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Mercenaries and Magic #1
Darkest Night
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B09GRTYQPD
It started with seduction and ended in theft.
Rivals. Enemies. Lovers.
All is fair when the price is this high.
'Darkest Night' is the first book in 'Mercenaries and Magic' a fast-paced paranormal series full of morally gray characters, found family, hot romance, and dark humor. It's perfect for fans who love magical relic hunting like 'Tomb Raider,' or a fun, trigger-happy rivalry like 'Mr and Mrs Smith.'
Three years ago, Kon seduced a mysterious woman and stole a magical artifact from her. He thought their paths would never cross again. He had just made the biggest mistake of his life.
Found as a bloody child in a forest, and raised by one of the most ruthless and calculating mercenaries dirty money can buy, Athena Edgeworth isn't the kind of person you betray and get to walk away unscathed.
It was the perfect rivalry waiting to happen.
Both know they should end their dangerous game once and for all, but they are addicted to the thrill of the chase...and to each other.
When they get a common enemy hunting them, they will have to put their vicious rivalry aside and work together.
Kon's only ever wanted revenge, but Athena Edgeworth's dark heart might be the prize he's always been searching for. And she's not about to let him have it without a fight.
Full of morally gray characters and dark humor, Darkest Night is an adult, dark paranormal romance that contains graphic violence, swearing, and steamy sex scenes.
It started with seduction and ended in theft.
Rivals. Enemies. Lovers.
All is fair when the price is this high.
'Darkest Night' is the first book in 'Mercenaries and Magic' a fast-paced paranormal series full of morally gray characters, found family, hot romance, and dark humor. It's perfect for fans who love magical relic hunting like 'Tomb Raider,' or a fun, trigger-happy rivalry like 'Mr and Mrs Smith.'
Three years ago, Kon seduced a mysterious woman and stole a magical artifact from her. He thought their paths would never cross again. He had just made the biggest mistake of his life.
Found as a bloody child in a forest, and raised by one of the most ruthless and calculating mercenaries dirty money can buy, Athena Edgeworth isn't the kind of person you betray and get to walk away unscathed.
It was the perfect rivalry waiting to happen.
Both know they should end their dangerous game once and for all, but they are addicted to the thrill of the chase...and to each other.
When they get a common enemy hunting them, they will have to put their vicious rivalry aside and work together.
Kon's only ever wanted revenge, but Athena Edgeworth's dark heart might be the prize he's always been searching for. And she's not about to let him have it without a fight.
Full of morally gray characters and dark humor, Darkest Night is an adult, dark paranormal romance that contains graphic violence, swearing, and steamy sex scenes.
230 pages, ebook
First published October 6, 2021
583 people are currently reading
5560 people want to read
About the author
Alessa Thorn
60 books970 followersAlessa Thorn believes that all monsters and villains deserve their happy endings. She prefers her clothes black, eyeliner winged and books full of hot romance. She thinks heroes are boring, so her first series 'The Court of the Underworld' centers around dark gods, monsters and villains from her favorite Greek Myths.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
January 2, 2023
"We are savage and broken beasts of the night.”
Damn this book started with a 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆! Talk about a great opening. Everything about this book was 𝐒𝐄𝐗𝐘 𝐀𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋. 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐙𝐈𝐍𝐆. I was thoroughly entertaining by every aspect of this story. The characters, plot and world building/lore were fascinating and intriguing.
I've completely immersed myself into this world without hesitation and i have no regret because i got the biggest reward in the form of this 𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐋 story. I'm the biggest fan of Tomb Raider, National Treasure, The Mummy and Uncharted and this was exactly that with an added Enemies to Lovers component to it which i'm totally obsessed with. 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐒𝐒 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐰.
⋘•⋙---------•⪼⪻•---------⋘•⋙
Athena Edgeworth and Konstantius Zalam are the perfect match, both with a reputation that would send any sane person running the other way, their sharp edges cut everyone who get too close to them, except each other. Addicted to their Fu#ked up game of cat and mouse these two are cut from the same 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐡. They 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐅𝐮#𝐤 A𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞. The exact same way, which is what makes this dynamic of theirs so dangerously thrilling and so, so, so 𝐅𝐮#𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞.
“Konstantius, is that my knife?" she asked, slowly raising her hands.
"I thought you might miss it," he growled softly by her ear. She could smell blood and gunpowder, and underneath that, something that was all him that made her mouth water.
"You left me to die. That was cold, güzelim, even for you." Güzelim, my beautiful. Kon was definitely in a mood if he was throwing around pet names.
"I threw you a knife. That was generous," she argued. Kon's hand went underneath her towel and curved around her thigh.
"You tossed a knife to release cobras. It's hardly the same thing,"
"So my aim was a little off. I had been drinking."
"Your aim is never off," he growled...”
⋘•⋙---------•⪼⪻•---------⋘•⋙
But there is more to this story than just games and sexy times, Alessa Thorn took the whole first impression matters to heart because all the characters introductions were 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐘 well executed. Izabella and Athena are everything you'd want in a friendship, i loved her supportive and sassy ass so much i can't wait to read our beautiful hacker extraordinaire own story. I mean she is smart, loyal with a touch of magic and always looking out for everyone so what did you expect.
“You should've let me put a curse on him three years ago. I've got a good one from my grandmother that was passed down to her from my Basque ancestors. I would have fucked him up forever," Izabella muttered. Athena smiled at her passion. Izabella was always threatening to invoke her Basque witch ancestors on them all.
"He's into magic, so he probably has a talisman somewhere that would have deflected it anyway."
"Snakes always do," Izabella sniffed.
⋘•⋙---------•⪼⪻•---------⋘•⋙
But the relationship between Athena and her father, Silas was to die for. I actually didn't expect anything from that relation but 𝐆𝐎𝐃𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐍 i was gifted with the most Beautiful, Heartwarming, Bloodthirsty bond i could dream off. Honestly he was just the best as a father, friend, mentor and partner and his nickname for her or her's for him, like come on are trying to kill me, i can't handle all that emotional shit. Also i loved how he kept offering her to kill Kon every time they were in a room together, all casual like they were talking about the weather. And how easily he switched gear and started playing matchmaker when he realized that they were it for each other. He was just perfect.
“Run into any trouble?"
"Does Zalam count?"
"He was there again? That motherfucking, stalking piece of—"
"He was already there. Same job again. He got there first."
"And you finally shot him and took it?"
"Not exactly. I got the medallion off him and left him tied to a chair."
Silas made a frustrated sound in the back of his throat. "You two have the most fucked up idea of foreplay. Of all the people you could play with, why did it have to be the Basty of Istanbul?"
Athena blew out a breath. "If it makes you feel better, the chair I left him tied to was in a room full of cobras?"
Silas laughed, a deep booming sound. "That's my girl.”
⋘•⋙---------•⪼⪻•---------⋘•⋙
And if that wasn't enough we have Dante Hill our sexy muscle and food monster. He is one of the 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐲 I've ever met. And adding Leo to the mix well that's just playing with fire at this point. These two with their good-natured, cheery and friendly demeanor are automatically making themselves very important to me. As in if you hurt, maim or kill them i will find you and torture you until the end of times. Also i want the 3rd book to be about them and if it's not... Well you better make it so now.
"You won't have any comms on you, but I'll be keeping a close eye the whole time," Dante said as Leo got out of the van. "You get into any situation that makes you uncomfortable, you find me."
"So you can swoop in and save me like my very own knight in shining armor?" Leo asked sarcastically.
Dante's hazel eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer so that Leo had to tilt his head back to look him in the eye. "Not like a knight. Like a mercenary with some brass knuckles and a set of pliers for anyone who so much as grinds up against you in a way you don't like."
Leo's cheeks were stained with color. "I'll be fine. I'll see you in there.”
Honestly the friendships between all the characters in this book were 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭. Best found family ever.
Damn this book started with a 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆! Talk about a great opening. Everything about this book was 𝐒𝐄𝐗𝐘 𝐀𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋. 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐙𝐈𝐍𝐆. I was thoroughly entertaining by every aspect of this story. The characters, plot and world building/lore were fascinating and intriguing.
I've completely immersed myself into this world without hesitation and i have no regret because i got the biggest reward in the form of this 𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐋 story. I'm the biggest fan of Tomb Raider, National Treasure, The Mummy and Uncharted and this was exactly that with an added Enemies to Lovers component to it which i'm totally obsessed with. 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐒𝐒 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐰.
⋘•⋙---------•⪼⪻•---------⋘•⋙
Athena Edgeworth and Konstantius Zalam are the perfect match, both with a reputation that would send any sane person running the other way, their sharp edges cut everyone who get too close to them, except each other. Addicted to their Fu#ked up game of cat and mouse these two are cut from the same 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐡. They 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐅𝐮#𝐤 A𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞. The exact same way, which is what makes this dynamic of theirs so dangerously thrilling and so, so, so 𝐅𝐮#𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞.
“Konstantius, is that my knife?" she asked, slowly raising her hands.
"I thought you might miss it," he growled softly by her ear. She could smell blood and gunpowder, and underneath that, something that was all him that made her mouth water.
"You left me to die. That was cold, güzelim, even for you." Güzelim, my beautiful. Kon was definitely in a mood if he was throwing around pet names.
"I threw you a knife. That was generous," she argued. Kon's hand went underneath her towel and curved around her thigh.
"You tossed a knife to release cobras. It's hardly the same thing,"
"So my aim was a little off. I had been drinking."
"Your aim is never off," he growled...”
⋘•⋙---------•⪼⪻•---------⋘•⋙
But there is more to this story than just games and sexy times, Alessa Thorn took the whole first impression matters to heart because all the characters introductions were 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐘 well executed. Izabella and Athena are everything you'd want in a friendship, i loved her supportive and sassy ass so much i can't wait to read our beautiful hacker extraordinaire own story. I mean she is smart, loyal with a touch of magic and always looking out for everyone so what did you expect.
“You should've let me put a curse on him three years ago. I've got a good one from my grandmother that was passed down to her from my Basque ancestors. I would have fucked him up forever," Izabella muttered. Athena smiled at her passion. Izabella was always threatening to invoke her Basque witch ancestors on them all.
"He's into magic, so he probably has a talisman somewhere that would have deflected it anyway."
"Snakes always do," Izabella sniffed.
⋘•⋙---------•⪼⪻•---------⋘•⋙
But the relationship between Athena and her father, Silas was to die for. I actually didn't expect anything from that relation but 𝐆𝐎𝐃𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐍 i was gifted with the most Beautiful, Heartwarming, Bloodthirsty bond i could dream off. Honestly he was just the best as a father, friend, mentor and partner and his nickname for her or her's for him, like come on are trying to kill me, i can't handle all that emotional shit. Also i loved how he kept offering her to kill Kon every time they were in a room together, all casual like they were talking about the weather. And how easily he switched gear and started playing matchmaker when he realized that they were it for each other. He was just perfect.
“Run into any trouble?"
"Does Zalam count?"
"He was there again? That motherfucking, stalking piece of—"
"He was already there. Same job again. He got there first."
"And you finally shot him and took it?"
"Not exactly. I got the medallion off him and left him tied to a chair."
Silas made a frustrated sound in the back of his throat. "You two have the most fucked up idea of foreplay. Of all the people you could play with, why did it have to be the Basty of Istanbul?"
Athena blew out a breath. "If it makes you feel better, the chair I left him tied to was in a room full of cobras?"
Silas laughed, a deep booming sound. "That's my girl.”
⋘•⋙---------•⪼⪻•---------⋘•⋙
And if that wasn't enough we have Dante Hill our sexy muscle and food monster. He is one of the 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐲 I've ever met. And adding Leo to the mix well that's just playing with fire at this point. These two with their good-natured, cheery and friendly demeanor are automatically making themselves very important to me. As in if you hurt, maim or kill them i will find you and torture you until the end of times. Also i want the 3rd book to be about them and if it's not... Well you better make it so now.
"You won't have any comms on you, but I'll be keeping a close eye the whole time," Dante said as Leo got out of the van. "You get into any situation that makes you uncomfortable, you find me."
"So you can swoop in and save me like my very own knight in shining armor?" Leo asked sarcastically.
Dante's hazel eyes narrowed, and he took a step closer so that Leo had to tilt his head back to look him in the eye. "Not like a knight. Like a mercenary with some brass knuckles and a set of pliers for anyone who so much as grinds up against you in a way you don't like."
Leo's cheeks were stained with color. "I'll be fine. I'll see you in there.”
Honestly the friendships between all the characters in this book were 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭. Best found family ever.
March 13, 2022
I mostly enjoyed this book - it’s the first in a series made up of stand-alone romances that are all connected by an over-arching plot. It was a fun, fast-paced and easy read that definitely gave off Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibes.
✅ I ENJOYED THE PREMISE - basically, Athena and Kon have a big rivalry and are always trying to screw each other over on jobs… while also being wildly attracted to each other so they just kind of end up screwing each other instead 😅
🆗 THIS BOOK STARTED OFF very hot and steamy, and it’s personally always harder for me to connect with a romance if the characters get together in the very beginning. I definitely prefer the slow build of tension and pining that happens with slow burn - but this didn’t have much of that. On the bright side, they had lots of fun banter and this book was very steamy
🆗 YOU COULD TELL this was not a heavily edited book. There was some phrasing that felt off and it made me wonder if English was the author’s first language. For example - “It wasn’t Kon’s idea of a cocktail, but each to their own.” should have been “It wasn’t Kon’s idea of a cocktail, but to each their own.” This doesn’t actually bother me that much, but I thought I would call it out because I know this can bother other people
❌ THERE WASN’T AS MUCH DEPTH to the characters or plot as I would have liked but that’s sort of expected with a stand-alone. Both Athena and Kon were supposed to have very tragic pasts but their trauma felt more surface-level than something that deeply effected them. Similarly, the plot and mystery felt very linear
✅ ATHENA WAS A FUN and badass main character. She reminded me a bit of Celaena Sardothien, except not as well-developed and without the hero complex
Overall, this was a hard book for me to rate but since I have to rate it something I’m going to give it 3 stars, but probably the lower end of 3 stars.
I think this book is in an interesting category where there are a lot of people that would really like it but then also a lot of people that would not, so I’m going to try my best and summarize it below:
→ Very *lite* fantasy with some magical relics
→ Insta-lust romance but lots of banter and steamy scenes
→ Found family with later books about the other characters
→ Some typos and strange phrasing
→ New adult series with spy vibes
→ Lots of violence, cussing and moral greyness
→ Fun, quick and easy read but without a lot of depth
Steam Scale: 🔥🔥🔥/3
Swoon Scale: ❤️/3
✅ I ENJOYED THE PREMISE - basically, Athena and Kon have a big rivalry and are always trying to screw each other over on jobs… while also being wildly attracted to each other so they just kind of end up screwing each other instead 😅
🆗 THIS BOOK STARTED OFF very hot and steamy, and it’s personally always harder for me to connect with a romance if the characters get together in the very beginning. I definitely prefer the slow build of tension and pining that happens with slow burn - but this didn’t have much of that. On the bright side, they had lots of fun banter and this book was very steamy
🆗 YOU COULD TELL this was not a heavily edited book. There was some phrasing that felt off and it made me wonder if English was the author’s first language. For example - “It wasn’t Kon’s idea of a cocktail, but each to their own.” should have been “It wasn’t Kon’s idea of a cocktail, but to each their own.” This doesn’t actually bother me that much, but I thought I would call it out because I know this can bother other people
❌ THERE WASN’T AS MUCH DEPTH to the characters or plot as I would have liked but that’s sort of expected with a stand-alone. Both Athena and Kon were supposed to have very tragic pasts but their trauma felt more surface-level than something that deeply effected them. Similarly, the plot and mystery felt very linear
✅ ATHENA WAS A FUN and badass main character. She reminded me a bit of Celaena Sardothien, except not as well-developed and without the hero complex
Overall, this was a hard book for me to rate but since I have to rate it something I’m going to give it 3 stars, but probably the lower end of 3 stars.
I think this book is in an interesting category where there are a lot of people that would really like it but then also a lot of people that would not, so I’m going to try my best and summarize it below:
→ Very *lite* fantasy with some magical relics
→ Insta-lust romance but lots of banter and steamy scenes
→ Found family with later books about the other characters
→ Some typos and strange phrasing
→ New adult series with spy vibes
→ Lots of violence, cussing and moral greyness
→ Fun, quick and easy read but without a lot of depth
Steam Scale: 🔥🔥🔥/3
Swoon Scale: ❤️/3
June 14, 2024
This e-book is free on Amazon (USA) today! 6/14/24 Don’t miss out 😉😈
These characters 😩, and this wonderfully insane plot! I’ve probably reread my favorite parts 😏… more than a dozen times! Such a delicious blend of dark romance and intriguing magic. And NO ONE compares to the Edgeworths and their “found” family. 🖤⚔️
If you’re looking for a quick, sexy read… I HIGHLY suggest this series! Can’t wait for Toughest Deal.
These characters 😩, and this wonderfully insane plot! I’ve probably reread my favorite parts 😏… more than a dozen times! Such a delicious blend of dark romance and intriguing magic. And NO ONE compares to the Edgeworths and their “found” family. 🖤⚔️
If you’re looking for a quick, sexy read… I HIGHLY suggest this series! Can’t wait for Toughest Deal.
October 16, 2021
What a surprise! It’s a new author for me. It’s a great book, a little fast for me but good!
It’s worth the reading
It’s worth the reading
Want to read
January 12, 2024This book is free on Amazon (Canada) today (01/12/2024). 🙂
Ps. It's an enemies-to-lovers.... With mercenaries... 😉
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Ps. It's an enemies-to-lovers.... With mercenaries... 😉
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
January 26, 2023
I really freaking enjoyed this book!
Kon: as a small boy, he witnessed the murder of his parents and spent his whole life searching for the man who needs killing.
Athena: as a small girl, she was found bloody and alone in a forest and she's spent her whole life fascinated with living on the edge.
On a mission, Kon steals from Athena and starts the hottest cat-and-mouse game I've ever read!
I loved the love/hate relationship that Kon and Athena shared. It was obvious from the start that these two were hot for each other. That they had finally met their match. And I had a blast watching them catch all of the feelings.
There's plenty of action and heat, a bunch of intriguing side characters, and a plot that seems to lead into the books to come. This was such a solid story and I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
Find more here: Darkest Night
Kon: as a small boy, he witnessed the murder of his parents and spent his whole life searching for the man who needs killing.
Athena: as a small girl, she was found bloody and alone in a forest and she's spent her whole life fascinated with living on the edge.
On a mission, Kon steals from Athena and starts the hottest cat-and-mouse game I've ever read!
I loved the love/hate relationship that Kon and Athena shared. It was obvious from the start that these two were hot for each other. That they had finally met their match. And I had a blast watching them catch all of the feelings.
There's plenty of action and heat, a bunch of intriguing side characters, and a plot that seems to lead into the books to come. This was such a solid story and I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
Find more here: Darkest Night
October 14, 2021
This book made me sweaty.
Want to read
July 8, 2023*******
Pre-review - nabbed for FREE from amazon.com on 8/7/23 thanks to the Fussy Librarian email blast putting it on my radar...proposed BR with the always fabulous @Franlopedia 😈🤞
Pre-review - nabbed for FREE from amazon.com on 8/7/23 thanks to the Fussy Librarian email blast putting it on my radar...proposed BR with the always fabulous @Franlopedia 😈🤞
January 10, 2023
I really don’t want to give this 2 stars because I feel like that’s harsh. So I’ll round it up to 3 and count that as my good deed for the day.
I feel like this had a lot of potential but it lacked so much. There was no world building and the story just jumped right into it. It was a short read, so I can’t imagine the author being able to fit everything I expected into 230 pages but it was really subpar in my opinion.
There were elements I enjoyed, but this just wasn’t for me.
I feel like this had a lot of potential but it lacked so much. There was no world building and the story just jumped right into it. It was a short read, so I can’t imagine the author being able to fit everything I expected into 230 pages but it was really subpar in my opinion.
There were elements I enjoyed, but this just wasn’t for me.
October 9, 2021
Alessa Thorn is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. I devoured her Wrath of the Fae series and expected a similar experience with her latest book. But Darkest Night is even better than I imagined.
The story opens in birthplace of Aphrodite where a supposedly lost religious relic has been discovered. The acquisitioner is infamous mercenary, Athena Edgeworth, one of the story’s MCs. The second POV comes from a rival thief and historian, Konstantius “Kon” Zalam.
From this alone, I was hooked on the book. The initial interaction between Kon—the hot, tattooed hunk of a Turkish man—and Athena, the blonde bombshell with a knife kink—is filled with witty banter and sexual tension. Then almost immediately, we’re transported into the first of many, many steamy scenes followed by theft and a three year time jump.
I was grateful for the back and forth which allowed us to see the story through both Athena and Kon’s eyes. As the story continues, their first chance encounter seems less and less like a coincidence and more and more like destiny. Their complicated, traumatic pasts are linked—also tied to the mystery at the center of the story.
Soon, Athena, Kon and their friends will be forced around the world in a wild quest that begins with rivalry and revenge and ends in love.
Kon is quite possibly my new favorite book boyfriend! And Athena is incredibly powerful and fascinating; she’s an amazing stabby heroine with layers and complexity. Then there is their relationship. I’ve been BEGGING for more spice in my fantasy books and Alessa did not disappoint. Things were hot, but never felt overdone or like they didn’t serve the plot.
The side characters were also brilliant! I loved Dante, Leo, and Iz. But no one can compare to Daddy Silas. He taught Athena everything she knows and remains protective of his daughter and protégée. But his one liners and unique backstory have me itching to know more about him. And his admission that he’s never been in love is the best opening ever for a sequel.
I could say so much more, but you should just BUY THIS BOOK. Kon and Athena are a little Mr. and Mrs. Smith meets Indiana Jones and Lara Croft. It’s fast-paced, electrifying, and you’ll love every minute.
The story opens in birthplace of Aphrodite where a supposedly lost religious relic has been discovered. The acquisitioner is infamous mercenary, Athena Edgeworth, one of the story’s MCs. The second POV comes from a rival thief and historian, Konstantius “Kon” Zalam.
From this alone, I was hooked on the book. The initial interaction between Kon—the hot, tattooed hunk of a Turkish man—and Athena, the blonde bombshell with a knife kink—is filled with witty banter and sexual tension. Then almost immediately, we’re transported into the first of many, many steamy scenes followed by theft and a three year time jump.
I was grateful for the back and forth which allowed us to see the story through both Athena and Kon’s eyes. As the story continues, their first chance encounter seems less and less like a coincidence and more and more like destiny. Their complicated, traumatic pasts are linked—also tied to the mystery at the center of the story.
Soon, Athena, Kon and their friends will be forced around the world in a wild quest that begins with rivalry and revenge and ends in love.
Kon is quite possibly my new favorite book boyfriend! And Athena is incredibly powerful and fascinating; she’s an amazing stabby heroine with layers and complexity. Then there is their relationship. I’ve been BEGGING for more spice in my fantasy books and Alessa did not disappoint. Things were hot, but never felt overdone or like they didn’t serve the plot.
The side characters were also brilliant! I loved Dante, Leo, and Iz. But no one can compare to Daddy Silas. He taught Athena everything she knows and remains protective of his daughter and protégée. But his one liners and unique backstory have me itching to know more about him. And his admission that he’s never been in love is the best opening ever for a sequel.
I could say so much more, but you should just BUY THIS BOOK. Kon and Athena are a little Mr. and Mrs. Smith meets Indiana Jones and Lara Croft. It’s fast-paced, electrifying, and you’ll love every minute.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2023
How was this so cute yet so violent?? Kon and Athena are one effed up pair and I'm totally here for it.
"You need to learn to control your woman".
Kon smiled. "No, I don't. She's magnificent."
Kon, stop it😭.
They'll stab a man without flinching, but overthink holding hands??? You guysssss.
The banter, found family, touch her and you die vibes all just add to me loving this.
"When I was in Indonesia, I was about to get a bullet in the head. Right before I was about to die, she was the last thing I thought of."
I said stop it, you glorious glorious man😭🖤.
The next book is about Silas (I think?) and all I can say is YES PLEASE.
"You need to learn to control your woman".
Kon smiled. "No, I don't. She's magnificent."
Kon, stop it😭.
They'll stab a man without flinching, but overthink holding hands??? You guysssss.
The banter, found family, touch her and you die vibes all just add to me loving this.
"When I was in Indonesia, I was about to get a bullet in the head. Right before I was about to die, she was the last thing I thought of."
I said stop it, you glorious glorious man😭🖤.
The next book is about Silas (I think?) and all I can say is YES PLEASE.
did-not-finish
March 17, 2025DNF - too much shooting and guns. Not my genre. Moving on to other things.
December 6, 2023
5 ⭐️ 4/5 🌶️
I read this in 24 hours. Its quick, 30 chapters of intensity and plot. The character development, the antagonists, the two MC’s with WONDERFUL side characters. I couldn’t put it down.
I loved Athena and her batshit, unhinged personality. She’s wild and a beautiful thrill of a character. Kon is a burly, ruff, rugged, sweetheart that can cook and take control.
The pair was written so well for each other and the dialog was witty banter, sarcastic and deeper than I expected. I always worry that quick books like this one won’t be written intellectually, but this one took me by surprise. I was definitely in the mood for a fantasy spicy book and this achieved the goal.
Criticisms, there were a lot of character names thrown around and some parts where they brainstormed as a whole did get a little clustered and confusing. When they tie the past in with the present and have so many antagonist groups & leaders, I found myself re-reading a lot to get the story straight. Also, the locations jump a lot, if you can keep up with it and go slow at some parts you’ll be okay. It is a fast paced book! Which for some that might be a plus and others it might be too fast.
Ultimately if you love a found family trope, magic, mystery, and a badass female mercenary. Pick this book up!
🤍
I read this in 24 hours. Its quick, 30 chapters of intensity and plot. The character development, the antagonists, the two MC’s with WONDERFUL side characters. I couldn’t put it down.
I loved Athena and her batshit, unhinged personality. She’s wild and a beautiful thrill of a character. Kon is a burly, ruff, rugged, sweetheart that can cook and take control.
The pair was written so well for each other and the dialog was witty banter, sarcastic and deeper than I expected. I always worry that quick books like this one won’t be written intellectually, but this one took me by surprise. I was definitely in the mood for a fantasy spicy book and this achieved the goal.
Criticisms, there were a lot of character names thrown around and some parts where they brainstormed as a whole did get a little clustered and confusing. When they tie the past in with the present and have so many antagonist groups & leaders, I found myself re-reading a lot to get the story straight. Also, the locations jump a lot, if you can keep up with it and go slow at some parts you’ll be okay. It is a fast paced book! Which for some that might be a plus and others it might be too fast.
Ultimately if you love a found family trope, magic, mystery, and a badass female mercenary. Pick this book up!
🤍
January 21, 2022
DNF 67%
This was pimped hard on bookstagram so I kept forcing myself to go on, hoping it would get better… it did not.
The book starts with the MC’s hooking up and then jumps to three years later. We are then told that they’ve been rivals who hate fuck each other for the past three years and now they fall for each other because of circumstances.
Zero tension, zero character development. I want to SEE them as rivals! Don’t tell me they’ve hated each other but just can’t help but jump into bed together/ not kill each other whenever they come into contact! SHOW ME!
Better yet, have them hook up in a prologue, then have the first half of the book be about their 3 year rivalry (and don’t have them hook up again, instead build some tension so I actually care when they do it).
I feel like everything was rushed and even though there is a good idea here it isn’t fully realized. I don’t care about the plot line because I don’t care about the characters. It feels like there’s no stakes whatsoever and it all just fell flat for me.
This was pimped hard on bookstagram so I kept forcing myself to go on, hoping it would get better… it did not.
The book starts with the MC’s hooking up and then jumps to three years later. We are then told that they’ve been rivals who hate fuck each other for the past three years and now they fall for each other because of circumstances.
Zero tension, zero character development. I want to SEE them as rivals! Don’t tell me they’ve hated each other but just can’t help but jump into bed together/ not kill each other whenever they come into contact! SHOW ME!
Better yet, have them hook up in a prologue, then have the first half of the book be about their 3 year rivalry (and don’t have them hook up again, instead build some tension so I actually care when they do it).
I feel like everything was rushed and even though there is a good idea here it isn’t fully realized. I don’t care about the plot line because I don’t care about the characters. It feels like there’s no stakes whatsoever and it all just fell flat for me.
April 3, 2022
This is the second time I read something from this author and after reading the blurb I was really curious to pick up this story.
Athena was a good character; I was looking for a bad ass female and she was it for sure. Kon was also a good character (and really hot). These two were fun to read about, specially when they were enemies/rivals and instead of kill each other, they ended up stealing from each other but without being able to resist one another.
The story got kind of boring though. And also a little confused and rushed. Overall it was an okay read but I was so excited and expecting so much more that I got kind of disappointed in the end.
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: fantasy/paranormal, enemies to lovers, rivals, assassins/mercenaries
Athena was a good character; I was looking for a bad ass female and she was it for sure. Kon was also a good character (and really hot). These two were fun to read about, specially when they were enemies/rivals and instead of kill each other, they ended up stealing from each other but without being able to resist one another.
The story got kind of boring though. And also a little confused and rushed. Overall it was an okay read but I was so excited and expecting so much more that I got kind of disappointed in the end.
▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: fantasy/paranormal, enemies to lovers, rivals, assassins/mercenaries
October 6, 2021
This book is HOT!! Spicy, hot, dangerous and hot! Damn! Fantastic job Alessa!! I loved it!
dnf
January 5, 2022DNF @ 15% (roughly) on 30/12/21 due to no fault of the book itself... Well I guess the cover is to blame. Based on the cover I thought this would be a fantasy romance story, so I was rather surprised and disappointed when I started reading and discovered it was more magical realism and erotica. That's not the stories fault, and there was nothing wrong with the little bit of it that I read, it just simply wasn't what I was after so I DNF-ed it.
May 18, 2022
Two mercenaries meet in a bar and end up doing the horizontal tango. Afterwards the guy steals a priceless artifact that our heroine was stealing for a client. For the next three-year Kon (hero) and Athena (heroine) engage in a rivalry that is equal parts fun and deadly. They enjoy pitting their wits against each other. They have so many opportunities to kill each other but they just can’t seem to pull the trigger.
The story centers on a common enemy that Kon needs help talking down. Reading these join forces was just as enjoyable as reading their wickedly funny banter. This is not a cutesy morally gray story. The mercenaries are the definition of morally gray and they enjoy it.
Format: Kindle
Pros:
Good world building
Descriptive and easy to visualize the world the characters find themselves in.
True Enemies-to-lovers, that I hate you but I want you tension was so thick you could cut it would 15th century antique dagger.
Found family that adds more family (loved it)
Great secondary characters. Shout out to Silas! loved him!
Healthy doses of alpha males who are well matched with their potential partners
Good humor and banter between the main characters and supporting cast
Cons:
The lack of details at key moments. The last battle should’ve and could’ve been epic but it felt rushed and the lack of details left me feeling like I missed something.
Overall Rating: Four Stars
Closing thoughts: I loved this book. It was such a fun read that honestly caught me off guard. I was just looking for something to pass the time. Let me tell you, I surely did pass the time with this book and enjoyed every second of it. Trigger warnings: this is a very sexy book. Sex on page 7 of the book sexy.lol its a little kinky as well so be prepared. The fight scenes could be gory for some readers and the magic elements may be a bit much for some. All-in-all a really good, quick read. No cliffhanger. Book 2: Sharpest Edge follows another couple but hopefully Kon and Athena will still be featured prominently, I’m invested in them.
The story centers on a common enemy that Kon needs help talking down. Reading these join forces was just as enjoyable as reading their wickedly funny banter. This is not a cutesy morally gray story. The mercenaries are the definition of morally gray and they enjoy it.
Format: Kindle
Pros:
Good world building
Descriptive and easy to visualize the world the characters find themselves in.
True Enemies-to-lovers, that I hate you but I want you tension was so thick you could cut it would 15th century antique dagger.
Found family that adds more family (loved it)
Great secondary characters. Shout out to Silas! loved him!
Healthy doses of alpha males who are well matched with their potential partners
Good humor and banter between the main characters and supporting cast
Cons:
The lack of details at key moments. The last battle should’ve and could’ve been epic but it felt rushed and the lack of details left me feeling like I missed something.
Overall Rating: Four Stars
Closing thoughts: I loved this book. It was such a fun read that honestly caught me off guard. I was just looking for something to pass the time. Let me tell you, I surely did pass the time with this book and enjoyed every second of it. Trigger warnings: this is a very sexy book. Sex on page 7 of the book sexy.lol its a little kinky as well so be prepared. The fight scenes could be gory for some readers and the magic elements may be a bit much for some. All-in-all a really good, quick read. No cliffhanger. Book 2: Sharpest Edge follows another couple but hopefully Kon and Athena will still be featured prominently, I’m invested in them.
dnf
September 27, 2022DNF @ 32%. May revisit in the future.
I never thought I would say this, but it's just too much spice for me.
I enjoyed the idea of the vibes. It definitely has that Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones, Uncharted feel to it mixed with trained assassins. There's a lot of action, and it's very quick paced. I thought I was going to love it because I really enjoyed the Fae Universe series by this author and the Uncharted video game series is my favorite of all time. But I'm finding that that type of story is more interesting to me visually. This just wasn't drawing my attention, and the amount of spicy scenes compared to anything else is staggering. If they aren't fighting enemies or each other, then it's getting steamy. I enjoy it in books, but you have to draw the line somewhere. I don't think the writing is bad. I just started getting to the point where paranormal things are happening, and it definitely peaked my interest. However I don't feel compelled to read further right now.
I never thought I would say this, but it's just too much spice for me.
I enjoyed the idea of the vibes. It definitely has that Tomb Raider, Indiana Jones, Uncharted feel to it mixed with trained assassins. There's a lot of action, and it's very quick paced. I thought I was going to love it because I really enjoyed the Fae Universe series by this author and the Uncharted video game series is my favorite of all time. But I'm finding that that type of story is more interesting to me visually. This just wasn't drawing my attention, and the amount of spicy scenes compared to anything else is staggering. If they aren't fighting enemies or each other, then it's getting steamy. I enjoy it in books, but you have to draw the line somewhere. I don't think the writing is bad. I just started getting to the point where paranormal things are happening, and it definitely peaked my interest. However I don't feel compelled to read further right now.
October 12, 2021
What a ride!
May 23, 2022
This book has potential, but for me, the spice was too fast with little plot or tension. I do like a story to be thorough with a side of spice instead of spice with a dash of story.
Want to read
June 15, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/9/2022)! 🎁
February 23, 2025
Every one of their encounters had ended in one of them getting screwed over. He had gone to kill her at least three times, and each time he had fucked her senseless instead.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️
i absolutely loved this??? i picked this up on a whim while in search of good, fast paced romantasy-esq read that was on the shorter side to get me out of a slight slump and i highkey just totally fell in love with this story, and these characters.
What really originally sold me about Darkest Night aside from the fact that not only is the cover gorgeous, and that it was a fast paced romance that hit every spot perfectly in my brain, was that it was marketed as tomb raider meets mr & mrs smith novel and i can say it definitely delivered just that!!! all in all, this book was sexy as hell and had all the action, emotion, character depth, perfect plot pacing & worldbuilding.
I really enjoyed the subtle fantastical subplot to this story — and that it didn’t take over the ENTIRE story but does play an important part to the plot & to some of the characters in their development and just in their personality. It wasn’t super heavy on the treasure hunting/ tomb raiding as i’d like but it’s overall an amazing read and loved the initial tension and dynamic of the main characters, Kon and Athena. also!!!! i’m super super excited to find out each book in the series is about each of the side characters + their couplings!!! I will be reading the next book asap, you can count on that.
No matter how much she didn't want to give him any power or leverage over her, it was true. This thing between them was tangled and complicated and heavy. It was violent desire and obsession and addiction. It was always too much and not enough.
One last thing i need to say about this book is that i sure do love a badass morally gray fmc that’s willing to help her man get revenge!!! i feel like that’s real love right there.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️
i absolutely loved this??? i picked this up on a whim while in search of good, fast paced romantasy-esq read that was on the shorter side to get me out of a slight slump and i highkey just totally fell in love with this story, and these characters.
What really originally sold me about Darkest Night aside from the fact that not only is the cover gorgeous, and that it was a fast paced romance that hit every spot perfectly in my brain, was that it was marketed as tomb raider meets mr & mrs smith novel and i can say it definitely delivered just that!!! all in all, this book was sexy as hell and had all the action, emotion, character depth, perfect plot pacing & worldbuilding.
I really enjoyed the subtle fantastical subplot to this story — and that it didn’t take over the ENTIRE story but does play an important part to the plot & to some of the characters in their development and just in their personality. It wasn’t super heavy on the treasure hunting/ tomb raiding as i’d like but it’s overall an amazing read and loved the initial tension and dynamic of the main characters, Kon and Athena. also!!!! i’m super super excited to find out each book in the series is about each of the side characters + their couplings!!! I will be reading the next book asap, you can count on that.
No matter how much she didn't want to give him any power or leverage over her, it was true. This thing between them was tangled and complicated and heavy. It was violent desire and obsession and addiction. It was always too much and not enough.
One last thing i need to say about this book is that i sure do love a badass morally gray fmc that’s willing to help her man get revenge!!! i feel like that’s real love right there.
February 12, 2022
4 Turkish Delight stars
Spicy rival lovers, dual POV, found family, forced proximity and morally grey characters. This is the recipe for a very entertaining book.
I didn't think I would like a book about mercenaries, but Alessa Thorn succeeded in making it very enjoyable. She's quickly becoming my go-to author for short sweet books that I know I'll enjoy.
Spicy rival lovers, dual POV, found family, forced proximity and morally grey characters. This is the recipe for a very entertaining book.
I didn't think I would like a book about mercenaries, but Alessa Thorn succeeded in making it very enjoyable. She's quickly becoming my go-to author for short sweet books that I know I'll enjoy.
October 18, 2021
If you haven't read anything by Alessa Thorn, you are missing out. Darkest Night is her newest book and I am OBSESSED. I loved it. The spice, the romance, the plot...everything.
🎃Favorite quote🎃: "I've just stopped fighting against the obvious. That you make my blood turn to fire, that your rage echoes mine, that our sharp edges and inner demons match. That you are mine."
Kon is a hella attractive tattooed historian, who happens to be a hitman. He has spent his entire life seeking revenge, but his life has an unintended twist after he meets and steals from Athena.
Athena is our badass heroine who is a mercenary for hire. She has a love for historical artifacts and returning them to their rightful owners. She's witty, brutal and downright fantastic.
Once these rivals are forced to work together, the fireworks and action are non-stop. I really enjoyed this faced-paced story so much. I'm dying to see what is going to go down in the next book! 10/10 recommend🖤
🎃Favorite quote🎃: "I've just stopped fighting against the obvious. That you make my blood turn to fire, that your rage echoes mine, that our sharp edges and inner demons match. That you are mine."
Kon is a hella attractive tattooed historian, who happens to be a hitman. He has spent his entire life seeking revenge, but his life has an unintended twist after he meets and steals from Athena.
Athena is our badass heroine who is a mercenary for hire. She has a love for historical artifacts and returning them to their rightful owners. She's witty, brutal and downright fantastic.
Once these rivals are forced to work together, the fireworks and action are non-stop. I really enjoyed this faced-paced story so much. I'm dying to see what is going to go down in the next book! 10/10 recommend🖤
February 18, 2023
Such a perfect enemies AND lovers book, I loved each and every page and scene ❤️❤️
We root for both Kon and Athena, and their relationship right from their first interaction in the prologue. Their interactions went from fiery to fiery+vulnerable and it was so cool and amazing.
The plot was compelling, as were the secondary characters (I NEED a book for Silas/Iz and Dante/Leo!) The author has already planned a book for Silas and I'm so beyond excited for it 🤍
--- update, finished my first reread, and damn, I loved it so much
We root for both Kon and Athena, and their relationship right from their first interaction in the prologue. Their interactions went from fiery to fiery+vulnerable and it was so cool and amazing.
The plot was compelling, as were the secondary characters (I NEED a book for Silas/Iz and Dante/Leo!) The author has already planned a book for Silas and I'm so beyond excited for it 🤍
--- update, finished my first reread, and damn, I loved it so much
February 9, 2022
Love Love Love EVERYTHING about this book!
Let’s get to the important things that I am sure you wanna know?!
SMUT 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Romance ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
In all seriousness the storyline was amazing too I genuinely cannot wait to find out more about who Athena really is and where she came from. The way Magic was introduced and weaved into the story was interesting and the relationship between Athena and her “Dad” Silas is so incredibly heart warming. Also I seriously need more Leo & Dante time!
Definitely add this to your TBR
Let’s get to the important things that I am sure you wanna know?!
SMUT 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Romance ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
In all seriousness the storyline was amazing too I genuinely cannot wait to find out more about who Athena really is and where she came from. The way Magic was introduced and weaved into the story was interesting and the relationship between Athena and her “Dad” Silas is so incredibly heart warming. Also I seriously need more Leo & Dante time!
Definitely add this to your TBR
October 31, 2021
DNF. This book is so bad. There doesn't seem to be any character development, I can't believe I'm saying this but there are too many sex scenes and they're not that hot. There's no build up to them, no tension. I just got the feeling that the author just doesn't know how to write a dark character with actual traumas. Disappointing.
March 7, 2022
3.5⭐️This was a very fast-paced read. I have read three other books by this author so I thought I would try this one out. I will say, this author knows how to write some dang good steamy scenes. I wasn't a big fan of this plot, not saying it isn't good, it just wasn't really for me. I did really enjoy the romance and the spice for sure!
July 19, 2023
Magic will always be one of my favorite tropes.
This book doesn't have plenty of it but it sparks its own magic.
Easy going, fast paced, it's like one of those movies you put on and watch to disconnect from the real world and feel good mentally and warm around your heart. If Lara Croft had graphic sex scenes this would be it!
This book doesn't have plenty of it but it sparks its own magic.
Easy going, fast paced, it's like one of those movies you put on and watch to disconnect from the real world and feel good mentally and warm around your heart. If Lara Croft had graphic sex scenes this would be it!
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