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Darker Places #3
Dethroned
I Followed him. Watched him. Stalked him. As a detective, it was my job. Jake Cryson was the best lead I had to getting information on the trafficking ring I'd been trying to bring down for the past year. He was the key. I could feel it in my bones.
But I got caught...
...And now he has me.
My name is Detective Laila Ashby, and this is only the beginning of my story.
Dethroned is the third book in the interconnected standalone series Darker Places. It is part one of Jake and Laila’s story and DOES end on a CLIFFHANGER. The story picks back up in Demolished. Although helpful, It is not essential to have read the prior books in the series.This book is a dark romance, and thus contains dark subject matter. Reader discretion is advised.
But I got caught...
...And now he has me.
My name is Detective Laila Ashby, and this is only the beginning of my story.
Dethroned is the third book in the interconnected standalone series Darker Places. It is part one of Jake and Laila’s story and DOES end on a CLIFFHANGER. The story picks back up in Demolished. Although helpful, It is not essential to have read the prior books in the series.This book is a dark romance, and thus contains dark subject matter. Reader discretion is advised.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2019
92 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 26, 2024
Book 1 ==> 5 STARS!
Book 2 ==> 5 STARS!
This duet turned out to suit my recent dark mood perfectly! One of the better captor/captive stories I've read in a long time. Not for the faint of heart😈
Book 2 ==> 5 STARS!
This duet turned out to suit my recent dark mood perfectly! One of the better captor/captive stories I've read in a long time. Not for the faint of heart😈
March 12, 2020
Reviewed by PussnBooks.net
Review by Puss’n’Books. Reviewing the darkest, most erotic and taboo books we can find. Click HERE for your next disturbingly sexy read.
I sooo enjoyed this book!
I wasn’t sure if it was going to float my boat because I usually have a thing against detective novels. I have no idea why...maybe I read too many of them as a teenager.
Anyway, this one was so good and it wasn’t all sherlock holmes-y if you know what I mean?
Yes there is a detective and yes she was working a case but it wasn’t all about following clues and trying to figure out ‘who dunnit’.
It was hot and gripping and pulled me right in.
LIALA
So this chick is a rookie detective and she’s good but she gets the piss ripped right oot her (teased and/or mostly ignored) by the men in the profession.
Mhmm, it’s some ‘boys club’ bullshit.
Yup, these assholes just don’t respect her at all. They are extremely condescending and it got me glaring at them whenever they acted like pricks.
Yes, I know they can’t actually see me but I don’t care. I’m gonny glare at them anyway.
So she’s working ten times as hard as these other arseholes on bringing down a slave trafficking ring and it leads her to the brother of the main suspect, Jake.
When she first meets him she’s kinda shocked at the effect this smexy man has on her.
I mean, she’s meant to hate him on principle but there’s something about him that most definitely has her knickers moist (Yes I did just use that horrible word).
She ends up becoming his captive when he finds out who she really is and that’s where the real fun begins.
He’s arrogant AF so she really wants to hate him but...she can’t help but be turned on by him even though she knows he’s playing mind games and will most likely kill her when he knows the name of the moles in his organisation.
JAKE
This dude is very self-assured and is not used to women turning him down.
So, when Liala does it he’s annoyed but curious.
When he finds out who she really is and kidnaps her. His plan is to get the information he needs and then dispose of her.
However, the more time he spends with her, the harder it is to remain indifferent.
She gets under his skin big time and the sexual chemistry between them is so hot!
He’s in a really sticky situation though.
He’s not the one in charge anymore and Draven (arsehole new boss appointed by daddy) wants this girl dead.
And soon.
He can’t afford to be seen liking her because his own life is at risk here. The last thing he needs is to start catching some feels for this woman but...well, you can guess, lol.
SEX SCENES
I feel like it took forever for them to fuck!
But because of that, it was so much better and explosive.
I was like “Finally!”...as I reached into my bedside drawer for my toys :-)
"Say it, Laila." Despite my restraint, I yanked my shirt over my head and unbuttoned my jeans. My hands shook with need, and I swore I was about to explode. I shoved my pants down, and my boxers along with them. Two words. That was all that stood in the way of everything I needed right now. Two fucking words. I gripped my cock in my hand and stroked. "Come on, Laila. Just say it." A small cry erupted in the silent space, but then the two most incredible words came from between parted lips. "Fuck me." The light in the room seemed too bright as my pupils dilated and my hand froze on my dick. I pressed myself against Laila, lining up to her perfect pink pussy. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes before impaling her. Her muscles spasmed, rejecting the intrusion. My mouth fell open and what I thought would be a moan was more like a growl as it came from deep within my chest. I pushed in deeper, all the way to the hilt until my balls slapped against Laila’s ass. Laila whined beneath me, but she didn’t tell me to stop. She didn’t even tell me to be gentler, and I fucking adored her for it. I allowed her muscles to adjust before I eased out and sank back in, smearing her juices over me. A deep moan of relief and pleasure came from her. It sounded as if her body had been waiting for this her whole life, slowly building tension that she was finally able to release. But not just yet. I opened my eyes and peered down at my cock disappearing into Laila. It was mesmerizing, and mixed with the sounds of her pleasure and our sweat-slicked bodies colliding, my senses had never been more alive. I thrust harder as the moans she cried increased in volume. "Fuck," I grunted, picking up the pace. She wasn't the only one who'd been waiting for this. My eyes glued onto the toes that curled in the restraints, and I jerked back before she could get her release. Fuck that. I’d wanted this for too long, she’d come when I was ready. I eased in and out of her at a painfully slow pace, and she whimpered beneath me.
Final Thoughts on Dethroned by Nicole Cypher
I was worried that I wouldn’t understand some of the story due to me not reading the first two books in the series but I don’t think I missed too much. Some of the characters had a back story that would have been nice to know but it wasn’t essential. I was just curious. I will most definitely be reading the next in the series. I need to know what happens next!
4 Stars.
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May 6, 2019
This is already the third book in a series i’m growing to love more with each story.
And lucky me,i get to sit in a quiet corner,looking over Nicole’s shoulder as the stories unfold!
You remember Kevin Cryson? He got out,taking the love of his life with him to places unknown.
His brother Jake took over,and Laila is part of the team investigating the organisation.
She manages to find Jake and follows him in the hope he’ll lead her to the scene of their crimes...Only she’s discovered and only gets away from him by a hair. There’s a mole in Jake’s quarters and his father decides someone else will take charge. When Jake finds out who Laila really is,all bets are off. Once he has her in his hands,he’s sure he’ll have her confessing everything within a minute. Only,she doesn’t....Now,what’s a man to do with that? Be prepared for evil,brace for darkness,but most of all.....i have to warn you:this is the first part of a duet,so there ís a cliffhanger!
But i am ready to hurt,ready to wait. Because this story? It’s good! It really is.
And lucky me,i get to sit in a quiet corner,looking over Nicole’s shoulder as the stories unfold!
You remember Kevin Cryson? He got out,taking the love of his life with him to places unknown.
His brother Jake took over,and Laila is part of the team investigating the organisation.
She manages to find Jake and follows him in the hope he’ll lead her to the scene of their crimes...Only she’s discovered and only gets away from him by a hair. There’s a mole in Jake’s quarters and his father decides someone else will take charge. When Jake finds out who Laila really is,all bets are off. Once he has her in his hands,he’s sure he’ll have her confessing everything within a minute. Only,she doesn’t....Now,what’s a man to do with that? Be prepared for evil,brace for darkness,but most of all.....i have to warn you:this is the first part of a duet,so there ís a cliffhanger!
But i am ready to hurt,ready to wait. Because this story? It’s good! It really is.
Want to read
October 9, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/10/2020)! 🎁
May 25, 2019
And the saga continues!! Intense and exciting!! Can’t wait for the next installment!!!
March 2, 2020
This is a really good book it gets to you right from the start and you don't want to put it down! The beginning is amazing – what happened in the past. Who is vera and what will be of the baby – it was s o tense and then – bang – you find out and he turned to be a man who takes after his father – in business and in life
he is unpredictable, ruthless, cut he is also charismatic, hot, and he has unique taste in sex.
He takes after his father but does he has his mother's heart.
Laila is a rookie detective with years of experience in law enforcement. She is bold, resourceful, persistent, a loner, stubborn, and knows how to keep her mouth shut.
Jacob is under much pressure, he has his ruthless father watching him, a brother that disappeared leaving a mess behind and a cruel business partner that can't wait for him to fail but once he gets Laila knows who is the mole in his organization he has to get the information or both their lives are in danger.
Laila finds herself locked in a mansion, tortures but drawn to her captor and getting mixed signals from her body.
Loved both characters. The interaction between them is hot!!!!
This was real tense reading – who is the mole, where do loyalties lies and, how do you survive physical torture and mental games – which of them is better at it? Can Laila both lie and give him what he needs? Can she escape? Can she find a way to his heart and what does she do with hers?
Can't wait to read the second part of the duet.
# this book contains some BDSM and some difficult descriptions.
This is the first book by NC that I have read but this duet won't my my last – received an ARC copy for review
July 19, 2022
This is the 3rd book in the series and it isn’t necessary to read previous books, however I do recommend reading them in order for best enjoyment. Laila is a detective and to learn about a trafficking ring she goes undercover but is caught by Jake. Jake’s father isn’t happy with his performance and he has a mole and Laila to deal with. Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and twists and turns. Great characters with intense chemistry. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it.
March 14, 2020
I'm not even sure how to do this review, because there's so much dark goodness that I want to tell all, but then I would ruin all that dark goodness if I did. Decisions decisions. Just kidding, there's no decision because I'll never tell! Basically, Detective Laila Ashby is a rookie, but has a case having to do with human trafficking, so you already know things will go sideways somehow. She's following Jake Cryson, the brother of the last leader in the organization that she's investigating, and it may or may not have been the best idea. See, he does end up kidnapping her, and then it's on! The new leader in charge after Jake was demoted by his father, (SERIOUSLY?!) and they want her dead in short order after he finds out what she knows. There's just a little problem of the effect Laila has on Jake & vice versa. Cue the leveled up hotness factor. There are so many twists that I was completely delighted when able to drop f-bomb after f-bomb for fun! Oh, it does end up on a cliffy which has me dying inside, and I'm not sure how long I can wait before messaging threats to this insanely talented author! Anyway, it's time for y'all to have your minds blown by hitting that one click button, as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
March 13, 2020
Loved this exciting, dark story!!
Laila is a detective who is investigating a human trafficking ring and her lead suspect, Kevin Cryson, disappeared a year ago. She's been trying to find him through informants and anything else she can scrape up. She decides to start following Jake Cryson, Kevin's older brother. While that's going on Jake's father shows up and puts Dravin in charge since Jake is being investigated and can't figure out who is giving the police information. After being "dethroned" by his father, Jake is determined to get the informant by any means necessary even if that means kidnapping Laila. Once he has her he plans to do whatever it takes to get the information he needs, he just doesn't count on Laila being as tough and stubborn as she turns out to be. This is the first part of Laila and Jake's story and ends on a cliffhanger. Their story is continued in Demolished and I can't wait to read it!!! This is an excellent read and I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Laila is a detective who is investigating a human trafficking ring and her lead suspect, Kevin Cryson, disappeared a year ago. She's been trying to find him through informants and anything else she can scrape up. She decides to start following Jake Cryson, Kevin's older brother. While that's going on Jake's father shows up and puts Dravin in charge since Jake is being investigated and can't figure out who is giving the police information. After being "dethroned" by his father, Jake is determined to get the informant by any means necessary even if that means kidnapping Laila. Once he has her he plans to do whatever it takes to get the information he needs, he just doesn't count on Laila being as tough and stubborn as she turns out to be. This is the first part of Laila and Jake's story and ends on a cliffhanger. Their story is continued in Demolished and I can't wait to read it!!! This is an excellent read and I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2022
“I’d shown a part of myself I hadn’t intended to.”
Wow. Where do I begin? I guess I should start with the warning that this is a cliffhanger, part one of a duet. It absolutely leaves you dangling at the end. I normally avoid cliffhangers but I recently discovered Nicole and really liked her. Since the second part is already available and the story sounded interesting I decided to make an exception. I’m so glad I did. This story is incredible! It’s incredible because Jake is unbelievably amazing! He kept surprising me and each step of the way I was tense in anticipation for whatever came next.
Do not, I repeat, do NOT read any reviews with spoilers. This is absolutely not a pair of books you want to know anything about before you read them. That would very much ruin all the fun.
Off to read part two now. I’m not waiting even a day to find out what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow. Where do I begin? I guess I should start with the warning that this is a cliffhanger, part one of a duet. It absolutely leaves you dangling at the end. I normally avoid cliffhangers but I recently discovered Nicole and really liked her. Since the second part is already available and the story sounded interesting I decided to make an exception. I’m so glad I did. This story is incredible! It’s incredible because Jake is unbelievably amazing! He kept surprising me and each step of the way I was tense in anticipation for whatever came next.
Do not, I repeat, do NOT read any reviews with spoilers. This is absolutely not a pair of books you want to know anything about before you read them. That would very much ruin all the fun.
Off to read part two now. I’m not waiting even a day to find out what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2019
The author has already labeled this as ending on a cliffhangers, and it does so know that going in. It's also a standalone in an ongoing series but I'll tell you if you step into "Darker Places" with this volume you're definitely going to want to back up and see where the whole thing started.
That's where I am with this. I want to know more about the messed up world of the Cryson family.
This is heavier on the characters and concept than the erotic scenes. The antihero of "Dethroned" is definitely that--he's not a good person. There are some disturbing, triggering elements here---I'm personally at around mid-range tolerance for that and nothing drew the line for me with "Dethroned". The author uses a very deft hand with covering those topics.
TL/DR version: Be aware what you're getting with this story, but don't be scared off. It's a good tale.
That's where I am with this. I want to know more about the messed up world of the Cryson family.
This is heavier on the characters and concept than the erotic scenes. The antihero of "Dethroned" is definitely that--he's not a good person. There are some disturbing, triggering elements here---I'm personally at around mid-range tolerance for that and nothing drew the line for me with "Dethroned". The author uses a very deft hand with covering those topics.
TL/DR version: Be aware what you're getting with this story, but don't be scared off. It's a good tale.
March 4, 2020
Rookie Detective Laila is determined to bring down the Cryson empire. Jake has been a ghost until now. She was caught following him due to thugs who wanted to rape her. Jake saved Laila not knowing who she was.
Jake's father feels as though he isn't doing his job since Jake is being investigated and currently has a mole. Dravin is sent to overlook thinks which demotes Jake.
When Jake discovers Laila is a detective there is only one thing left to do.
Laila has been kidnapped by the very man she is investigating. Will she be tortured to give away her informants?
Even thoughit isn't necessary to read the first two books that are standalones I would recommend it. Dethroned does end in a cliffy. Demolished is the 4th book of Dark Places.
Jake's father feels as though he isn't doing his job since Jake is being investigated and currently has a mole. Dravin is sent to overlook thinks which demotes Jake.
When Jake discovers Laila is a detective there is only one thing left to do.
Laila has been kidnapped by the very man she is investigating. Will she be tortured to give away her informants?
Even thoughit isn't necessary to read the first two books that are standalones I would recommend it. Dethroned does end in a cliffy. Demolished is the 4th book of Dark Places.
March 11, 2020
Caution, there is a cliffhanger, but it's cool because the other book is already out and you will want to read it ASAP after finishing Dethroned. This is a DARK romance... there are all kinds of elements included in here that might be a trigger for some, but nothing over the limit for me. I really enjoyed delving into the story and am exited to check out the 2nd book and see how everything plays out!
All in all, if you are looking for a dark romance duet that will expose lies and deceit and have shocking turns for you-- read this book ASAP!! I highly recommend it and give it a 4.25 outta 5 stars!
PS: Thank you to Nicole Cypher and Give Me Books for allowing me an ARC of the book to read and review honestly.
All in all, if you are looking for a dark romance duet that will expose lies and deceit and have shocking turns for you-- read this book ASAP!! I highly recommend it and give it a 4.25 outta 5 stars!
PS: Thank you to Nicole Cypher and Give Me Books for allowing me an ARC of the book to read and review honestly.
July 16, 2022
This is book three in The Darker Places Series and it starts Jake and Laila's story. This series just gets better and better with each book that is written and it is dark, intense, dangerous, action packed, suspense, strong chemistry and twists and turns that you don't see coming but still should expect and it keeps you guessing and turning the pages and on the edge of your seat and then you get a cliff hanger ending that has you needing the next book to continue Jake and Laila's story to see what would happen next. I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will not be disappointed and I can't wait to read more book's by Nicole Cypher in the future.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
March 13, 2020
Title: Dethroned by Nicole Cypher
Genre: Enemies to lovers/ Dark Romance
About the book: Laila Ashby is a detective investigating a human trafficking ring case. She has finally made a break in the case but could she be in danger? Jacob Cryson had been business partners with his brother and now after his brother has run off must clean up the mess left in his wake. Will Laila ruin everything for him?
Review: The book was an easy read and I enjoyed the fast pace. I feel like the book left off at a good point for continuation. Jake and Laila are very interesting characters. The writing flows. I can't wait to read more.
Overall Rating (Out of 5 stars): 4.5
Genre: Enemies to lovers/ Dark Romance
About the book: Laila Ashby is a detective investigating a human trafficking ring case. She has finally made a break in the case but could she be in danger? Jacob Cryson had been business partners with his brother and now after his brother has run off must clean up the mess left in his wake. Will Laila ruin everything for him?
Review: The book was an easy read and I enjoyed the fast pace. I feel like the book left off at a good point for continuation. Jake and Laila are very interesting characters. The writing flows. I can't wait to read more.
Overall Rating (Out of 5 stars): 4.5
June 1, 2019
This book is the third in the series, although you don’t need to have read the previous 2 books I would suggest doing so as they are as brilliant as this one is! This one ends in a cliffhanger and I’m patiently awaiting the next book. The characters are great together and the story-line is interesting with lots of suspense and twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2019
This Series.....amazing!
The Darker Places series is one of the best I've read this year......but it's not for the faint of heart! It's dark but if you like a book that's right at the edge, you'll love these books! Getting ready to finish with Jake and Laila's story and I'm already dreading the biggest book hangover yet! I will be looking foward to more good reads from Ms. Cypher in the future.
The Darker Places series is one of the best I've read this year......but it's not for the faint of heart! It's dark but if you like a book that's right at the edge, you'll love these books! Getting ready to finish with Jake and Laila's story and I'm already dreading the biggest book hangover yet! I will be looking foward to more good reads from Ms. Cypher in the future.
July 2, 2019
Great series
Desired kept showing up in my recommended reads. I thought it just looked like smut. But the blurb said sex trafficking AND HEA, and that seemed so unlikely I decided i would just skim it to see how that was going to happen. I read all for books in24 hours. I'm not saying there aren't some key intense sex scenes, but this is not a smut bin.
This series needs read. It will leave you disturbed, shocked, and unsettled. There are definitely some triggering scenes
Desired kept showing up in my recommended reads. I thought it just looked like smut. But the blurb said sex trafficking AND HEA, and that seemed so unlikely I decided i would just skim it to see how that was going to happen. I read all for books in24 hours. I'm not saying there aren't some key intense sex scenes, but this is not a smut bin.
This series needs read. It will leave you disturbed, shocked, and unsettled. There are definitely some triggering scenes
March 13, 2020
Dethroned was dark, intense and emotional and will have you hooked from beginning to end. The storyline was suspenseful with twists and turns you won't see coming. It was fast-paced and will keep you at the edge of your seat. Jake and Leila had intense chemistry and I liked them together. Their story ends in a cliff hanger and I can't wait to see what happens next. I would recommend this novel to all lovers of dark romance.
August 11, 2025
I'm rating this one together with book 4 because book 3 is only the first part of the story, and I think it's unfair to rate them separately, when the complete story would be rated much higher. this book by itself would probably have been 2 stars bc the characters felt a bit flat and also really whiny to me. tbh I would have DNF-ed halfway through this one but I pushed myself to give it a chance, and I'm really, really glad I did bc book 4 made it all worth it.
May 23, 2019
This was such an exciting, well written, Stockholm Syndome story. The characters all felt like real people, and the storyline flowed along at a brisk pace. It ends in a cliffhanger, but it feels like a natural stopping point at least.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2019
Loved the book it was great, the characters were interesting Leila and Jake they are great together. The book was dark, emotional, exciting. It is a book to read.
Thank you for allowing me to review this book it was great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you for allowing me to review this book it was great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2019
So good !!
Jake and Leila are completely opposite, one is a sexy criminal and the other a beautiful Detective . One thing they have in common is that HOT CHEMISTRY for each other !! There’s so much intrigue and anticipation in this story and I’m so happy that their story continues to the next installment. I love this series
Jake and Leila are completely opposite, one is a sexy criminal and the other a beautiful Detective . One thing they have in common is that HOT CHEMISTRY for each other !! There’s so much intrigue and anticipation in this story and I’m so happy that their story continues to the next installment. I love this series
December 29, 2019
Loved it!!
In this story, the lead detective is looking into Jake, hoping to find some information for her case and put a stop to the human trafficking, but what she doesn’t realize is that it is larger than she thought, and she is not prepared for Jake, and of course it ends on a cliffhanger so I have to hurry and read what happens next !!
In this story, the lead detective is looking into Jake, hoping to find some information for her case and put a stop to the human trafficking, but what she doesn’t realize is that it is larger than she thought, and she is not prepared for Jake, and of course it ends on a cliffhanger so I have to hurry and read what happens next !!
June 25, 2022
She knew he was her best chance at getting to the bottom of the trafficking ring. One big problem is that he caught her and now she is in trouble. What will she do? Can she get away? Will she be able to escape? See if she can.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
July 18, 2022This book is a charmingly suspenseful page turner with wonderful characters that are heroically complex they're steaming romantic with some thrills along the way. The two main characters are complex even though from different worlds their explosive passion and love makes their connection perfect. Their explosive connection makes this book even more of an amazing read.
July 22, 2022
To be caught by a click of a heel. Your life as you know it forever changed because of a compulsion to find out who, what, why. Laila didn't understand the pandora's box she opened by following Jake. Welcome to the dark world of slaves, murder, intrigue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2019
Fantastic story. Great characters you can relate to. It does end in a cliffhanger so I can't wait to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2019
Riveting story Your interest will be held throughput
The entire story. You will want to cry, shout as you read the pages each page leaves you curious for what happens next. To be loved or not is the question you will find out when you read
The entire story. You will want to cry, shout as you read the pages each page leaves you curious for what happens next. To be loved or not is the question you will find out when you read
June 7, 2019
Loved Liala & Jake's story. Couldn't get enough. Wow. This one keeps you on the edge of your seat. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book via booksprout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews