carless doesn’t just tell a story; she immerses you in it, building a world that throbs with intensity, danger, and an irresistible pull. The Dark Pool is haunting, erotic, and unforgettable—I couldn’t put it down.
Sahara and Aiden stand out brilliantly—both fierce and vulnerable in their own ways, and the chemistry between them practically leaps off the page. There’s a heat to their presence that Carless balances beautifully, never gratuitous but undeniably intense, layered with a sense of raw connection and unspoken hunger. Their journey through the forest, through the dark currents of desire and tension, feels both sensual and perilous. Carless doesn’t just tell a story; she immerses you in it, building a world that throbs with intensity, danger, and an irresistible pull. The Dark Pool is haunting, erotic, and unforgettable—I couldn’t put it down.
December 21, 2016
I was hesitant to read this book due to possible triggers for sexual abuse. But I heard good reviews from reliable friends and decided to dive in. I ended up reading the book three times.
The story drew me in from the beginning. Strong female and male characters who show depth of love and passion amidst a seamless backdrop of the Fey, magik, past lives and present connections held me mesmerized. Monika developed these male characters who were forceful, in command of their lives yet could completely surrender to their lovers. The women were simultaneously strong and soft. Weaving their past lives into the present was written particularly well. I love the little bit of disorientation this type of story provides-it makes me engage with the writing more deeply. I can't wait for the second book!
The story drew me in from the beginning. Strong female and male characters who show depth of love and passion amidst a seamless backdrop of the Fey, magik, past lives and present connections held me mesmerized. Monika developed these male characters who were forceful, in command of their lives yet could completely surrender to their lovers. The women were simultaneously strong and soft. Weaving their past lives into the present was written particularly well. I love the little bit of disorientation this type of story provides-it makes me engage with the writing more deeply. I can't wait for the second book!
August 17, 2019
Fucking INCREDIBLE! This book brought out all of the juiciness when it comes to energy, spirituality, sex, erotica, relationships, intimacy, pain and pleasure. I've yet to read a book that comes close to the way that Monika draws you into the characters life, feelings, emotions and feeling connected to them as well. I recommend everyone to read this who is looking to explore their own sexuality and freedom to express that fully. With reading this book it has awaken something deep with inside of me that I feel these words brought back a remembrance to my spirit. Such a yummy read!
February 22, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
This books has Pollyanna type relationships, some type of reincarnation. It is a very hot novel too.
Sahara Taylor tires to move away to remote mountain valley where she is trying to deal with her past relationships that have ended. Their she meets Holly and Aiden. Holly seems young and innocent and quickly tells Sahara that she prefers women. Aiden also seems to be in love with Holly but is drawn to Sahara too. So it seems that both Holly and Aiden become involved with Sahara. Sahara has spoken to Holly and Aiden about having a pollyanna relationship. This is something Sahara had in a previous life and she is finding out that her previous lovers are in the same time area as she.
This was a different book than I normally read and is a little hard to keep all the time and relationships going but I was glad to have a chance to read this book.
This books has Pollyanna type relationships, some type of reincarnation. It is a very hot novel too.
Sahara Taylor tires to move away to remote mountain valley where she is trying to deal with her past relationships that have ended. Their she meets Holly and Aiden. Holly seems young and innocent and quickly tells Sahara that she prefers women. Aiden also seems to be in love with Holly but is drawn to Sahara too. So it seems that both Holly and Aiden become involved with Sahara. Sahara has spoken to Holly and Aiden about having a pollyanna relationship. This is something Sahara had in a previous life and she is finding out that her previous lovers are in the same time area as she.
This was a different book than I normally read and is a little hard to keep all the time and relationships going but I was glad to have a chance to read this book.
May 18, 2016
This book wasn't too bad, but I found it difficult to get into. There were many instances in the book that caused me to get confused: one being Iona. The encounters between Sahara and Iona were strange, and i never could completely understand their connection. For me personally, I couldn't connect to this book, I found it difficult to follow at times, due to lack of explanation or sometimes ambiguity. This book wasn't for me: although I'm sure it would appeal to others, it just didn't grab my attention the way I anticipated to.
March 2, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book ... first of trilogy.
May 27, 2022
Well written yet the content wasn’t my ‘thing’ when it comes to fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews