Darkest Desires

The Club #14

by Nicole Blanchard

This novella is a standalone that is part of The Club series. To learn more about The Club, visit The Club website or Facebook page.

From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Nicole Blanchard

Nothing satisfies me anymore.

I'd abandoned my dreams of making it big in New York, freed myself from my last relationship, and swallowed my pride by returning to my hometown of Karim, Texas.

A chance to forget about my failures and make a fresh start.

By accepting an invitation to an exclusive establishment known only as The Club, I want to indulge in my forbidden passions. Maybe one night exploring my fantasies will finally allow me to move on to the respectable doctor I'd just met.

But after one encounter with the mysterious stranger in the secluded room, I fear one taste of him will never be enough.

Caught between the dream man my heart is falling for and the stranger who satisfies me in ways I’ve only dreamed of, I learn the cold, hard truth.

No one can ever cure me of my darkest desires.

Genres: BDSM, Romance, Contemporary

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2016

About the author

Nicole Blanchard is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the TikTok-viral dark romance Toxic, a wildly addictive bestseller that has sold over 90,000 copies worldwide. Known for her morally gray antiheroes, off-the-charts heat, and jaw-dropping twists, Nicole’s stories drag readers deep into love’s darkest corners—where no one escapes unscarred.

When she’s not crafting twisted love stories that break your heart and then heal it, you can find her soaking up beach sun with a glass of sweet tea, getting inked, or running a farm full of lovable misfit animals.

You may learn more about Nicole and her work at www.authornicoleblanchard.com. Join her mailing list for updates at http://www.authornicoleblanchard.com/...

Reviews

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆

3.5-75 stars!!

Normally, I steer clear away from anything to do with BDSM but this one caught me. Don't ask why, I'm not even sure myself. I just knew I had to read it is all.

Darkest Desires was a fast, easy read to get into and to finish. Novella's generally make me squirm because they're marginally shorter and therefore need to hook you in, develop progressively faster, and end with a conclusion that is satisfying to the readers OR will reel you in for the next read. But, luckily somehow, Darkest Desires managed to hold my attention and not feel so rushed or forced with its execution. It held just the right amount of everything to keep me sated. It just lacked suspense, since, to be honest I had already called out a central revelation from early on. It felt easy to pinpoint, even without any concrete evidence. It was just a hunch of mine and I turned out to be correct in the end.

Anyway, I do wish that there would be a sequel for these two characters but I kind of doubt the author plans on expanding on their story even though I do see some potential for it to be made into.

Definitely an intriguing and ultra sexy read though!!

[Suzanne Bourgeois]

i have mixed feelings... becuase i am kinda tired of the whole kink is bad but i want it trope. but i realize that everyone had a great friends that made my kinky side normal. and really, that was my only negative about this book. everything else was well done. if you wanna know how it's supposed to be done, this is a good example. and the romance was cute too. i loved how Mikhail encouraged Stella to keep persuing her performace career. i kinda wish this was a longer story, maybe get Mikhail's pov more than what we got. becuase it was so good i didn't want the story to end.

[Jacqueline Espinoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish there was more!! I loved the spice in this short little novella, but honestly, would have given a 5 star if it would have been a little more open door if you know what I mean! The tension was there and it was strong, but if Nicole would have given us that final scene I know we were all hoping for, this would have been a 5 star for me! I love how she tied Stella's love for the stage into being completely enthralled with having people watch her during BDSM. Solid read!

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must be disturbed because I enjoyed this book. I gave it 4 stars only because I wish it was longer. I pre ordered Nicole Blanchard's book Toxic and I'm waiting oh so patiently for it to arrive. I am definitely gonna read more of her books this being the first I've read of hers and it did not disappoint 🖤
I read this in one sitting so it definitely kept my attention 🖤

[Tori · Rating 2 out of 5]

i am literally so confused.... was he watching her the entire time..? like what TF just happened...

[Hayley Quirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick down and dirty dark DSM romance
So simple and spicy novella

[Brit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Advance Readers Copy (ARC) provided for my blog for an honest review from the author

Title: Darkest Desires
Series: The Club, #14
Author: Nicole Blanchard
Genre: Erotica
Age Group: Adult
Point of View: First
Release Date: April 1st, 2016
Date Read: April 2nd, 2016
Overall Rating 2.5 Stars

Darkest Desire is a sexy erotic and fast pace novella. I loved the writing but that's where it ends. I gave this book 2.5 stars because I loved the idea of the story and plot line. But I just couldn't get into it. Maybe it was way to short. I couldn't really connect to the characters in the short amount of time

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knowing that this was a short read going in, I expected things to move fast and they did. It was a very engaging read with some heart-wrenching tidbits thrown in. Unfortunately, it was way too short on some details, while other parts of the story could have been left out easily - like everything to do with Stella's mother's life choices. I loved that we got Misha's POV in the end but again, I wished there would have been more of that. All in all, it felt really rushed in places, left quite a few questions open, but still is a quick and easy book to enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rate this book 3.5 stars.

I thought this was a fun romance. Stella returns back home, and her mom sets her up with Misha. However, Stella finds a way into a club that speaks to her darkest desires though she is also falling for Misha. So Stella finds herself in a bind of which way to choose. I really liked Stella and Misha but felt the story was good but not that suspenseful in that I could already see what is happening. Nonetheless, it was entertaining.

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.

[Mandy Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my...this is just the beginning...what a way to start the next chapter of your life. Stella is looking for her groove and with the help of Mr Mystery can she find it?
This series looks to be something special, I can't wait to see where this ride will end.

[Queen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a novella, this one packed a big punch. I am normally not very into BDSM storylines, but Darkest Desires hit the spot. Stella is moving back to her hometown after her attempts at acting in the big city, and is immediately talked into a blind date with a doctor at her mother’s hospital. After she’s stood up due to an emergency, she meets some likeminded people who are part of a sex club. She can’t keep away as she explores her kink, and from there she’s torn between her developing relationship with Misha and the secret man she’s met at the club. Erotic and sweet, while I wish there could have been more explanation or further relationship progression, for a novella this was well done and very enjoyable.

[Kahea · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4 Stars***

I gotta say, for a novella/short story/slice of life with a little extra added in, however you want to look at this one, it packed a punch and definitely kept me turning the pages to see what would happen with Stella, Mikhail and Mr. Sanctum. And while I’m good with how things worked out, I honestly am, I cannot help but wish that there had been more because I see this as just the start of something that could be wonderful.

~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~

[Kellie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending left you wondering. While it was super spicy, almost like a fifty shades of grey with an extra twist, but the ending needed more. So many questions. How does Stella feel that Misha is the man in the sanctum? Does Stella and Misha stay together when she finds out Misha is the man behind her blindfold? Will they continue going to the sanctum? Like there’s so much to think about.. The epilogue didn’t answer any of this but just clarified that the man in the sanctum was in fact Misha. I mean overall, it was good.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella had some strong moments and an intriguing premise, but I felt that the ending didn't fully satisfy. It would have been beneficial if the author had included a few more pages to provide closure and tie up loose ends. Given the character of the FMC, it seems a bit inconsistent that she wouldn't seek out answers or ask questions. A more thorough exploration of her thoughts could have added depth to the resolution. Overall, I appreciate the effort but wish there had been a more conclusive ending.

[Charlei Harwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so this book was interesting for sure. I think I knew that the guys were the same the whole time but didn’t fully put it together till about half way through. The epilogue being in his pov made the book. Realizing that he was essentially mind fucking her into being his kinda sealed the deal. I also just really enjoyed all of this. I love the cute moments between them just as much as the spicy moments.

[Katelynn Spanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this book made sex clubs and BDSM feel—classy, exclusive, and just the right amount of filthy. 👀 The kind of world you lowkey want to get invited into.

The ending? Yeah, I saw it coming… but I was still perched on the edge of my seat waiting for it to blow up.

The spice? Good. But I’m greedy—I wanted more. 😏

Let’s just say this book left me flushed, restless, and checking if there’s a sequel because… I have needs. 🔥

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a really good book. I really liked Stella and Mikhail with their great connection and chemistry. This was a hot read and I just this book was a little bit longer or maybe we get another book. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait read to more by Nicole Blanchard.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Secret Romance Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, intense and hot novella. Stella is starting over again, back at home with her mother. But this time she is owning her journey and her pleasure. Mikhail is every woman’s dreams come true but his past has been holding him back. That is until a blind date changes everything. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. My only complaint is that there wasn’t more.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy little novella!!!! I was worried that there would be more smut than plot, but Nicole has a great balance between the two. I enjoyed the story. Quick read, would have loved more from it though. The pacing was quick, it glossed over the inner turmoil our FMC had. Glad it ended the way it did, just wish there was more.

[Karen Darkings · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short novella book. Stella and Misha are the MC's. Stella's mom sets her up with Misha, it's erotic and fast paced. I did enjoy it but wished there was more of it to read. Liked the couple but felt that we didn't get to know them as much (as i would of liked).
Not a bad read for a short book but i liked it.
Free ARC given for a honest review.4*

[Amanda Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 because I wish it was longer. This novella was Hot, Steamy, Mysterious & definitely built up anticipation in the best way for being so short. Short sweet & to the point. A women who is down on her luck with letting go of her dream while being caught in a crossroad between what seems to be... This was out of my usual element yet so well done.

[Sheila Schoenauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short with just enough spice to keep me reading. Wish we could get more. More Mikhail and Stella, more heat. I'd definitely love more of Mikhail's POV. I enjoyed what I did read though. It was hot, hot, hot.

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick fast paced smoking hot read. Stella and Mikhail are set up together on a blind date, altho both don't seem to quite be ready for a relationship these two have quite the connection. Great read, loved these two especially together.

[DesN2004 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read with BDSM tones!

This read though short, surprisingly has some depth. I enjoyed the characters and could feel the chemistry between them. You could tell what was going to happen in the book, but that didn't bother me. Enjoyable short!

[Flor Gutierrez · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was such a good story that I wish it wasn't a short novella and ended up being a full story. I could definitely see this as dark romance with a twist added. Cute standalone, finished in a little over an hour. 3.75 stars.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent short story. It almost felt like it was suppose to develop into a full novel but ended up a novella. Not a lot of spice. One short bd$m scene, and a couple of other scenes. Four stars primarily because I loved the plot twist in the end.

3.5/4~⭐️
2~🌶️

[Mandy Saial · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written, novella that kept me intrigued with it's steaminess even though this is the first book in the Club series I have read and it was too short to really get to know the characters .

[Estelle Grant]

very good book, but too short for me. I would like a sequel :)

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was quick and hot. The characters were intriguing, the chemistry steamy and the story fast paced, intense and engaging. This is my frank, freely posted review.

[Reading with 2 book lovers Sarah P - · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great fast paced novella. I very much enjoyed this book