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Rorke Burningsoul Saga #1
Bloom & Dark
Rorke Burningsoul, Paladin of Weltyr, has been betrayed.
With the object of his most recent quest stolen out from under him, Rorke has been left for dead in the treacherous Nightlands: a place hateful to all surface-dwellers, full of things the human--even the elfin--eye has never seen. Gray-faced berich dwarves, frightful half-spider misshapens--and, of course, the sensual and dark-complexioned durrow elves, a race of power-hungry women who live in service to the goddess Roserpine.
Praise Weltyr, Rorke is rescued by two such splendid durrow--and told that, in exchange for his life, he must now submit to slavery as, among other things, breeding stud to the female race. He willingly agrees, hopeful that his obedience will help him find a way out of the Nightlands and back to the business of retrieving the lost artifact: but when the Materna of the durrow city decides during his appraisal that she needs a new guard, he is soon surprised to find himself taken, heart and soul, by the exquisite durrow high priestess known as Valeria.
But Valeria's need of a personal guard is not just some ruse to keep her new slave in her bedroom without controversy--would that it were. The high priestess's life is at stake, and as her assassins' attacks grow more frequent all the time, she needs the assistance of a man capable of keeping himself alive along with her.
Who better than a paladin she's seen in dreams for decades?
Mature readers only! This fantasy harem adventure in the style of Dungeons & Dragons contains explicit encounters between the lucky hero and many gorgeous women he encounters on his quest. Use discretion when purchasing.
With the object of his most recent quest stolen out from under him, Rorke has been left for dead in the treacherous Nightlands: a place hateful to all surface-dwellers, full of things the human--even the elfin--eye has never seen. Gray-faced berich dwarves, frightful half-spider misshapens--and, of course, the sensual and dark-complexioned durrow elves, a race of power-hungry women who live in service to the goddess Roserpine.
Praise Weltyr, Rorke is rescued by two such splendid durrow--and told that, in exchange for his life, he must now submit to slavery as, among other things, breeding stud to the female race. He willingly agrees, hopeful that his obedience will help him find a way out of the Nightlands and back to the business of retrieving the lost artifact: but when the Materna of the durrow city decides during his appraisal that she needs a new guard, he is soon surprised to find himself taken, heart and soul, by the exquisite durrow high priestess known as Valeria.
But Valeria's need of a personal guard is not just some ruse to keep her new slave in her bedroom without controversy--would that it were. The high priestess's life is at stake, and as her assassins' attacks grow more frequent all the time, she needs the assistance of a man capable of keeping himself alive along with her.
Who better than a paladin she's seen in dreams for decades?
Mature readers only! This fantasy harem adventure in the style of Dungeons & Dragons contains explicit encounters between the lucky hero and many gorgeous women he encounters on his quest. Use discretion when purchasing.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2021
236 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Regina Watts
93 books226 followersRegina Watts is an an absolute goddess of femdom fiction who loves writing torrid smut about the corruption of innocent girls and boys by wicked, more experienced young ladies and depraved older men--and if those dirty old men get what's coming to them at the hands of those same corrupted youths, even better. From kinky experimentation to twisted taboos, nothing is too extreme for Regina. Check her out on twitter @WritesWatts or follow Painted Blind Publishing's website for more information about her work, whether it's erotic fiction or transgressive literature.
*Author's Note: Pay no attention to my Goodreads genres I noticed they didn't include 'erotica' as a category and got a lil passive aggressive lmao
*Author's Note: Pay no attention to my Goodreads genres I noticed they didn't include 'erotica' as a category and got a lil passive aggressive lmao
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 20, 2021
This was my first book from Regina Watts and it did not disappoint. This is the first part of a series following our hero, Rorke Burningsoul. Rorke is a Paladin, a warrior of his god, Weltyr. This book opens with a tragic betrayal and from there all hell breaks loose. Yes, this story has tons of sex, but that is the premise. The race of dark elves (Durrow) are women, who use male humans and elves as sex slaves. I don't understand why people freak out about this book, considering this is literally mentioned on the back.
After Rorke's betrayal, he's rescued by two durrow adventurers who, shockingly, have sex with him. His *ahem* talent is discovered by them and they realize he would make a valuable sex slave. He is quickly claimed by Valeria, the matron of the city.
If you've ever read RA Salvatore's "Drizzt" series and wanted more sex, a lot more sex, than this book is for you. If you're a prude who doesn't like well written, descriptive sex, than avoid this book. All in all this a well written, character driven story about honor, respect and clapping cheeks.
After Rorke's betrayal, he's rescued by two durrow adventurers who, shockingly, have sex with him. His *ahem* talent is discovered by them and they realize he would make a valuable sex slave. He is quickly claimed by Valeria, the matron of the city.
If you've ever read RA Salvatore's "Drizzt" series and wanted more sex, a lot more sex, than this book is for you. If you're a prude who doesn't like well written, descriptive sex, than avoid this book. All in all this a well written, character driven story about honor, respect and clapping cheeks.
March 13, 2022
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
I enjoyed it!
Narration 5/5
I enjoyed it!
January 26, 2021
Good start
This was a great start to a series. It seem that a new trope is emerging in the genre: that of the alpha forced to beat until his maleness overcomes all. Can't wait for the next installment.
This was a great start to a series. It seem that a new trope is emerging in the genre: that of the alpha forced to beat until his maleness overcomes all. Can't wait for the next installment.
January 26, 2021
Solid start
Great characterisation, solid romance in DnD/Drizzt imspired setting. Would like it to have been a longer book given the price. Looking forward to the next.
Great characterisation, solid romance in DnD/Drizzt imspired setting. Would like it to have been a longer book given the price. Looking forward to the next.
March 9, 2021
“Hm, I was nearly killed by someone who was like a father to me, and now I have been enslaved by heretics whose vile god stands for everything I have been brought up to despise. Time for us all to get our kit off! Wahey!”
April 9, 2021
Harem gamelit this is not - it is poor writing
I have read my share of guilty pleasures, also my share of good harem gamelit. This is not it. It is simply sex without plot and that’s it.....I read 30 percent of the book and nothing in it but that.
I have read my share of guilty pleasures, also my share of good harem gamelit. This is not it. It is simply sex without plot and that’s it.....I read 30 percent of the book and nothing in it but that.
January 30, 2021
This is bad writing.
This is bad writing. If you tried to put a fever dream into words or imagined a world where everyone, men included were on their period - hormonally speaking - where all the main characters were bipolar and malleable like playdough from moment to moment that would be what you ended up here. With the exception of some supporting characters who are decidedly shallow. Not even going to comment on the setting or story because no amount of either could save this character writing.
This is bad writing. If you tried to put a fever dream into words or imagined a world where everyone, men included were on their period - hormonally speaking - where all the main characters were bipolar and malleable like playdough from moment to moment that would be what you ended up here. With the exception of some supporting characters who are decidedly shallow. Not even going to comment on the setting or story because no amount of either could save this character writing.
January 25, 2021
Great Novel
This book has a great plot and lots of spicy times. I had never heard of this author until I saw a chance FB thread in my feed asking questions about her. I feel inclined to search out her other novels. This book is perfectly paced and I look forward to seeing the next volume.
This book has a great plot and lots of spicy times. I had never heard of this author until I saw a chance FB thread in my feed asking questions about her. I feel inclined to search out her other novels. This book is perfectly paced and I look forward to seeing the next volume.
January 1, 2025
as an avid D&D player and a big smut fan, this was a real real tough read.
September 15, 2023
Bloom & Dark is what you get when an absolute goddess of femdom fiction decides to make the sword-and-sorcery genre her bitch. It's everything you would expect from the woman behind Dottie, Sabine, and Rhoda Dendron, which means it's as deep and thoughtful as it is sexy. Regina Watts is one of those authors who casts a spell over the reader with everything she writes, and this doesn't just straddle genres, it stands tall and wide across my decades of reading.
The core of this book will be instantly familiar to fans of the fantasy genre. It's old-fashioned sword-and-sorcery, full of noble paladins, adventuring thieves, metalsmithing dwarves, dark elves, vintage monsters, and more. There's adventure, drama, and romance to be found within its pages, but what makes it truly memorable is the themes of power - between men and women, gods and goddesses, friends and lovers - woven into all of it.
Rorke Burningsoul, (human) Paladin of Weltyr, and Valeria, (durrow) High Priestess of Roserpine are the couple at the heart of the story, and I loved what Watts did with them and those themes. Betrayed by surface companions he's supposed to be able to trust, and rescued by underground elves he's supposed to fear, Rorke finds himself trapped between (seemingly) opposing oaths. Ironically, in becoming branded and bound to Valeria, enslaved by her matriarchal race, he comes to find a sort of freedom in his submission that puts him on a path - as unorthodox as it may be - toward fulfilling his destiny.
Surrounded by a small cast of supporting characters who round out the emotional aspects of the story, Rorke and Valeria are deep, well-developed, memorable personalities who come to life through one another. What starts as a game of sexual submission slowly evolves into a dance of romantic reward, with an emotional bond that proves stronger than their ensorcelled bondage. As the fantasy story moves into the realm of assassination and betrayal, with increasingly dangerous monstrous attacks, it's their relationship that holds it all together.
Both a heart-pounding fantasy and a heart-wrenching erotic romance, Bloom & Dark delivers on every level. It's something familiar and new at the same time, a fun read that will have you devouring just one more page all night long.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2021/...
The core of this book will be instantly familiar to fans of the fantasy genre. It's old-fashioned sword-and-sorcery, full of noble paladins, adventuring thieves, metalsmithing dwarves, dark elves, vintage monsters, and more. There's adventure, drama, and romance to be found within its pages, but what makes it truly memorable is the themes of power - between men and women, gods and goddesses, friends and lovers - woven into all of it.
Rorke Burningsoul, (human) Paladin of Weltyr, and Valeria, (durrow) High Priestess of Roserpine are the couple at the heart of the story, and I loved what Watts did with them and those themes. Betrayed by surface companions he's supposed to be able to trust, and rescued by underground elves he's supposed to fear, Rorke finds himself trapped between (seemingly) opposing oaths. Ironically, in becoming branded and bound to Valeria, enslaved by her matriarchal race, he comes to find a sort of freedom in his submission that puts him on a path - as unorthodox as it may be - toward fulfilling his destiny.
Surrounded by a small cast of supporting characters who round out the emotional aspects of the story, Rorke and Valeria are deep, well-developed, memorable personalities who come to life through one another. What starts as a game of sexual submission slowly evolves into a dance of romantic reward, with an emotional bond that proves stronger than their ensorcelled bondage. As the fantasy story moves into the realm of assassination and betrayal, with increasingly dangerous monstrous attacks, it's their relationship that holds it all together.
Both a heart-pounding fantasy and a heart-wrenching erotic romance, Bloom & Dark delivers on every level. It's something familiar and new at the same time, a fun read that will have you devouring just one more page all night long.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2021/...
July 11, 2021
Just not feeling it
Story drags and drags. The pacing is hella slow and the writing uninteresting. I doubt I will continue to read this series
Story drags and drags. The pacing is hella slow and the writing uninteresting. I doubt I will continue to read this series
July 23, 2021
4.5 Stars
Romantic dark fantasy erotica
There's a lot of sex in here. Tastefully stylized, easily read, fantasy harem sex. But the story is actually interesting and well told, so kudos to the author. I was cynical about this being a very male perspective of slavery in a matriarchy. I've seen plenty of gender swaps that aren't nearly so benign. Besides all my scoffing at that, I did enjoy the story. It starts with betrayal, and that pops up again throughout, but the main character is so honorable and stalwart, treading a fine line between respecting his god and 'doing as the Romans do', that I did respect him and cheer him on. AGAIN, the gender swapped version of this situation wouldn't be nearly so happy! Shame and humiliation would be a big part of it. But not here with this guy... he has no trouble being paraded naked in public, used as a sex slave, and still talking with his mistresses with pride, respect, and goodwill.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Romantic dark fantasy erotica
There's a lot of sex in here. Tastefully stylized, easily read, fantasy harem sex. But the story is actually interesting and well told, so kudos to the author. I was cynical about this being a very male perspective of slavery in a matriarchy. I've seen plenty of gender swaps that aren't nearly so benign. Besides all my scoffing at that, I did enjoy the story. It starts with betrayal, and that pops up again throughout, but the main character is so honorable and stalwart, treading a fine line between respecting his god and 'doing as the Romans do', that I did respect him and cheer him on. AGAIN, the gender swapped version of this situation wouldn't be nearly so happy! Shame and humiliation would be a big part of it. But not here with this guy... he has no trouble being paraded naked in public, used as a sex slave, and still talking with his mistresses with pride, respect, and goodwill.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2024
I love this author's writing style. It is mostly easy reading and interesting. Unfortunately the subject matter is revolting hot garbage. Sexist and misandrist. Owning and branding people like cattle. Shaming, humiliating, torture, mutilation and killing. Worship and devotion of people as if they were gods. Someone would have to be incredibly selfish, emotionally stunted and mentally disturbed to want and believe in systemic slavery.
Rorke allows himself to be owned and used like an object. The way people talk to him and treat him is disgusting and it is impossible to have any respect for him considering how little he has for himself. He is very selective in applying his principles...sometimes he is ready to die for them and sometimes he happily ignores them. What is a paladin if not a man of principle? I don't think he'd be so willing and happy to serve evil creatures.
I don't see how this book is considered harem genre, unless the tag applies to the series as a whole rather than just this book.
Rorke allows himself to be owned and used like an object. The way people talk to him and treat him is disgusting and it is impossible to have any respect for him considering how little he has for himself. He is very selective in applying his principles...sometimes he is ready to die for them and sometimes he happily ignores them. What is a paladin if not a man of principle? I don't think he'd be so willing and happy to serve evil creatures.
I don't see how this book is considered harem genre, unless the tag applies to the series as a whole rather than just this book.
June 15, 2021
This book turned out very good. Thank you Amazon Reviewers!
My only disappointment was that the story was too short, but this is the first book of the saga so whatever.
What stood out to me the most was the amazing writing. Very beautiful and eloquent.
Rorke is a wonderful male main character. His kindness, his faith to Weltyr (his god) and loyalty to Valeria made him very endearing to me. I usually have a beef with male main characters from the specific genre, but thankfully Rorke is an exception to this. Also, the female characters in this specific genre of books I usually find them pretty boring. Thankfully this isn't the case with this book, especially Valeria is a very interesting and dominant woman.
I will certainly pick up the second book of the series.
My only disappointment was that the story was too short, but this is the first book of the saga so whatever.
What stood out to me the most was the amazing writing. Very beautiful and eloquent.
Rorke is a wonderful male main character. His kindness, his faith to Weltyr (his god) and loyalty to Valeria made him very endearing to me. I usually have a beef with male main characters from the specific genre, but thankfully Rorke is an exception to this. Also, the female characters in this specific genre of books I usually find them pretty boring. Thankfully this isn't the case with this book, especially Valeria is a very interesting and dominant woman.
I will certainly pick up the second book of the series.
March 26, 2021
Love it!!
No shame, I love harem books. If I’m in the mood for some me time, I look for a harem book to get me going. This book, REALLY got me going. I’ll tell you why. It’s hard to find great character depth with emotional interaction in the fantasy harem category. The action and plot was a bit slow paced, but overall it was still really good because you couldn’t predict it. So many authors write predictable plots that are boring. This one did not. Great first. Can’t wait for the next one. -Mike Truk and Anya Merchant have some competition.
No shame, I love harem books. If I’m in the mood for some me time, I look for a harem book to get me going. This book, REALLY got me going. I’ll tell you why. It’s hard to find great character depth with emotional interaction in the fantasy harem category. The action and plot was a bit slow paced, but overall it was still really good because you couldn’t predict it. So many authors write predictable plots that are boring. This one did not. Great first. Can’t wait for the next one. -Mike Truk and Anya Merchant have some competition.
June 7, 2021
A solid steamy story
A Paladin betrayed to become a slave amongst dark elves. An interesting premise. Decent characters, a fair plethora of steamy scenes to definitely pass the time. For the amount they didn't hinder the story. The end was a little surprising. I'll be curious to see how it continues.
The other big plus, not a ton of grammatical errors either, which allows for a quick read.
A Paladin betrayed to become a slave amongst dark elves. An interesting premise. Decent characters, a fair plethora of steamy scenes to definitely pass the time. For the amount they didn't hinder the story. The end was a little surprising. I'll be curious to see how it continues.
The other big plus, not a ton of grammatical errors either, which allows for a quick read.
February 1, 2021
Good job
The author has managed to make a good stab (hah) at adult fiction that manages to incorporate both aspects without seeming to shoehorn the adult in over the story. The scenes are well written and engaging and don’t seem to be there in obligation. The characters are engrossing and the plot enticing. Looking forward to further works in this series.
The author has managed to make a good stab (hah) at adult fiction that manages to incorporate both aspects without seeming to shoehorn the adult in over the story. The scenes are well written and engaging and don’t seem to be there in obligation. The characters are engrossing and the plot enticing. Looking forward to further works in this series.
February 16, 2021
A fun adventure!
The character development was great. The story telling superb, and the world building and lore were intriguing. The more steamy scenes enhanced the story rather than detracting from it. Overall, this book was a lot of fun to read!
The character development was great. The story telling superb, and the world building and lore were intriguing. The more steamy scenes enhanced the story rather than detracting from it. Overall, this book was a lot of fun to read!
May 28, 2021
Interesting story
I think the enjoyment of the story will depend on your mood since the writing is so flowery, at least for me anyway. It is an interesting take on Paladins and dark elves or, I guess, without all of the game lit additions. A nice little diversion.
I think the enjoyment of the story will depend on your mood since the writing is so flowery, at least for me anyway. It is an interesting take on Paladins and dark elves or, I guess, without all of the game lit additions. A nice little diversion.
February 18, 2024
Definitely the book that got to the smut the quickest of the ones that I read so far but overall has a really good story with investable characters that make me excited to see their story in the next books
May 28, 2025
I listened to this one on Spotify. It was a little strange listening to the male protagonist read by a woman. She did a marvelous job, just took some getting used to. Straight of a D&D campaign, but with a bunch of sex.
February 12, 2021
Fantastic
This was a truly epic story with breathtaking levels of world building. The characters and overall mythos of this story is excellent! Cannot wait for the next one!
This was a truly epic story with breathtaking levels of world building. The characters and overall mythos of this story is excellent! Cannot wait for the next one!
March 28, 2021
A Good Read
There’s more here than just your standard harem lit. The characters are well thought out and the plot keeps you coming back for more. I look forward to book two!
There’s more here than just your standard harem lit. The characters are well thought out and the plot keeps you coming back for more. I look forward to book two!
April 25, 2021
Hooked from the beginning
Enjoyed this book, different enough compared to others I have read so that to me the authors style stood out as unique.Really liked the Valeria character.
Enjoyed this book, different enough compared to others I have read so that to me the authors style stood out as unique.Really liked the Valeria character.
May 23, 2021
excellent story
really fun read,great story very well writing. I am really looking forward to seeing the next book. should be a heck of a ride.
really fun read,great story very well writing. I am really looking forward to seeing the next book. should be a heck of a ride.
January 29, 2024
This was my first smut book, so I don’t have much to compare it to. However, as an enjoyer of all things fantasy and D&D this was pleasurable the whole read.
February 28, 2025
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it. There’s a lot of harem aspects to it, but it also has a good amount of romance and character building.
April 11, 2025
I'm sorry but this was terrible 😔
January 4, 2025
Pointy ears... 😍😂
September 9, 2024
The plot itself was fine, i quite liked it, but the story as a whole felt a bit too much like a Romance novel for my tastes. Like a women's romance novel in the trappings of a men's harem fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews