Flower in the Dark

by Ally Vance

Violet ~

Loneliness is a constant in my life. I have no one to turn to. No one to come and save me. Except for him. He has become my everything, and all we have to do is meet...

Him ~

My little flower is ripe for the picking. All I have to do is pluck her out of her lonely and comfortable world and drag her into mine. I want her. I will have her. I will make her SCREAM.

Warning: contains triggers and is intended for a mature audience 18+

**This story can be read as a Standalone **

Genres: Dark, Dark Romance, Romance, Erotica, Contemporary

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 27, 2018

About the author

Ally is an International Bestselling Author who writes in the Dark Romance & Horror genres. Ally has been writing since she was a teenager, and it had been a long-time dream of hers to finally become a published author. Ally lives in Kent, in the United Kingdom, with her husband, son, and their two crazy kitties; Kian and Declan.

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve had this one on my pile for a while as the description intrigued me a lot.
A girl who gets kidnapped and kept captive by someone she has been connecting to online.
It’s also alluded that Violet is one of many pretty flowers that have preceded her.
Unfortunately, the reality with this one didn’t quite live up to my expectations and I found it all a bit of a letdown if I’m honest.

This did have all the bones that usually work for me I just think it may be needed expanding on, drawing out more and some meat adding.
It’s not actually awful and the writing itself is OK It just felt rather stripped back and very one dimensional.

The characters involved with this felt stilted and very stereotypical.
There was no reasoning behind anything no explanations why Violet was even starting to feel things for her captor or he her.
It just felt disjointed and disconnected, like I’d skipped a few paragraphs and missed some of the crucial connecting storyline.

I wasn’t convinced of Violet and Z’s connection together and definitely not that Violet was feeing Lust for her captor when she was so openly disgusted previously.
The sexy scenes with this just didn’t feel authentic to the story either and did absolutely nothing for me.
To top that I wasn’t drawn to either Z or Violet and as such wasn’t really invested in the overall outcome.
I found Violet annoying and whiny and she had no backbone whatsoever and Z felt like a caricature of a bad villain.

This type of captive romance where the antihero is painted as an extremely bad person is just so difficult to balance.
Trying to make the captor both sinister and cruel whilst still giving him a sympathetic sliver so the reader can forge a bond so very tricky to pull off.

The whys and whatnots of all this were also missing and I’m all about the psychology and mind games which this didn’t really have.
Also, this was meant to be a dark romance but other than the whole serial killer aspect of this and even with all the very dubious/non-consent it didn’t actually feel that dark and Z wasn’t that scary either.

Maybe because this was very much telling the reader rather than showing them, and pulling them in, It just failed to immerse me in the unfolding narrative.
The premise itself here was intriguing I just think the execution itself with this was poor.

On a side note, I preferred the more sinister ending for this than the sweeter alternative which was just so unrealistic like really? Not likely.
So yeh it wasn’t the content with this that turned me off it was the complete disconnection I felt to it all.
I do wish I could rate this higher than I have but sadly this one really wasn’t for me.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Fre06 Begum · Rating 2 out of 5]

The “betraying body alert” was truly in affect in this book. I don’t know about anyone else but if I was kidnapped I think the last thing I would be desperate for would be getting an orgasm from my captor!

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah!! This book was so amazing! I would rate it 10 stars if I could!! It was so dark and twisted!! I can’t wait to read more of this authors works!! This is one of my top reads for the summer!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did I take the wrong way to start this series? Yeah. I didn't even know they were related. It made it even tragic now that I know what happened to this couple because I accidentally read the last book of the series!

Anyway, it's a captive romance. Grey area there, depends on where you draw the line. Me? Quoting the greatest meme ever:

[Helen Power · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced and quick read. While I liked both the hero and the heroine, I did feel like the plot was a little choppy. A lot of time passes from the beginning of the book to the end, but it doesn’t feel fluid. The characters go from hating each other to loving each other a little too suddenly, and the progression of their relationship seems a little confusing because of this.
Still a good, quick read if you’re as obsessed with the psychopath hero trope like I am!

[Suzy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This year so far I have read 287 books, so I know a thing or two about books, this is advertised as a dark read, nope not even close it is so far fetched it should be a comedy, This piece of work Z kills to make pretty flowers in his garden, he deceives this poor woman Violet who is already traumatized by her upbringing and abuse from her father, who is lonely and scared of life, by making friends with her through a chat room it took her 6 months to get to the stage they were at. she agrees to meet him, First mistake, she didn't even know what he looked like second mistake, third mistake she didn't even know his full name only that it was Z, no sane woman would do this, he then doesn't turn up for the date or at least she thinks he doesn't he then proceeds to kidnap her locks her in a dark room and proceeds to rape her, a body will react to stimulation regardless of who is doing it, it is still rape, he took something that he wasn't entitled to. he was vile evil man, and she falls in love with him, even gets pregnant all at the same time as he is picking up poor unsuspecting women of the streets, and killing them to furnish his flower garden, " WTF" now regardless of these ladies professions they don't deserve to be treated like that. There was hardly any background story to him, he ended up like this because his daddy left apparently but as its not explained properly we really don't know. The blurb gave this book so much promise but it sadly failed to deliver, I don't like to give negative comments always like to encourage, yet I find in this case I can not. There isn't anything I liked.

[Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I’ve read dozens of abduction/kidnapping stories but I think this is the first time I’ve read one that included the kidnapper’s POV!!! Z is a serious sociopath and what I like best about this book is that he stays that way until the better very end. In most of these books, the evil main character goes soft and changes for the female but this is a true sociopath and true sociopath don’t change!!! This book is very well edited and the sex scenes are dark, depraved and sexy! My only complaint is that the non-sexual dark parts are completely absent of information. For example, Vance writes, “I find just what I am after. It’s quick, brutal, bloody, and so damn fun.” What was he after? What did he find? What did he do when he found it? Where is the detail? Talk about a tease!!! Otherwise, I was really impressed by this book and will definitely be reading more by this author!!

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant debut novel. I read it in one sitting as I needed to know what was going to happen next. It had a steady pace throughout which I really liked.

Violets worse nightmare comes through when she is kidnapped and locked away. The unhinged psycho kidnapper is unpredictable. He’s not even sure himself of what he wants of her.

I read a lot of dark stories and I can see and hope that this author goes darker with her next books. I’m not saying this as a negative. I just feel the author has so much more in her for us dark lovers.
There were a few things while reading this I thought was a tad far fetched but that’s fiction I guess.

Gotta give great praise to the author on a great debut novel. I’m looking forward to reading more from her in the future.

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is why have you not been writing? This book was so freaking awesome. I like going in blind when reading a new book it builds the anticipation and damn if this book didn't disappoint. I absolutely loved loved this story I couldn't put it down the whole time it had me flipping pages just to see what happened next. I absolutely cannot wait to read what she writes next. I have to say I'm a lil in love with "Z"🖤🖤 If you like to read dark, twisted have you on the edge of your seat reads then you'll want to check this book out. I definitely would recommend getting this book.


This is my opinion and my voluntary review

[Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waste of time

This book was not for me.
Weak heroine, horrible anti-hero
Absurd, the book felt short
She is just so incredibly dumb

[Brenda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and I couldn't stop reading it!

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, and it captivated me from the beginning. Violet and Z’s characters have so much depth to them that as you read their story, and you think you’ve got them figured out and unwrapped, you turn the page and find another layer that you weren’t even close to expecting.

I love dual POV, and it was a seamless transition between them.

The only reason I’m not giving this a 5 star rating is because of the ending, it felt a little too sugary sweet to me. It would have felt more true to the characters if it was a nice combo of both the ending she wrote, mixed with her alt ending.

Ally is a elegant writer, and I enjoyed reading her debut novel. We can expect wonderful dark things from her in the future!

[Becky Ballenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from page 1!!!!!! This book is an awesome, page turning, sexy read!!!!!! Z’s mind is dark, and lovely!!!!!!! I will definitely be putting this book back in my TBR file to re-read over and over!!!!!

[Lisa Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will definitely have you on the edge of your seat Z is very unpredictable and with his dark thoughts you never knew what he was going to do next to his new Flower Violet. The loneliness these two have endured and the past the silent connection is beautiful in its own way and just accepting. I liked that we got to hear both POV. The description and writing is fantastic, I wanted more of Violet and Z there are so many layers hidden that I really want to know.

[CL Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg - it was dark, intense, it had passion, greed, raw emotion, hate, love, & lust. There story was written and was most definitely a page turner. I loved the book from the start. Z/ Him having a very naughty desperate nature and Violet being his victim. But reading this book you do see things change between them.

A great book xx

[Jamillah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught my attention from the very beginning. It was good from the beginning to end. Violet and Z's relationship was so crazy. This is a deliciously dark read. Ally Vance you did great for your debut book. Fantastic a must-read

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zachary and Violets story seems doomed and tragic from the start. I loved how Ally Vance developed the characters of these 2 and slowly and painstakingly created a vivid image of the darkness in Z and the innocence and terrible childhood of Violet.
I loved the ending that Ally used, not the alternate ending.
I highly recommend this dark read!

[Melissa Hedrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book and I am absolutely floored how good this is considering this book is Ally Vance’s debut! This book centers around Violet who was kidnapped and her abducter. This book is a dark romance and might contain triggers. Despite the theme, I found the relationship between the two amazing. A connection existed between the couple that I became enthralled with. This book is a definite must read for dark romance lovers!

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm truly amazed at how any person can take the plunge and become a writer. It seems like it's really stressful but when the work comes out like this, be proud because you're a successful author.

Flowers in the Dark is an amazing debut for author Ally Vance. I love how the story grips you from the beginning. I love the plot. I love the scene of the old house with a little life on the outside. The characters are funny in their own way. It's just amaze balls.

Flowers in the Dark is about a psycho with a green thumb named Zachary and an eger girl named Violet who wants to find a connection with him but finds something else. When they meet, they have to realize that everything don't go according to plan.

I really like the fact that there's a message behind the whole story.
(Don't be willing to give so easy)
Thanks Ally for the PSA, inside your book.

[Wall to Wall Bookshelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flower in the Dark is a first novel from author Ally Vance. With an interesting storyline that keeps you reading and characters that you want to know more about, it's a brilliant start for an up and coming author.


It follows the story of Violet, whose loneliness steers her towards internet dating and Him, a man who rips her from the quiet life she knows and changes every part of it.


I want to know what he did to his previous flowers and what happened in his past to make him act the way he is. Why is Violet special to Him?


I love reading stories with multiple POV, the dual POV in Flower in the Dark does not disappoint. It's deliciously dark but not too dark that it stopped me reading.

[Mian Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be aware the book is dark and you’re gonna hate the hero but you’ll end up loving the book anyway .
Violet is sweet , closed off and sad , she communicates with this nice stranger and becomes attached to him and when the day comes to finally meet him she ended up being taken and that’s when her life changes .
Z is your asswhole dark twisted hero , he kidnapped violet so she can join his garden with the other flowers(you’ll understand that when you read the book lol) , the guy has some serious issues and personally i thought he’s gonna get worst but fortunately for violet he ended up having a sweet spot for her , would their fucked up relationship survive the many obstacles present to destroy whatever they felt for each other ? Or would violet and Z have their own happy twisted ending ?
I highly recommend you read flower in the dark if you’re looking for something dark , edgy yet hot and sweet at some point .

[Maria Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flower in the Dark was an amazingly addictive read! It packed quite the punch and hooked me from the first page.

From the very beginning I was intrigued by Z and wanted to know more about him. He was a bit of an enigma which draws me into a book like a moth to flame. I loved both Violet and Z's characters and how multilayered they were. Just when I thought I had them figured out a bit more of their true nature was revealed. Their connection and relationship kept me riveted as I devoured each page as quickly as I could.

If you enjoy books that keep you dancing in the dark and on the edge of your seat then Flower in the Dark is a definite must read!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok for me. As a debut book it has a good storyline. I would have liked more details about his previous flowers and what he has done with them, does Violet ever find out and her reaction if he continues it afterwards? This is a fairly short read and I think this author will be worth watching to see how her future books turn out as well.

[ysaruva · Rating 1 out of 5]

What in the wattpad

Honestly calling this wattpad is in a insult. This was so poorly written to the point that it was comical which was the only reason i was able to even finish it

Preferred the alternate ending cause these characters deserve nothing

[Lindsay Crook · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea and plot for this book is what caught my eye and the cover is beautiful..For a first novel Ally should be proud of herself I just wish I knew more about the character's and why HE did what he did..The sex scenes were hot if a little unbelievable to me..Ally really is very good and her words pack a punch I'd have liked the story to have more depth then sex but I'd definitely read more from this author..I loved the alternative ending that for me is the darkness I want from start to finish.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ally Vance delivered a heart pounding and sinfully dark book. It held me captive emotionally the entire read and I loved every moment, even when it made me cringe.

The character development is solid. There were some good layers to Z and Violet. I needed to know more about both of them, which kept my interest throughout. I desperately wanted to understand them both. Ally Vance excelled at world building. Her creativity transferred through her words and each page drew me deeper.

She's very much a lyrical writer, which lent an elegance that fit the story. There was no unnecessary darkness or scenes; every word had a purpose guiding a reader along. The suspense and twists kept it fresh and original, making me addicted to knowing what came next. By the time I reached the end I was wrecked. As a debut book, this hooked me so completely I know Ally Vance will be an author to watch.

5 stars for an emotional gripping, heart pounding, captivating read! Highly recommend!

[Naughty Nightie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 star review
I loved this dark romance between Z and his flower Violet. Z is deep and dark and hadn't planned on falling in love with Violet but he did which changes all his plans. Violet is stunned when she figures out who Z and knows she shouldn't fall for him but she is. is Ally draws you in from the beginning and hooks you into the characters with each chapter with an alternating character view. You have to keep turning the pages to see what happens next.
It would've been a Five-star review if it hadn't been for a couple of things at the end of the book. I would've preferred to know at the end of the previous chapter that the following two chapters were alternate endings. Rather than read the chapter and find it's one of an alternate ending. Turning the page to see The end "turn the next page for an alternate ending." Along with the first alternate chapter leaving me a bit disappointed in not going a bit further since this is a stand-alone and not part of a series. I received a copy (thank you) in return for an honest for Naughty Nightie Book Blog. I look forward to reading more of Ally's work.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to start a writing career. When I was told this was Vance's first book I was hoping for a good read. Apparently that wasn't enough for her though. Instead she had to given even veteran authors a run for their money. This book starts out with a storyline you think you think you know but with each page just when you think you know what's going to happen you are shocked to find out you didn't have a clue. I started thinking that I'd try to get half of it read before I had to go to sleep but instead I couldn't stop at just half way. I had to finish because I was so in olved in the lives of these fictional characters that I never realized how long I had been reading. So happy that I took the chance on a new author.

[Bronwyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t as dark as the prequel, Blossom in the Dark, so you could say that I’m disappointed. Z did indeed capture his Violet, but it was pretty tame and kind of boring. Plus, the ending? No, just no. I much preferred the author’s entirely too short “alternate” ending that was after the stupid ending. Z was a completely different person in this book much to my dismay.

Kit, who took care of Zach’s “flowers” when he was done with them in the prequel, wasn’t in this book anywhere and I missed him. The next book, Ashes in the Dark, is his story. I’m hoping that Ms. Vance won’t skimp on Kit’s predilections and it will be as dark as the prequel was.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flower in the Dark is Ally Vance's debut release.
It's ment to be a dark, captivating read, but I didn't find it dark at all. Keep in mind I read alot of dark, gutwrenching books.
Anyhow this is Violet and Z's story.
Violet is a sweet, shy yet closed off. She's been chatting with a guy online, and they finally arrange to meet.
Unfortunately for Violet, shes taken by this stranger Z whom we learn to love and hate. He places her in the garden surrounded by the other flowers.
Can these two survive all the challenges they have and get their HEA or not??