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One woman enslaved. Three callous masters. Secrets that could destroy them all …

Kora ran away to start a new life where she was in control of her own destiny and her own body. Instead, she was captured and auctioned to the highest bidders : Three former mercenaries with black hearts.

Mace is their leader; ruthless and unforgiving. Kade lives in the shadows and, if his growls are anything to go by, may not be a man at all. And cruel Lucian’s only delights seem to be drink and tormenting their new possession until she breaks.

And she might.

Kora wasn’t a slave before and she must keep that secret at all costs. If they learn who she is, she’ll be forced to marry a man who scares her far more than her harsh masters.

Can she escape these three dangerous Brothers who have begun to show her that there is more to them than their tragic pasts? And if they find out her secrets, can she trust them not to throw her to the wolves?

Sold to Serve is the first book in the Dark Brothers Series of dark fantasy RH romance. If you like enemies to lovers, deliciously dark antiheroes and your love stories with bite, you will adore this book by Kyra Alessy.

Unlock the first adventure in this amazing series today!

Author’s Note: There are aspects of bullying in this standalone dark romance as well as dubcon and violence. If that’s not your bag then maybe don’t buy it. If it is your thing, I’m pretty sure you will enjoy this story. Although the road to happily ever after might be a rough one, arriving there is guaranteed!

239 pages, ebook

First published December 18, 2020

523 people are currently reading
673 people want to read

About the author

Kyra Alessy

33 books502 followers
Dark Fantasies. Dark Antiheroes. Dark Romance.

Kyra was 18 when she read her first romance, 19 when she left the US for the UK, 20 when she decided to stay in London, 25 when she met her now husband, 30 when she got married, 31 when she had kid 1, 33 when she had kid 2, and 36 when she was diagnosed as autistic.

She now lives a few miles outside London with her husband, the two (likely neurodivergent) kids, and a cuddly cocker spaniel named Patch who likes to roll in bird crap.

Not all of her stories have neurodivergent FMCs but representation is important, especially when so many women are not diagnosed until well into later life!

She writes PNR, Romantasy, and Contemporary why choose where the enemies to lovers journey is rough but worth it!

Take a look at her website, or subscribe to the newsletter for info on release dates, exclusive content and other general awesomeness from the worlds and characters she’s created.


Follow her on Instagram, Goodreads, Twitter or Facebook for all the up-to-date info on release dates, exclusive content and other general awesomeness from the Dark Brothers' world - where the road to happily ever after might be rough, but its well worth the journey!!



The best place to talk about her books is on Discord, where there’s a channel for every series and the spoiler threads!

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5 stars
398 (36%)
4 stars
357 (32%)
3 stars
255 (23%)
2 stars
73 (6%)
1 star
21 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for Rhiannon Chillingworth.
838 reviews221 followers
December 29, 2020
There is a lot about the misogyny women suffer in this world that enrages me. One of them is the "she was asking for it" attitide that if a woman is dressed provocatively, or God forbid, flirts with a man that she clearly wants sexual advances and that it is a invitation for sexual assault.

So you can imagine my chagrin when, upon meeting the first of the so called love interests, he pins her against the wall of the room she invaded, kisses her against her will and shoves his hand down her underwear. Then, when one of the other so called love interests takes away her clothes when she's bathing, she's forced to wander the castle naked, accidently goes into the final so called love interest's room, and because she's naked she's clearly asking for it and he has sex with her, without her consent, but it's okay because she actually liked it.

What the actual fuck?!?!

Oh, and she was a virgin, too!

But it's okay, because he was really sorry after and made it up to her by actually just treating her like a human being. She was about to have sex with him again when I threw in the towel.

Maybe that's not rape by someone else's definition, but it sure as hell is by mine.

All three of these guys can go take a long dive off a mountain. I have zero tolerance or patience for this sort of romance. I have no respect for the MC, either.

If it wasn't for the naive, this probably would have been a 3 star read. Nothing particularly special about it. Weak world building, at least in the first 52% I read, two dimensional character and a reasonably pathetic heroine and unlikeable male leads.

Maybe the rest of it suddenly gets wonderful, but I just can't continue with a book that is just romance where I just picture the guys being set on fire or having their heads explode.
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,848 reviews368 followers
September 12, 2021
4 - 4.5 stars!

Sold to Serve is the first book in the Dark Brothers series and features Kora and her men, Mace, Kade and Lucian. Kora, having realized she is to be betrothed to a man she doesn't wish to marry runs away to try and change her future. However, in the process of running she is captured, branded a slave and auctioned to the highest bidder.

Lucky for her, though she doesn't realize it at the time, she is bought by Mace who returns to his home with her to introduce her to his brothers as their new house slave.

Kora in an attempt to keep her anonymity doesn't share with the Brothers who she really is. She hopes that she can fly under their radar and make a break for freedom at some point. But Mace, Kade and Lucian have other plans for her.

Mace is haunted by the past and wants Kora for comfort. Kade is a scarred half beast and wants Kora as his mate. And then there's Lucian who is broody and wrecked from guilt and wants Kora to take all his anger and hate out on.

The more time Kora spends with each brother the more she realizes their each unique nuances whether savory or not. Outside of Kade who I would argue is the glue, Mace and Lucian make so many mistakes with Kora. Is it too late for the Brothers to make amends and show Kora they're worth loving? Can Kora share her secret with them without being branded a liar? Will the Brothers come together to realize Kora completes them and cement their bond?

Like the first novella in this series, I'm still very confused by the world in which this story is set but I honestly think that might be intentional. Reading this was like finding that one piece in a 1,000 piece puzzle you've been looking for. There is a lot to learn about this world and the people that live in it and I think the further this series goes, the more pieces will start to fall into place.

I really liked Kora. She was strong and resilient. Kade was delicious and sweet with that dark edge to him. Mace was endearing in his own troubled way and Lucian despite being a total asshole won me over in the end. I would classify this as mildly dark as their is some dubious consent happening and bullying but luckily that's my cat nip so no problems here haha. It was a tension (sexual and plot) filled adventure with hot alpha males and a fierce female that I really enjoyed reading. If you like smutty reverse harem romances with a subtle and intriguing plot then I definitely suggest picking this up!
Profile Image for Cécile Smits .
1,467 reviews285 followers
September 7, 2021
Having been gifted the first three books of this series,i was very grateful.
Because….three books? That’s really generous!!
Having read Sold to Serve,i can safely say i feel super lucky and very happy!
Because this was a story that pulled me in,that flowed well,and kept my attention throughout.

Kora couldn’t believe how much bad luck she had.
First her father wants her to marry a man rumored to have killed at least three wives.
Then,after she ran to the Temple to become a priest,she was abducted.
And now she was going to be sold as a slave!
Even worse,she’s sold to a mercenary as a slave that stole from her masters…
Not just any mercenary…..it may take her a few painful lessons,but she finally realizes she’s the property of three Dark Brothers!
Mace doesn’t like thieving slaves,but he’s not cruel.
Kade has a dark side she’s not sure she understands,but he’s kind.
Lucian torments her just for fun it seems,and she’s very wary of him.
Until he goes too far….
And then her “fiancé” finds her,determined to use her for his evil plans.
Will they go after her,and find her in time?
And when they do,will she want to stay with them after everything that’s happened?

This was a story of four damaged souls.
The Dark Brothers because of their violent and bloody pasts.
Kora because of her father’s uncaring treatment of her.
And in spite of the rocky start,she still sees something in each of the men that draws her to them.
And in spite of their attempts to keep their distance,Mace and Lucian start to feel the pull of this sweet girl that’s tougher than she looks….
Kade knew from the start what she meant to them,even his dark side knew….
But there are a lot of hurdles to take before they can have any chance at happiness.

Loved this first story,can’t wait to start with Bought to Break!
897 reviews14 followers
January 10, 2024
What an excellent book. This is my first from this author but it won't be my last! It's a reverse harem but with a twist of the different characters. I really enjoyed the story and became invested in the protagonists different tales. Yes there are scenes that will not be to peoples tastes but it certainly was to mine. I have sat up tonight just to finish the book as I wanted to see where it was going. it's now half past midnight!
The author writes with passion that gets you emotionally invested in each of our main four characters lives. The story goes along at a cracking pace, the sex is steamy and although some scenes are brutal they are not overly so to make you wince in pain.
I enjoyed the fantasy tale and will certainly look out for the next book in this series out next month.
I was sent this book through voracious readers only but would have certainly have willingly searched it out regardless.
A great first book - keep on writing!
Profile Image for Donna (BookDragonGirl).
1,480 reviews9 followers
July 13, 2021
This is a Dark Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance, with aspects of dubcon and violence. I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it or not, and I’ll admit to feeling uncomfortable about certain situations, but I really enjoyed the book!! In fact I already have the second book and am looking forward to reading it!!

The writing … holy crap … it is so so well written!!! I mean this Author (my first book by her) is extremely good at her craft!!! I don’t even know where to start, but she does everything extremely well, and that includes some pretty complex stuff to write and cause a reaction from the reader!!! I will definitely be following her!!

I can’t wait to get me some more of those DARK BROTHERS!!! My favorite keeps bouncing around, but at this point it is definitely Kade!!
Profile Image for Suzanne.
520 reviews5 followers
February 27, 2021
Great story 🔥🔥

The heroine was truly precious. Sweet spirit. I wanted to bang the men’s heads a few times. The story made my heart clench for our heroine. Highly recommended
Profile Image for Katrina Vincent.
Author 3 books18 followers
July 27, 2021
Steamy Surprise!

I’m always hesitant when it comes to a new writer… I’m a grammar Nazi so it’s frustrating to stumble through the common errors found with new authors—- I’m excited to say that wasn’t the case at all here. Loved the fast burn, high heat, clever plot. DEFINITELY DARKER—- must be okay with dubcon—- but with that caveat, a GREAT read I gobbled up quickly. Grabbing additional by this author!
Profile Image for Amanda J.
534 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2021
Wow...just wow?!

I went into this novel knowing nothing other than it was a dark PNR RH, and for those that have read a couple of my reviews know those that those are my top favorites. And, boys, was I not only happy, I was completely elated-enraptured even. Alessy had me enthralled into her novel by mid-first chapter and I swear I could not put it down; I devoured it in less than 6 hours. The FMC, even though, she goes through a few hardships proves she's a strong, independent and resourceful woman; but, her "damsel-in-distress" vibe does not over-power her character or storyline. And, with the drama happening all around her, you feel for her, all the while, thinking to yourself "alright, it's not all bad and she can totally be a bada$$". Now, the spicy bits (good god), these scenes had me fanning myself; they were hot and each MMC would make swoon (even if one of them is an a$$ at times). But the spicy scenes are deliciously and vividly expressed in Alessy's writing; trust me, you will not be disappointed. One thing I have to say is, Alessy done right with this series; I am quite interested to see where it will go. So let's just say if the excitement, drama, romance and spiciness has peaked your interested, then grab this novel. Also, grab lots of hydration cause your will need it!!
Profile Image for Lammie.
743 reviews38 followers
October 3, 2021
Fantastic book by new to me author Kyra Alessy. I was totally sucked in to this world she has built.

I am intrigued to read more about the dark brothers army and hopefully the dark realm world in future books.
55 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2020
This is a dark RH romance that develops slowly but keeps you at the edge of your seat at all times. It has some resemblance to the beauty and the beast, except that the beasts are three gorgeous and intimidating guys, all of them dealing with their own demons and behaving to her in different ways. This was the first book I've read by this author and I can say it won't be my last. I was a little anxious because for a moment I thought it was going to end in a cliffhanger, but I was relieved to know that all the characters got what they deserved without the need of adding an extra book. I look forward to seeing what's next for this new author and to reading the next book in the same universe but with other people finding love.

Kora was running from her past when she was abducted and sold as a slave. The guy who sold her told lies about her to get people to buy her and now she's such at a huge keep with not one but three new lords all of which awaken different emotions inside her and make her feel in a constant state of alert. One is cruel but incredibly handsome, another is surprisingly kind and protective but had a disfiguration. The third is sort of neutral, incredibly strict but also mildly protective. The longer she stays in their home, the more feelings it awakens between the four of them, but she's hiding a lot of secrets and her past threatens to reappear at any moment, but when it happens, will she be ready? Will they protect her even though she's just a slave? Can she trust them?

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Readingshadowwolf.
187 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2021
4.5 stars
I really liked this book, I saw this book due to booktok and just had to read it. It was a really quick read as I finished it in a couple of hours. I loved the development of the characters throughout this book and seeing how different they were from the very beginning. I really enjoyed the different personalities of the three brothers and how well Kora completed them. This is a reverse harem book and it was done so well. There is definitely some dubious consent in this book so in case that may trigger you, may sure to check the other triggers as well. I can't wait to read the next book in this series and am definitely going to be buying a physical copy. Highly recommend this book and this author.
89 reviews
January 18, 2021
Great read!

I've never read this author before but was pleasantly surprised by this book. I had downloaded and deleted 4 books before this one because I just couldn't focus on anything. I got through this one easily. I liked the FMC a lot. I wish I could have learned more about her life prior to running away but I felt like I knew the characters enough to be engaged. The world building was great and the plot kept me interested. I would definitely read another book by this author.
38 reviews
March 15, 2021
This won’t be a story for everyone and is by no means a conventional love story. Even though this book’s contents include both bullying and derogatory behaviour towards the female lead in the beginning it does change considerably by the end. Mace, Kade and Lucian grow and evolve throughout after being showed kindness and forgiveness by Kora they learn to love and respect her and allow her in the end to choose her own future and become her own person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Deb.
7,554 reviews36 followers
December 27, 2020
A very imaginative story that grabbed me from the beginning. I could feel the angst between the characters. I could understand the confusion which was brought on by their unwillingness to learn rather than judge. It was a well thought out storyline which was s very dark and exciting read.

I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
6,484 reviews22 followers
December 15, 2020
This is an exciting read with amazing characters. They are well written with distinct personalities. I liked the dynamics between Kora and the Dark Brothers. I can't wait to read more of this series.
Profile Image for Gwamsa.
214 reviews
December 31, 2020
Delicious darkness

Kyra Alessy has created her own little inquisitive monster, me. This exciting book just has me wanting more from the worlds of the Dark Brothers and their conquests.
Profile Image for Charlene Perry.
Author 13 books33 followers
January 25, 2021
This story had me hooked from the first scene, and it didn't disappoint! It's perfectly satisfying as a standalone, but also left me wanting to know more about the world. I can't wait to read the next book!
218 reviews
December 4, 2021
I don’t know. I’m left wanting at the end of this book. I thought the book was really well paced until I figured out it’s only a single book. I think there were some things left unfinished like the bridges to the other worlds, her mother, and even the romance and relationships were lacking.
8 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2021
Good story

Few spelling mistakes but otherwise an enjoyable read.

I would recommend this author so far i will be reading the next book
Profile Image for Wild.
2,340 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2021
Great book

Why amazon insist on a 20 word minimum for reviews via kindle, I will never understand. I simply want to say how much I enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for L. Starla.
Author 17 books227 followers
May 3, 2021
A twisted blend of gripping fantasy and steamy dark romance.
Sold to Serve by Kyra Alessy

Sold to Serve tells the story of Kora, a young noblewoman of virtue. In her attempts to escape marriage to Blackhale—a fate worse than death—she is captured by slave traders and sold to a group of ex-mercenaries. During her time as a house servant, she is mistreated by her three masters, but that doesn’t stop the inexplicable chemistry building between them.

Alessy has written a wonderfully dark fantasy set in a world with magic, supernatural creatures, and multi-dimensional portals. The setting is intriguing, with a definite dark-ages vibe, integrating perfectly with the story. The characters take front of stage in this book, coming to life and driving the plot in some very interesting and unexpected directions. Kora’s men were the epitome of anti-hero love interests. Kade—the mysterious man with a mutilated face and a beastly nature—was actually the most likeable and nurturing of the three. In contrast, the fairest of them all was the most vile and vicious. The misogyny is rife in this book, a reflection of the apparent time, and while this may rub some readers the wrong way, it is worth putting this behaviour in context because this was how people behaved in the days of yore. Ultimately, all the main characters grow through the blossoming relationship and it is good to see the heroine garner the respect she deserves.

I highly recommend this book to all lovers of dark, paranormal romance. Just be sure to heed the trigger warnings.

Genre: Paranormal romance, dark fantasy, reverse harem
Triggers: Bullying and dubious consent
POV: 3rd person, past tense with various perspectives
Heat Gauge: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (4/5)
This is a highly erotic book with explicit content and potentially disturbing bedroom scenes.
Profile Image for Sarah.
256 reviews22 followers
March 8, 2022

This book. I never imagined myself reading a Harem, but here I am, and I think I'm going to start reading more 👀
I am thoroughly intrigued. I like the dark brothers, and I want more of them! Also I saw that this is a long, and I mean long series. Probably gonna continue reading it.

Anyways, the plot was pretty interesting and at some point I was like how the hell is this realistic?!? Then I remembered that it is a harem and I remembered those webtoons and so, yes, this is not at all realistic, and that made me laugh even more 😂

Was I meant to laugh?
I don't know.
Did I?
Hell yeah.

Honestly I really enjoyed this book, it brightened by utterly dull and boring day and I found some excitement while reading it.
And when I tell you I flicked through it so fast without a single thought.
I did exactly that and I don't regret it.

The characters. The dark brothers 😫
I'm going to search for some fan art right now 🏃‍♀️
Anyways, the characters were really interesting as well. Especially the dark brothers. Mysterious and brooding is my type you see 😚
As for the MC, Kora. She has a really interesting back story and the threesome's 💀Anyways, the author's writing played a big game with me liking the MC or not. And I think I like her. I don't really know.

Anyways, gonna go run and read the next book
123 reviews
March 18, 2022
Sold To Serve is an engaging story.

Kora is kidnapped and sold as a slave to Mace, one of Three Dark Brothers. While the brothers don’t know who Kora really is, they begin to establish individual relationships with her, struggling to accept she is not what the slaver told them she was. Lucian begins a blood bond ritual without informing Kora who has endured multiple torturous pranks by Lucian including loosing her sight. Kade is a native of the Dark Realm and can change into a monstrous beast. The three brothers work together to save her from the wealthy lord her father had made a marriage contract on Kora’s behalf causing her to run away from home to the Priests where she was kidnapped from. Her Uncle finds her at the keep of the Three Dark Brothers, after they saved her from her betrothed who wished to use her blood to open a portal into another realm and gain untold wealth that had stopped when the portal had collapsed. What a dark adventure! But remember love can be a very strong force for personal growth and change. Can Kora accept her place as their Fourth?
Profile Image for Ines.
1,334 reviews46 followers
February 8, 2022
*4,5 star review

I was surprised to discover that this book was a standalone; I usually prefer series, but this one was well written and didn't feel rushed at any moment. I liked Kora; she doesn't let setbacks get to her and while scared, she never really cowers away from her captors. The men in Kora's life surprised me: I liked Kade and Mace, but I have to admit I'm still not sure about Lucian. While I understand trauma and a need to lash out, he hit a nerve with some of his behavior and I don't think I would have forgiven him so easily. Kade though, he's my kinda guy.

Most of the dark romances I read are contemporary, and I highly enjoyed the combination of a dark romance and a fantasy background with this one. Definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Diana.
139 reviews7 followers
March 17, 2022
This RH had a lot of promise and was a decent story, although I started skimming around 73%. It was hard to say what the author was trying to go for here, there were some elements that may have it classified as a “dark” romance, but I’m not sure if by the end I could even call it that.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at how frequent Lucien would be smirking - one of my pet peeves in books is when an author overuses “smirk”. I liked Mace well enough and definitely liked Kade the most out of the three. Wish there had been backstory about the Dark Brothers.
Profile Image for H.
131 reviews
January 22, 2022
I hate that I love these books. This one was particularly bad with the whole "captured from the monastery" and then treated like a slave. The bath scene Lucian was particularly insane and that he tried to blind her. This was my first introduction to this series and Kase was a hard character to get used to. As much as I liked these characters, I am glad they dont repeat later on
Profile Image for Lemon .
676 reviews12 followers
December 8, 2024
Plot: 4/5 • Smut: 4/5 ————> A “historical-esq” read where the FMC is going to take her vows but before she does she’s kidnapped and sold as a slave to a “mercenary” looking man. The man winds up being part of something called a Dark Army. He has two “brothers” whom all fall for the FMC eventually. Mentions one of sword swapping, nothing on paper though.
Profile Image for Levia.
1,381 reviews16 followers
April 1, 2022
Reluctant consent

There is one intimate scene that had me questioning consent, but also questioning how innocent Kora is. I cannot even fathom being so uninformed about intimacy. It made many of the scenes in this book a bit funny. I didn't think the villains to be who they were. I liked the way everything turned out - a happily ever after. Thanks to the tiktok video for bringing this book to my attention.
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