1001 Dark Nights: Bundle One

Wicked Lovers #7.75

by Shayla Black, Heather Graham, Liliana Hart

FOREVER WICKED: A Wicked Lovers Novella by Shayla Black: Billionaire Jason Denning and Gia Angelotti had nothing in common but a desperate passion... Until a second chance proved that forever could be theirs.
CRIMSON TWILIGHT: A Krewe of Hunters Novella by Heather Graham: Jane Everett and Sloan Trent must find the truth behind a murder and the secrets of the living and the dead before they find themselves bound for eternity in the darkness of a historical wrong and their own brutal deaths.
CAPTURED IN SURRENDER: A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart: Bounty Hunter Naya Blade never thought she d step foot in Surrender, Montana, again. Especially since there s a warrant out for her arrest. But when Deputy Lane Greyson puts his wits and cuffs to good use, can he convince her that true love really does exist?
SILENT BITE: A Scanguards Wedding (A Scanguards Vampire Novella) by Tina Folsom: Newbie vampire Oliver Ralston and Ursula Tseng are finally tying the knot. But in the midst of all the chaos, a stalker lurks and threatens to tear them apart, causing Oliver to risk everything to marry the woman he loves.

Genres: Romance, Anthologies, Short Stories, BDSM, Paranormal, Erotica, Paranormal Romance

391 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 2015

About the author

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.

As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Follow me on Facebook: http://shayla.link/FBPage

Join me in my Book Beauties group for weekly LIVE chats: http://shayla.link/FBChat

Reviews

[Terzah Horton · Rating 2 out of 5]

My reason for reading this bundle: I have enjoyed Larissa Ione as a light read when trying to fall asleep at night, but am running out of books by her that I can get ahold of. She publishes many of her shorter stories in this series, so I thought to try out some of the other authors in a short, novella-style format so that I didn't have to read too much before deciding (and i hate to not finish something I've started).

They varied from mediocre to terrible, with one exception that I will try again.

The first by Shayla Black had way too much BDSM in it for me; I'm just not a fan of etreme alpha males that feel to you need to be handcuffed to enjoy sex play. The heroine, while sweet, put up with way too much bullshit from this asshole. I came away glad that no one was hurt and that the ending was about as unrealistic as you could get. One star (the marriage contracts involving # of blowjobs/month was quite funny)

The second by heather Graham was a story about ghosts and ghost hunters. It was cute, written OK, predictable and just not that interesting. Would be OK if you liked that sort of thing.

The last would have been right up my alley if it hadn't been so vapid. It had vampires, blood rituals, stalkers, and bad weddings. there was one funny line in the novella that I'm not sure I should spoil (SPOILER ALERt: STOP NOW and skip to the last paragraph). the father of the bride saw his daughter saved by the groom and when asked if he was bothered by his being a vampire, he seemed to think this was on par with being White. Best line in the book

The third one was my favorite, not because the story was good (it wasn't, unless you like cops having sex with women chained to prison bars), but i thought it dealt very well with a subject that cops must have to deal with a lot--innocent people getting killed by criminals. The alpha male suffered from PTSD, as did the questionable bounty hunter that he spends the rest of the book with. The main story (criminal catches bad infection and is caught without a shot fired) is lame, but once the cop gets over his need to beat his chest while having sex with his ex-girlfriend, the story is somewhat interesting. I'll try another and see which way things go (or maybe just read some reviews and save myself the trouble).

If you haven't bought the book, don't bother. however, some other bundles may be better that this one, hopefully it is not downhill from here.

[Chelsea Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall rating: 3 Stars!

Admittedly, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect going into this series, but at the same time, I'm feeling the slightest bit let down. According to the summary, there were supposed to be: Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners. There were four stories, but that felt like the only piece of this that the book held up. There were various editing issues in all four stories, and I just guess I was expecting a little more romance here. The stories kind of felt like they focused more on why the characters weren't being romantic. I liked the romance aspect in the second and fourth stories, but was very ambivalent for the 1st and 3rd (will admit to liking the 3rd one more than the 1st)

Forever Wicked by Shayla Black 2.5 Stars
I'm not really sure how to feel about this. Jason both annoyed me and kind of made me feel for him. I could see where the fact that Gia had basically cut him out of her life would tick him off, but at the same time, I felt like if he was really missing her, he could have done more. Like actually going after her instead of just stalking her in almost every sense of the word. That's not to say that Gia is blameless; yes she was mad at what had happened and what Jason had done, but I think she could have at the very least reached out and told him to leave her alone. Not saying it would have gone over all that well, but she could have done something. It was a little interesting watching both of them try to show their love in the ways that they knew how. I did like Gia calling Jason on the whole buying people thing. It took a while for me to warm up to him, but it did become clear that he really cared for her and was trying to show it in the only way he knew how. I don't know if I want to check out the rest of the series this comes from or not.

Crimson Twilight by Heather Graham 3.5 Stars
I really liked Sloan and Jane. They were really sweet and I loved that they knew each other so well. And Sloan was so willing to protect her; even though she could still take care of herself, he was cognizant of dangers and went out of his way to make sure that she was still safe. I liked how well they worked with Logan and Kelsey and even the locals trying to figure out what was going on. I loved the way Jane was able to see Elizabeth and John and worked so hard to help them out. The mystery on the murders was a little obvious, but I will admit to being surprised at the overall mastermind; I'd kind of pegged people but thought it was more of a manipulation on all sides instead of just the one. I did find myself intrigued enough with the Krewe and their work that I kind of want to look up the rest of this series. Sounds like it's got some possibilities.

Captured in Surrender by Liliana Hart 3 Stars
Decent second chance story. I did like the chemistry between Naya and Lane. Their relationship was mildly entertaining when she first showed up. Loved the relationship/friendship between Lane and Cooper, and even Naya. Lane and Cooper were able to rib each other but they both clearly have the other's back. Naya's whole "I've always been alone and things are easier that way" thought process grated a bit, especially because she'd already admitted to herself how she felt about Lane. It would have been one thing if he hadn't come in and explained things, but since he did and she still considered things up until the last damn second, it kind of ticked me off the slightest bit. Kind of want to read more about the Mackenzie's/Surrender, Montana.

Silent Bite by Tina Folsom 3.5 Stars
Oliver and Ursula were really sweet. Loved how he was willing to work with her to avoid upsetting her parents. I did wish that Ursula had stood up to her mom a little more, but I did like that she finally put her foot down regarding Oliver and the fact that they weren't changing the date. I was a little surprised that the Dr. actually released the patients because they seemed to be doing well, and then there was no follow up. It sounded like there was maybe one follow up and then everyone was left alone. But I digress...other than not checking in on recovering addicts, I still loved the relationship between Oliver and Ursula. And I loved that her father realized how things would go and knew that even with his memories of things, he'd be able to trust that Ursula was safe. Kind of interested in checking out the rest of this series.

[Stefanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could see myself liking the full series of some of these books, but for someone to say you can get a lot out of this book without reading up more on the characters I don't believe is correct. The stories seemed disjointed and if they are trying to entice you into reading the full series of books, I would have liked it done closer to the beginning of the stories?

I mean - get me going, leave me on a cliffhanger... for the most part, the stories are told after the main storytelling is already done - more for fans of the series featured than for people newly introduced to the authors (which is what I am)... I might pick up the vampire series introduced in the last story though... it seems like something I would enjoy. So I guess in that way, it kind of works!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 novellas. The first, by Shayla Black, is a little erotic romance from her "Wicked" series. The second story is a murder mystery in a haunted mansion--not focusing too much on the romance aspect but more on solving the murders. The third story is about a bounty hunter who comes back to Montana and the sheriff whom she left behind when she moved to New York. And the last story is rather goofy about a vampire marrying a human and the human has a stalker vampire chasing after her on her wedding day.

[Amanda Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review on Gena Showalter's book, the Darkest Captive.
This book... Well, it just wasn't fair! I hesitated reading this one for so long because I loved to hate Galen as a villain, but to read him as a romantic hero made me fall in love with him! Legion was also a difficult character to imagine in a romantic setting, but Gena Showalter has done it again! I just finished this captivating ebook and already, I want to read it again and again!!
Well done!

[Ruth Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 novellas to try and encourage you to read more of these authors work.

I like the premise of the 1001 dark nights books. Collections of short stories by authors who you may not have read before. This bundle has business/ professionals, ghost hunters, police personnel and vampires.

[Yvonne Carr massie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

Lots of good reads. I had a problem loving every story in the book, but I loved three out of four.

[Ashley F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shayla Black: 3 stars

Heather Graham: 4.5 stars

Liliana Hart: 2 stars

Tina Folsom: 3 stars

[Ann]

These were some great stories they kept me on the edge of my seat

[Shanelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only one story in this book appealed to me and that was the first one. The rest not so much.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 very different stories but I loved each short story and it's short storyline. It was refreshing to switch up like that.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 4 out of 5]

1,001 Dark Nights is a series of unrelated novellas written by a variety of wonderful authors. The series gives authors the opportunity to pen stories centered around some of their lesser and/or unknown characters from their more popular series. This book is the first bundled set coming from the series. It features four novellas with a common theme of weddings. I've not read any of these authors (series) before.

Forever Wicked by Shayla Black (Wicked Lovers series)

Billionaire Jason Denning grew up with absentee parents who felt money was almighty and that true love doesn’t exist. He keeps himself emotionally distant until he falls for down to earth, police officer Gia Angelotti. Their passion is powerful, but not enough, and she leaves him when family tragedy strikes. What will it take for the couple to realize how wonderful love truly can be?

I was more than impressed with the depth of emotional impact and strength of the characters the author is able to establish in this novella. Forever Wicked conveys the couple’s history and problems without info dumping. Ms. Black creates three-dimensional characters that I was invested in. Jason and Gia’s romance is not a smooth journey, and the book has an emotion punch with a rewarding ending. Wonderful.

My Rating: A


Crimson Twilight by Heather Graham (Krewe of Hunters series)

Jane Everett and Sloan Trent chose to celebrate their nuptials among close friends at an historic castle in New England. When the minister dies under peculiar circumstances, it is up to the Krewe of Hunters to solve the mystery before someone else dies.

Overall, I enjoyed this novella, but I wish the author took a little more time to discuss what the Krewe of Hunters is. I was able to piece together the general gist, but knowing a little more about the world would have been nice. The story is entertaining and fun to read. The mystery itself was entertaining, and trying to figure out whodunit kept me invested in the story. While I figured out quickly the “who,” of the mystery, I found that the “why” was unnecessarily complex and a little confusing. However, watching Jane and Slone work together painted a wonderful love story, and I would certainly read more of this series in the future.

My Rating: B+


Captured in Surrender by Liliana Hart (MacKenzie Family)

Bounty Hunter Naya Blade never wanted to go back Surrender, Montana because of Deputy Lane Greyson. However as soon as the pair sees one other, their passion re-ignites, taking them back to their unfilled romance from a year ago. Now Naya must decide if she can let go and let herself be loved.

While I enjoyed this story and the pair has some wonderful chemistry, I found that the beginning of the book was contradictory and confusing. The author paints the picture that the couple has a deep and meaningful history, implying they have spent time together to develop this relationship. However, it is then made clear that they literally had less than one night together. I get “love at first sight” but the shifting undertones of the book were off-putting and left me frustrated.

Once the author got passed the introductory part of the novella, the story moved to solely focus on the present and future, making for a better read. I liked the couple and enjoyed their chemistry. They worked well together both sexually and on the job.

Captured in Surrender is a short and entertaining novella. It's both sexy and sweet at the same time. Giving the characters a history helped make their rapid journey to love seem rational, but the conflicting messages about their history was confusing and frustrating.

My Rating: B


Silent Bite: A Scanguards Wedding by Tina Folsom (Scanguards Vampire)

Vampire Oliver Ralston and human Ursula Tseng are madly in love as they prepare to marry despite the odds. Her traditional Chinese parents know nothing of the secret paranormal world, and the pair must keep up the appearance of normalcy until after the ceremony is over. Meanwhile, a rogue vampire wants to steal Ursula away for himself.

I have to say I was not really wow’d by this story. The mythology felt a bit corny to me, although I may have enjoyed it more had I previously read some of the Scanguard Vampire books. The tone of the book had a soap-operaish feel to it: campy and overly dramatic yet simple. I was also put off by the constant use of the term “blood whore.” The story was good enough that I read it all, but I did find myself skimming towards the end.

My Rating: C-

Although each novella may be purchase separately, I’m glad I purchased this bundle. It gave me the opportunity to enjoy some authors I’ve not read before. It’s a fun series and I plan to read more in of the 1,001 Dark Nights.

Overall Rating for the Bundle: B

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of the four novellas, I actually only enjoyed reading one. And only read one from beginning to end. Yet, it was worth the read, and I will dive into more of these bundles. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with trying something and then just finding that it doesn’t quite work for you.

One of the things I really liked about this anthology is that each of the stories has a bit of steam and romance. All of them have vastly different flavours and it is definitely a good way to dip your toe into not only different authors and series, but also different kinds of romances. I’m getting to a point in my romance reading that I tend to know what I like, but if I was new to the genre? It would be a fantastic way to give things a bit of a try.

I enjoyed reading this anthology, it’s not necessarily anything to rave about, but it was still enjoyable.

For individual reviews, head to: https://earthandskye.org/1001-dark-ni...

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

4 stories , I only liked 2

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

FOREVER WICKED: A Wicked Lovers Novella by Shayla Black: Billionaire Jason Denning and Gia Angelotti had nothing in common but a desperate passion... Until a second chance proved that forever could be theirs.
CRIMSON TWILIGHT: A Krewe of Hunters Novella by Heather Graham: Jane Everett and Sloan Trent must find the truth behind a murder—and the secrets of the living and the dead—before they find themselves bound for eternity in the darkness of a historical wrong and their own brutal deaths.
CAPTURED IN SURRENDER: A MacKenzie Family Novella by Liliana Hart: Bounty Hunter Naya Blade never thought she’d step foot in Surrender, Montana, again. Especially since there’s a warrant out for her arrest. But when Deputy Lane Greyson puts his wits—and cuffs—to good use, can he convince her that true love really does exist?
SILENT BITE: A Scanguards Wedding (A Scanguards Vampire Novella) by Tina Folsom: Newbie vampire Oliver Ralston and Ursula Tseng are finally tying the knot. But in the midst of all the chaos, a stalker lurks and threatens to tear them apart, causing Oliver to risk everything to marry the woman he loves.
Four very good stories, will definitely be checking out some of the series I don't already read.

[Barbi Faye (The Book Fae) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Thousand and One Dark Nights - Bundle One

[Rebecca Delio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Stories

I have read several of the "1001 Dark Nights " books and have always enjoyed the stories in each book I have read. So do not be afraid to buy these books as the stories and the authors are great..........

[Terry Hammoutene · Rating 5 out of 5]

a good mix

This bundle had a good mix of stories and you were not reading the same thing over again. Each story was great in its own way. I really enjoyed reading this bundle

[Carol Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best vampire novel I've read but I did finish it

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice mix. I originally started reading it because of Shayla Black but I happened to find two new authors I'm dying to read! Now I can't wait to read the subsequent ones.

[Chris Webber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book! It is a group of novellas which is perfect for a person likes me with little reading time in my life.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice selection of stories by some favorite authors and some new to me authors.

[Diane Gibson-luers]

Short, but good to catch up on some of the other dragon kings. It was a fast read.

[Trish Goodgame · Rating 4 out of 5]

read for book 11.5 in the Krewe of Hunters series - (Novella) Crimson Twilight by Heather Graham

[Windy Blevins-tolliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love ghost and paranormal and such stories...

[Tianna McPherson (Anna Lee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic
I loved this first bundle. With each story told I grew to love the authors and the characters that they wrote about. Each story gave us a different reason to have a love/ hate relationship. I will look forward to the rest of these series. I'd like to thank each author for writing fabulous work. Keep it up. 5 stars for sure.