Warning: we recommend reading these sexy stories after dark. Light-of-day reading may lead to blushing, flushing, and squirming that is difficult to explain to children, co-workers, and significant others.
Swoony heroes. Sizzling chemistry. Sweet kisses.
This and more awaits you in the Desire After Dark anthology, a collection that proves boys are better in books and desire really is better after dark.
Over twenty of your favorite authors have come together to bring you your next book boyfriend in the hot bad boys you can’t resist, the swoon-worthy heroes that will sweep you off your feet, and all the sexy studs you’ll meet between the pages.
You’ll find all your favorite tropes, ranging from steamy to downright scorching. This one amazing compilation will satisfy your craving for enemies to lovers, small town, second chance, sexy dark, sports, rom com, forbidden, age gap, friends to lovers, opposites attract, and many more!
Snuggle up and prepare to read all night... you won’t want to put this steamy contemporary collection down.
For fans of: Lauren Blakely, Lauren Landish, Willow Winters, and LJ Shen
Authors in this set include: Em Petrova, Ellie Masters, S.M. West, Serena Akeroyd, Catherine Wiltcher & Cora Kenborn, Heather Slade, Neya Wara & Amanda Faye, Tara Wyatt, Hope Irving, Katherine Hastings, Ara Grigorian, Katana Collins, JB Heller, E.R. Whyte & Jennifer Hartmann, Zoe Forward, Jane Suen, D. D. Larsen, Ivy Wild, Jade Webb, Erin Osborne, and Rene Folsom
Entropy by Jennifer Hartmann & ER whyte I just finished this spellbinding story and i really don't know what to do with myself now. Riveting, visceral and unexpected story line had me addicted from the get go. It's hyper charged emotional content just fascinated me, so much so that I had to read it in one sitting. Could Not Put The Book Down!! I went through every emotion possible, from heartache to promise, optimistic hope to miserable torment.. What an experience this book turned out to be. I've NEVER read a book like this before! Hartmann is a phenomenon in making. Mark my words, she's an author to watch out for. A genius of epic proportions, Her books always slay me and entropy is another tragic-romance that every needs to read.
"Entropy signifies a state of disorder or chaos. A measure of uncertainty. Have you ever experienced profound chaos? A downward spiral. True, blinding madness that keeps on spinning, plummeting you further and further into a black hole you can’t seem to claw your way out of. It infiltrates everything. "
Hartmann & Whyte create a tragic scenario, right in chapter 1. The repurcussions of which start to spread out in Ripple Effect and ALL the characters are caught in its wake immediately or undertow later. Trauma is a Mother Effing Beast, and Grief it's offspring.
"Grief is a senseless Beast
All the characters bear the brunt of the huge incident that starts the book. Some hurt, some bleed, some are shocked speechless. Dax Reed dons his cape to help people in need. The reluctant hero manages to carry the burden of others but his own ultimately becomes too heavy to bear. He gets tied up by circumstances and though he survives, his soul does not. Taking solace in the anonymity, he embarks on a mission to burrow deep into hiding, maybe to find the elusive peace.
"Peaceful. It’s a carefully crafted lie. Even out here in the dense forests, all alone and surrounded by quiet, my heart is restless. My skin crawls with unease. My mind races with doubt. If I can’t find peace here, of all places, where else is it? "
Indigo Blue is her companion in tragedy and a shining example of accepting her fault and seeking help. She's Drowning but instead of giving up, she spreads her hand out to anchor with professional help It takes a village of unsung heroes to form the supportive bracket these characters can lean on. Blake, the delightful, every loyal "Tart Tangerine" lover, Bunny cuddler's staunch friendship keeps Dax somewhat sane. Indie's mother, Tameka are all heroes, lending unconditional support to Daisy and indie. The book ends on a high note of renewal, redemption and recuperation
"Just because some of my pieces are lost, doesn’t mean I’m beyond repair. I’m here, still standing amidst the chaos. "
Some scenes had me tearing up in agony and disbelief. The Dax-Dad scene towards the end was a much needed catharsis. i cried during that scene so much, my own loss blending with theirs. That's how close i came to these characters.
"It ached later, like a phantom limb post-amputation. I wanted to itch it, to tear at it, rip it from my body—only, it had already been ripped away. It wasn’t there. "
The entire book is a journey you ebb and flow on currents of pain and misery. But there's hope and healing at the end. Too many epiphanies, pearls of wisdom, life lessons scattered on every page. I felt spoiled for choice when it came to choosing my favorite passage. I'm forcing everyone I know to buy and read this book. Hope I get Paperback of it one day 5 stars for Baby Lion who learnt to Roar!!
No Love Lost by Neya wara It's a sizzling hot MM romance dabbling in Daddy/Boy kink A forbidden Teacher/student romance that has lots of feelings involved. There's plenty of room for jealousy, rejection, anger going around to make this a well rounded story
This book is just amazing and filled with the utmost perfect stories! This is definitely a must read!
I finally made my way through this book with so many amazing stories inside. These authors gave me all the feels and honestly I couldn't put this anthology down until I finished it. So if your looking for some seriously emotional and hot/steamy moments mixed into the storylines definitely grab this book.
I would like to review one particular story that I was dying to read in this anthology though, Entropy by Jennifer Hartmann and E.R. Whyte. This book was so much more than I could have imagined from the little sneak peeks or teasers and it is hands down my favorite book so far.
This story takes you through a gamut of emotions and consumes you until the very end. You watch as Indie and Dax unfortunately meet under the worst circumstances but brave the uncertainties of what is thrown at them in a dire situation.
I felt every emotion that this characters felt deep in my bones when they are put inside the worst nightmare of a bank robbery gone wrong. These authors gave me chills and had me with fear induced panic at times with the situation these characters faced. I also had a few laughs out of this seriously emotional story though from the best side character ever Blake. This story was full of dark emotions but has a few lighthearted moments mixed in to give you a break from all the torment these characters faced. It's heartbreaking at times and full some hot and steamy moments also. Like I said this story was pure perfection with everything you need as a reader.
If you're looking for an anthology with an emotional punch and steamy moments mixed into the stories make sure to grab this book it's one of the best. I highly recommend this book for any reader because there are so many different stories to suit any mood you're in. Five star and more if I could give on this one!
Review for Ricochet: A London Villain Prequel by Catherine Wiltcher. This is the story of young Frankie & Ada. If you’re looking for a sweet boy meets girl love story with a happily ever after, Ricochet is NOT that. This is a dark, gritty, violent prequel that brings together two characters caught in the middle of a war brewing between the four London territories of British, Irish, mafia, and bratva, known as The Red Compass. Frankie is hellbent on avenging the massacre of his family, but never forgot the young girl he saw dancing in a window that night. Little did he know, his little dove Ada is a pawn, being held prisoner until her pending arranged marriage to a bratva king. With characters from four different criminal empires, Catherine Wiltcher brilliantly reveals the players, the connections between them and the motives behind their actions. The puzzle pieces tying everything together slip into place seamlessly in a cliff hanger ending that will leave you distraught and speechless. Catherine has assured her readers that Frankie and Ada will eventually get their happily ever after, so be sure to add A London Villain to your TBR!
I am one of the lucky ones who got to read SM West's story regarding Scoring the Player. Each of the main characters has baggage that needs to be dealt with, but they are so good together. Claire is so lucky to have her family rally around her even though she is afraid to bother them. I enjoyed the maturity and love these characters had for each other. Squee, I was also honored enough to read Lip Service by Hope Irving. It was beautifully written, and while Ashton broke my heart with his lousy luck, I also was in awe of his strength in knowing what he needed and his ability to get it. I LOVED Nino's desire to learn more about Ash and not get caught up in titles but what worked for them as a couple.
Well were do i start with this book it was absolutely fantastic and i devoured it without taking a break. Frankie is 🔥🔥🔥 i felt sorry for ada she just wants to be free but instead she is being forced to marry someone she cant stand. I cant wait for frankie to get his revenge and of course his woman. I loved how Aiden knight was at the end and i look forward to reading more about him. Catherine you never cease to amaze me with your books i love how all the characters come together in some way. If you haven't read a book by this author before then you really don't know what your missing her writing is amazing and her books are so addictive
When I saw that these 20 authors were teaming up on an anthology, i swooned. How could I say no? I haven’t had the opportunity to read all of the stories yet, but I love discovering new to me authors and this is a great (economical!) way to do it. I did read Hope Irving’s contribution and am including my review below:
The flow! The heat! The swoon! I’m floored. This author has really hit her stride in writing MM, which she has a knack for. Photographer Nino saves surfer Ash from drowning while he’s vacationing in Bali. Their intense connection begins—and thankfully does not end—there. A long-distance friendship develops, which builds when one appears on the other’s doorstep. Navigating a broken heart and secret desires, they (finally!) arrive at their own happy ever after. The story had development and progression and was smooth and seamless so that the reader could “fall right in.” 5 stars!
Ricochet was the gripping prequel to the highly anticipated A London Villain.
We're thrust into the world of these dangerous crime families, get up close and personal with the violence, corruption and intimidation that's comes as second nature to these dangerous men.
I absolutely loved Frankie and Ada they were like the ultimate star crossed lovers, fated to love each other from afar. They've suffered and lost so much already and when they get a little taste of happiness it's snatched away in the most brutal way. It was heart breaking, intense, emotional and exhilarating.
Now vengeance must be served for Frankie and Ada......bring on A London Villain, I seriously CAN NOT WAIT!!👏👏
This review is for Full Circle by Anise Storm Th is an emotional story with Joey dealing with her brothers sudden death and going back home to have his service. She's dealing with her painful past and facing her guilt as well as her young crush with Grayson,her brothers best friend. It's a heartfelt story that pulled at my heartstrings. It's well written with descriptive scenes and is an enjoyable read.
This review is for Bishop: SEAL's Team Blackout Bishop is in isolation after losing his best friend in the line of duty and feeling responsible for his loss. Taliyah is a runaway bride escaping the danger that's out to find her. The author brings an action packed story filled with suspense and danger as well as the sizzling hot chemistry and a team of Hot SEAL's on standby. It's well written with descriptive scenes and is a great read. Loved and recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
My review is for Scoring The Player by S.M. West in this anthology. I will update as I read the rest!
Such a great story! The characters, Matt & Claire, are absolutely drawn to each other. Both are fighting their own personal issues in their lives, and it seems that the time they spend together helps them ease the uncomfortable decisions they each need to make. Matt becomes set in his decision for his future, as Claire is a people pleaser and struggles to make decisions that are for herself rather than everyone else. I do love that Matt doesn’t allow Claire to push him away, and keeps proving himself.
This book had some emotional moments for me. I wanted to hug Claire because I understood why she was the way she was. It was so good to watch her come into her own and do things for herself.
I loved every page of this book, and would recommend this to everyone. It’s a complicated but sweet love story that will make you swoon.
This review is for The Other Plan by Katherine Hastings
I received an ARC of this amazing story and it was absolutely one of my favorite books by Katherine! This book focused on one of my favorite side characters from the Door Peninsula Passions world... Jenna! I love this spunky wedding planner, and getting to go along on her love story was awesome. Carter is EVERYTHING! He is sexy, sassy, and a total heart throb who is the perfect fit for my girl Jenna! This second chance romance is packed with sexual tension that is off the charts as Carter tries to woo back a very stubborn Jenna who has sworn off men since he first broke her heart. There is lots of laughter, twists, and passion that will set your Kindle on fire! Five big stars for this book, and I can't wait to read the other ones in this set! This is the third book in the series, but it reads as a standalone so you don't have to read the others. But I highly recommend you do at some point because it is a great series of romance books!
I’m here for Zoe Forward’s contribution, and I must say this: she did a SPECTACULAR job with Kate and Colt. Are they truly over and done, or is there more to them? She’s trying to move on with the half life she’s now living, while he’s determined to get her back. These two had a lot to discuss, common ground to find, and a decision to make. To sign or not to sign.
I LOVED the fact that this wasn’t your typical rock star romance. They both had pain and misery and yes, there was a mistake of epic proportions, but it’s not the type of mistake you’d never come back from. And Colton clearly clawed his way back to good in order to make Kate believe in him and give them a second chance. Their painful past, their hard truths, and their undying love that burned everything to the ground around them made this a fabulous quick read of love and almost losing it all before redemption comes around.
❤ Office Romance ❤ Power Couple ❤ Brother's best friend ❤ Close Proximity
Sutton is a powerhouse but when she comes home to London for what she thinks is a short trip she's blindsided by the men in her family and is in the sights of Tate Hillside her competitor. The chemistry with these two is explosive for sure and the close proximity is icing on the cake. The drama just gets better and better it's a great short read with a lot of heart.
The Anthology is a fantastic collection of stories by some amazing authors! This is a review for Ricochet by Catherine Wiltcher: Ricochet is the prequel to the highly anticipated A London Villain. Frankie and Ada share a “love at first sight” kind of love, but this is not your typical love story. Their story is full of violence and heartbreak. The end of the prequel has your heart shattering into a million pieces and the epilogue starts Frankie’s return to London and sets the stage for A London Villain. This prequel moves you to love Frankie and Ada and leaves you wishing for revenge on their behalf. And as if young Frankie and Aiden aren’t enough sexy mafia men, Catherine also tugs at my OG heartstrings with the mention of Daddy Dante! Can’t wait for A London Villain!
When I heard that Catherine cried writing Ricochet, I didn’t know what could possibly make her cry. And then I read the book and the anticipation was killing me slowly. When the dots connected abou who Frankie was I was literally shivering. I cried! I cried so hard in the end. The sorrow, the pain, the years of abuse and this ending was heartbreaking and at the same time held so much expectations about what we will see in February! I loved from the bottle of my heart!!!
Review of Ricochet :) Another amazing story by Catherine Wiltcher! This sets the stage for “London Villain” so well and that I am counting the days for its release! The story focuses on Frankie and Ada and it’s a dark, raw, and emotional story that can only be told by Catherine Wiltcher. It doesn’t hold any punches as a prequel! If you are a big fan of all things mafia and Catherine’s characters, you will need this in your life!
This review is for Ricochet by Catherine Wiltcher who is one of my favorite authors I stumbled on to her when she first started and have followed her with ever book. She just keeps getting better! Fate brings two star crossed lovers together. Frankie and Ada are both victims of the Irish mafia. Both young lives broken by the controlling actions of others. Torn apart Frankie pledges to find her one day ! I can’t wait to read the explosive conclusion when he destroys the people responsible for all the destruction in his life. Catherine Wiltcher is an amazing writer who continues to create compelling and complex characters you fall in love with. Kudos !!
Claire and Matt are the sweetest couple! From crushing on each other to falling in love and dealing with Matt’s troublesome assistant Britney, they have you cheering for them. They are both trying to decide their future and maybe, just maybe, that includes each other. Loved this story!
I read Scoring The Player by SM West as part of the Desire After Dark Anthology, but the story is also book 2 of the author's 6ix Loves series. The story can be read as a standalone, but it does refer to characters from the beginning of the series, so you may want to read Resisting the Best Friend's Sister (book 0.5) and Trusting the Ex (book 1) first.
Scoring The Player is a story that pulls you in and then slowly reveals its secrets whilst also pulling on the heart strings and having you desperate to see what happens next. SM West has written an enthralling story that knows exactly how to put you right there into the action and have you experiencing what the characters are going through. Be prepared for some frustration when it comes to Matt's assistant, Brittany, though because that woman is crazy lol. Whilst this story is part of an anthology, it delivers everything needed to make it a 5 star read and showcases the amazing talent of an author who never fails to deliver.
* I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this story
I loved reading this novella . It is a fantastic fast paced suspense . Rob Bishop is a retired Navy Seal . He comes to Taliyah Trents rescue when she's running from her wedding . Taliyahs father is in prison for embezzling from his company . He maybe innocent and Taliyah is in danger while looking for the proof . Bishop will do whatever it takes to keep her safe even call in team Blackout to assist . This story is well written . It is Suspenseful and steamy . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This review is on Bishop: SEAL Team Blackout by Em Petrova: This story was entertaining thanks to the engaging story line and endearing characters that kept my attention from start to finish making this a quick, fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is for Bishop: SEAL Team Blackout by Em Petrova This is a Seal Team Blackout love story for Bishop and Taliyah. Well thats one way to find a bride, eve if she is not yours. I loved the danger and adventure this book holds. I loved how much these two fit so well into each others lives and how Bishop helps save Taliyah's father too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This review is for Bishop by Em Petrova. Taliyah is on the run, and Bishop comes to the rescue more than once. Taliyah proves to be highly intelligent, which I enjoyed. The book is fast paced, and action packed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In Scoring the Player, NFL Quarterback. Matt, and surgeon resident, Claire, wind up at the same cottage trying to do the same thing - hide out from the rest of the world. Both have life changing decisions to make and think that their friend’s cottage is the perfect getaway. Matt arrives first but shortly after his arrival, his personal assistant shows up. She is essentially a child, expecting everyone to bend to her every whim - and she has many! When Claire arrives, everyone is surprised at the turn of events. Matt and Claire have mutual friends so they are acquaintances. Matt always wanted more of a relationship with Claire but they live across the country from each other. Claire was always attracted to Matt but was always so focused on her studies that she did not allow herself to indulge in her crush. Matt’s assistant does everything she can to make it look like she and Matt are together and Claire accepts that. Matt tries on a couple of occasions to set Claire straight on his relationship with his assistant - it is just business. He is finally able to convince her when he send his assistant packing. That gives them both the opportunity to act on their feelings. They have a limited time at the cottage but enough time to realize how they feel about each other. Claire has to leave first but doesn’t want to leave Matt. Holding strong, she forces herself to leave. After a day back home, Claire receives word from Matt that he followed her. She is so happy about that. They spend all of their free time together and enjoy it. Claire’s problems haven’t disappeared, in fact, they’ve gotten worse. Matt urges her to get help but she refuses. Matt’s assistant is brazen and goes to Claire’s work to tell her to leave Matt alone and shows her an engagement ring. Claire begins to doubt Matt’s feelings for her. Matt has to leave town for business and reaches out to Claire’s mother, explaining that Claire needs help. While Matt is out of town, Claire’s family rallies around her and convince her to seek help. Matt continues to text Claire but because she is unsure, she does not respond. While on business, Matt confronts his assistant about going to Claire’s work, he soon realizes how much damage she has done and tells her that he is done with her! After her family tells Claire how much Matt did to get her the support she needed, Claire decides to surprise Matt. He welcomes her with open arms and is just glad that she is with him. They talk and get to a good place for them. They have their HEA!! This author is new to me but if this one book is any indication of her talents, it most certainly will not be the last book that I read from her! I definitely recommend this book!!!
“Sometimes you have to lose yourself to find yourself. And along the way, I was lucky enough to also find you.”
Scoring the Player was another great story by S.M. West. Matt and Claire are both at a crossroads in their respective careers and have escaped to a cabin to determine the direction of their futures. Secretly, they both have been crushing on the other and the forced proximity of the cabin will bring those feelings to the surface.
“Claire Raine. The girl of my dreams stands in front of me. Literally.”
Matt was such a sweetheart. While he was strong, determined and knew his own mind, he took care of those around him and took on unneeded responsibilities because his heart was so big. I loved how he took care of Claire and forced her to confront her fears.
“…he’s the only guy I’ve ever crushed on, and I love how I feel when I’m near him.”
Claire had a huge, caring heart, but she was suffering from a childhood trauma that made her suppress her true wants and feelings. She was always determined to be the best and not to cause any trouble or be a burden to anyone.
“With Matt by my side, I’m at the edge of possibility and my choices are limitless. I can’t wait to jump.”
I loved Matt and Claire together and watching their friendship grow and change. They were both so supportive of each other and talked through their fears and concerns regarding the decisions that they had to make. Plus their banter and chemistry was electric. They were better together than apart.
“All I know is I lost the joy of football, and Claire, being with her this past week…she’s the fire, the magic, I’ve been missing.”
Scoring the Player was full of humor, heart, friendship and so much emotion. I was drawn into Matt and Claire’s world and was so invested in their relationship. They had a difficult road to travel, but it warmed my heart how they were able to find their paths in life together.
***Reviewing Ricochet: A London Villain Prequel by Catherine Wiltcher***
5 stars! Painfully addicting!
Ricochet is a well devised story, an addicting taste of how everything started for Frankie Lastro and Ada (not O'Sullivan), serving as a phenomenal prequel to A London Villain. Catherine Wiltcher didn't hold back: raw, gritty, brutal, chaotic and intimately intense, the narrative feels quite like a Romeo & Juliet journey, warring families and their fight for territory, alliances, disloyalty, betrayal and the pawns that keep the games and schematics going: Frankie and Ada. Heirs in their own right, but robbed of their role in the legacy, Frankie and Ada are serendipitious soulmates and recognize their own strenghth in one another, but their young age, lack of experience and loyal support will make their demise too early to battle back and time will be the best counsellor, deviser and enough healer to regroup and get in the game strongly, ruthlessly, unapologetically and lethally, all in the name of a promise and no regrets felt. Ricochet describes perfectly what their infatuation, ensnarement and entanglement felt like as well as the circumstances and surrounding enviroment that saw their love born and sprout in its tiny little time, but never die. Absolutely loved and hugely excited for their account years later in A London Villain. I would recommend reading Black Skies Riviera after.
As soon as I read the other books, I'll update my review.
I loved Matt and Claire! Even though they were opposites, they were perfect for each other. Two broken souls that tried to mend each other. This book had me laughing-out-loud one minute and tears running down my face the next ... and every emotion in between. I loved the banter between the characters ... it's so realistic.
Matt has a big decision to make ... keep playing in the NFL or retire. He goes to his friend's cottage in the woods outside of Toronto, so he can clear his mind and make the decision that is best for him. But then his assistant (and his sister's best friend) Brittany shows up and he can never say no to her, so she makes herself at home.
Claire is a med student and has a panic attack in the OR. She begs for a week off and goes to her sister's cottage in the woods. Only when she gets there, she finds her sister's friend Matt and his girlfriend Brittany already staying in the cottage. But it's a big cottage, and Matt convinces her to stay, Matt can't believe his eyes when Claire shows up ... after all, she's the girl of his dreams ... literally! Now all he has to do is make her fall for him, but it's not going to be easy with Brittany there every time he turns around.
I haven't read the other books in this series ... but I sure will because I have to know more about Pippa and Drew's story! And I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
I received an early copy courtesy of the author in exchange for a honest review.
Full circle is a small town contemporary romance which highlights Jolene’s journey through self discovery amidst grief. I love the way the author portrayed Jolene as a fearless, get it done girl while at the same time is secretly insecure and self conscious of herself as she returns back to her hometown that she loathes. As she battles through the grief and reminders of her past, you can see the growth that she goes through. Her interaction with her brother’s best friend, Grayson, shows so much tension between them that I was at the edge of my seat until they finally got together. I still can’t get over the panty melting line Grayson says to Jolene after some searing kisses. “You wear the well-kissed look well, Joey, but I can’t help but wonder how much better the thoroughly fucked one would look on you.” Yes, I had to stop and fan myself after reading that.
As I read this story, it very much reminded me of my own small hometown life and the struggles you find within it. Overall I very much enjoyed reading this novella and am eager to read more of these type of stories from author Anise Storm. I highly recommend this read if you're into headstrong heroines and sexy studs who know how to push all the right buttons.
Ricochet review: Tragic and so amazing. This is the beginning of an epic love story!
I know this is only the prequel, but I already love Ada and Frankie’s story. They’re both pawns in the hands of mafia monsters whose lives haven’t been their own. They both have endured really hard situations, especially Ada, and are hopeless until they meet in a decisive moment that will mark them forever.
This short story is heart-wrenching and I cried in the last two chapters, but it’s so well written that besides feelling all the suffering of these young lovers, it gives you hope about what it’s about to come. And that is definitely a story I don’t want to miss.
Ada and Frankie’s love story as teenagers is tragic but it’s their difficult and sad start what it’s going to make their story epic and unforgettable.
Their story may have started like Romeo and Juliet but what it’s coming is promising and quite different from how Shakespeare’s lovers ended.
I can’t wait for ‘A London Villain’ release next year!