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Famiglia #1
Dark Desire
Klara
Everyone always says love will find you when you’re not looking. Well, they’re not wrong. Except, the man my heart stupidly fell for was more interested in playing his own twisted game of catch and release. Claiming me for himself, then pushing me away when I got too close, but there was an aura of darkness clouded around him.
A darkness that beckoned to me.
A darkness I was grateful for when those he thought he could trust ripped me away in the middle of the night to be a pawn in their own sick, twisted game.
Braxton
She was supposed to be an itch I needed to scratch. That red dress and those pale blue eyes called to me like a siren. In my line of work falling in love is dangerous.
“I believe there’s good in you, Brax,” she had said.
“Baby, I’m the thing monsters are afraid of,” I warned her.
I pushed her away, thinking she would be safe from this fucked up life I lead.
I couldn’t’ve been more wrong.
My enemies smelled fresh blood. They knew if they wanted to take me down, they had to get to her. But it wasn’t my enemies I had to worry about. No, the threat was a lot closer than I thought. It shouldn’t have surprised me. After all, the devil was once an angel.
Klara was my light out of this hell, and now she was in danger of being snuffed out. But not if I could help it.
They should’ve thought twice before taking what belongs to me. Now, I’m out for blood, and I’m not stopping until my concrete floor runs red.
*Only suitable for 18+
Everyone always says love will find you when you’re not looking. Well, they’re not wrong. Except, the man my heart stupidly fell for was more interested in playing his own twisted game of catch and release. Claiming me for himself, then pushing me away when I got too close, but there was an aura of darkness clouded around him.
A darkness that beckoned to me.
A darkness I was grateful for when those he thought he could trust ripped me away in the middle of the night to be a pawn in their own sick, twisted game.
Braxton
She was supposed to be an itch I needed to scratch. That red dress and those pale blue eyes called to me like a siren. In my line of work falling in love is dangerous.
“I believe there’s good in you, Brax,” she had said.
“Baby, I’m the thing monsters are afraid of,” I warned her.
I pushed her away, thinking she would be safe from this fucked up life I lead.
I couldn’t’ve been more wrong.
My enemies smelled fresh blood. They knew if they wanted to take me down, they had to get to her. But it wasn’t my enemies I had to worry about. No, the threat was a lot closer than I thought. It shouldn’t have surprised me. After all, the devil was once an angel.
Klara was my light out of this hell, and now she was in danger of being snuffed out. But not if I could help it.
They should’ve thought twice before taking what belongs to me. Now, I’m out for blood, and I’m not stopping until my concrete floor runs red.
*Only suitable for 18+
149 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2020
96 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Daniels
24 books109 followersAndrea lives in BC, Canada. When she's not writing she's reading or you can find her at her day job. She loves coffee, spending the day at the beach, and wine nights with her friends.
A.J. Daniels will be writing as Andréa Joy as of 2020.
A.J. Daniels will be writing as Andréa Joy as of 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 31, 2022
2.45 "unpopular opinion" Stars
Dark Desire is a mob, rejected h romance between college student Klara and Canadian mob boss Braxton De Luca. The blurb provides the plot of the book… Braxton and Klara meet/date… he pushes her away, and someone close to him takes her. That’s pretty much it.
There’re some editing/consistency issues, but what didn’t work for me was the tone of the book. There’re some serious concepts covered (rape, torture, sex trade) but it’s handled sort of silly, OTT with virgin kinky smut. It’s like what you’d get if you mixed old James Bond (Pussy Galore, Mata Bond-days) with 50 Shades of Grey, and Stephano DiMera from DOOL. So, you end up with
Bottom Line- Not for me, but I’m sick… and a bit grumpy. I also was expecting dark/gritty, so I wasn’t in the right mood. It’s free in the Kindle store, and the rest are part of KU.
Safety- Rape, not overly graphic but on page. (2x’s I believe). No emotional fallout or really addressed. h wants to have “rough, violent, release the monster” with a butt plug sex the next time she sees him.
The “cheating” is fuzzy. I don’t think he actually followed through, but it also is never brought up again or discussed.
I would see the pain and regret in his eyes as he wraps his fist around her hair, just like he did mine, as he lowers his zipper and gets ready to enter her.
She walked into my office for our scheduled lunch date and saw exactly what I wanted her to see. Me balls deep in my then assistant. I fired that bitch the minute Klara turned tail and ran like she couldn’t get away from me fast enough… I put my dick back in my pants, fired the whore who tried getting into my pants from the second she was hired, shut the steel walls in place…
Dark Desire is a mob, rejected h romance between college student Klara and Canadian mob boss Braxton De Luca. The blurb provides the plot of the book… Braxton and Klara meet/date… he pushes her away, and someone close to him takes her. That’s pretty much it.
There’re some editing/consistency issues, but what didn’t work for me was the tone of the book. There’re some serious concepts covered (rape, torture, sex trade) but it’s handled sort of silly, OTT with virgin kinky smut. It’s like what you’d get if you mixed old James Bond (Pussy Galore, Mata Bond-days) with 50 Shades of Grey, and Stephano DiMera from DOOL. So, you end up with
Bottom Line- Not for me, but I’m sick… and a bit grumpy. I also was expecting dark/gritty, so I wasn’t in the right mood. It’s free in the Kindle store, and the rest are part of KU.
Safety- Rape, not overly graphic but on page. (2x’s I believe). No emotional fallout or really addressed. h wants to have “rough, violent, release the monster” with a butt plug sex the next time she sees him.
The “cheating” is fuzzy. I don’t think he actually followed through, but it also is never brought up again or discussed.
I would see the pain and regret in his eyes as he wraps his fist around her hair, just like he did mine, as he lowers his zipper and gets ready to enter her.
She walked into my office for our scheduled lunch date and saw exactly what I wanted her to see. Me balls deep in my then assistant. I fired that bitch the minute Klara turned tail and ran like she couldn’t get away from me fast enough… I put my dick back in my pants, fired the whore who tried getting into my pants from the second she was hired, shut the steel walls in place…
March 13, 2018
Sexy, sexy goodness
Well fuck me in the face with a wet flannel! This Mafia romance was more than I thought it would be. I actually didn't know what I thought since the author is new to me, I only knew an author I adore raved about it and I like to jump on band wagons and the cover is gorgeous to my eyes.
Braxton, holy shit, what a bag of sexy bossy alphaness he is! Seriously awesome and the kind of hero that you don't easily forget.
The author not only provided a storyline worthy of each page turn but the characters, both hero, heroine and side cast each had their own voice and entertained and didn't just become page filler.
In a word, it was a terrific read and I'm marking all the follow on books right now!
Support your indie authors and read this book.
Well fuck me in the face with a wet flannel! This Mafia romance was more than I thought it would be. I actually didn't know what I thought since the author is new to me, I only knew an author I adore raved about it and I like to jump on band wagons and the cover is gorgeous to my eyes.
Braxton, holy shit, what a bag of sexy bossy alphaness he is! Seriously awesome and the kind of hero that you don't easily forget.
The author not only provided a storyline worthy of each page turn but the characters, both hero, heroine and side cast each had their own voice and entertained and didn't just become page filler.
In a word, it was a terrific read and I'm marking all the follow on books right now!
Support your indie authors and read this book.
June 20, 2018
3,7. O livro é dividido em 2 partes. Na primeira parte conhecemos o personagem Tall, dark and handsome e a personagem principal. Até então , tudo bem, desenvolve -se um romance entre os dois e realmente, não vejo problema em: a Virgem e o bad boy! Mas... os diálogos mais manjados possíveis e com situações inusitadas. Aí realmente me incomoda.
Na segunda parte, após ele conseguir resgata-la, depois de poucos dias estão em um affair selvagem? C’mon, para tudo! Depois de tudo que ela passou, dias depois? Affff.
Por isso não me encantou. Os personagens secundários no livro foram incríveis. Destes gostei.
Na segunda parte, após ele conseguir resgata-la, depois de poucos dias estão em um affair selvagem? C’mon, para tudo! Depois de tudo que ela passou, dias depois? Affff.
Por isso não me encantou. Os personagens secundários no livro foram incríveis. Destes gostei.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2021
I need to stop reading books just because they’re free.
April 16, 2018
They wanted to see Braxton De Luca break. Well prepare yourself, motherfuckers, because I just fucking broke.
Mafia romance is hit and miss for me. More miss than anything else so I tiptoed my way into this new series butttttttt I'm so glad I picked it up because it would definitely go on my list for best books of the month!
Braxton Deluca is so much more than you expect him to be when you first glimpse him. Oh, he is a powerful man exuding alpha confidence that it made my eyebrows tickle! He's dark and mysterious and I knew I wanted to know everything about this MC. Gah, he was gorgeous. And a perfect Mafia Don!
The heat factor between him and Klara was fire itself. A perfect blend of innocent girl and powerful man who can't help but want something he shouldn't because he's in a world that will destroy her.
His voice. Dear Lord, that voice. It’s like silk and sex and that first bite of Lindor chocolate as it melts against your tongue.
This book wasn't all heat and sexy eyes from the Don (swoon) it takes a pretty dark serious turn at some points and it gives Klara time to shine as a leading heroine. She's neither annoying or irksome ( really hard to do! ) and I couldn't help loving her and hoping she got out of that shitty situation.
When you have an alpha no holds barred hero you know shit is going to go down! He'll do anything for his heroine. And Braxton does! God, I loved that about him.
“Once I have you, Klara, you’re mine. No one else’s. Understand? I don’t share what’s mine.”
Mafia romance is hit and miss for me. More miss than anything else so I tiptoed my way into this new series butttttttt I'm so glad I picked it up because it would definitely go on my list for best books of the month!
Braxton Deluca is so much more than you expect him to be when you first glimpse him. Oh, he is a powerful man exuding alpha confidence that it made my eyebrows tickle! He's dark and mysterious and I knew I wanted to know everything about this MC. Gah, he was gorgeous. And a perfect Mafia Don!
The heat factor between him and Klara was fire itself. A perfect blend of innocent girl and powerful man who can't help but want something he shouldn't because he's in a world that will destroy her.
His voice. Dear Lord, that voice. It’s like silk and sex and that first bite of Lindor chocolate as it melts against your tongue.
This book wasn't all heat and sexy eyes from the Don (swoon) it takes a pretty dark serious turn at some points and it gives Klara time to shine as a leading heroine. She's neither annoying or irksome ( really hard to do! ) and I couldn't help loving her and hoping she got out of that shitty situation.
When you have an alpha no holds barred hero you know shit is going to go down! He'll do anything for his heroine. And Braxton does! God, I loved that about him.
“Once I have you, Klara, you’re mine. No one else’s. Understand? I don’t share what’s mine.”
June 28, 2018
Nonstop read
Read this one till it was done. Didn’t take a breather. This was pretty much nonstop action till the end.
Braxton had bipolar emotions. I love her, I don’t love her, I need her, I don’t need her...that part got tiring and a tad over done. Braxton was definitely a devious/violent guy when crossed.
Klara was ok, never really got a name for her mental illness. You assume she has anxiety and depression. She seemed all into what she wanted to do with her life and that faded away once she met Braxton.
Will read the next, it was set up nicely at the end of this.
Read this one till it was done. Didn’t take a breather. This was pretty much nonstop action till the end.
Braxton had bipolar emotions. I love her, I don’t love her, I need her, I don’t need her...that part got tiring and a tad over done. Braxton was definitely a devious/violent guy when crossed.
Klara was ok, never really got a name for her mental illness. You assume she has anxiety and depression. She seemed all into what she wanted to do with her life and that faded away once she met Braxton.
Will read the next, it was set up nicely at the end of this.
March 19, 2018
I need some heavy chastising from Braxton because I was sure I'd reviewed this beauty of a book! How remiss of me.
Spoiler Alert. It's 5 bloody stars. Omg. I love it so much. I've read it twice already and I keep flipping back to my favorite parts.
Do you know one of the many things I adore about AJ's writing? She hits you square in the feels with the first word, the first paragraph and from that moment on I'm sucked in.
I love her style.
I loved the story
But it's the characters that grabbed my attention.
Klara and Braxton. Talk about a sexy-kinky-delicious power couple!
Braxton is not what you first think he is. HE'S MORE! Oh-my-god! I about swallowed my tongue when all was revealed aboutmy hubby this formidable dark and mysterious man.
“You make me lose my mind, Klara. Make me want to lose control. Losing control is dangerous in my life, but you’re like a drug, Mia Bella. A drug I can’t seem to walk away from.”
It's not all plain sailing for this pair. There's some angst and push and pull I loved. You know when a book makes you crackers for them to just do it already when you talk out loud to your kindle.
The story gets real gritty and raw at times. Told so beautifully, I'm already anticipating getting back to this world with book two ( I'm looking at you, Alessandro! )
Spoiler Alert. It's 5 bloody stars. Omg. I love it so much. I've read it twice already and I keep flipping back to my favorite parts.
Do you know one of the many things I adore about AJ's writing? She hits you square in the feels with the first word, the first paragraph and from that moment on I'm sucked in.
I love her style.
I loved the story
But it's the characters that grabbed my attention.
Klara and Braxton. Talk about a sexy-kinky-delicious power couple!
Braxton is not what you first think he is. HE'S MORE! Oh-my-god! I about swallowed my tongue when all was revealed about
“You make me lose my mind, Klara. Make me want to lose control. Losing control is dangerous in my life, but you’re like a drug, Mia Bella. A drug I can’t seem to walk away from.”
It's not all plain sailing for this pair. There's some angst and push and pull I loved. You know when a book makes you crackers for them to just do it already when you talk out loud to your kindle.
The story gets real gritty and raw at times. Told so beautifully, I'm already anticipating getting back to this world with book two ( I'm looking at you, Alessandro! )
October 9, 2018
I am not sure if what I read was an unfinished script.
riddles with errors
one minute she's wearing jeans next she's in a skirt
Shea bound, she's freed
her eyes are staring into green eyes, next they're grey
just ended up with whiplash over this story
am hoping most of the continuity errors are fixed in book 2.
riddles with errors
one minute she's wearing jeans next she's in a skirt
Shea bound, she's freed
her eyes are staring into green eyes, next they're grey
just ended up with whiplash over this story
am hoping most of the continuity errors are fixed in book 2.
January 11, 2018
I finished this book in one night. I loved Braxton, love his name, and his alpha ways. His hot and cold drove me crazy but that’s who he was and, you’ll find out, for good reason. I adore Klara! She’s such a strong, sassy woman. Completely different than the walked over women you usually read about. Her strength is tested at the end and she comes out a warrior! The way she holds her own, takes care of herself and then takes the bull by the horns! The relationship between Klara and Braxton is sexy, passionate and fast. But, it works well for them. There are secrets, lies, deception and it’s a wild journey to go through with them. Definitely a good read!
I’ll also add that I fell right in love with Alessandro!! I seriously hope that man gets his own book and quickly, lol!
I’ll also add that I fell right in love with Alessandro!! I seriously hope that man gets his own book and quickly, lol!
April 21, 2018
This was a lovely surprise. New to me author. It's actually one of my favourite premise of sweet girl and big powerful man.
It's set in the mafia world, not my go-to, I've only read a few other mafia romance authors but I was caught up in Braxton De Luca immediately. Sexy to the zenith!
Just when you think the story is just a kinky sexy tale of man meets woman it becomes something else... darker, raw and all mafia. A really great read, looking forward to book 2.
There was nothing sweet about our first kiss. It was raw, hungry, bruising, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. The kiss was a lot like the man behind it. It was a means to an end. The start of something explosive, only meant to be temporary but the effects lasting long after.
It's set in the mafia world, not my go-to, I've only read a few other mafia romance authors but I was caught up in Braxton De Luca immediately. Sexy to the zenith!
Just when you think the story is just a kinky sexy tale of man meets woman it becomes something else... darker, raw and all mafia. A really great read, looking forward to book 2.
There was nothing sweet about our first kiss. It was raw, hungry, bruising, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. The kiss was a lot like the man behind it. It was a means to an end. The start of something explosive, only meant to be temporary but the effects lasting long after.
June 30, 2019
2.5 stars.
This book and I just did not get along. I'm not sure if I wasn't in the right mood to be reading it or what as normally the blurb would be right up my alley, as are dark and mafia books. For me, there seemed to be some continuity errors, and that had me stopping multiple times throughout the book. There were also some scenes that I just didn't like, as well as some character reactions that just didn't read true to me. Another big thing was the four chapters that were told from the point-of-view of side characters, I didn't think they were necessary, even if there will be future books about them, it just didn't fit for the story to me. One thing I will say is the writing itself was good and I would easily pick up more by this author, this book just wasn't a favorite of mine and isn't one that I would be recommending.
This book and I just did not get along. I'm not sure if I wasn't in the right mood to be reading it or what as normally the blurb would be right up my alley, as are dark and mafia books. For me, there seemed to be some continuity errors, and that had me stopping multiple times throughout the book. There were also some scenes that I just didn't like, as well as some character reactions that just didn't read true to me. Another big thing was the four chapters that were told from the point-of-view of side characters, I didn't think they were necessary, even if there will be future books about them, it just didn't fit for the story to me. One thing I will say is the writing itself was good and I would easily pick up more by this author, this book just wasn't a favorite of mine and isn't one that I would be recommending.
January 9, 2018
Absolutely freaking love this book!
This is my first book by A.J. and she has smashed it for me. Braxton is exactly the alpha male that I needed in my life. This man is dark, mysterious and has a kinky side that speaks to mine. Klara is a great female lead, as she has such sass and determination, I think she is definitely one of my favourite women. I could not put this book down, the drama, mystery and intrigue had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Add in the phenomenal sex scenes and I could not have chosen a better way to spend the day than emerged in this story.
I don't want to give anything away but I will say that you will not see this coming, this book will surprise you at every so keep some ice cream on hand.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
This is my first book by A.J. and she has smashed it for me. Braxton is exactly the alpha male that I needed in my life. This man is dark, mysterious and has a kinky side that speaks to mine. Klara is a great female lead, as she has such sass and determination, I think she is definitely one of my favourite women. I could not put this book down, the drama, mystery and intrigue had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Add in the phenomenal sex scenes and I could not have chosen a better way to spend the day than emerged in this story.
I don't want to give anything away but I will say that you will not see this coming, this book will surprise you at every so keep some ice cream on hand.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
June 7, 2020
This was a whole bunch of nonsense. I’m not usually one to be picky about editing... but was this ever edited at all? Also there were inconsistencies... she’s supposedly wearing jeans but then he’s suddenly pushing a skirt up? I don’t usually notice these types of things but they stood out painfully. I was already pretty on the fence about this book but then the hero is cheating on the heroine in order to essentially “save her”?? Alrighty then.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2018
Well fuck! This story started with a damn bang and ended with another.
I loved this story so, so much. It was dark but not as dark as I expected and feel it could have went there, but, I'm satisfied with it as is. The characters were very intriguing.
Braxton is hot as sin, loved/hated the hot and cold moments. The man gave me whiplash. Karla she wasn't all she had the potential to be.
She was a strong character but there were times she was more of a doormat and it pissed me off because she had a goddamn backbone (loved her anyway).
I can't decide if I love Alessandro or Antonio or if I want to be sandwich between the two (probably the latter).
There was one predictable moment for me and I hate that I called it but goddamn am I glad I was right. There parts that felt a bit rushed and made me feel like I'd missed something but it didn't stop me from loving the story. I can't wait for the next one...
I loved this story so, so much. It was dark but not as dark as I expected and feel it could have went there, but, I'm satisfied with it as is. The characters were very intriguing.
Braxton is hot as sin, loved/hated the hot and cold moments. The man gave me whiplash. Karla she wasn't all she had the potential to be.
She was a strong character but there were times she was more of a doormat and it pissed me off because she had a goddamn backbone (loved her anyway).
I can't decide if I love Alessandro or Antonio or if I want to be sandwich between the two (probably the latter).
There was one predictable moment for me and I hate that I called it but goddamn am I glad I was right. There parts that felt a bit rushed and made me feel like I'd missed something but it didn't stop me from loving the story. I can't wait for the next one...
January 23, 2018
Dark Desire follows Klara and Braxton and their on/off relationship. Braxton will give you whiplash with his back and forth with Klara, all in an effort to keep her safe. Braxton's world is dark and dangerous. This was a quick and easy read. I loved the mob aspect and drama that comes with the mob. I could have done without all of the sex scenes, so I did skim through those. However, you love alpha sex then you won't be disappointed. I just like it in small doses. Otherwise it was a good story and I'm curious to see what is in the next book.
January 14, 2018
I absolutely LOVEDDDD this book! I literally couldn't put this book down the second I started to read it. I finished it literally within a few hours of opening the book. I definitely recommend reading this book! All the surprise twists and the chemistry between Klara and Braxton OMG!! PANTY MELTING CHEMISTRY!! I totally fell in love with Braxton and his dominate side! I seriously cannot wait for the next book in this series to come out!!!
January 21, 2018
I loved this book! Klara is a bit naive but a strong women. Braxton, alpha as alpha can get. He tried to not fall for Klara but he can't help himself. This book was a fast read keeping you hooked through the whole thing. It starts out very surprising and continues to keep you guessing. I couldn't believe some of the twists. They kept me reading all night. This is the first book I have read from A.J. Daniels and I am looking forward to reading more.
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April 4, 20185 "Mia Bella" Stars!!
I loved this book! Not your everyday run of the mill mafia story.
Braxton is the Don of a very powerful mafia family and Klara is the sweet, sassy girl he tries not to fall in love with.
There is drama, mystery and intrigue that will have you on the edge of your seat. Oh, let’s not forget about the chemistry between Braxton and Klara. Off the charts hot!!
I really enjoyed this book! It's wonderfully written! You won't be sorry you picked up this book!
I loved this book! Not your everyday run of the mill mafia story.
Braxton is the Don of a very powerful mafia family and Klara is the sweet, sassy girl he tries not to fall in love with.
There is drama, mystery and intrigue that will have you on the edge of your seat. Oh, let’s not forget about the chemistry between Braxton and Klara. Off the charts hot!!
I really enjoyed this book! It's wonderfully written! You won't be sorry you picked up this book!
January 20, 2018
3.5*
I had never read a book by this author before but I really enjoyed it.
I love dark books so once I seen the blurb I knew I was in for a treat.
From Braxtons dark mysterious ways to the kick ass sassyness of Klara to the twists and turns of every chapter. This book kept me turning pages.
There were some predictable parts for me but all in all I really enjoyed this book and hope to see more from this author.
I had never read a book by this author before but I really enjoyed it.
I love dark books so once I seen the blurb I knew I was in for a treat.
From Braxtons dark mysterious ways to the kick ass sassyness of Klara to the twists and turns of every chapter. This book kept me turning pages.
There were some predictable parts for me but all in all I really enjoyed this book and hope to see more from this author.
January 21, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read by AJ and I really enjoyed it!
The story line is gripping from beginning to end, and you really can’t help but fall in love with Klara and Braxton!
Brad is the ultimate, dominant, book boyfriend and those sex scenes are damn steamy!
I can’t wait to read more of the series!
The story line is gripping from beginning to end, and you really can’t help but fall in love with Klara and Braxton!
Brad is the ultimate, dominant, book boyfriend and those sex scenes are damn steamy!
I can’t wait to read more of the series!
January 15, 2018
Holy sexy alpha male!!! Absolutely loved Braxton.... I could not put this book down. AJ Daniels writes an amazing story that sucks you and and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I read this book in one night and I cannot wait for her next book!
April 7, 2018
This book is amazing. I feel in love with Braxton- who wouldn’t and Mia Bella is the one he needs to make him the strength even though I knew what was going to happen it still hit me when the thing happened. I will also hit one of the men because he was a douche- canoe. The Mafia is seriously Hot with these men cannot wait to read the next one.
December 1, 2018
A dark and gritty, sinfully arousing mafia romance that is a must read! Braxton is the ultimate dominant, possessive alpha male. Sex on a stick, dark and brooding. Kayla is young, smart and focused on her studies. She may seem naive and innocent but finds an inner strength of steel that I loved. The dual point of views and impressively written storyline captured me and pulled me down into their world. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see how things are going with a few of the secondary characters.
July 10, 2019
DARK DESIRE started out with a bang! I was intrigued from the beginning and then found myself trying to piece the book together, but then I got lost in the love story. It's unique, dark, and raw. It was perfection.
I really wish this book was narrated with a female and male. The story is too darn good to have just male narration.
I really wish this book was narrated with a female and male. The story is too darn good to have just male narration.
February 9, 2021
Hot damn!! Saucy story parts. A wonderful love story that kept me on the edge of my seat. there were parts where I hated Braxton and wanted to punch him but I mean I get it.
Do yourself a favor. read this.
Do yourself a favor. read this.
February 1, 2018
Not a fan of the writing which was too juvenile,caricatural heroes,lack of depth
February 11, 2018
Brax is HOT
I need a Brax in my life! Alpha man all the way. Loved how Klara held her own with Gio. I'm glad she wasn't just a weak girl
I need a Brax in my life! Alpha man all the way. Loved how Klara held her own with Gio. I'm glad she wasn't just a weak girl
June 23, 2020
A.J. Daniels is a new author for me and I love a good mafia romance so I was very excited to dive into this one. It started off on a very exciting note with what appears to be Klara being held captive and then being rescued, but it is unclear who is holding her captive and also who is doing the rescuing, and then the story is told kind of working its way backwards to how Klara ends up in that situation, which I found to be a really interesting and neat way for the story to unfold.
Braxton and Klara have a lot of chemistry from the start, though he is not openly upfront with her about his job and he is kind of hot and cold at times. Their relatiionship ends kind of abruptly when he pushes her away, and despite her being hurt over the circumstances of the relationship ending, Klara can't seem to move on and forget about Braxton.
There was a lot of suspense and drama and definitely some betrayal. At times there were some parts that raised a few questions for me, and parts that maybe could have been developed further, but I am guessing maybe they relate to the next book in the series. I am looking forward to reading more of the series. Overall I found the story to be an interesting read.
Braxton and Klara have a lot of chemistry from the start, though he is not openly upfront with her about his job and he is kind of hot and cold at times. Their relatiionship ends kind of abruptly when he pushes her away, and despite her being hurt over the circumstances of the relationship ending, Klara can't seem to move on and forget about Braxton.
There was a lot of suspense and drama and definitely some betrayal. At times there were some parts that raised a few questions for me, and parts that maybe could have been developed further, but I am guessing maybe they relate to the next book in the series. I am looking forward to reading more of the series. Overall I found the story to be an interesting read.
July 17, 2019
Dark Desire
Famiglia, Book 1
By: A.J. Daniels
Narrated by: JT Farrell
Give me a good mafia story and I am happy. Dark Desire is the first in the series, and I fell in love with the story. A.J. Daniels gives us a look into Braxton's life. He is a tough character, but when he meets Klara, life for him changes. Not only is she not his normal woman, she is THE woman. And to keep the status quo, and Klara safe, he must give her up. But can he? When this book first started, the chemistry and steam was off the charts. I thought, this is going to be nothing but heat and passion. Boy was I wrong. This story is complex, with family betrayals, some violent scenes and a love story to win your heart. It's everything I love in a good mafia, romantic suspense, and I can't wait to see where A.J. Daniels takes us next.
JT Farrell gives a good performance. I like his cadence and he has a great voice for Braxton and the other male characters, a little raspy and very sexy. I did find at times that his female voice was a little hard to differentiate from the other male voices, but he gives the story all the feels, the fear and the passion, enough to keep me on the edge of my seat.
Famiglia, Book 1
By: A.J. Daniels
Narrated by: JT Farrell
Give me a good mafia story and I am happy. Dark Desire is the first in the series, and I fell in love with the story. A.J. Daniels gives us a look into Braxton's life. He is a tough character, but when he meets Klara, life for him changes. Not only is she not his normal woman, she is THE woman. And to keep the status quo, and Klara safe, he must give her up. But can he? When this book first started, the chemistry and steam was off the charts. I thought, this is going to be nothing but heat and passion. Boy was I wrong. This story is complex, with family betrayals, some violent scenes and a love story to win your heart. It's everything I love in a good mafia, romantic suspense, and I can't wait to see where A.J. Daniels takes us next.
JT Farrell gives a good performance. I like his cadence and he has a great voice for Braxton and the other male characters, a little raspy and very sexy. I did find at times that his female voice was a little hard to differentiate from the other male voices, but he gives the story all the feels, the fear and the passion, enough to keep me on the edge of my seat.
January 31, 2026
I read this book ages ago but the quote "I'd stand in the shadows of your heart and tell you I'm not afraid of your dark" popped up on goodreads as a recommended quote or whatever and it triggered me so violently that I needed to backtrack to leave a review YEARS after I read this book.
I will not lie--the entire, and I do mean the ENTIRE reason I picked this book up in the first place was that quote only for me to realize that the quote wasn't even written by A.J. Daniels even though they got the credit for it (which is SO many levels of messed up) and it was literally a quote they put at the very beginning of the book. IT WASN'T EVEN PART OF THE STORY.
That was major strike one, and probably the biggest one.
Now, it has been literal years since I've read this book, but from what I can remember (not a lot as it was very much forgettable), I hated it. I love a mafia romance. Correction--I love a well-done mafia romance (see. Rafe Visconti), and this did not fit the bill. It was boring, forgettable, overly-dramatic when it came to the dark side of the dark romance in a way that has "try hard" stamped all over its ass.
I can't.
I will not lie--the entire, and I do mean the ENTIRE reason I picked this book up in the first place was that quote only for me to realize that the quote wasn't even written by A.J. Daniels even though they got the credit for it (which is SO many levels of messed up) and it was literally a quote they put at the very beginning of the book. IT WASN'T EVEN PART OF THE STORY.
That was major strike one, and probably the biggest one.
Now, it has been literal years since I've read this book, but from what I can remember (not a lot as it was very much forgettable), I hated it. I love a mafia romance. Correction--I love a well-done mafia romance (see. Rafe Visconti), and this did not fit the bill. It was boring, forgettable, overly-dramatic when it came to the dark side of the dark romance in a way that has "try hard" stamped all over its ass.
I can't.
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