Pointe Of Darkness

L.A. Dark #1

by Paris Andren

When LA dreams become a nightmare.

Ballerina Ava DeLaney comes to LA to pursue her dream of dancing professionally. But after a night out with friends, she finds herself drugged and at the mercy of human traffickers. Now her ballet and her very life are in jeopardy. Can Ava and her ballet dreams survive the dark side of LA?

Detective Sage Cartier is undercover and infiltrating sex clubs controlled by human traffickers. Clubs where there are no safety measures, no safe words, and no way out. Can Sage stop their future plans before more souls are lost, including his own?

Sage and Ava find comfort and healing within each other's arms. He vows to protect her with his life; she vows to love him through the darkness. But can their love prevail through deception and stolen dreams?

Genres: Suspense, Romance, Dark

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 2016

About the author

USA Today bestselling author, Paris Andren writes emotionally evocative stories that touch on real and often intense storylines, suspenseful mysteries and thrillers that come with unexpected humor and romance.


Join Paris's mailing list! ➜ http://bit.ly/ParisPressRelease
Stalk her Facebook here ➜ https://www.facebook.com/authorparisa...
Visit her website here ➜ www.pariswrites.com
Follow her on Twitter here ➜ @ParisAndren https://twitter.com/ParisAndren

Reviews

[S.A. Healey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gripping debut from Paris Andren! This novel starts off with a bang, and the pace remains swift and enticing right up until the end, leaving me itching to know where the journey will take me in book 2. The writing is exceptional, the characters compelling, and I ran the full gamut of emotions throughout this story as it tackled some serious (and important) issues. Yet at its core, what Ms. Andren has given us is an utterly beautiful love story. I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down , I was captivated immediately. in today's world of instant publishing and E books I find its hard to know what's worth spending your money on .This author nailed my interest right from the start . It may not be everyone's cup of tea , but it was definitely mine and I loved the suspense , the characters , and a touch of erotica . Bravo dear lady

[Vanessa Connell]

DNF @ 42%

I can't even bring myself to give it 1 star.

I could not get into this book. I didn't enjoy the writing style and there was nothing endearing about the characters.

The unrealistic actions of a virgin rape survivor was the icing on the cake.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pointe of Darkness by Paris Andren a thrilling five-star read. This is the first book in the LA dark Darkness series. It’s also the authors debut novel and it’s one of the best debuts I have read in a very long time, I read it cover to cover in record time. This book is not suitable for some readers as it deals and extreme sexual situations, and upsetting scenes. It was hot and hard, but also a little upsetting in some places, but it was there for a reason and It did make the story. It should however also come with the warning this book will cause ugly crying and heart break. I was crying so hard that I woke my husband up, and he sleeps like the dead. This is a thrilling read, that will have you guessing at every turn.
This tells the story of Ava DeLaney a ballerina dancer who has come to LA to pursue the dream of becoming a professional dancer, with the Los Angeles Ballet. That dream is shattered when Ava goes out with friends for a few drinks, but ends up meeting the darker side of LA nightlife when she gets drugged and kidnapped and finds herself in the hands of some human traffickers. Can Ava and her dreams come out the other side? Or will the darkness swallow her whole?
Sage Cartier is an undercover detective; he has been undercover for a little over a year in the LA scene trying to get into the world of hard core no rules clubs, that are controlled by the human traffickers. Doing this so he can gather evidence and take them down. Every time he visits the clubs he loses another small part of his soul. After a chance encounter with Eva he sets about saving her, and I doing so may just save himself. Can love prevail through deception and stolen dreams, will they get their happy ever after? Or will the bad guys win in the end as they seem to be popping up in places you don’t imagine, and the good guys seem to be in places you don’t expect also.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are times you read a book and don’t know what to think…until you do. There are stories you have to reach the end of to know where to begin. This story such a one for me. Paris Andren, debut author, has accomplished something quite remarkable, written a story that makes you question your perceptions of what a human being can take, react too and in what way…in circumstances you pray you and yours would never face. The synopsis sets out the stall, almost but not quite gives too much, clever, enticing, gets you to the first chapter, then the author has you, my God she’s good. The chapter structure, from differing points of view, giving characters the chance to speak for themself works well, fluid, changing this reader’s emotion laden view. And then there are the words, I don’t have words to explain how they worked their way into me. Darkness beyond humanity, innocence betrayed, compassion with rough edges, an ever shifting balance of despair and hope, and almost beyond belief, relief love emerges somehow. The end creeps up on you… anticipation of more.

[Jasmin Whitley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it really hard to get into this story and was quite surprised with all the five star ratings. I kept waiting for the story to click for me and it just didn't. I couldn't see how some characters conversed and the actions they took being real enough for me.

[Christina]

I thought the book was full of adventure and enticing. A fantastic debut novel. I couldn't put it down.

[Jessy A · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm almost at 50% and I just can't keep reading this book. The writing style is so different, it's almost like there is content missing the way these characters are interacting. I'm a huge fan of dark erotica/romance and I just cannot get into this book. I was very excited about this storyline but it's too off for me to even finish. Sage, a detective that's under cover working in a human trafficking ring (though we are really just hearing about it and not seeing any of his work) and Ava, A ballerina who is drugged and kidnapped and assaulted. She literally stumbled into his arms after being freed yet after their night at the hospital they're back at his house and he is "making her feel better". It has such a delicate and dark subject matter and I found the story just disrespectful to it subject matter. I can't finish it.

[Sharyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm... I really tried to persevere with this one, mainly due to the good online reviews. But in all honesty, I quit at about 50%. So... what was wrong with it?

Well, firstly, I struggled with the author "telling" me the story rather than "showing" me. I felt that I didn't really need to know everything about the characters before I got to know them. I would rather gradually discover what makes them tick. And why they are the way that they are.

The way the two lead characters just fell together also seemed totally unnatural. I do get that they had an immediate connection in rather extreme circumstances, but it still felt too fast and abnormal.

Mostly, though, I struggled with the dialogue. It was stilted and formal. In my own experience, everyday conversations are not usually so formal, nor do most people use the name of who they are speaking to in almost every sentence.

It's a pity this story didn't work for me, because I think the plot was a pretty good one... at least until I quit reading it.

[~lil maso~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come . . . .

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[C.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantastic book was full of suspense and love story so beautiful. The characters were so real and raw. I found the storyline compelling and full of twists and turns. I can't wait to read Book 2 in this series!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant & well written debut novel by my fellow poet friend Miss Paris! Bravo

[Bette Stanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Ms Andren’s debut novel and its title is perfect. There are books that peak your interest,
but you’re not quite sure if you should pick them up. The synopsis seems intriguing but the subject matter may be a bit too harsh. This is one of those books. Don’t let the hesitation get you. Dive right in.

Pointe of Darkness gives you a glimpse of this world’s underbelly through an undercover cop and a ballerina. Both, unfortunately, experience it. Both struggle to come to terms with their experience. Both have the power to save the other. The beginning of the book draws you in and captures you at the first page. The entire story is told through the different characters’ POV. Ms Andren’s writing style makes the changing POV’s seamless while adding dimension to the story. She challenges your perception of what a human can withstand without breaking. She tells a story that you hope and pray no one you know will ever experience. Unfortunately, there are far too many people in our world who are subjected to what Ava experiences without any hope of being saved.

This story is raw, emotional, and uncomfortable. There are parts of the story where things happen too quickly, but yet somehow don’t seem rushed. While Pointe of Darkness isn’t a true cliffhanger, the story does continue in a second book.

[Bonnie S Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed

I can't quite described how much I love Point Of Darkness, although it was at times hard to read bc of the subject matter. Hard to believe that this takes place in real life but if it's not brought to our attention it's like it doesn't happen. I think a lot about this subject and wonder if we will ever rid our country of this evil. Great start to this series and wanting more to follow.

[Husna Anjum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read

I've read a lot of books about sex trafficking and this was by far the best. This is such a delicate subject. I felt for Ava and Lilly Blue. I was so happy they both were able to get away. Thank you Paris Andran for a lovely yet at times distressing story. I can't wait to read the other books.

[Momreadstoomuch · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was just unbelievable that a woman that was kidnapped, raped and almost sold into slavery would trust a man she didn't know and then have sex with him. I got the box set and couldn't read book 2.

[LM · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very first scene captured me and kept me spellbound throughout the entire book! The love and sex scenes so tastefully expressed. I would recommend this to everyone. I couldn't wait to read the second book, Web Of Darkness.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...

This book had my emotions rolling, so I couldn't bear to put it down. Such an entertaining story, with a bit of "cruel" thrown in. Pretty good read.

[Chantall Bronkhorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my review for both Pointe of Darkness and Web of Darkness. I was hooked from the first sentence. This book grabbed a hold of me and touched my soul. I had a lot of anxious moments and shed tears and held my breaths in some scenes. I couldn’t let go of this book and read every spare second I had. I had to know how Ava and Sage will end up with all the drama and danger she was in. Every new character brought in to the book had a story and a scar that that were treated and heads held high and able to pick themselves up and carry on better persons after what happened to them. I learned a few lessons here too. The suspense was trough out the book. U never knew what’s going to happen next. Very well written, intriguing story. Thank you Paris for gifting me this 2 books. It was more than a story. It touched me deeply and my mind keeps going back to the story........ Can’t wait to read more of your work.

[Lisette Kristensen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stopped reading at 45%. It was slow and aimless in the beginning. Some call it dark romance but it was not dark at all, which is not that important. Having been in law enforcement, there were scenes not realistic nor plausable.

[Rickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an epically dark story of the human underbelly and how it affected the lives of the characters in this story. I'd never read anything by Paris Andren before now, but I'll definitely be adding her to my author collection for future reads. Other reads have touched on some of this type of content but Andren was truly in depth with what was featured here. I was right there with Sage when he held Ava's hand during the rape exam. His feeling were raw and he didn't even know Ava at the time. His undercover work was in your face and I found myself holding my breath several times before the end.

This story is not for the tame of heart and definitely not for the younger under 18+ due to sexual content alone if nothing else.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading Pointe of Darkness on Saturday and by Monday night I was finished. Granted, I may be a fast reader, but honestly I couldn't put it down. The fact that I spent all of Monday night in emergency at the hospital, I managed to survive with this book in my hands and time to read it. I pretty much read it two sittings which is rare for me. Every chapter left me eager to read the next one.

Paris Andren writes with knowledge and passion. Andren tackles the sex slave scene in LA with compassion and authenticity. We first meet ballerina Ava DeLaney arriving in LA to become a prima ballerina and soon she becomes tangled up in an underground sex industry that will leave you turning the pages and wanting to read more. I will not give the plot away, but LA itself is a character in the book and that alone enticed me as a reader.

The darkness and brutality of how men treat women in these underground "clubs" also raises questions as a reader and a society member. The type of men that kidnap or drug these young lost souls kept on frustrating me and intrigued me to continue reading. The plot was constantly moving and the romance between Ava and Sage felt real. Sage, the protector and Dom like figure to Ava, who although was a strong heroine, underwent turmoil and pain in such a short span of time that would mark her forever. I would have like to have seen more of Ava's and Sage's characters and focused on their relationship more, but this is because I love romance novels and like to delve into each character's motivations.

Throughout the novel, the reader gets a first person narrative perspective through the eyes of most of the characters. The introduction of all of these characters entices the reader to know more about them.

I recently spoke to Paris on the phone about her book and congratulated her. I told her how I loved that LA itself is a character in the book. I feel that location is one of the key elements when writing a novel. The reader has to feel the place and time of the novel. All the characters in Pointe of Darkness have flair and a uniqueness. I told her I couldn't wait to read more of her writing and the stories of Ava's friends. Looking forward to reading more of the LA Series.

Congrats Paris on this huge accomplishment.



Here are the links to her websites and books.



http://www.pariswrites.com/

[Lennie McDonald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked it at first and then it became to dark for me.

[Cindyann Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

It goes without saying I loved this book

This book deals with a subject nobody wants to talk about all believe is happening in real life. That is human trafficking the sex trade all the things people don't want to to know about I hate to bake it you people but it goes on every day.
But this author has wrote about it respectfully and truthfully.
This is a story about Ava and Sage yes there are some very dark scenes that deal with kidnapping rape and the sex trade but it's also a story about trust friendship and true love and strength. There are some beautiful scenes in this amazing book honestly I could go on and on and on but I think what you should do is read this book yourself. I look forward to the second and third book and if we are lucky more books there are some wonderful characters and I'm sure some stories can come from their relationships. What are you waiting for read the book...

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must start with an apology to Paris Andren for taking so long to sit down and read. I read a few snippets before the release and knew this was not going to be a book I could stop reading once I started. I will tell here and now, I was right about that thought... Yesterday was the day I was able to sit and read all at once!! All I can say is WOW!! I went through the gambit of emotions while reading, tissues were used and deep breaths taken to keep from having a meltdown. The characters grab you with such beautiful intensity, I still have them running about my mind. Paris' descriptions allows the reader to visualize them each, which for some is a bit unnerving (once you read, you will understand). The story itself, flows and never lets the reader down. I truly look forward to the continuation of this incredible story and it's fantastic characters. BRAVO!!

[Bouke Sieperda · Rating 5 out of 5]

when reading through the first chapters,
I could never imagine reading into a outstanding story!
The fist chapters were quite technical ,but after chapter 7
the story made a jump and it did grab me!
A story and nice plot which has everything in it!
high level of datail!
emoti0n ,passion ,heat,crime!
and a psychological charater!
When asking myself, would you read more of this??
Yessssssssssssssss!! please! as i love such stories!!

[Aviar Savijon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: Warning Adult sexual content must be read only by adults, 18+. This is an intense and graphically detailed story of a crime investigation drama. It was filled with many subplots and emotion by all the characters of the tale. It is not for everyone but needs to be because of the content about the subject involved.

[✰ Charlie ✰ Chisholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
I really enjoyed this book

It is full of suspense and a great story line I liked the Characters, and hated some.

The only thing is I felt like every thing happened so fast from what happened to her.. to her falling for the Hero..

But apart from that it was a great story and well written. I can't wait to read book 2

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting.
The emotions in this book were incredible, as were the
characters and their development. The plot was fast moving,
but with unexpected surprises.
I can not wait for the next book from Paris Andren.

[Angala Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
This was a great book with lots of suspense. It had a great plot and characters. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I definitely recommend.