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Swan #1
Swan Lake
The Swan is not as innocent as she appears...
Doubts and fears of her own making have kept April a prisoner of her mind for far too long. Her promising ballet career was halted after a violent attack, forcing her into a rehabilitation facility to cope with her crushing emotional pain. Now, eager for a fresh start, she battles to hide her daily struggles under an ill-fitting mask of control.
Until she meets William.
Older.
Mysterious.
Dangerous.
Underneath his intoxicating guidance, April explores exquisite freedoms that unlock a powerful side of herself she never knew existed. But the handsome billionaire has a dark side of his own, and may not be the modern-day prince the world believes him to be. Plagued by labels of both good and evil, will he be her salvation?
Or her ultimate undoing?
Author L.B. Alexander delivers an intense, passionate romance with her debut novel, Swan Lake. This dark and elegant contemporary reimagining of a beloved fairy tale will leave readers spellbound.
Doubts and fears of her own making have kept April a prisoner of her mind for far too long. Her promising ballet career was halted after a violent attack, forcing her into a rehabilitation facility to cope with her crushing emotional pain. Now, eager for a fresh start, she battles to hide her daily struggles under an ill-fitting mask of control.
Until she meets William.
Older.
Mysterious.
Dangerous.
Underneath his intoxicating guidance, April explores exquisite freedoms that unlock a powerful side of herself she never knew existed. But the handsome billionaire has a dark side of his own, and may not be the modern-day prince the world believes him to be. Plagued by labels of both good and evil, will he be her salvation?
Or her ultimate undoing?
Author L.B. Alexander delivers an intense, passionate romance with her debut novel, Swan Lake. This dark and elegant contemporary reimagining of a beloved fairy tale will leave readers spellbound.
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Published August 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 23, 2021
Really enjoyed this. Big cliffhanger though. Ready for more.
Huge TW for Eating Disorder and mental illness, suicidal thoughts as well.
Huge TW for Eating Disorder and mental illness, suicidal thoughts as well.
November 10, 2021
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: Anorexia nervosa (eating disorder), mention of rape, BDSM, sexual assault (mention), suicide, body image issues, anxiety/panic disorder, bullying.
Wow, this book. This book was, I don't have either enough words/any to describe what I felt about this book while I was reading it/when I finished it.
A haunting, beautiful, tragic yet realistic novel about exploring outside your comfort zone, building a new identity in the face of past tragedies, and falling in love in the most unconventional way possible - only way I can describe it.
And if you read this book too, you could slightly (I say slightly with a heavy emphasis) make, a comparison between this series and The Fifty Shades Of Grey trilogy.
1. They both are a trilogy.
2. BDSM
3. Innocent dove-like heroines - when they usually aren't.
4. Heroes the way they are- due to tragic and sometimes unbelieveable backstories. Toxic behaviour included (not with William in this book, I promise).
5. Contracts - says every BDSM storyline ever.
So, you can see why I often ended up making comparisons between Fifty shades and Swan Lake series.
But this story was so much better than the infamous trilogy. This series is not just about BDSM, and finding someone like yourself.
No.
It also delves deep into issues about crazy family dynamics, mental health issues, getting help for said mental health issues, being an emotional mess and being okay with that, and just generally building a better identity for yourself and developing a backbone for yourself when others try to put you down.
And I could relate with April, being someone different to most people in your life, and having to adjust when all you feel like is an outcast.
Just lacking on the part of finding someone like William - who knows, one day maybe?
Plus the eclectically fancy and wondrous writing, steamy romance and witty banter, and 7 delicious sins mentioned (hehe, you'll know what I mean when you read this book), it was such an exciting and pleasurable book for me (no BDSM intended pun here).
Anyway, my words will simply not do enough justice to how much of a masterpiece this book was, tackling more than just entering the world of BDSM the first time, and finding someone similar to yourself, and focusing on real life personal issues that often plague the youth, especially young women.
So glad to have read this book, eagerly looking forward to reading the next one. The final/third book will release in March 2022.
PS: The various art references I loved seeing in the novel, as being a former art history student, it was truly enthralling and enchanting to have an art lover as a character and just appreciate the art world so much.
Until the next read,
-TMR
Trigger warnings: Anorexia nervosa (eating disorder), mention of rape, BDSM, sexual assault (mention), suicide, body image issues, anxiety/panic disorder, bullying.
Wow, this book. This book was, I don't have either enough words/any to describe what I felt about this book while I was reading it/when I finished it.
A haunting, beautiful, tragic yet realistic novel about exploring outside your comfort zone, building a new identity in the face of past tragedies, and falling in love in the most unconventional way possible - only way I can describe it.
And if you read this book too, you could slightly (I say slightly with a heavy emphasis) make, a comparison between this series and The Fifty Shades Of Grey trilogy.
1. They both are a trilogy.
2. BDSM
3. Innocent dove-like heroines - when they usually aren't.
4. Heroes the way they are- due to tragic and sometimes unbelieveable backstories. Toxic behaviour included (not with William in this book, I promise).
5. Contracts - says every BDSM storyline ever.
So, you can see why I often ended up making comparisons between Fifty shades and Swan Lake series.
But this story was so much better than the infamous trilogy. This series is not just about BDSM, and finding someone like yourself.
No.
It also delves deep into issues about crazy family dynamics, mental health issues, getting help for said mental health issues, being an emotional mess and being okay with that, and just generally building a better identity for yourself and developing a backbone for yourself when others try to put you down.
And I could relate with April, being someone different to most people in your life, and having to adjust when all you feel like is an outcast.
Just lacking on the part of finding someone like William - who knows, one day maybe?
Plus the eclectically fancy and wondrous writing, steamy romance and witty banter, and 7 delicious sins mentioned (hehe, you'll know what I mean when you read this book), it was such an exciting and pleasurable book for me (no BDSM intended pun here).
Anyway, my words will simply not do enough justice to how much of a masterpiece this book was, tackling more than just entering the world of BDSM the first time, and finding someone similar to yourself, and focusing on real life personal issues that often plague the youth, especially young women.
So glad to have read this book, eagerly looking forward to reading the next one. The final/third book will release in March 2022.
PS: The various art references I loved seeing in the novel, as being a former art history student, it was truly enthralling and enchanting to have an art lover as a character and just appreciate the art world so much.
Until the next read,
-TMR
October 25, 2021
Omg I was honor reading this book from L.B Alexander. I was totally blow away. It totally dark romance. Fantastic characters. William Wolfe is the owner of The Wolf Group, is the alpha hero that SELLS romance novels, but former ballet dancer, April Ekdahl, is the smart, classy, resilient heroine that female readers NEED to discover.
William Wolfe isn’t the man you’d think he is, and as his layers are slowly uncovered, so are the deeper and darker truths that make him simultaneously appealing and frightening. He get a new assistant April Ekdahl working for him.
April Ekdahl is struggling to fight her demons. Diagnosed with severe anorexia, she's left treatment and is trying to start living life on her own again. Her demons are a constant struggle, making her fight to swallow every morsel and dragging her down emotionally.
Let just say it get very interesting how this story plays . And the romance wowowow hot 🥵🥵 if you are into dark romance then I recommend this book. Thank you so much L. B. Alexander. It been a honor.
William Wolfe isn’t the man you’d think he is, and as his layers are slowly uncovered, so are the deeper and darker truths that make him simultaneously appealing and frightening. He get a new assistant April Ekdahl working for him.
April Ekdahl is struggling to fight her demons. Diagnosed with severe anorexia, she's left treatment and is trying to start living life on her own again. Her demons are a constant struggle, making her fight to swallow every morsel and dragging her down emotionally.
Let just say it get very interesting how this story plays . And the romance wowowow hot 🥵🥵 if you are into dark romance then I recommend this book. Thank you so much L. B. Alexander. It been a honor.
October 22, 2021
Swan Lake is book one in the Swan Series and follows a former ballerina on the road to recovery from an ED. There are triggers such as talks of ED, mental illness and BDSM. Read at you own caution. It's been a while since I've read a book like this and diving in is just like riding a bike. This book is intense and I loved every minute of it.
October 20, 2021
Book 1 in the swan series
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
-ex ballerina 🩰
-Boss/employee
-BD$M
⚠️check TW⚠️
April was sick for a long time with a eating disorder. And after long time in treatment she decides to try to get her life back. And with that she starts to work at Wolfe Group Ltd.
William Wolfe,the boss, Dom in his nature sees April’s submissive qualities.
Both has demons to deal with. And together they trying to do so.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
-ex ballerina 🩰
-Boss/employee
-BD$M
⚠️check TW⚠️
April was sick for a long time with a eating disorder. And after long time in treatment she decides to try to get her life back. And with that she starts to work at Wolfe Group Ltd.
William Wolfe,the boss, Dom in his nature sees April’s submissive qualities.
Both has demons to deal with. And together they trying to do so.
January 3, 2019
This review was copied from my romance novel review blog: Romantically Inclined Reviews
I remember seeing the movie Black Swan with Natalie Portman and staring, in horror, at the screen as the movie delved further and further into madness. Sometimes I think about that hangnail scene and want to die. Thankfully, Swan Lake by L.B. Alexander has no such scene (although I will admit to being nervous the entire time I was reading because I was afraid something like it would happen).
If you have absolutely zero knowledge about ballet, that's okay. This novel doesn't require an interest or knowledge in the subject. It's a main part of our heroines past, but no longer much of her present, other than the lasting side effects of such an intense, rigorous lifestyle.
Alexander's Swan Lake delves into mental illness (an eating disorder, specifically, so if that's a trigger for you then I'd recommend not reading) and a BDSM lifestyle. I'm no expert on the topic of BDSM, but I know that some people get really touchy about accurate portrayals. I cannot confirm whether this novel despicts the lifestyle respectfully, but I wasn't horrified by the scenes or confused about consent or anything of that nature. I've read way, way worse.
L.B. Alexander's writing style is what made this book stand out for me. She writes the way people feel. You never have any doubt how April is experiencing the world around her, but you're not necessary told, rather you're shown. The whole book has a sort of other-worldly feel to it (though it is firmly contemporary), especially the parts in which we gain insight into April's other side (aka. the black swan).
It took me a little while to warm up to William, but I think that it our author's intent. April and he certainly have chemistry though, occasionally too much chemistry that threatens to send our heroine in a downward spiral. Still, the moments of passion are note-worthy and full of dirty-talk and some bondage/spanking/whipping.
If you like dark romances with grouchy, but passionate dominants--and an interesting take on a theme--then check Swan Lake out. First of three books.
I remember seeing the movie Black Swan with Natalie Portman and staring, in horror, at the screen as the movie delved further and further into madness. Sometimes I think about that hangnail scene and want to die. Thankfully, Swan Lake by L.B. Alexander has no such scene (although I will admit to being nervous the entire time I was reading because I was afraid something like it would happen).
If you have absolutely zero knowledge about ballet, that's okay. This novel doesn't require an interest or knowledge in the subject. It's a main part of our heroines past, but no longer much of her present, other than the lasting side effects of such an intense, rigorous lifestyle.
Alexander's Swan Lake delves into mental illness (an eating disorder, specifically, so if that's a trigger for you then I'd recommend not reading) and a BDSM lifestyle. I'm no expert on the topic of BDSM, but I know that some people get really touchy about accurate portrayals. I cannot confirm whether this novel despicts the lifestyle respectfully, but I wasn't horrified by the scenes or confused about consent or anything of that nature. I've read way, way worse.
L.B. Alexander's writing style is what made this book stand out for me. She writes the way people feel. You never have any doubt how April is experiencing the world around her, but you're not necessary told, rather you're shown. The whole book has a sort of other-worldly feel to it (though it is firmly contemporary), especially the parts in which we gain insight into April's other side (aka. the black swan).
It took me a little while to warm up to William, but I think that it our author's intent. April and he certainly have chemistry though, occasionally too much chemistry that threatens to send our heroine in a downward spiral. Still, the moments of passion are note-worthy and full of dirty-talk and some bondage/spanking/whipping.
If you like dark romances with grouchy, but passionate dominants--and an interesting take on a theme--then check Swan Lake out. First of three books.
October 7, 2021
Swan Lake is everything that Fifty Shades of Grey hoped to be - dark and spicy. April is an ex ballerina with an eating disorder. After leaving a treatment facility, she begins to look for employment so she can survive on her own. She accepts a position at a prestigious company, Wolfe Group. She works with William Wolfe, the CEO. William is way darker than April could’ve imagined. They have instant chemistry despite very public scrutiny of how William interacts with his female employees. Eventually, they enter a Dom/Sub relationship and it gets spicccccy! The first book ends with them officially deciding to explore this relationship.
December 16, 2020
5 Cranky Stars
This book caught my attention from the first page. I honestly turned every page with anticipation wondering what would happen next. The characters fit within the story. Their parts, when they interact, go very well.
In the beginning April is treated as if she is fragile and sick. Her family loves her but at the same time she’s kind of annoying to them because she has been sickly. April gets a job and is pretty much hired on the spot. Her boss, William, has been accused of sexual assault but April doesn’t really know too much about it. She does not judge because she is in no position to judge. With this mindset and the way she “stumbles” through life, she finds out who her boss really is and what his “true” passion is.
This book was way different than what I thought but it was interesting and kept me turning pages until the end. The second book is hopefully as interesting and a page turner. Awesome job. I would recommend this book.
This book caught my attention from the first page. I honestly turned every page with anticipation wondering what would happen next. The characters fit within the story. Their parts, when they interact, go very well.
In the beginning April is treated as if she is fragile and sick. Her family loves her but at the same time she’s kind of annoying to them because she has been sickly. April gets a job and is pretty much hired on the spot. Her boss, William, has been accused of sexual assault but April doesn’t really know too much about it. She does not judge because she is in no position to judge. With this mindset and the way she “stumbles” through life, she finds out who her boss really is and what his “true” passion is.
This book was way different than what I thought but it was interesting and kept me turning pages until the end. The second book is hopefully as interesting and a page turner. Awesome job. I would recommend this book.
October 7, 2021
Swan Lake 🩰🦢
Wow.wow.wow
I honestly don’t know where to start! This book had me holding my breath from the very beginning, the chemistry between April and William was intoxicating and beautifully written.
If you liked fifty shades of grey this is definitely a book for you.
And I am beyond exited to delve right into Swan Peake and see where this next adventure takes them, and I am definitely hoping there will be more books after book 2 even though I haven’t started it yet…
Trigger Warning: Heroine is dealing with mental illness.
Wow.wow.wow
I honestly don’t know where to start! This book had me holding my breath from the very beginning, the chemistry between April and William was intoxicating and beautifully written.
If you liked fifty shades of grey this is definitely a book for you.
And I am beyond exited to delve right into Swan Peake and see where this next adventure takes them, and I am definitely hoping there will be more books after book 2 even though I haven’t started it yet…
Trigger Warning: Heroine is dealing with mental illness.
November 30, 2018
Swan Lake is an extraordinary story of a young woman named April. She is beyond broken. April has a profound psychological/emotional condition and aches to be normal.
Willian Wolfe is owner/ CEO of Wolfe enterprise. He is incredibly intense, dark and handsomely devilish. He has a reputation which isn’t what it seems, but he’s far from a prince.
William is struggling with keeping his distance from April. He wants to make a claim on her but is she willing to let him? William is like the Big Bad Wolfe and April is Red Riding Hood. Will April allow William to show her a world she had no idea about? Will April be submissive to his needs? April knows if she falls for William she will never recover and will be broken beyond repair.
L.B Alexander is on my radar. Her words have slain me. It’s been a long time since I have lost myself into the world of BDSM. Swan Lake was flawless. Alexander writes like a seasoned author. Her poem, in the beginning, gave me goosebumps; just beautiful. I loved how she intertwined art and culture into her story. One of my top reads of the year! Bring on the next book! April and William's story isn’t over. It’s just beginning.
Willian Wolfe is owner/ CEO of Wolfe enterprise. He is incredibly intense, dark and handsomely devilish. He has a reputation which isn’t what it seems, but he’s far from a prince.
William is struggling with keeping his distance from April. He wants to make a claim on her but is she willing to let him? William is like the Big Bad Wolfe and April is Red Riding Hood. Will April allow William to show her a world she had no idea about? Will April be submissive to his needs? April knows if she falls for William she will never recover and will be broken beyond repair.
L.B Alexander is on my radar. Her words have slain me. It’s been a long time since I have lost myself into the world of BDSM. Swan Lake was flawless. Alexander writes like a seasoned author. Her poem, in the beginning, gave me goosebumps; just beautiful. I loved how she intertwined art and culture into her story. One of my top reads of the year! Bring on the next book! April and William's story isn’t over. It’s just beginning.
April 19, 2019
One of my top reads of the last few years! I couldn’t put it down. If this author isn’t a ballerina with a fine arts degree, I’d be surprised. I’d also be lying if I didn’t admit that I had to look up some of the words and references she uses. But I love that! Push my limits! The sex scenes are top notch and not overdone in quantity or scene. I loved both the h and the H; they truly accepted each other as they are. I’m not really “into” BDSM, but it made sense in this book, and was so well done. Fifty shades wishes it was this book. Such beautiful writing...and some of THE BEST analogies I’ve ever read. I could go on and on. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
March 11, 2023
I could not put this book down !!!! April and William
Are truly made for each other. Each one of them are dealing with their own inner demons, but were able to find refuge with one another ! Perfectly well written. ❤️
Are truly made for each other. Each one of them are dealing with their own inner demons, but were able to find refuge with one another ! Perfectly well written. ❤️
December 2, 2021
5/5⭐️ 4/5🔥
I couldn’t help but compare William Wolfe to Christian Grey but BETTER, EMOTIONAL, REAL AND RAW. I love the way LB Alexander has written these characters and dives in real life issues for someone like April. She has struggled with mental and body images issues and her only dream of being the best ballet in Paris came crashing down one night.
After being released from rehabilitation center, April wants nothing more than to start over and does just that, she is offered a position working for the infamous William Wolfe.
I found it unsettling sometimes but topics like those are unsettling and didn’t deter from the story or the characters because the way LB addresses and dives right into them.
🖤Age-Gap romance
🩰Boss-Employee romance
🖤Billionaire romance
🩰Ex-Ballerina
🖤Dom + Sub
TW/CW: PTSD, Anxiety, Anorexia, mental health, BDSM
I couldn’t help but compare William Wolfe to Christian Grey but BETTER, EMOTIONAL, REAL AND RAW. I love the way LB Alexander has written these characters and dives in real life issues for someone like April. She has struggled with mental and body images issues and her only dream of being the best ballet in Paris came crashing down one night.
After being released from rehabilitation center, April wants nothing more than to start over and does just that, she is offered a position working for the infamous William Wolfe.
I found it unsettling sometimes but topics like those are unsettling and didn’t deter from the story or the characters because the way LB addresses and dives right into them.
🖤Age-Gap romance
🩰Boss-Employee romance
🖤Billionaire romance
🩰Ex-Ballerina
🖤Dom + Sub
TW/CW: PTSD, Anxiety, Anorexia, mental health, BDSM
October 11, 2021
🩰 Please take note of the trigger warnings, eating disorder and mental health issues.
🩰 Swan Lake is not my usual genre of book but I found the book interesting and I felt drawn to April's character. I wish I had known to what extent her eating disorder discussed, it didn't make me fell uncomfortable per say but I'd like to have been a bit more aware of it.
🩰 Alexander addresses April's anxiety, eating disorder, and past traumas with compassion, and a touch of sadness. William gives the story wisdom and charm.
🩰 The character development was very well done. I felt rather than was told each characters emotions, I felt that if William and April were real people I could know them.
🩰 Swan Lake is an edgy romance, with a swoonworthy hero with a dark past, a compassionate but strong heroine, and the steamy scenes we love most.
🩰 The story conjures every emotion: anxiety, depression, and horror, to hope, resiliency, and love.
🩰 Thank you to @lbalexanderauthor and @nishasbooksandcoffeepr for my copy in exchange of an honest review.
🩰 Swan Lake is not my usual genre of book but I found the book interesting and I felt drawn to April's character. I wish I had known to what extent her eating disorder discussed, it didn't make me fell uncomfortable per say but I'd like to have been a bit more aware of it.
🩰 Alexander addresses April's anxiety, eating disorder, and past traumas with compassion, and a touch of sadness. William gives the story wisdom and charm.
🩰 The character development was very well done. I felt rather than was told each characters emotions, I felt that if William and April were real people I could know them.
🩰 Swan Lake is an edgy romance, with a swoonworthy hero with a dark past, a compassionate but strong heroine, and the steamy scenes we love most.
🩰 The story conjures every emotion: anxiety, depression, and horror, to hope, resiliency, and love.
🩰 Thank you to @lbalexanderauthor and @nishasbooksandcoffeepr for my copy in exchange of an honest review.
February 1, 2021
What it is
After a severe injury ends April’s professional ballet career, she returns home to Los Angeles to pick up the pieces of her life. She lands a job as an assistant to the mysterious billionaire William Wolfe and the two begin an erotically charged pas de deux.
Why I love it
Oh God, where to begin? The writing is simply beautiful. Lyrical and effortless, just like a great ballet. I was drawn into this sumptuous underworld, where pain and pleasure meet to bring a form of healing. April’s anxiety, manifested through an eating disorder, was painfully relatable. I loved that she, with William’s help, was able to find her redemption.
Who will love it
This is not an “easy” read solely because of its subject matter. Readability scale, I breezed through it two one sittings! If you love BDSM books, particularly ones that focus on healing through the acts of domination and submission, this one will leave you breathless. LB’s writing has a literary fiction feel, but make no mistake, this is a romance that plays within the BDSM/billionaire tropes magnificently.
After a severe injury ends April’s professional ballet career, she returns home to Los Angeles to pick up the pieces of her life. She lands a job as an assistant to the mysterious billionaire William Wolfe and the two begin an erotically charged pas de deux.
Why I love it
Oh God, where to begin? The writing is simply beautiful. Lyrical and effortless, just like a great ballet. I was drawn into this sumptuous underworld, where pain and pleasure meet to bring a form of healing. April’s anxiety, manifested through an eating disorder, was painfully relatable. I loved that she, with William’s help, was able to find her redemption.
Who will love it
This is not an “easy” read solely because of its subject matter. Readability scale, I breezed through it two one sittings! If you love BDSM books, particularly ones that focus on healing through the acts of domination and submission, this one will leave you breathless. LB’s writing has a literary fiction feel, but make no mistake, this is a romance that plays within the BDSM/billionaire tropes magnificently.
November 28, 2018
A Top Pick of 2018!
It's hard to believe Swan Lake by LB Alexander is debut novel. It reads like a well seasoned author wrote it. Ingeniously written and thoroughly captivating.
It's dark and mysterious synopsis is what caught my attention, but did little to prepare me for the journey it would take me on. A unique and eloquent story that is filled with vivid details, strokes of darkness and absolute beauty. It's emotional as well as salacious. Swan Lake is a unfathomable love story about two extremely different people. Both are filled with darkness and light. They are judged by what they project to the world, yet transparent to each other. Hidden desires are awakened and can no longer be contained. While feeding into their hunger and sating their needs...
The first chapter was the perfect portal into this dark fairytale. I was completely enchanted by it's beautifully written, poetic and expressive words.
"You are mine, little swan."
The struggles of April Ekdahl were shocking and heartbreaking. This poor girl is internally and externally broken. Her body once a temple is now a mere shell of it's former self. Her strive to be more set her on a path of distruction....
Now, she is desperately trying to get her life back on track. She lands a dream job, working closely with her illusive and drop dead gorgeous, boss and CEO, Willian Wolfe. She is drawn to his power immediately. His dominance excites and scares her. As their relationship blooms, April continues to fight her demons...
I fell hard for William! He is a king amongst men. He exudes with confidence and sexuality. His contradictory personality intrigued me the most. The perfect combination of hard and soft. A vicious predator, as well as a kind prince. William has a secret...
He has unique tastes and preferences that he keeps hidden behind closed doors.
When he meets April,
he sees all of her. The broken and the beauty. He doesn't see her weakness only her strength. Drawn to her innocence and wonder.
William and April's relationship was INTENSE. They are ridiculously hot! But their intimacy is what I felt the most. I could not get enough of them. Now I am impatiently waiting for the next book!!
I loved how LB Alexander incorporated the arts through out the book. She did her homework.
It was reminiscent of Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reyard. This is one new author to keep your eye on.... I expect more great things!
It's hard to believe Swan Lake by LB Alexander is debut novel. It reads like a well seasoned author wrote it. Ingeniously written and thoroughly captivating.
It's dark and mysterious synopsis is what caught my attention, but did little to prepare me for the journey it would take me on. A unique and eloquent story that is filled with vivid details, strokes of darkness and absolute beauty. It's emotional as well as salacious. Swan Lake is a unfathomable love story about two extremely different people. Both are filled with darkness and light. They are judged by what they project to the world, yet transparent to each other. Hidden desires are awakened and can no longer be contained. While feeding into their hunger and sating their needs...
The first chapter was the perfect portal into this dark fairytale. I was completely enchanted by it's beautifully written, poetic and expressive words.
"You are mine, little swan."
The struggles of April Ekdahl were shocking and heartbreaking. This poor girl is internally and externally broken. Her body once a temple is now a mere shell of it's former self. Her strive to be more set her on a path of distruction....
Now, she is desperately trying to get her life back on track. She lands a dream job, working closely with her illusive and drop dead gorgeous, boss and CEO, Willian Wolfe. She is drawn to his power immediately. His dominance excites and scares her. As their relationship blooms, April continues to fight her demons...
I fell hard for William! He is a king amongst men. He exudes with confidence and sexuality. His contradictory personality intrigued me the most. The perfect combination of hard and soft. A vicious predator, as well as a kind prince. William has a secret...
He has unique tastes and preferences that he keeps hidden behind closed doors.
When he meets April,
he sees all of her. The broken and the beauty. He doesn't see her weakness only her strength. Drawn to her innocence and wonder.
William and April's relationship was INTENSE. They are ridiculously hot! But their intimacy is what I felt the most. I could not get enough of them. Now I am impatiently waiting for the next book!!
I loved how LB Alexander incorporated the arts through out the book. She did her homework.
It was reminiscent of Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reyard. This is one new author to keep your eye on.... I expect more great things!
December 5, 2018
William Wolfe, of The Wolfe Group, is the alpha hero that sells romance novels, especially those tending toward the erotic side, but former ballet dancer, April Ekdahl, is the smart, classy, resilient heroine that female readers need to discover.
Disgraced businessman William Wolfe isn’t the man you’d think he is, and as his layers are slowly uncovered, so are the deeper and darker truths that make him simultaneously appealing and frightening. His new assistant’s assistant, April Ekdahl, surprises him at every turn—from the moment he catches her pirouetting in his office. She’s more than a pretty face and a dancer’s body, though—impressing him with her people skills, intellect, and business savvy, yet uncovered even to herself.
Alexander’s prose is gracefully fluid. She addresses Ekdahl’s anxiety, eating disorder, and past traumas with compassion, and a touch of terror. Wolfe’s intrigue never falters, permeating the story with wisdom and charm. In her debut, Alexander has already mastered the dark romance genre, creating a swoonworthy hero with a disturbing past, a sympathetic yet strong heroine, and the steamy scenes erotic romance readers crave.
SWAN LAKE can be appreciated not only by avid readers of upmarket romance, erotica, and women’s fiction, but by dance and art enthusiasts, especially those who love sculptures, paintings, and music from the Classical period. Alexander is obviously well-versed and comfortable with such art history—lacing them into her prose, subtly and deftly—but her references do not distract. Rather, they heighten the interest of the setting and characters, deepen the already-provoking sentiments, and remain accessible to modern readers.
The story conjures every emotion: from anxiety, depression, and horror, to hope, resiliency, and love. It’s one you can read again, and again, and still be captivated. Highly recommended.
Disgraced businessman William Wolfe isn’t the man you’d think he is, and as his layers are slowly uncovered, so are the deeper and darker truths that make him simultaneously appealing and frightening. His new assistant’s assistant, April Ekdahl, surprises him at every turn—from the moment he catches her pirouetting in his office. She’s more than a pretty face and a dancer’s body, though—impressing him with her people skills, intellect, and business savvy, yet uncovered even to herself.
Alexander’s prose is gracefully fluid. She addresses Ekdahl’s anxiety, eating disorder, and past traumas with compassion, and a touch of terror. Wolfe’s intrigue never falters, permeating the story with wisdom and charm. In her debut, Alexander has already mastered the dark romance genre, creating a swoonworthy hero with a disturbing past, a sympathetic yet strong heroine, and the steamy scenes erotic romance readers crave.
SWAN LAKE can be appreciated not only by avid readers of upmarket romance, erotica, and women’s fiction, but by dance and art enthusiasts, especially those who love sculptures, paintings, and music from the Classical period. Alexander is obviously well-versed and comfortable with such art history—lacing them into her prose, subtly and deftly—but her references do not distract. Rather, they heighten the interest of the setting and characters, deepen the already-provoking sentiments, and remain accessible to modern readers.
The story conjures every emotion: from anxiety, depression, and horror, to hope, resiliency, and love. It’s one you can read again, and again, and still be captivated. Highly recommended.
March 7, 2019
Initially I was drawn to this book by the blurb. I enjoy dark, emotional reads with plenty of steam and that is exactly what I got. However, I also got so much more. This book has such beauty and elegance to it. These are not terms that I often use to describe a dark romance. But in this case I truly feel that they apply. There are parts of this book that you will read that will leave you breathless from the beauty and poignancy of the scenes created and stunned by the elegance of the words written that flow almost like poetry. The characters themselves were very appealing to me. April and William both touched my heart. Each of these characters had their own wounds and the image that they project to the world is very different from the self that lives inside them. Their chemistry is so hot, the pull between them intense and the relationship swoon worthy. I will say that as with most dark reads that there is content that could be triggers for some or just do not appeal to others. In this case there are mental health issues (eating disorder, anxiety and depression) and BDSM elements. I thoroughly enjoyed his debut novel and I look forward to experiencing more of this authors work. All thought and opinions in this review are my own.
September 26, 2020
am back on my dark romance kick, and this one went all the way..
Please note: trigger warnings for mental health and eating disorders
We follow a very broken, emotional heroine whose life has tore her down both mentally and physically. When a violent attack snatches her away from the ballet, this psychological story reaches madness..
Then bring in a dominate, gritty, passionate romance, and I was hooked! If you gravitate towards the BDSM side, this one won’t disappoint. It has all the elements of a dark romance inside and out, and I was so surprised to learn this was a debut novel!
I ended up giving this one a high 3 out of 5 stars. While I loved the general idea of the story, there were moments where the plot seemed to drag just a tiny bit. It was a steady read that I enjoyed overall.
*Disclaimer: I requested a free copy of this book from Inkslinger in exchange for an honest review. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions only and are not influenced in any way.*
Please note: trigger warnings for mental health and eating disorders
We follow a very broken, emotional heroine whose life has tore her down both mentally and physically. When a violent attack snatches her away from the ballet, this psychological story reaches madness..
Then bring in a dominate, gritty, passionate romance, and I was hooked! If you gravitate towards the BDSM side, this one won’t disappoint. It has all the elements of a dark romance inside and out, and I was so surprised to learn this was a debut novel!
I ended up giving this one a high 3 out of 5 stars. While I loved the general idea of the story, there were moments where the plot seemed to drag just a tiny bit. It was a steady read that I enjoyed overall.
*Disclaimer: I requested a free copy of this book from Inkslinger in exchange for an honest review. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions only and are not influenced in any way.*
September 29, 2020
April is a former ballerina who had a fall earlier in the year that left her unable to continue dancing as well as she did. She's been living with her older sister and her fiance while she recovers from injury and an eating disorder. Dan her soon to be brother in law got her an interview that will change her life at the Wolfe group. April is hired and has a reaction from the moment she is in her new bosses presence.
William Wolfe is the oldest of his brothers who runs the Wolfe Group. He has recently just been through a very public trial in which he was accused of sexual assault in the work place.
The chemistry is obvious from the beginning and only gets better as the book goes on. I laughed, teared up, fanned myself and need the next book ASAP! A must read for romance readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
William Wolfe is the oldest of his brothers who runs the Wolfe Group. He has recently just been through a very public trial in which he was accused of sexual assault in the work place.
The chemistry is obvious from the beginning and only gets better as the book goes on. I laughed, teared up, fanned myself and need the next book ASAP! A must read for romance readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2018
L.B. Alexander provides us an amazingly deep love story about two damaged individuals, finding a way to make themselves whole together. Alexander fashions her characters so completely that I wanted to protect our heroine while feeling exceptionally wary of our hero until he won me over. So rare is it than an author can get me to care so deeply about characters that I find myself thinking about them after reading.
Alexander utilizes her obvious knowledge of the Arts to weave a complete world for us to visit, painting to the finest detail so we are truly captured by her words.
My final thought is the extreme heat level in her novel. Her scenes are hotter than the Sun so wear some sunscreen when you read.
Alexander utilizes her obvious knowledge of the Arts to weave a complete world for us to visit, painting to the finest detail so we are truly captured by her words.
My final thought is the extreme heat level in her novel. Her scenes are hotter than the Sun so wear some sunscreen when you read.
March 22, 2019
A unique story written beautifully It is also very emotional.
Swan Lake is a love story about two different ,broken people. Both of them are on the other side of spectrum or maybe not.
Outsiders could judge them harshly,yet,to each other they are perfectly transparent and understanding their hurt and desire
He doesn’t judge her for eating disorder because he knows the problem is much deeper. He just feed her...” you are my Swan”
She steps in his world of BDSM with some reservations but open minded. They are really excellent together ,so in love.
This book is on darker BDMS side
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Swan Lake is a love story about two different ,broken people. Both of them are on the other side of spectrum or maybe not.
Outsiders could judge them harshly,yet,to each other they are perfectly transparent and understanding their hurt and desire
He doesn’t judge her for eating disorder because he knows the problem is much deeper. He just feed her...” you are my Swan”
She steps in his world of BDSM with some reservations but open minded. They are really excellent together ,so in love.
This book is on darker BDMS side
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2019
April is a broken character and she is desperately trying to get her life back. Going to work for William the door is open for this dark fairy tale. The intimacy that the author has written is what I felt the most. As you read, the emotions of anxiety, depression, and horror, hope, and love come out clear. Really good writing and an excellent book but there are parts that may be triggers for some people. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 19, 2019
A truly haunting and perfectly romantic story, with darkness and light complementing each other. This story was very powerful because of the subjects it dealt with, but they were treated with respect. At first, it took me some time to really feel the story, but, once I did, I just hat to dinish it. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2020
This was a wonderful novel. I just finished it and I am at a loss as to what I want to say there is just so much. It was beautiful and sad, it touched on many subjects. Ballet is a tricky subject to write about but this was absolutely amazing. It was dark and amazing. The writing style was just wow. I cannot say enough about this book. Read it and enjoy it, it is so worth it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2019
I was surprised that it was a debut novel. The style and the intricacy of the language suggest much more.
I liked the characters and the ways we could see in their souls, problems, and wins.
It was an interesting glimpse of a different world.
It was an enchanting adventure!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the characters and the ways we could see in their souls, problems, and wins.
It was an interesting glimpse of a different world.
It was an enchanting adventure!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2019
I love reading new authors, because sometimes you might find a rare gem. Let me tell you LB Alexander will become a household name... just you wait! This story was so good on many different levels and that is why I want to leave this review at that. Read this book and thank me later!
A Best of 2019 in my books. (And life!)
A Best of 2019 in my books. (And life!)
October 6, 2020
A touchy strong romance that not for the fainthearted. Filled with plenty of anguish and steam. But,a has a sensual romance. Contains pain and yet hope . Broken and contains an engrossing tale. A love this read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2020
Oh.my.goodness...this book..what a mindf*ck.....I literally could not put it down! The twists and turns, the heart wrenching pain, the incredibly HAWT SEX, I never knew what was going to happen next as I consumed this story page by page....for all the unknowns of this story, I feel something bright coming from within. I can not wait for Book 2!!
April 15, 2019
Top notch read
This was an amazing read! I fell in love with the story and the strength of the heroine...she was amazing!! It was refreshing to read a story that the heroine isn’t perfect and has real life flaws...It was a beautifully written story!
This was an amazing read! I fell in love with the story and the strength of the heroine...she was amazing!! It was refreshing to read a story that the heroine isn’t perfect and has real life flaws...It was a beautifully written story!
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