Darke

by Saber Vale

If you want a broken girl, then break me...
She shouldn't have said it, but once she did, he couldn't get her out of his head, the sweet-faced farm girl, so innocent it was like a cliche.

Keller Darke is Hollywood royalty who can make or break a career with a phone call, and when Selma Thorne walks into his office, desperate and hungry, he knows he should leave her alone. She's not his type, too green, too innocent, she thinks she knows the score, but she really has no idea.

Something about her, though, is unforgeable, and those two little words, break me, ring in his ears like a challenge. She has no idea what he's getting into, has no idea how dark and brutal the world can really be, but maybe, if it's what she really wants, he can show her...

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2018

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Reviews

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ Deal with the Darke devil - A darkly tumultuous & delicious read ★

—>>> Freshly exported from an Indiana farm, Selma was personally warned away during her interview by the very man who could give her the big Hollywood break she needed, but this just renders her all the more desperate and determined to offer whatever this notorious producer Keller Darke wanted, even at the cost of selling her soul and her body to him.

“I’ll humiliate you, I’ll degrade you, I’ll push you to your limits, and then I’ll break them, I’ll make you forget who you ever were before.”

Keller did not rise to the top of his profession without learning a few things, and seeing this fresh-faced, naive girl in his office was a startling contrast to what this thoroughly depraved and jaded professional was used to. He followed his instincts to hire her as the leading lady for his latest film, experiencing almost immediate reservations at being involved with this girl in the first place. Soon, however, both Keller and Selma find themselves locked in a dark power exchange, him struggling to prove to himself she means nothing, and her unable to resist his dark pull, though her talents are clearly shining in her first breakout role. But true to herself and her word, she makes herself available to him, for she has made a deal with the Darke devil,
until he crosses a line which marks her soul, and she can no longer survive his ruthless and cold-hearted treatment of her heart. This was a darkly tumultuous and delicious read!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/27/2022)! 🎁

[Rachel Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story! I just really like Saber Vales writing in general.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book had lots of fun reading it. The characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline flowed smoothly from the beginning to the end.

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

[Cathy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keller Darke, wealthy, jaded, and gorgeous Hollywood Producer. An only child of a wealthy father and wealthy mother. He grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa on a horse ranch, he still owns because his mother's parents were rich and were deceased. Keller's Mother died of cirrhosis of the liver for drinking too much. At a young age, I think 6, his father dragged him from his mom because she was getting to close to him and sent him to a private school in Switzerland. Father died in a hunting accident in the Congo. Keller produced films and so he was the one who cast the women or men in the movies. On the other hand their is our innocent farm girl Selma from Indiana. She is an only child, her parents own a farm which they might lose if she cannot make some money to send to them. Keller lets her read for him but he told her she was not the one for the part, because the girl he was trying to cast in the part was was jaded, broken and dark. She felt like that part was the type of part she could do. So he sent her on her way but he had plenty of women to read but no one fit the bill except he kept coming back to Selma. He eventually relents and gives her the part. Her agent Gary tells her and she can't believe it and she had to meet with Keller Darke before the movie began production. They do the movie and it seems the movie is a hit but she had an off and on again relationship of sorts with Keller and problem was that she was falling in love with him but he was trying hard not to voice his feelings for her because of what happened with his parents. He felt that loving someone brings pain. Anyways they go all the way to the Cannes film festival and the movie is a hit and she does get a happily ever after but you have to read the story to see how she gets to the happily ever after. I enjoyed this story.

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

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling, steamy dark romance with potential triggers of non-con, abuse and humiliation
If you like dark romance, get this book. I LOVED it although for some it could be a problem. Having said that, it is definitely worth reading…
Naïve and mid-western farm girl, Selma is an aspiring actress who has come to LA to make it big and to send money home to her parents who might lose the farm in Indiana. At an interview with one of the biggest producers in town, Keller Darke, she begs for the opportunity to be in his latest movie. She goes so far as to compromise her mid-western values to get this job. She gets the part but there are strings…
Self-proclaimed destroyer of young women, Keller Darke, 42yo likes the innocent fresh-faced look of Selma but something prevents him from offering her the part until…”he breaks her, ruins her, makes her jaded.” Darke’s specialty is having a bevy of ruined girls at his disposal but he didn’t expect a naïve little farm girl to be his ruin. The ending brought tears to my eyes when he finds what he didn’t know he needed.
Oh. My. Word…this is one exceptional steamy but very dark romance. If this is not your thing, don’t get it and then give it a bad review. You’ve been warned. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Booksprout and it comes highly recommended to lovers of this genre.

[Candace N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darke tells a story about a naive struggling actress with a strong determination to stay true to herself in the overwhelming movie industry. The book quickly introduces the male lead character as the man who offers her a breakout role. Unfortunately, he may also break her spirit through their intensifying attraction while they work together.

There are many ways this story will keep the reader engaged to the end. Along with the strength and perseverance of the Heroin, the male lead is equal parts antagonist and hero. I continued to route for the heroin through her journey of self discovery. She represents hopeful dreamers trying to make a career in a still superficial industry that can crush people. The antagonist Hero is charming and easy to loathe; yet, he shows a sense of humanity that he keeps deeply hidden. Their chemistry brings heat while presenting the individual struggles they have as their romance develops.

I could not rate the book with the full fives stars because the version of the book I received needed much more revision and editing.

Overall, I recommend this romance to readers who are interested in imagining a character successfully navigate the darker side of the Hollywood.

I received an ARC version of this book for my honest opinion of this tale.

[Shannon Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was one I was unable to read through in one sitting. I had to put it aside and come back to it. Darke is a very dark romance story. There are several triggers that could make some readers very uncomfortable.

We have our innocent farm girl get corrupted. Not just physically and sexually but emotionally as well. She goes to the big city with her dreams of becoming the next “It Girl” actress and meets a producer with all the right connections. Of course he needs someone more jaded so she offers herself up to be broken. You can probably fill in the rest from there.

I enjoyed the many layers to Darke’s character. He’s very damaged himself and it makes him jaded. It takes quite a bit to get him to admit he’s getting real feelings and things are not as straightforward as normal. Watching him fall makes the read worthwhile.

I received an advanced copy of this book through BookSprout and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darke by Saber Vale is, quite simply, an exquisitely torturous, breath-taking, seductive story of Keller and Selma. He is a ruthless Hollywood producer with no room in his life for feelings or relationships. Selma is an innocent, trying to make in the cutthroat Hollywood scene. He hires her for his next picture. The result is a dizzying back and forth relationship that neither of them can quite grasp. It’s heartachingly touching, harsh, and romantic all at the same time.

Wow!!!! Everything I read from Saber Vale just gets better and better!!!!! I can hardly wait for the next one!!! These stories make you FEEL every wretched, angsty, sizzling moment and you ache for the characters!!! I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!!!!!! 5+++++++ Stars!!!!

I am volunteering to leave a review for an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

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

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darke is dark

This was my first read of Saber Vale’s work, and I found the story a little dark and disturbing. However, I was also intrigued by it, and found it surprisingly passionate too.

Selma Thorne is naïve and innocent, but also a very talented actress, even if she doesn’t quite believe it herself. She walks into Keller Darke’s office, and really has absolutely no idea what she’s in for.

He is by nature very controlling, but she likes that. What danger is she getting herself into? Can this unlikely pairing develop into something more? It’s an emotional journey for both of them.

It did take me a little while to get into it, but I did enjoy this book. I’m also looking forward to reading more of this author’s books.

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

[Maxine Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading this author book and I really enjoyed it.
Selma virgin from Indiana goes to Hollywood to become a actress and help her parents keep there farm.
Keller Darke was a movie executive.selma didn’t get the part but would anything.Keller then gave her the part but she was at his beck and call when/where he wants her and he could anything to her.While reading the book you can see the chemistry between them
There is a little bdsm and steamy sex scenes though out the box.while reading you the changes in keller from hard man to caring.
Also while reading you learn about both there life’s which is good and explains how keller turned out the way he is.
The story great and takes you on a journey with them both.will it b a happy ending you have to read the book to find out.

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

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selma is a Indiana farm girl who despite warnings tries out for a role with producer Keller Darke. She needs this role for her big break and to save the family farm and she is willing to be at the mercy of the dark Keller to get it.
Keller is the opposite of Selma in so many ways raised in a tumultuous family and shed little love. He is jaded by life and the business. As he breaks Selma he is drawn to her but tries to deny his feelings.
She is light and he is dark and when his darkness pushes her too far despite her love will he be able get her back.
Amazing book. The storyline was original and the characters had such depth. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.

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

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only read this book to the end because I had gotten an ARC of it. It was full of spelling and continuity errors that I understand in a book that is not from a publisher but there were so many. Worse than that the characters were not even believable. Darke is suppose to be a big time Hollywood producer that sleeps with and discards women. He just comes across as a whiny abusive child. The erotic scenes are boring and short. I can’t believe that this is the same author who wrote “The Last Baron” which I read last year and really enjoyed.

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

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darke is a compelling read which explores the relationship between Keller Darke, a Hollywood producer, and Selma Thorne, an innocent actress new to Hollywood from Indiana who seeks to obtain financial success to help her parents keep their farm. Darke and Selma are extreme opposites financially, emotionally, and experientially, but are drawn to one another. I highly recommend this addictive read with fascinating characters and an intriguing plot with unexpected twists and turns, sizzling chemistry, and a dark twisted romance.

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

[Lorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reading..

The author does a great job showing the characters emotion and realism. I can feel the frustration of the heroine of loving the h but yet being mistreated. I gave this a three since I didn't like how the h brought another girl in her presence to give him a BJ. Then, it was just ignored and the heroine put up with it.

I don't care for how the female character was weak and still slept with him after the humiliation. I ended up skipping pages being fed up with the h treatment of the heroine. I liked SV writing style and the way she blends a story with steamy sexy scenes but not make it gross.

[Tinna Edna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selma is a struggling actress who needs money to help save the family farm. Kellar is a wealthy Hollywood producer who had a unhappy child hood which had made him closed off when it comes to romance. When Selma first auditions for Kellar she does not get the part but when he struggles to find a suitable person he decides to give the part to Selma and the movie is a success. Selma falls for Kellar and he seems to feel the same but is unable to voice it. Cans he break through his emotional obstacles to find their HEA?

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

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keller Darke refused to love after watching his mom drink herself to death. Keller and Selma come from similar backgrounds but couldn't be more different in how they view life. Selma is willing to sacrifice for love, Keller isn't. Keller tries to break Selma but she only loves him until it hurts too much. Finally her love breaks Keller from the rules he set for his life. Well written, steamy, and a HEA.

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

[Linda Foley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disturbing but addictive
This story of an innocent virgin trying to break into Hollywood movies is predictable but written in a way that you care about the main characters. A young woman meets the stereotype producer (Me Too- beware of triggers) who is a cade, arrogant, and someone who isn't beyond a "taste" of the talent. He is concerned about destroying the innocence of an actress whose very essence is what draws him to her. Read to find out more. I just wish the writer had taken time to develop the story without the "this is Hollywood" cliches.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selma had gone to Hollywood to make a success of acting, but her quest became more urgent after her father was injured on the family farm. Now she has to make money to stop the family losing the farm. She goes to a casting meeting with Keller Darke, a man with a reputation of having specific tastes and a predilection for pain. Darke tells her that she is too innocent, and that she should avoid him. Selma gets the part, and starts to build a relationship with Darke. What is going to happen?

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

[Holly McLellan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely a twisted romance, if you’re looking for heart & flowers you’re in the wrong place.

On the other hand, if you want sex scenes designed to make your toes curl.... read on!

Dark from page 1, you won’t fall in love with Keller, & it’s hard to believe an ‘innocent, naive virgin’ would take to his kinks so quickly, but it’s certainly not vanilla!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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

[Suzanne Kinsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needs work

Wow, the writing really needs work. The story was dull the female lead was the most boring character I ever read, I can’t imagine anyone falling in love with her. She barely had any dialogue and when she did it made no sense, I seriously mean that her responses didn’t make sense! For examine , the guy says “she’s a terrible actress and I’ve never dated her” and the girl responds “yeah thats nice”
what??? This writer needs an editor!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and I don’t usually like Hollywood based books. Keller was very much an anti-hero and although he knew what he was, Selma made him want to do the right thing. Selma was the sweet innocent ready to be consumed by the industry and although she became jaded, she was still the same principled girl she had always has been. This is a love story albeit an unconventional one and the author does a good job of portraying an industry with all its warts.

[Bella Gwynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

After all the “me too” movement, there were aspects of this story that were disturbing, but this is a fantasy, and Selma finds that she likes being treated badly by Darke. Her career takes off, not because she’s Darke’s lover but because of her outstanding acting talent. This story is passionate, hot and moving.

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

[Carol smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This estory certainly has a good title. Darke is a man who brings such gloomy opinions and cynical attitudes to his own life. Then in walks an innocent young woman who ignites a fire in him and he has to figure himself out. She, being young, innocent, and naive, accepts who she sees and enjoys his company. This is a very dark, hot, steamy, explicit, sexy romance

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

[Catherine Edgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people think that space is the last frontier while some believe it is the depths within our ocean. I proposed a different area ... our heart. It is filled with mysteries that we ourselves don't understand. Add on defense mechanism that tries to protect and bind spots we refuse to see and admit, and it becomes a dangerous jungle of the unknown. My evidence? This very book.

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

[Barbara Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naive farm girl.

A naive but talented determined farm girl goes to Hollywood to seek a way to help her parents at the same time tries to fulfill her dreams. She was repeatedly warned Keller Drake, a powerful Hollywood Executive, would "break her, ruin her", but Selma had other ideas. A good, fast, no thinking required book.

[Biba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Selma came to LA to fulfil her dreams of being an actress. She also needed to make money to save her parents farm. Unfortunately as the Hollywood story goes, she has not been lucky until she went for an audition of Keller Darke’s movie.

He was going to turn a good girl into a very bad girl

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

[Theresa Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selma an actress with no real experience is sent to Kellen Darke for an audition he says no shes not broken and he only uses broken girls for his needs, so she bites the bullet and tell him to break her, he doesn't need a second invitation. Intense dark and the Hollywood dream that will heat you up.

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

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Saber Vale; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

How could he keep up with her. She is pure and he is the devil. When they mix things blow up. If it wasn’t for his hunger, he would have never started to love again. #DARKE #NotAWhore

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