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Dark Regency #4
A Love So Dark
Having no fortune, a negligible reputation and an appearance that could only be described as plain, Miss Olympia Daventry accepts a betrothal sight unseen to a man society whispers about, a reclusive madman whom no one has seen in a decade or more. Married by proxy to a stranger, it’s an uncertain fate, but a better one than awaits her in her aunt’s home, treated as less than a servant and reminded with every breath of the wages of sin. But at her first sight of Darkwood Hall and her husband, Albus Griffin, Lord Darke, Olympia has cause to doubt the wisdom of her choice.
Large, shrouded in darkness, foreboding and ominous—the description suits both the house and the man. And yet the first touch of his hand stirs something inside her, something wild and primal that makes her feel alive in a way she has never known.
A bride was Griffin’s only option if he wished to save the family home and keep all the secrets locked within its walls. Though he’d vowed never to marry, never to subject any woman to the darkness that haunts his family, Griffin finds himself inexplicably drawn to his new wife—eager for her company, her voice… her touch. After a lifetime spent avoiding even a hint of strong emotion, he is beset with lust, with infatuation and jealousy. With it comes the madness that has claimed all the men of his line.
To save Olympia, Griffin will have to defy his every desire and do the very last thing he wants… he will have to let her go.
Large, shrouded in darkness, foreboding and ominous—the description suits both the house and the man. And yet the first touch of his hand stirs something inside her, something wild and primal that makes her feel alive in a way she has never known.
A bride was Griffin’s only option if he wished to save the family home and keep all the secrets locked within its walls. Though he’d vowed never to marry, never to subject any woman to the darkness that haunts his family, Griffin finds himself inexplicably drawn to his new wife—eager for her company, her voice… her touch. After a lifetime spent avoiding even a hint of strong emotion, he is beset with lust, with infatuation and jealousy. With it comes the madness that has claimed all the men of his line.
To save Olympia, Griffin will have to defy his every desire and do the very last thing he wants… he will have to let her go.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2016
245 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Chasity Bowlin
145 books529 followersUSA Today Best Selling author and Winner of the 2019 Romance Through the Ages Award for Georgian/Regency Romance, Chasity Bowlin is the author multiple bestselling historical romance novels, both independently and with Dragonblade Publishing. She lives in central Kentucky with her husband and their menagerie of animals. She loves writing, loves traveling and enjoys incorporating tidbits of her actual vacations into her books. She is an avid Anglophile, loving all things British, but specifically all things Regency.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 22, 2016
Not sure what happened here. The first three books in this series were great, but this one was a gigantic disappointment. It was so rushed, and it fell flat. There was zero chemistry between the characters, which I could overlook if the plot was good, but it just wasn't. So disappointed.
August 13, 2018
A bad adaptation of Jane Eyre—or at least, with Jane Eyre elements. My first book by this author, and in addition to the annoying obvious inspiration for certain plot elements, I also found the main relationship hard to believe. Didn't really seem grounded in anything and struck a false and forced note to me.
There were also typos and some annoying inconsistencies. For example, they're in the hallway talking, all of a sudden Griffin is pushing back from a table and standing up (ummm, what table? they were standing next to each other 2 seconds ago), and then they're back in the hallway outside their bedroom. Needed a better editor.
There were also typos and some annoying inconsistencies. For example, they're in the hallway talking, all of a sudden Griffin is pushing back from a table and standing up (ummm, what table? they were standing next to each other 2 seconds ago), and then they're back in the hallway outside their bedroom. Needed a better editor.
December 13, 2016
This book felt too much like "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte. In that regard it was quite boring.
Too many people die or died in previous years. It's really gruesome and sometimes really not necessary.
I felt no connection between the heroine and the hero, none at all.
I hated that the hero had his "aunt" as a lover. It's just "yuck".
This was a historical romance. I just found it really bothersome, how the help and servants behaved towards the Lord. There was no respect, they didn't do as told. The footman visited the "aunt" in her chambers at night, and everyone in the household knew of it. I find it lacked accuracy. There were little things that wouldn't happen in a aristocratic household in England. Not at all. And because of that, I couldn't give this story my whole attention, because it wasn't believable any longer.
The writing stlye was good.
As always, that's just my own opinion, so don't let my review hold you back in reading this book. Some of you might enjoy it.
Too many people die or died in previous years. It's really gruesome and sometimes really not necessary.
I felt no connection between the heroine and the hero, none at all.
I hated that the hero had his "aunt" as a lover. It's just "yuck".
This was a historical romance. I just found it really bothersome, how the help and servants behaved towards the Lord. There was no respect, they didn't do as told. The footman visited the "aunt" in her chambers at night, and everyone in the household knew of it. I find it lacked accuracy. There were little things that wouldn't happen in a aristocratic household in England. Not at all. And because of that, I couldn't give this story my whole attention, because it wasn't believable any longer.
The writing stlye was good.
As always, that's just my own opinion, so don't let my review hold you back in reading this book. Some of you might enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2020
It was quite disappointing. At times I had to look for quotes that author has used in previous books just to make sure it is the same author. What happened? 🥺
May 24, 2018
There are two issues affecting people's response to the book, imho. The first is technical, and the second is related to the writing.
Let's deal with the technical first. I don't know who was responsible for the final approval of the e-book version, but someone was stoned that day, or had no sleep the night before. I have NEVER had such a frustrating experience with an e-book! Duplication of pages, almost whole chapters, plunked down in the middle of other chapters or action, not once, but several times, is evidence of poor, poor, poor editing, proofing, or really bad coding. So, I don't know who gets the blame for this -- the folks responsible for putting it in e-book format, or who, but someone should get reamed for it. Hard.
Now, for the writing. Everyone keeps invoking Jane Eyre here, but honestly, I see a heck of a lot of Du Maurier's Mrs. Danvers in Mrs. Webster, far more than say, Grace Poole.
I was looking forward to this volume in the series, because it didn't involve people we already knew about from the first 3 books. I thought the "married by proxy" was a great plot device, similar to the marriage of convenience, but with a greater element of the unknown.
But, there were some plot points I had a very hard time with, despite wanting to engage my willing suspension of disbelief. (And now I've made myself giggle remembering the Blackadder quote, "No one's going to be staring in disbelief at my willy suspension!" lol)
It also seems highly appropriate and applicable to put this image here:
Ok, issues:
Secondly, hell no, you don't The amount of bypassing the law that goes on in these books just gets to the point of being utterly ludicrous. Really!
And someone would've told the poor guy about This was a rather hackneyed plot device here.
I wanted to like the hero and heroine, I really, really did. This was a gothic asylum story, without the asylum. How fun! But it just fell flat for me. Granted, it was a break from the more "supernatural" fantasies of the last three books, and for that, I will say it was "ok."
One last thing. Getting through these all in a row, thanks to the e-book bundle, I cannot escape the sameness of the sex scenes. Variety is the spice of romance novels, yes? ;)
Let's deal with the technical first. I don't know who was responsible for the final approval of the e-book version, but someone was stoned that day, or had no sleep the night before. I have NEVER had such a frustrating experience with an e-book! Duplication of pages, almost whole chapters, plunked down in the middle of other chapters or action, not once, but several times, is evidence of poor, poor, poor editing, proofing, or really bad coding. So, I don't know who gets the blame for this -- the folks responsible for putting it in e-book format, or who, but someone should get reamed for it. Hard.
Now, for the writing. Everyone keeps invoking Jane Eyre here, but honestly, I see a heck of a lot of Du Maurier's Mrs. Danvers in Mrs. Webster, far more than say, Grace Poole.
I was looking forward to this volume in the series, because it didn't involve people we already knew about from the first 3 books. I thought the "married by proxy" was a great plot device, similar to the marriage of convenience, but with a greater element of the unknown.
But, there were some plot points I had a very hard time with, despite wanting to engage my willing suspension of disbelief. (And now I've made myself giggle remembering the Blackadder quote, "No one's going to be staring in disbelief at my willy suspension!" lol)
It also seems highly appropriate and applicable to put this image here:
Ok, issues:
Secondly, hell no, you don't The amount of bypassing the law that goes on in these books just gets to the point of being utterly ludicrous. Really!
And someone would've told the poor guy about This was a rather hackneyed plot device here.
I wanted to like the hero and heroine, I really, really did. This was a gothic asylum story, without the asylum. How fun! But it just fell flat for me. Granted, it was a break from the more "supernatural" fantasies of the last three books, and for that, I will say it was "ok."
One last thing. Getting through these all in a row, thanks to the e-book bundle, I cannot escape the sameness of the sex scenes. Variety is the spice of romance novels, yes? ;)
October 2, 2016
A Love so Dark by Chasity Bowlin is a well written historical romance with a touch of mystery, danger and intrigue.
The story begins with Olivia (Daventry) Griffin. She’s traveling to Darkwood Hall, the home of her new and unseen husband. She’s been raised in London by an Aunt and Uncle after mother and father died. They treated her like a servant and worse. She and her maid (Collins) are running away with a secret. She answered an ad to become Lord Dark’s wife, sight unseen in the effort to get away. The marriage was done by proxy, so she’s legally married to a man she’s never seen.
I don’t do spoilers so I won’t go into this secret and more. Suffice it to say, this was her only out and she’s determined to make the best of it.
Just outside the estate of Darkwood, her carriage breaks a wheel and she’s forced to walk over the moor alone to the estate to get help. She’s almost run down by a very handsome man on a huge black horse. The man turns out to be her unknown husband. After a small shouting match, she unceremoniously announced she wasn’t a servant, that her husband owned these lands…when he informed her he was the man in question. It only gets better and better from here.
Lord Albus Leopold Griffin, Viscount Darke (Griffin) had sent his man into London to secure him a wife, telling the man he wanted a wife in name only to allow him to claim his title and inheritance. However, the crafty servant had sent him a lovely young woman with spirit and more. He was instantly attracted to his new wife, much to his dismay.
Family history of madness, disasters, conniving relatives and servants make the rest of this marvelous tale a page turner. You won’t want to put this one down. The attraction is steamy, the dangers mysterious and very real. Author Bowlin has written a thrilling and intriguing story. I look forward to reading much more of her wonderful stories.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
The story begins with Olivia (Daventry) Griffin. She’s traveling to Darkwood Hall, the home of her new and unseen husband. She’s been raised in London by an Aunt and Uncle after mother and father died. They treated her like a servant and worse. She and her maid (Collins) are running away with a secret. She answered an ad to become Lord Dark’s wife, sight unseen in the effort to get away. The marriage was done by proxy, so she’s legally married to a man she’s never seen.
I don’t do spoilers so I won’t go into this secret and more. Suffice it to say, this was her only out and she’s determined to make the best of it.
Just outside the estate of Darkwood, her carriage breaks a wheel and she’s forced to walk over the moor alone to the estate to get help. She’s almost run down by a very handsome man on a huge black horse. The man turns out to be her unknown husband. After a small shouting match, she unceremoniously announced she wasn’t a servant, that her husband owned these lands…when he informed her he was the man in question. It only gets better and better from here.
Lord Albus Leopold Griffin, Viscount Darke (Griffin) had sent his man into London to secure him a wife, telling the man he wanted a wife in name only to allow him to claim his title and inheritance. However, the crafty servant had sent him a lovely young woman with spirit and more. He was instantly attracted to his new wife, much to his dismay.
Family history of madness, disasters, conniving relatives and servants make the rest of this marvelous tale a page turner. You won’t want to put this one down. The attraction is steamy, the dangers mysterious and very real. Author Bowlin has written a thrilling and intriguing story. I look forward to reading much more of her wonderful stories.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
July 14, 2017
I've got mixed feelings about this gothic romance.
The storyline had awesome potential and is truly in the vein of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. The hero, Griffin, has a fabulous background, as does the heroine Olympia. I was really rooting for these two during the entire story. But IMHO, the alternating POV spoiled all of the surprises for me. I think this story would've been 1o times better if the author had written entirely from Olympia's POV - or at least gotten rid of the POV of the housekeeper and Dowager Viscountess. Those two POVs were completely unnecessary and gave away the plot way too early, rather than letting the reader experience what was to happen through Olympia's eyes. Sigh. Cudos on the fabulous storyline, though. I did keep reading until the end. Nice HEA for the couple.
The storyline had awesome potential and is truly in the vein of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. The hero, Griffin, has a fabulous background, as does the heroine Olympia. I was really rooting for these two during the entire story. But IMHO, the alternating POV spoiled all of the surprises for me. I think this story would've been 1o times better if the author had written entirely from Olympia's POV - or at least gotten rid of the POV of the housekeeper and Dowager Viscountess. Those two POVs were completely unnecessary and gave away the plot way too early, rather than letting the reader experience what was to happen through Olympia's eyes. Sigh. Cudos on the fabulous storyline, though. I did keep reading until the end. Nice HEA for the couple.
July 31, 2017
This book in the series had no paranormal elements.
Safety-
1-3 have connected characters - the Hero's are friends and make appearances.
4-6 are not connected in anyway to any of the other books in the series.
Safety-
1-3 have connected characters - the Hero's are friends and make appearances.
4-6 are not connected in anyway to any of the other books in the series.
May 31, 2019
A Gothic Novel
This is not a Historical Romance. There is too much angst and anger to qualify as such. The story is comparable to Jane Eyre and Rebecca by Daphne DuMarier. I would not recommend it to read if you are looking for a "real" Historical Romance.
This is not a Historical Romance. There is too much angst and anger to qualify as such. The story is comparable to Jane Eyre and Rebecca by Daphne DuMarier. I would not recommend it to read if you are looking for a "real" Historical Romance.
November 21, 2016
There is a point where it stops being homage and it becomes a ripoff. Or is it a retelling?
March 24, 2022
I'm sorry to say that as this "series" goes on, it seems to become more disappointing. The first 3 in the series were loosely tied together (the same characters are mentioned and/or make brief appearances and could be read out of order but makes more sense to read in order). It took me forever to finish this book - I kept putting it down, not really wanting to go back but I finally did and still found it disappointing. I appreciate how hard it must be to come up with different plots and characters, especially within a certain theme, but this book just didn't work for me.
It really read a lot like the 3rd book generally speaking:
- hero is going mad or thinks he will (book 3 the hero actually acts mad and can't trust himself; in this book the hero thinks he will someday go mad, so it's kind of a "whatever." It doesn't make him broken, or brooding - it just makes him seem like a worrywart.
- the heroine is on the run from something bad (yes a lot of these books have that but this was made out to be such a dark secret and as it unfolded the reader is like "yeah, and?" And once revealed you never hear anything about it again. Problem solved. So again any minor suspense build up - just like with the hero's issues - just magically evaporate).
- the "evil" housekeeper who runs the household but also is in league with another Lady of the house (also potentially evil) who is a potential rival - but not really - for the hero's attention/love. It felt like the author basically took the same characters from book 3 and just changed the names and some of their actions. They felt like basically the same people.
And I understand the need for drama, suspense etc. but a lot of what was here just felt poorly manufactured. Hero is troubled by his late mad uncle that he was forced to stay with (leading to other horrible things - why couldn't he leave? Well we get an explanation but it didn't make sense to me.) And why can't the hero pack off Florence? Oh the dower house is a mess. What?!!
All the above might have been palatable if there was some real chemistry between the hero and heroine. I didn't understand why he put off consummating the marriage (except for contrived sexual tension); yeah he didn't want kids, but he had a plan for that (which he enacted later so then why wait? Again manufactured suspense). And I'm not clear on what is so "dark" about their relationship or "love" (I put that in quotes because I can't fathom how they love each other). They had great sex, they're both attracted to each other. What is so dark about that? What really got me was reading the book I felt with everything going on it had to at least have been several months from when she arrives to the book's ending. And then I read near the end that it was ONE WEEK!!! One week?!!
So sadly I can NOT recommend this book. I highly recommend the first book in the series. The second book was pretty good but had some issues as well but I still enjoyed it. And there are short stories I like by this author as well. I haven't decided yet whether I will try Book 5 in this series.
It really read a lot like the 3rd book generally speaking:
- hero is going mad or thinks he will (book 3 the hero actually acts mad and can't trust himself; in this book the hero thinks he will someday go mad, so it's kind of a "whatever." It doesn't make him broken, or brooding - it just makes him seem like a worrywart.
- the heroine is on the run from something bad (yes a lot of these books have that but this was made out to be such a dark secret and as it unfolded the reader is like "yeah, and?" And once revealed you never hear anything about it again. Problem solved. So again any minor suspense build up - just like with the hero's issues - just magically evaporate).
- the "evil" housekeeper who runs the household but also is in league with another Lady of the house (also potentially evil) who is a potential rival - but not really - for the hero's attention/love. It felt like the author basically took the same characters from book 3 and just changed the names and some of their actions. They felt like basically the same people.
And I understand the need for drama, suspense etc. but a lot of what was here just felt poorly manufactured. Hero is troubled by his late mad uncle that he was forced to stay with (leading to other horrible things - why couldn't he leave? Well we get an explanation but it didn't make sense to me.) And why can't the hero pack off Florence? Oh the dower house is a mess. What?!!
All the above might have been palatable if there was some real chemistry between the hero and heroine. I didn't understand why he put off consummating the marriage (except for contrived sexual tension); yeah he didn't want kids, but he had a plan for that (which he enacted later so then why wait? Again manufactured suspense). And I'm not clear on what is so "dark" about their relationship or "love" (I put that in quotes because I can't fathom how they love each other). They had great sex, they're both attracted to each other. What is so dark about that? What really got me was reading the book I felt with everything going on it had to at least have been several months from when she arrives to the book's ending. And then I read near the end that it was ONE WEEK!!! One week?!!
So sadly I can NOT recommend this book. I highly recommend the first book in the series. The second book was pretty good but had some issues as well but I still enjoyed it. And there are short stories I like by this author as well. I haven't decided yet whether I will try Book 5 in this series.
February 11, 2020
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
It's my first book by Chasity Bowlin and I loved it. It really is 'an enticing Gothic romance in the tradition of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights'...:)
It has all the Gothic elements we love the classics mentioned in the premise for: there's a gloomy castle somewhere in the wilderness, there's an ominous secret and a housekeeper who is its sinister guardian, there's madness running in the family, finally there's love at first sight which only grows stronger and more passionate throughout all the tragic incidents that happen on the way to the end... And although none of the elements is new and the story follows the well-known path, it's so well written that we don't really mind it.
Olympia and Griffin are wonderful characters, ideal for the Gothic tale; both hide secrets, yes, but also both hide pain and sorrow, and both have tons of love to give to others. They are well-matched, similar in their loyalties and ambitions, with the same attitude to life and those who depend on them. The sinister characters of the other two women present at Darkwood Hall are wonderfully portrayed, with madness and crulety and sheer greed hanging in the air all the time...
The pace of the story is great; the events build up at a rollercoaster speed up to the final tragedy - and then we get the release we've wanted so much, and the HEA:) A truly wonderful tale:)
Narration by Ms Yves is very good. She does the voices really well (I especially liked the voice of the former Viscountess - sweet and yet so wispy and threatening:)) and brings the whole story to life in a wonderful way.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
It's my first book by Chasity Bowlin and I loved it. It really is 'an enticing Gothic romance in the tradition of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights'...:)
It has all the Gothic elements we love the classics mentioned in the premise for: there's a gloomy castle somewhere in the wilderness, there's an ominous secret and a housekeeper who is its sinister guardian, there's madness running in the family, finally there's love at first sight which only grows stronger and more passionate throughout all the tragic incidents that happen on the way to the end... And although none of the elements is new and the story follows the well-known path, it's so well written that we don't really mind it.
Olympia and Griffin are wonderful characters, ideal for the Gothic tale; both hide secrets, yes, but also both hide pain and sorrow, and both have tons of love to give to others. They are well-matched, similar in their loyalties and ambitions, with the same attitude to life and those who depend on them. The sinister characters of the other two women present at Darkwood Hall are wonderfully portrayed, with madness and crulety and sheer greed hanging in the air all the time...
The pace of the story is great; the events build up at a rollercoaster speed up to the final tragedy - and then we get the release we've wanted so much, and the HEA:) A truly wonderful tale:)
Narration by Ms Yves is very good. She does the voices really well (I especially liked the voice of the former Viscountess - sweet and yet so wispy and threatening:)) and brings the whole story to life in a wonderful way.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 19, 2020
As a dark web of Murder, Madness and Secrets are spun in A Love so Dark will hold you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey with Griffin and Olympia until the very end! Chasity Bowlin has written a Dark Regency that takes you on a rollercoaster ride of heights of sizzling passion swirling down into a vortex of darkness in this story that is filled with remarkable characters that come off the pages and will pull you into their tale, a story that is well-written, strong plot and great dialogue, with setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid which brings this read together perfectly. Olympia marries Griffin by proxy and arrives at Darkwood Hall which is dark, sinister and menacing looking. Griffin must marry to receive his inheritance, in name only, has emotional scars secrets he must keep. With Olympia trying to find the truth that is hidden in Darkwood Hall she will soon find their passions building in this heart pounding story filled with drama, mystery, heartbreak, trials and tribulations, turmoil, lies, deciet and while the suspense builds and tensions escalate with the twist and turns abound that makes this one outstanding story!
February 3, 2020
A Love So Dark is book four in Chasity Bowlin’s Dark Regency series but it can be read as a standalone, which is what I did.
Throw me in Literary Jail; I’ve never read Jane Eyre and I hated Wuthering Heights. Since I have no knowledge of the former I went into this one a little blind and I’m glad I did because the plot twists and developments were much more interesting than if I had known they were coming. One twist took me by surprise but the plot generally didn’t have many twists and turns and felt more like a puzzle that was being steadily pieced together.
A Love So Dark comes in at just under 6 hours so as you can expect, there is less romantic tension than your typical 10-12 hour+ book, but the romance never felt rushed or forced.
Even though I felt Olympia was more fully developed than Griffin and enjoyed being in her POV the most, they were both likable and easy to root for. There weren’t a great many supporting characters due to it being set in a reclusive mansion, but the ones that were there were interesting and helped to develop the plot and keep the story moving forward.
4.5/5 stars
Narrated by: Lillian Yves
Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins
This was the first book I listened to Lillian Yves narrate. She was clear, concise, made smooth transitions from each character, and gave each character a distinct voice. I would listen to a book narrated by her again.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Throw me in Literary Jail; I’ve never read Jane Eyre and I hated Wuthering Heights. Since I have no knowledge of the former I went into this one a little blind and I’m glad I did because the plot twists and developments were much more interesting than if I had known they were coming. One twist took me by surprise but the plot generally didn’t have many twists and turns and felt more like a puzzle that was being steadily pieced together.
A Love So Dark comes in at just under 6 hours so as you can expect, there is less romantic tension than your typical 10-12 hour+ book, but the romance never felt rushed or forced.
Even though I felt Olympia was more fully developed than Griffin and enjoyed being in her POV the most, they were both likable and easy to root for. There weren’t a great many supporting characters due to it being set in a reclusive mansion, but the ones that were there were interesting and helped to develop the plot and keep the story moving forward.
4.5/5 stars
Narrated by: Lillian Yves
Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins
This was the first book I listened to Lillian Yves narrate. She was clear, concise, made smooth transitions from each character, and gave each character a distinct voice. I would listen to a book narrated by her again.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
September 17, 2017
I only made it through about a third of this, but it seems like a combination of The Mysteries of Udolpho and Jane Eyre, plus just about every gothic romance cliche ever. There appear to be many mistakes. It is unclear at several points if a word is misspelled or if the author just didn't know what form of the word to use. Repeatedly, words are used just slightly incorrectly, but together, it has an almost a comical effect. She tries to use archaic words for effect but she gets them just a bit wrong again and again. She makes some similar errors with current words. For example, I wonder if she truly knows what the word "scandalous" means as she uses it so oddly. I gave up when she depicted a disabled person chained to a wall. Does she not understand that this was the lot for the mentally and intellectually disabled until barely two generations ago? Did she think this would be entertaining? Is it an attempt at realism? Did she think she could retain or rehabilitate our good opinion of the hero who was responsible for this? Enough.
PS. She needs to read The Wide Sargasso Sea.
PS. She needs to read The Wide Sargasso Sea.
Read
January 19, 2020Brilliant!
I've said it before in this series and am saying it again - evil characters just don't stand a chance!
And Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, you have competition!
This story is about Lord Albus Griffin (now why does this remind me of Harry Potter), also known as Viscount Darke and Olympia Daventry who marry by proxy.
It is a gothic romance that grabbed me and I just had to keep on listening because it pulled me in and kept me there with its slow smoldering unfolding of the plot. So brilliant that I just have to recommend it!
Lillian Yves displays her remarkable talent with her narration as usual.
After listening to the audiobook, my voluntary review above is given freely and is unbiased.
I've said it before in this series and am saying it again - evil characters just don't stand a chance!
And Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, you have competition!
This story is about Lord Albus Griffin (now why does this remind me of Harry Potter), also known as Viscount Darke and Olympia Daventry who marry by proxy.
It is a gothic romance that grabbed me and I just had to keep on listening because it pulled me in and kept me there with its slow smoldering unfolding of the plot. So brilliant that I just have to recommend it!
Lillian Yves displays her remarkable talent with her narration as usual.
After listening to the audiobook, my voluntary review above is given freely and is unbiased.
April 5, 2020
The original trilogy in this series were fine for what they were: historical romances with a little something otherworldly shoehorned in to soften the trope-heavy nature of the work. GothLite? Undemanding, yes - but still readable and enjoyable, though perhaps not anything you'd flag as worth recommending or re-reading unless you were new to the sub-genre. This book, however, sees the author recycling both their own works as well as the true classic Gothic Romances. Perhaps it's only noticeable when you read them one after another, but really now...
This book also really needs to be worked over by an editor and then worked over a second time by a Brit-picker, as they are known in fan-fiction circles.
This book also really needs to be worked over by an editor and then worked over a second time by a Brit-picker, as they are known in fan-fiction circles.
February 5, 2020
A Love So Dark is my first Lillian Yves book, and I'm pleasantly surprised. It is a well-composed and fascinating dark historical romance. The premise is uncommon in the historical romance genre, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Chasity Bowlin is a brilliant author, she captivated me with her compelling characters. Griffin and Olympia are incredible together, the connection is one of mutual desire and passion.
Excellent narration by Lillian Yves, she breathed life into the characters. I strongly recommend this audiobook to all dark or gothic historical romance enthusiasts. I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Excellent narration by Lillian Yves, she breathed life into the characters. I strongly recommend this audiobook to all dark or gothic historical romance enthusiasts. I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 20, 2020
Read on KU
I read book 1-4 back-to-back in quick succession. I'm going to take a break and come back to the rest soon. I enjoyed this one more than number 3 but not as much as 1 and 2. The new characters were interesting and the background was a bit darker than the previous ones. I did really like the name Darke, it felt appropriately gothic and a smidge tongue-in-cheek.
I want to read more of these, and am glad to know there are, in fact, more books in this series. Unfortunately, they're all starting to blur in my mind. A bit too similar. I don't want to under appreciate them because of fatigue.
Looking forward to coming back and bingeing some more.
I read book 1-4 back-to-back in quick succession. I'm going to take a break and come back to the rest soon. I enjoyed this one more than number 3 but not as much as 1 and 2. The new characters were interesting and the background was a bit darker than the previous ones. I did really like the name Darke, it felt appropriately gothic and a smidge tongue-in-cheek.
I want to read more of these, and am glad to know there are, in fact, more books in this series. Unfortunately, they're all starting to blur in my mind. A bit too similar. I don't want to under appreciate them because of fatigue.
Looking forward to coming back and bingeing some more.
July 16, 2020
No Title
Well, it is official, no more gothic for me. I prefer to buy and read steamy sizzling sticky and sexy historical romance. Preferably with a Duke, ballroom dancing, a heroine, the look, the chase and much, much sex. I especially do not like murder, mystery or mayhem with my historical romance. I enjoyed the first book of this series because it had a Duke and was very erotic, so I read the next two and decided to try this one, but it is now over. No more books by this author. I am not a fan of gothic in my historical romance.
Well, it is official, no more gothic for me. I prefer to buy and read steamy sizzling sticky and sexy historical romance. Preferably with a Duke, ballroom dancing, a heroine, the look, the chase and much, much sex. I especially do not like murder, mystery or mayhem with my historical romance. I enjoyed the first book of this series because it had a Duke and was very erotic, so I read the next two and decided to try this one, but it is now over. No more books by this author. I am not a fan of gothic in my historical romance.
July 14, 2017
Awesome Gothic historical romance!
This was an awesome gothic historical romance and I truly enjoyed every minute of it. I have always loved these types of romances and this author is one I definitely plan to keep an eye on. Griffin and Olympia were a wonderful hero and heroine and both so deserving of a happily ever after. If you enjoy gothic historical romances, then I highly recommend this book.
This was an awesome gothic historical romance and I truly enjoyed every minute of it. I have always loved these types of romances and this author is one I definitely plan to keep an eye on. Griffin and Olympia were a wonderful hero and heroine and both so deserving of a happily ever after. If you enjoy gothic historical romances, then I highly recommend this book.
May 25, 2020
I'm confused...is this book really the 4th installment in this series or is it "a start-up, try-out, let's put something together" book to get ready for Dark Regency series?!...by the writing style dated waaaay before the 1st book was written? Complete 180°...I don't get it! I loved the first three books...this one? This one can be skipped over.
June 5, 2017
Tragedy
So much tragedy, so many secrets, and too many lies. Not the best way to start a new marriage. A creepy castle, moans and screams that aren't explained. How can love grow in the doom?
So much tragedy, so many secrets, and too many lies. Not the best way to start a new marriage. A creepy castle, moans and screams that aren't explained. How can love grow in the doom?
July 19, 2017
A nice read
Easy to read,, Griffin was from the beginning a warm and caring person Olympia was intelligent and smart enough to know how to deal with the darkness of Mrs.webster and Lady Florence. The plot is credible
Easy to read,, Griffin was from the beginning a warm and caring person Olympia was intelligent and smart enough to know how to deal with the darkness of Mrs.webster and Lady Florence. The plot is credible
September 10, 2018
The Best !
This book is definitely worth a 5 🌟 rating. There was not a chapter that was boring, the characters, we're perfect, for this story line.And a happily ever after too. I would recommend this book to anyone who luvs a good mystery,/ luv story,.
Thank you!❤️
This book is definitely worth a 5 🌟 rating. There was not a chapter that was boring, the characters, we're perfect, for this story line.And a happily ever after too. I would recommend this book to anyone who luvs a good mystery,/ luv story,.
Thank you!❤️
February 22, 2019
A Love So Dark By Chasity Bowlin
Five stars, not only was there was a mystery surrounding Griffin but also his new wife Olympia...Sensuality, mystery, madness and murder...only thing it could have been more dramatic especially towards the end..All in all a good book.
Five stars, not only was there was a mystery surrounding Griffin but also his new wife Olympia...Sensuality, mystery, madness and murder...only thing it could have been more dramatic especially towards the end..All in all a good book.
January 17, 2020
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This was way darker than I thought it would be and I loved every minute. The narration was awesome. The story was captivating. The mystery was intriguing. I would love to read more in this series.
May 18, 2017
Jane Eyre meets Rebecca but with sex.
It's entertaining but I do feel that most of the mystery was done away with too quickly.
It's entertaining but I do feel that most of the mystery was done away with too quickly.
July 12, 2017
not enough depth for me
October 14, 2017
This book had everything you would want in a book. It kept me guessing throughout the book. I could not put this book down and lost sleep until it was finished, but well worth it.
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