Dark Castle

The Dazzling Court #1

by Fawn Bailey

New dark royal romance from Fawn Bailey, coming November 2018.

Genres: Dark, Romance, Royalty, BDSM, Adult, Contemporary Romance, Amazon

ebook

First published December 15, 2018

Reviews

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay first thought after I read this story was WTF did I just read! Holy hell did that just happen? What the eff with the ending? I thought my kindle was broken because it was not turning any more pages and I wanted no Fawn made me need more. My head was whirling with everything that happened and the secrets and lies and twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen.

Amber is one of 12 girls vying for the position to be the one who captures the heart of Oliver and be his wife. Amber knows she wants Oliver and will do anything she has to do to have him by her side. She deals with the catiness of the other girls and she has to fight off another royal who wants her. Bruno Oliver's brother wants Amber but she is not interested and he is pursuing her like no ones business.

Just when things start to heat up there is a monkey wrench thrown in there and shizz starts to pop off. Oh and that ending lord that ending had me like WTH Fawn really you are going to leave the readers hanging like this needing no wanting book two like ASAP!

[Marianne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trash written by a third-grader who is obsessed with The Bachelor.

[Brit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm in the between of loving this and just thinking its an okay story. I love the plot i love that its different but i just didnt like the writing jn the story and feel the main heroine was to childish for my liking. I'll finish this series but maybe try something else by the author and if i dont like than i might not be to invested.

[Veronica (Honey Roselea Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really reminded me of The Selection series. It was kind of cute and I really wanted to see what happened to Olivier and Amber.

I read this through the short story compilation of Long Live The King Anthology: Fifteen Steamy Contemporary Royal Romances by Skye Warren.

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[Carol***BeautyandtheBeastlyBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Selection meets BDSM, that’s how I’d first describe this book. But I admit I wasn’t expecting to be so into it!

This was an unique story, different from all the “hot books” I’ve read before. And I like that! It’s been a while since this kind of read caught my attention.

I wouldn’t say Dark Castle is a dark read, it’s taboo in some ways, but not dark at all. That being said, it’s deliciously taboo.

I can’t wait to read the next book in this trilogy!

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay first thought after I read this story was WTF did I just read! Holy hell did that just happen? What the eff with the ending? I thought my kindle was broken because it was not turning any more pages and I wanted no Fawn made me need more. My head was whirling with everything that happened and the secrets and lies and twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen.

Amber is one of 12 girls vying for the position to be the one who captures the heart of Oliver and be his wife. Amber knows she wants Oliver and will do anything she has to do to have him by her side. She deals with the catiness of the other girls and she has to fight off another royal who wants her. Bruno Oliver's brother wants Amber but she is not interested and he is pursuing her like no ones business.

Just when things start to heat up there is a monkey wrench thrown in there and shizz starts to pop off. Oh and that ending lord that ending had me like WTH Fawn really you are going to leave the readers hanging like this needing no wanting book two like ASAP!

[Ana Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started to read this book I was super nervous and excited. I've read the prequel, Rich Man's Toy and you must read it first. It will enlighten your mind for what's about to come.
Fawn Bailey is the queen of darkness. Her books will grab your attention from the first page and you will only put it down once the book is over. Trust me.
Dark Castle continues to tell Olivier and Amber's stories.
These two met in a party, given in Amber's name and the chemistry they shared.... Oh boy...
After that, months had passed until the day AMber recieved an invitation...
I'm stunned. I'm speechless... Dayum this book... And I'm mad... Mad because it's over and the thought of having to wait too long to get the next book... Ugh... I need it. And fast.
Superb plot, very well written, super engaging and detailed. Each chapter made me feel like I was going to pass out. The intensity of each scene were to much to bare.
There were parts of the book that I wanted to slap someone. Jesus... There are people out there that have the need to hurt someone. But there were others that I needed some cold showers... Jeez. The hot stuff is... Dayum.
I'm eagerly waiting for the next book because I know it will be out of this world.
Fawn... Dayum girl... What are you doing to us???
I'm having trouble deciding if I'm team Olivier or team Bruno... Who will I choose??
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Scarlett Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fawn Bailey has done it again!! Amber is honored to be included in the court competing for Olivier’s hand in marriage. They connected before and spent an amazing time together - which ended in Olivier taking Amber’s virginity. So Amber is confused why she has to compete for his hand; didn’t he feel the connection like she did? She thought they loved each other and would end up together. And so begins the task of proving she deserves to be competing against 12 other royal, and dignified women for the hand of the crown prince.

This book without question ends on a cliff hanger - which I personally cannot stand because I am about the most impatient person I’ve ever known. However, I am willing to overlook the cliffhangers that come because this author is amazing at how she ends her books. She brings us to the edge of our seat, keeps us there for pages & chapters until we are so sure we have our conclusion figured out, and then all of a sudden - curve ball! Olivier and Amber are coming together beautifully throughout this competition despite any opposition from the other women; both the Hero & heroine had me so certain I knew what was going to happen. But what actually happens is unexpected on many levels. Nothing is at it seems for these royals and I can not wait to see what comes next for Amber, Olivier and company!

**4 Stars - I voluntarily reviewed an Advance reader copy of this book.

[Linda Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes when you start reading a book you can instantly tell it's going to be a good story and the deeper you get into it you know you've only just scratched the surface.
Dark Castle is a fantastic 4.5 star story that just keeps on giving.
It had me mesmerized from the beginning and I read it all in one go.
Amber and Olivier have a chemical reaction that's ingrained into their souls
There's an invisible thread holding them together and a lust that craves the other.
That ending was definitely worth the wait and what a fantastic cliffhanger.
I'm not usually a fan of cliffies but that was the perfect place to halt the story.
I'm loving Bruno nearly as much as Olivier and I can't wait to find out where their story is taking us.
This story is fast paced,exceptionally well written and pulls you in to their story from the very beginning.
I'm absolutely loving this series and I highly recommend you one click it as soon as you can.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun different??! at times you can sort of feel like a lot of reads from the same author are kind of similar and u feel u need to step away for a bit and just let them figure it all out and come back later ... u know??! i saw that Isabella Starling had a new writer name ...no clue how that happens or how they decide on Fawn Bailey but I was curious??! cliffhangers ... are they an end all be all for you? not me ... i don't let it affect my thoughts ... i might wait a while to return but usually do. wish i could tell you how these 2 folks differ ...i know they are the same person ...but it is fun to see a bit of a change? maybe??!

[Samantha J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Castle tells part 1 of the story of Olivier and Amber. In this book we meet the characters once again, they first made an appearance in a previous book but this trilogy can be read as a stand alone. Amber is part of a group vying for Prince Olivier's hand. Olivier is only going through with the competition due to a promise he has made. We also meet Olivier's family, the Queen and Bruno (his brother). I loved the characters and the plot and cannot wait for the second book to see where the journey takes Amber and Olivier and his family.

[Book-Lovin-Momma · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I hope you've read the prequel to this, Rich Man's Toy. It will make some things a little clearer. This book does take on similarities to the reality game The Bachelor, royalty style. Olivier and Bruno both had bad boy written all over them, and I had a hard time trying to figure out if one was so much better than the other. In the end, I still couldn't decide, as this book ended on a huge cliffhanger! It wasn't really dark, but it was a little twisted, leaving you to decide how you see Amber's fate happening! Prepare to be surprised!

[Paula D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I love my dark romances and this one definitely is amazing. It’s a page turner, hair pulling, nail bitting intense as hell book! It’s basically everything I love in a dark romance. I can’t wait till the next book because this one left me with my mouth hanging open and I’m dying to know what happens next! (No spoilers) just read it you will love it 😈 5/5 stars

[Ola Adamska · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Dark Castle" The Selection meets 50 shades of Gray. Girls that read a story about America and Maxon are now big, and they are so ready for the ADULT version. So be ready for Oliver and Amber. Their story is a page-turner and twists are coming from every way you can imagine! Yes - be prepared for everything that can be out of your mind.
This book is HOT and will play with your mind to the core. Oliver is a man that wants Amber to submit to his demands which is making me weak for his own charm/power. Yep - he is a great book boyfriend material (on the hot and dark shelf). Amber is the twenty-year-old girl that comes from not so good background, but she will do whatever she can to change her fate. Meeting Oliver in the prequel had put some events in the motion.
Highly recommended for adults that love dark and sexy reads.

[Jenny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and the set up for what is going on. I think the author did a great job developing the story line and the characters and holy heat!!!! This book is a great set up laying all the pieces out for us and I cannot wait to see what she is going to throw our way next.

There truly is so little to be said in a review without giving anything way but it is definitely a great read and I devoured this book in one sitting

[Profofbooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do yourself a favor—Skip this one. The h is extremely unlikeable. It was so hard to get through, and I gave up about 2/3 in. At first, I thought it was a good premise even though it does seem like “The Bachelor meets Beauty and the Beast.” The h is pathetic and almost impossible to connect with. The plot is painful—and that’s me being nice. The H is ok at first but really hated him too and not a good hate.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This author can write dark smut better than just about anyone out there. This was like a royal version of the Bachelor. I cannot wait for the next part because this was titilating erotica at its best and ended on a whopper of a cliffhanger.

[Melissa Ledet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot

This series is going to be so good and hot. Love all the twist and turns. I could not get enough of Amber, Olivier and Bruno.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one...wow. I also thought it was more taboo then dark. Can't wait for the next book to continue...I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book.

[Kathleen R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling

Amazing. Completely unexpected from start to finish. One of Fawn Bailey's best so far and can't wait for the next instalment. **full review to come soon**

[Pam Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait to read every book from this author is unbelievable
Great characters- intense storyline’s

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and to submit an honest review.

In Dark Castle, Thorn and Harlow hold a party in Amber's honor; she has lived with them after being rescued from a Dom who did nothing but viciously abuse her. Amber had admitted to Harlow that she wanted to belong to someone who would treat her as Thorn treated Harlow. What Amber did not realize was that Thorn arranged for gentlemen in attendance to bid for her. All present at the party were friends and associates of Thorn who were also Doms.

Prince Olivier won the bidding as he place a bid of two million dollars. Amber was his submissive for the evening. Initially, everyone witnessed Olivier and Amber together; later they spent the rest of the night together. Olivier told Amber they would not be together in the future as he had to return to his country to marry and assume the role of King for his country.

Amber was devastated for months after Olivier left and actually chose his country over her. Back in his country of Luxuria, Olivier could not forget about Amber as she was so different from any woman he ever met or spent time with. Before his father(King) passed away he told Olivier to marry whomever he wanted and not let his mother(Queen) force him into a marriage he did not want. Olivier did agree to follow the tradition to send invitations to women to come to Luxuria to compete to be his Princess to marry. As I read this, I immediately thought of the Bachelor reality show.

Olivier insisted that Amber receive an invitation in spite of his mother's insistence that a "commoner" should not be there. Olivier planned to pick Amber; however, she did need to participate in all the challenges arranged for all the women. Once Amber arrived and saw the other women, she felt she did not stand a chance of being chosen. She felt the only thing she had in her favor was that she gave her virginity to Olivier the night of the party.

The plot thickens as the challenges begin and Olivier changes the traditional selection process.

Dark Castle was a terrific read that I highly recommend

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

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber was NOT a princess. Her mother had taught her to 'Pretend she was a Princess so she could try to behave like one'. The only thing it did teach her was she WASN'T a Princess and would never be without a fortune behind her name. Her fears?
1 - The girls in her class who mocked her cheap shoes and torn uniforms
2 - The teachers being paid to advance other kids and took their anger out at the world out on her.
3 - The times when neither of her parents could find jobs
4 - What her father was capable of
All that boiled down to one thing to be afraid of - the lack of money because money could change everything.
In many ways, she was more naïve now than she was at nine. She had no idea what lay in store for her in the unknown country where she would go up against twelve other girls for the ultimate prize - the man she loved and a crown to complement his. Convinced that money ruled the world, she forgot one important thing: All that glitters is not gold!
Olivier was the crowned Prince of Luxuria. His father had died of cancer four years ago leaving Olivier with few words filled with advice for the years to come. Most importantly, was his love for his son and how proud he was of him, words Olivier was more than relieved to hear. The second was to hold up the traditions of Luxuria, especially in the choosing ceremony of a wife. Reminding his son that traditions were important, but when it came to love and a wife, he wanted his son to pick for himself, not to let his mother meddle in matters of the heart. But the choosing was a group of traditionally twelve women, Princess, Heiresses and Scholars vying for the Prince's attention when it came to being chose. This time, there were thirteen in the running. He had made sure to choose the one his heart wanted but is it just a game and would she even make it through the trials and treachery of the court? I didn't see this coming and neither will you!

[Amy Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Castle is a dark romance centered around royalty. Prince Olivier must choose a princess in order to ascend to his position as king. In the prequel to Dark Castle, Olivier encounters Amber and consumes her, taking her virginity. In Dark Castle, he has positioned it that Amber is a contestant in his Hunger Games-style contest to choose his future queen. Amber must compete against some of the wealthiest and royal contestants in the world. However, Olivier makes it quite clear that Amber is his choice, but he is honoring the crown's traditions by engaging in this competition. The story ends with a cliffhanger which will pick up in Wicked Prince, and the end of this story is shocking.

This story is dark. Fawn Bailey commented that she was seeking to write something that would give her butterflies. And this story does that WELL. I found myself reading a chapter or two and taking a break. Partly, this had to do with Olivier. Holy crap! He is evil. He would wax poetic about Amber as his choice, but in the next breath, he would comment on the beauty of the other contestants. The other reason I had to take breaks is Olivier's relationship with Amber. It is dark, erotic, and out of control (that's my opinion). These two aspects of the novel kept my stomach feeling like I was on a roller-coaster. I'd like to think that makes Bailey happy...and it made for a compelling read. I was torn between not wanting to put it down and feeling anxious about Olivier's treatment of Amber.

I can't wait to read Wicked Prince. That cliffhanger left me on the edge of my seat, and I am hoping there might be some kind of happily-ever-after. Maybe...

[Samantha Love HEA Romance Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT. THE. BEEEEPPPPPP!!!!! No no no no no, it can not end there!! What a cliffhanger, what a book!!! This book is definitely one of my top 10 of the year! Fawn Bailey has hit this book so far out of the park that I can no longer see it!! This story is freaking amazing, I was so caught up in it that I didn’t want to put it down at all. Fawn created a world so real and vivid that I actually felt like I was there. Each character took on a life of their own and blew me away.

At first I was team Bruno, yes I know I hadn’t even read it yet but I always root for the underdog... But then I started reading and changed teams..... then changed again, and again, until the end where I am now sitting pretty on #TeamDarkPrinces. I can’t choose, I love them both! They are so broody and exciting.

I went into this book thinking I knew how it would go, but I must remember that with Fawn’s books, not everything is as it seems! You think you have it al figured out and then she slaps you with the twist of your life!!! It happened a number of times in this book and it just made it all the more amazing!!!! I don’t know how I am going to be able to go on with this book hangover, I am going to need more dark princes to help me through! The book is suspenseful, I was on the edge of my seat. And it WAS HOT HOT HOT, burning and melting my kindle, I had to get my oven mitts so I could hold my kindle to continue (ok obviously I didn’t but you get the idea haha) I need more and I CAN NOT WAIT until Fawn puts me out of my misery and releases Book 2 of this magnificent trilogy!

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance was like The Bachelor meets the royals. Prince Oliver has 13 beautiful women wanting his attention and winning him. He already has his eyes on one and it isn't a secret as to whom he wants.
Amber isn't the same as the rest of the women. She doesn't come from money or have any kind of ties to royalty. She's a commoner and add her not pretty past, she becomes an outcast. On top, she's not well like because she is Oliver's favorite. Amber doesn't have it easy, but she's determined to prove she has the right to be there and win the competition. However, she she didn't only catch Oliver's eye, but also his brother's.
Dark Castle has drama, rivalry, and secrets/twists... Oh some dark, delicious secrets. Some things I saw coming while others took me by surprise. Though, there were a couple of details that contradict. It may be because there wasn't enough information given and made things unclear. Also there were scenes that I felt were out of place. I tried to figure out how it could fit in the story or for a reason. The only one I came up with was to keep the secrets hidden and have the reader guessing.
The challenges were somewhat unconventional. I enjoyed them. I can't wait to see what the other ones will be and what's in store for Amber. It seems like things are about to get a lot kinkier. More of Oliver and Bruno, please. These two are intriguing and mysterious.

4-4.5 stars

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 1 in a trilogy and it is a spin off of the Rose and Thorn series where we first met Amber and Oliver. I was a bit on the fence with Amber and Oliver when we first met them and I’m not sure I am loving their story. I’m not a Bachelor fan which is a problem since this book is basically a parody of the Bachelor. Prince Oliver must find his bride and in tradition he has requested 12 high class women and 1 commoner to compete for the role. There isn’t really a connection between the two that we can consistently feel. It feels a bit like Oliver has multiple personality disorder….when he is alone with Amber he reassures her, and his thoughts are that she is the one, but he is going along with this charade that is tradition. A few petty things that really bother me are that her name is Amber Jonathan (which is a bizarre last name) and the land he will rule over is called Luxuria?!?!

Overall, I couldn’t really connect with them as a couple and the book didn’t reflect the blurb. I didn’t really get the dark vibe and although Bruno expressed an interest in her I wouldn’t say that he was going to stop at nothing to put an heir in her. lol

Hero 4 | Heroine 4 | Plot 3 | Writing Style 3 | Steam 4 | Romance 3 | Angst-Suspense 3 | Darkness 2 | Humor 1 | Secondary Characters 3 | Drama-Conflict 4 | Mystery 3 | Twists 4 | Action 2 | Pacing Steady |
Dual POV | MF | Bachelor | Royals | Twists and Turns | Part of a series | Overall 3.5 Stars
#MSBB

[Lisa Marie ~ Words We Love By · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Amber who goes to Luxurian determined to win the place of Prince Olivier Bellamy's wife. She must compete against 12 other women in a royal "The Bachelorette" for the position. Amber already knows Olivier (having meet in a previous book) and is the obvious front runner. The story revolves around "challenges" with the other women and palace intrigue and machinations with Olivier's half brother, Bruno and the queen mother.

My main problem with this book is that if reads like two different stories were put together. The beginning is all about Olivier and Amber. How the interact and what they share. Amber is a character way out of her depth which didn't let me connected with her. Olivier goes between appearing to want Amber to win in their interaction but then uncaring of her in his inner monologues. Its never really clear which way it's going to go.

The second part, which is really only the last few chapters, is the turmoil between Bruno and Olivier with Amber being the bone they fight over. There is a twist, which comes out of nowhere, and makes little sense when put against the rest of the story.

The story just needed a more consistency of flow and character for me.

[Anakalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent created fairy tale with very detailed and exquisitly described settings and locations, so well created that I could picture it all vividly in font of me while reading…

The story seems to be mostly like a modern fairy tale but sometimes it turns into a nightmare for a common girl like Amber who competes against the rich, well educated and beautiful girls and princesses in the competition of her life, her only chance to save her family from further poverty, and to conquer her dream prince, Prince Olivier…

The first installment of the Dazzling Court series is deliciously wicked, dark and twisted like hell, full of intrigues, ending on a cliffhanger you are going to hate Ms. Bailey for, and that is promissing so much more wickedness and darkness…
All characters, main and side, are sparkling personalities, each with their own edges and characteristics, real distinctive individuals. And the plot… do not get me started on THIS plot…
I never knew one single mind could create so much deviousness and filth….

Wow, just WOW!
Now I am impatiously waiting for the next book in this series, Wicked Prince!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the prequel, my thoughts were that this series looked very promising. Book one delivers on the promise of being a series to capture your attention and not let you go. Prince Oliver is tasked with finding a wife. In "The Bachelor" fashion, there are 13 women vying for Prince Oliver's attention. Instead of roses, non eliminated ladies are given a stone to add to the collar they must wear around their necks. Early on it is clear, to anyone who can see, that he only has eyes for Amber. It's also clear that Amber is considered bottom-of-the-barrel trash by Oliver's mother, the Queen. Will they be able to survive the Queen's obvious distaste for Amber, the other girls' cattiness, and a royal subject named Bruno? There are a few twists throughout, but the one at the end was a real doozy. Right after that last twist was revealed, the book ended.... on a cliffhanger. Be forewarned, you'll be itching for more. I just finished and am already craving the next book!
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is my honest review.*