When Dusk Comes

Dusk Queen #1

by J.J. Arias

Chasing a bounty from New York to New Orleans, Erin Lewis is on the hunt for an allusive fugitive whose recovery will provide financial breathing room. When she arrives at a French Quarter hotel, Erin finds the captivating hotelier Lucía Guerra instead. The passionate affair that ignites between them catapults Erin into an extravagant world she never imagined. But all is never what it seems.

What will happen when Erin learns that Lucía is not just a wealthy business woman, but a vampire queen on the verge of losing her reign over the society she built over centuries?
How long can Lucia keep Erin in the dark about vampires, werewolves, and witches, while she struggles to stop the terrorist group threatening her power.

When Dusk Comes is the first book in the paranormal romance Dusk Queen series. If you like strong female characters, insatiable attraction, and a romance for the ages, then you will love this sensual fantasy thriller.

Pre-order When Dusk Comes to be swept away into an alluring supernatural world today.

Genres: Vampires, Lesbian, Fantasy, Paranormal, LGBT, Romance, Queer

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 22, 2019

About the author

Hello! And thank you for finding me!

I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.

My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.

If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.

So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!

Reviews

[AnnMaree Of Oz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited sexy vampire story! With an unsuspecting human being wooed by the rich Vampire Queen.

I've been in a slump, where everything I pick up ends up annoying me, and I've ended up with a lot of not finished books. So I looked for something lighter, and found this. It seemed to do the trick. It's pure fantasy escapism.

You have human Erin who is a private investigator and bounty hunter, struggling to make ends meet, in her beat-up old car and trying to help her Dad. She teams up with Lucia who owns an entire Hotel chain, and is one of the worlds 5 richest women. But that's all Erin really knows, except for her attraction to this formidable powerful woman, who keeps trying to give her gifts.

A romance ensues, and the secret of Lucia and the world of Vampires and other creatures is kept hidden from Erin, as she is wined and dined... But Erin isn't like other girls, and feels uncomfortable with the wooing Lucia is doing, and doesn't want money or gifts, she just wants to get to know Lucia, herself. Which endears her to Lucia even more.

It's actually quite sweet and there are some funny internal monologues with Erin, too. So if you're into rich girl/poor girl - but poor girl has an attitude and can't be bought, and ends up being more to the lonely rich Vampire Queen - you may enjoy this! There's also a sub-plot of conspiracy with Lucia's organization of mythical creatures being attacked, and it will continue in the following book. Check it out!

[Netgyrl (Laura) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Up for reading the next one

Ok for the genre. I think the case for their passionate love could have been made better cause I am not understanding the attraction other than on a physical level. Nevertheless I will read the next one.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my usual genre but feeling a bit adventurous… so why not? I must say this was a surprisingly pleasant book to read about vampires, werewolves and witches/spirits, though the focus is predominantly on vampires. So moving on to book 2… and finger crossed it’s just as interesting if not better 🙂

Ratings: 3.5 ⭐️ (7/10)

[Sapphic Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I’d picked this up sooner—I absolutely loved it!

It’s an incredibly enjoyable sapphic vampire story, with just the right mix of werewolves and magic thrown in. Lucia and Erin, our main characters, were fantastic. Their romance built at a steady, believable pace, and I found myself rooting for them throughout. I was completely hooked on their love story, and the steamy scenes were absolutely top tier. The supporting cast was just as memorable, with each side character bringing something unique and well-developed to the story.

That cliffhanger ending has me desperate to dive into the next book.

If you're a fan of the Court of Chains series by Rawnie Sabor, you’ll most definitely enjoy this one too.

[♡Matty♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lesbian vampire.

That's it, that's my entire review.

[Bet Milner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish and couldn't put it down! Great humor, lots of twists and turns, and just delicious! Waited an awfully long time to sink my teeth into this series (pun intended) because I had a feeling I wouldn't get anything else done! Highly recommend!

[cloverxheart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait to read the next book

I felt like a lot happened but at the same time not really anything happened.
I really liked the characters, especially Lucia.
And I really adored the romance.

However the plot and fantasy aspect were rather underwhelming.
Not sure if we'll get more detail in the next book, but I didn't really understand why we're even fighting.
I also felt like we were missing some background information, hoping to get a little more of that in the next book. Overall the plot isn't anything special so far, I've read a few books with basically the exact same plot - vampire queen falls in love with human woman, bad people not wanting the vampire queen as queen anymore, bad people wanting to harm/kidnap the human lover,...

Out of the three books I read by the author, definitely my favorite so far.

[Dide · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 star rating
What is it with paranormal stories that gets me thirsty for more? Especially good ones.
The main course of this story is of the Vamp world with a little Were and Witch as accompaniment. We have a human who ties us into this world with romance, intrigues and a great suspenseful ending.
Look forward to getting my eyes on the next book in this series.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a sucker for a paranormal lesfic like I am, then I’d recommend scooping this one up. It has two favorite tropes: gorgeous billionaire vampire queen whose reign is threatened and a spunky unsuspecting human with a chip on her shoulder. When our bounty hunter human, Erin chased a lead to the Big Easy, and met beautiful billionaire, Lucia sparks immediately flew. What followed was a really fun ride from Europe to South America to the woods of Western Massachusetts as they fought for survival. The supporting cast of characters really helped to enhance the overall story. The ending was tense with a cliffhanger….I’m looking forward to book 2!

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

At this point I’m working my way through JJ’s books as I’ve read a lot of them already. That’s what brought me to this one! Plus, vampires and sapphic?? Yes please.
I tandem read with audio, which I’m glad I did because Kingsley Rose always does a fantastic job!
This book does end on a cliffhanger, so can’t wait to dive into book two!
This book is written in third person with multiple POV’s. Paranormal, Vampire/Human, Bounty Hunter. Around 6 spicy scenes. There is another that’s just feeding/teasing and another that is interrupted. So plenty of heat to go round 😈

[C C Garrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucia and Erin's story brings them together at difficult times for Lucia and Erin intrigued her. What sucks is it is a cliffhanger, but it's worth it getting ready to read some soon.

[Stephieloohoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Kathryn Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

I can always count on JJ to pick me up from a slump

Erin is special to Lucia. Shes got that human magnetic connection that vampires seem to have in these novels and I love the way JJ executed it. Like it was an instant connection I felt it.

Ok ok ok there was a lotttt going on here. I couldve personally used more background and lore about supernaturals but I’m thinking the second one will have that.

Along with that I like the transition from lovers to lovers but in love. The timeline when you look at it is nicely paced and not an instalove, which I think she always does nicely.

NOW with that being said, and JJ is my writing queen, but i find it very hard to believe that the beginning and end was the same story. Not that this is a bad thing Like so many things happened and then I forgot they happened and I was like oh wait thats this story. The ending though I am desperate to open book two. LIKE. The final thing is the POV was omniscient.

That being said I would read every single thing she writes.

[Pixip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I was absolutely enthralled with this book from start to finish. You get taken on a rollercoaster of emotions that has you gasping for breath one minute and swearing that it's raining indoors the next. The evolution of Erin and Lucia's relationship feels completely natural and they draw you into their world with ease. Lucia is pure sex appeal at every turn and Erin is fierce on all levels, a worthy match for the dominant Queen.
The supernatural world JJ Arias has created is both complex and understandable. I love vampires and hers definitely didn't disappoint. Erin coming to terms with the world shes been thrust into are brilliant. With wonderfully comedic moments of her questioning everything she's previously learnt from pop culture.
The ending was too damn good and had me mouth open sitting on the edge of my seat. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book. I'm very excited to read more about this world.

[Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn’t great. I didn’t hate it, and it had some really enjoyable parts, but I won’t be continuing the series. It read like fanfiction. It drags on a lot, and there are a few things that make no sense. I care about the characters but not enough to keep reading, even though it ends in a huge cliffhanger.

The romance part was kind of cute but the vampire cult plot took way too long to develop and the tone was a little mixed for my taste.

Also, from time to time the verb tenses don’t match. There will be a present tense verb in the middle of a sentence in the past tense, like it was originally written in present tense and then changed. Basically, this book could have used some more editing.

[XR · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm so curious to know if Samael really betrayed Lucia. This was good though, and a nice little difference about weres and vamps not being mortal enemies.

[Tharcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was... unexpected.

I just read The Single Matchmaker from the author and I was curious to read more from her. I gotta say, paranormal is not usually my cup of tea, but I was delighted by this. Both MCs are interesting and the story sucks you in, especially in the beginning, when Erin is very much in the dark about vampires.

Erin is a bounty hunter and after meeting with Lucía, the Vampire Queen, is invited to go to France with her to apprehend a fugitive that is working at one of Lucía's hotels. It is unlikely that one of the richest women in the world would just offer an all-expenses paid trip to a total stranger, but I went with it anyway and boy, was I rewarded.

All of their interactions exude chemistry. There is a particular scene in Paris that won't be leaving my mind anytime soon.

I hope this isn't considered a spoiler, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention this ends on a massive cliffhanger. I wish it didn't... but I started reading the second book as soon as I finished this anyway. Luckily, now that the whole trilogy has been released, I won't have to suffer waiting for the second book to be released.

It sure doesn't hurt that there is still an aura of mystery surrounding Lucía's world that I hope will be explored in the second installment. Erin, although human, may possess a connection with the paranormal that I can't wait to see. Although I could spend endless pages reading about Lucía and Erin, the other characters are also intriguing. My favorites are Cari and Charlie.

Overall, great, engrossing read.

4/5

[Mathias Eriksson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a decent start to a series off books, i mean i kinda like all supernatural/vampire/were lesbian books, im sucker for that. But overall the love part was a little rushed on the other hand you can contribute the supernatural conection to that, otherwise decent. But like i said this seems to be a first of a series of books, if this was the only one i would have had alot of problems with it. we a have our heroine Erin who is suppose to be this strong female bounty hunter, but during the course of the book we get to see her vulnerability too. And then we have Lucia, Lucia is your typical wealthy vampire queen who has lived for a long time, when she wants something or someone, she buys ir or lavish it with gifts. But whats interresting is we get to see her become someone else through this book. Not gonna say anymore, its a good read i give it 4 stars i just hope we get more cause otherwise im gonna be sad.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

This book starts the Dusk Queen vampire trilogy with two strong female leads, featuring wealthy vampire queen, Lucía, and struggling bounty hunter, Erin. Lucía has always had to protect herself and the other vampires. She doesn’t have relationships and, when she meets Erin, she wants more than she has ever allowed herself before. Erin has no idea vampires or other supernatural beings exist and she wants to get to know Lucía and refuses the lavish gifts that Lucía tries to give her.

This book was released in 2019, with the audio version being recently released. I have read a more recent book from the author and, while I do like the style of the newer release better, the cliffhanger here has me interested enough to continue with the series.

Read Michelle's audio review in its entirety here.

[Katia M. Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. There was a lot of telling in it though and as a consequence I didn't really see things through the characters' eyes or experience their emotions. Sometimes the writing was a bit short and choppy, with rapid fire descriptive sentences that were not used to increase the pace of reading. The story was ok, it just didn't resonate with me.

[Mayra Luria · Rating 5 out of 5]

JJ Arias has a wonderful imagination that takes vampire stories to a new level. Romance, angst, thriller, nail biting and lots of OMG and WTF moments. kept pages turning until the book was finished. it is a series so it's not over so fast.

[Juno · Rating 3 out of 5]

maybe I'll write a review of this after I finish the whole series, I haven't read anything without a standalone sequel in years lol.

it was good though, I think. nothing that special

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️
it’s interesting and it ends on a cliffhanger. some spice and enjoyable characters but i feel that it’s too superficial. Like they two main characters are deeply in love but i don’t see why? i don’t feel the thirst or the passion from them. Anyway i will still read the second book cause i like the story and JJ Arias is one of my fav author

[Reinaaa 🖤 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh… loved the concept, but the ending felt extremely rushed trying to tie the plot all together. Idk if I’ll read the next one.

[merp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good sapphic PNR, I especially liked the witches. A few typos here and there but nothing major, I’ll read the second book.

[Kasley.K · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I decided to take a dive into the spooky reads, When Dusk Come was one of the first recommendations I saw, and I quite liked it.
I absolutely enjoyed Erin’s fearlessness and her you-cannot-buy-me attitude. She stumbles into a totally unknown world, and takes it like a champ… mostly. Lucia is also fierce, and their tension can be felt quickly. I can’t wait to know what happens next and to discover who wants to take Lucia down.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a good read about two women immersing themselves in each other's lives while simultaneously preparing for a showdown, look no further than this book. There's plenty of romance, plenty of secrets and pasts to be revealed...and Steven! Trust me when I say you'll love him more than you might have thought possible.

All around enthralling story, intriguing characters and enough intimacy and angst to quench all your thirsts. Between the supernatural world explored, the characters and steamy scenes, I've started a journey I desperately want to continue and never stop. Magnificent, delicious, would read again and again and recommend to a friend.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars- Vampire queen

This is an interesting adventure about a vampire queen and the many different supernaturals that live in this world. I can’t wait to read the next book.


However, the book does end in quite a cliffhanger....even though I really don’t like cliffhangers....I did enjoy the book.

towards the end their were a lot of interesting things going on with Erin....little items etc...

[Hetkala · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book in the paranormal romance genre.
First in the series, it sets the world but a lot seems to be still undisclosed... Can't wait to read a sequel ! That's quite the cliffhanger here ^^

[Kayla]

I can't do it anymore. I'm so bored.