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Dark Bliss
Love should not be able to survive the horrors of the night. Love should not be for the wicked, yet even they can find solace in the arms of a lover. But, what happens when you love another, whose place in your world forbids the courtship? Meet Enoch, a wealthy plantation owner in the southeastern part of the United States, just before the Civil War. However, Enoch is different in many ways, and his plantation is a ruse to help free slaves to the North.
In the dead of night, Enoch rescues Demisha, a house slave, from her lover and master, Franklin Wilshire. A budding romance forms between Enoch and his ebony queen. The two plantation owners secretly go to war. Will Franklin kill the beast, or will he become the feast, in this wicked tale of sultry sex and adultery; hope and despair; romance and action. Will Demisha shed the shackles owned by Franklin?
Learn how this vampire came to be in this unique interpretation of a common mythos. Delve into the pages and get lost in an abundance of emotions. Romance is in the air!
In the dead of night, Enoch rescues Demisha, a house slave, from her lover and master, Franklin Wilshire. A budding romance forms between Enoch and his ebony queen. The two plantation owners secretly go to war. Will Franklin kill the beast, or will he become the feast, in this wicked tale of sultry sex and adultery; hope and despair; romance and action. Will Demisha shed the shackles owned by Franklin?
Learn how this vampire came to be in this unique interpretation of a common mythos. Delve into the pages and get lost in an abundance of emotions. Romance is in the air!
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2020
7 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 24, 2021
Dark Bliss: Love Knows No Bounds by Shay Mills is a historical, fantasy read full of vampires.
This is a relatively short read packed with lots of content! Vampires, fantasy, history and romance are packed tight all within this book. I was honestly shocked how short it was for how much drama and content there is (which isn't a bad thing! Sometimes a girl wants a short book with lots going on).
I did find that this book wasn't aimed at me for it's audience, but I can appreciate the novel for what it is. Fans of historical romance with a splash of fantasy and horror will enjoy this book.
You might be asking, "So, Briar... Why wasn't this book for you?" Well, let me explain.
This book started with a strong opening paragraph that had me feeling some incredible horror vibes. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it didn't seem like it was going to be a romance or purely fantasy novel. That horror element quickly dissipates and unfolds into a period drama. I really wanted that horror element to stick - I thought it was going to be a really cool vibe mixed in with the fantasy and romance. There is the odd splash of horror later on, but it's not as big of an element as I thought it would be (since it was in that initial opening).
So we keep going - we've got lots of characters coming out of the woodworks fast, and some of them only in flashbacks. I wanted a little more description out of these moments. I found this book was heavy in dialogue and not in description. Don't get me wrong (again), I love some incredible dialogue but I also need a writer to spell out how the setting looks and feels, how the characters are, and so on. Just a pinch more description would have made me a happy reader, but this trend continues throughout the book. That being said, the style is interesting. This book makes it feel like someone is re-telling the story to a friend. It's how I imagine my buddies telling me about their works of fiction that they write.
The characters were an interesting collection of people. Some you can relate to, some you want to throw off a cliff, and others you wonder if they might have a bigger meaning to the story than they actually do. Alma was a character I loved to hate. I did wonder if she was going to be more of a "big baddie" than she was... But she was pretty insane.
My biggest gripe with this book is the romance. The sex happens ridiculous amounts of times, the orgasms seem unrealistic for how many and how often, and the descriptions of sex felt like a man was writing it. Now, don't get me wrong again - men can write romance and sex scenes - but sometimes you can tell it's a man trying to write for a woman. Vibrating junk, orgasms that happen excessive times in a row that would probably kill the woman and just unrealistic sex scenes make me grimace. I like disappearing into a book, but really odd sex scenes tear me out of it.
Add in a few trigger warnings for this book: Abuse towards women, abuse towards pregnant women, miscarriage. All those fun things some readers don't like - be warned.
Overall, this book is an interesting read. It's nice to take a trip down a different path in my reading journey. It's a historical book that takes place in the dark time of slaves with lots of twists and turns.
Three out of five stars.
This book was sent to me in exchange of an honest review.
This is a relatively short read packed with lots of content! Vampires, fantasy, history and romance are packed tight all within this book. I was honestly shocked how short it was for how much drama and content there is (which isn't a bad thing! Sometimes a girl wants a short book with lots going on).
I did find that this book wasn't aimed at me for it's audience, but I can appreciate the novel for what it is. Fans of historical romance with a splash of fantasy and horror will enjoy this book.
You might be asking, "So, Briar... Why wasn't this book for you?" Well, let me explain.
This book started with a strong opening paragraph that had me feeling some incredible horror vibes. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it didn't seem like it was going to be a romance or purely fantasy novel. That horror element quickly dissipates and unfolds into a period drama. I really wanted that horror element to stick - I thought it was going to be a really cool vibe mixed in with the fantasy and romance. There is the odd splash of horror later on, but it's not as big of an element as I thought it would be (since it was in that initial opening).
So we keep going - we've got lots of characters coming out of the woodworks fast, and some of them only in flashbacks. I wanted a little more description out of these moments. I found this book was heavy in dialogue and not in description. Don't get me wrong (again), I love some incredible dialogue but I also need a writer to spell out how the setting looks and feels, how the characters are, and so on. Just a pinch more description would have made me a happy reader, but this trend continues throughout the book. That being said, the style is interesting. This book makes it feel like someone is re-telling the story to a friend. It's how I imagine my buddies telling me about their works of fiction that they write.
The characters were an interesting collection of people. Some you can relate to, some you want to throw off a cliff, and others you wonder if they might have a bigger meaning to the story than they actually do. Alma was a character I loved to hate. I did wonder if she was going to be more of a "big baddie" than she was... But she was pretty insane.
My biggest gripe with this book is the romance. The sex happens ridiculous amounts of times, the orgasms seem unrealistic for how many and how often, and the descriptions of sex felt like a man was writing it. Now, don't get me wrong again - men can write romance and sex scenes - but sometimes you can tell it's a man trying to write for a woman. Vibrating junk, orgasms that happen excessive times in a row that would probably kill the woman and just unrealistic sex scenes make me grimace. I like disappearing into a book, but really odd sex scenes tear me out of it.
Add in a few trigger warnings for this book: Abuse towards women, abuse towards pregnant women, miscarriage. All those fun things some readers don't like - be warned.
Overall, this book is an interesting read. It's nice to take a trip down a different path in my reading journey. It's a historical book that takes place in the dark time of slaves with lots of twists and turns.
Three out of five stars.
This book was sent to me in exchange of an honest review.
July 17, 2020
This was my first vampire and romance read. I read it because I've always wanted to read a vampire story. I'm not really a romance fan but for anyone who is - this is a very sexy, sensual, savage and OMG will they ever stop (it's just not human! :) read that would put Fifty Shades to shame. The only thing I didn't like was the lack of body hair. America's history is highlighted and one woman's colour celebrated in a world where money can buy freedom. However, what I loved the most was how the author made you experience the world through the vampire's senses. I loved it, at one stage it even made me laugh, which is remarkable when blood and gore follow every feeding! While the beginning only made sense at the end, this novella was still a 'wild card' worth reading.
June 7, 2020
4 1/2 Stars
“I may be a vampire, but I do have a human mind and heart. Whether my soul is damned has no relevance to the fact that I am still human. I am a mortal man but living with an immortal, uncontrollable beast that bequeaths immortality. So yes is the answer to your unspoken question. I too can feel all emotions or succumb temporarily to the effects of alcohol. What you read about my existence is all fiction. I weep, love, and deal with pain, emotionally and physically, as all humans do."
Dark Bliss by Shay Mills was is a really unique, interesting and entertaining take on the vampire lore. It has a slight “Interview With a Vampire” feel to it- but has its own originality as well as Mr. Mills’ distinctive touches stamped all over it.
Shay Mills tells a great story and I can always count on to keep me entertained- weaving a story that is so detailed and descriptive I could ‘see’ it playing out before my eyes. I love the little quirky details he added which gave this story its own unique personality and feel.
This is dark, dramatic, intriguing, and suspenseful read- that has an action-packed plot with historical references amongst the bloody and violent details. I was hooked and Mr. Mills had me flipping the pages, reading as quickly as I could, just so I could find out what would happen next. This is a tale of passion, love, danger, obsession, murder, revenge, schemes, vampires, and the paranormal.
Dark Bliss has a complex storyline with lots of interconnected details that were orchestrated into a smooth, yet gripping tale. It is told from several points of view which gave me a great perspective of what was going on.
I read this book several months ago when it first released and can’t believe I forgot to leave a review- especially since I really did enjoy the story. Luckily, the story is quite memorable and stuck in my mind- plus I always take notes on any books I read/review. Sorry it took so long to bring this intriguing story to your attention.
Looking forward to more from Mr. Mills!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Shay Mills!
“I may be a vampire, but I do have a human mind and heart. Whether my soul is damned has no relevance to the fact that I am still human. I am a mortal man but living with an immortal, uncontrollable beast that bequeaths immortality. So yes is the answer to your unspoken question. I too can feel all emotions or succumb temporarily to the effects of alcohol. What you read about my existence is all fiction. I weep, love, and deal with pain, emotionally and physically, as all humans do."
Dark Bliss by Shay Mills was is a really unique, interesting and entertaining take on the vampire lore. It has a slight “Interview With a Vampire” feel to it- but has its own originality as well as Mr. Mills’ distinctive touches stamped all over it.
Shay Mills tells a great story and I can always count on to keep me entertained- weaving a story that is so detailed and descriptive I could ‘see’ it playing out before my eyes. I love the little quirky details he added which gave this story its own unique personality and feel.
This is dark, dramatic, intriguing, and suspenseful read- that has an action-packed plot with historical references amongst the bloody and violent details. I was hooked and Mr. Mills had me flipping the pages, reading as quickly as I could, just so I could find out what would happen next. This is a tale of passion, love, danger, obsession, murder, revenge, schemes, vampires, and the paranormal.
Dark Bliss has a complex storyline with lots of interconnected details that were orchestrated into a smooth, yet gripping tale. It is told from several points of view which gave me a great perspective of what was going on.
I read this book several months ago when it first released and can’t believe I forgot to leave a review- especially since I really did enjoy the story. Luckily, the story is quite memorable and stuck in my mind- plus I always take notes on any books I read/review. Sorry it took so long to bring this intriguing story to your attention.
Looking forward to more from Mr. Mills!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Shay Mills!
July 26, 2020
The history of a vampire.
This amazing book leads you into the history of a vampire. You learn an amazing amount about a vampire you may never have known. It's a compelling read that will hold your attention to the very last page. Shay Mills makes vampires appear very human and you can almost feel your heart go out to them.
This amazing book leads you into the history of a vampire. You learn an amazing amount about a vampire you may never have known. It's a compelling read that will hold your attention to the very last page. Shay Mills makes vampires appear very human and you can almost feel your heart go out to them.
October 12, 2020
A refreshing unique story!
As I’m not fond of romance-fantasy genre, this story has its own fascinating way to seize its readers. What I really liked was the vampire-like creature, which I would call it Robinson’s creature. The author’s imagination, the clear well-defined plot, and the opening-ending style was finely written in this book. And what mostly kept me reading throughout the story was the themes offered by the author to enlighten the readers: from slavery to the tricky twist real term of “monstrosity” defined in the author’s characters!
Why I give it a 4 STARS rather than 5 STARS?
I believe this story deserves more and longer scenes. Plot-wise (unique and new), the author should have enlarge the actions to let the readers know more of these dense extraordinary characters.
A Good Read! 👍🏻
As I’m not fond of romance-fantasy genre, this story has its own fascinating way to seize its readers. What I really liked was the vampire-like creature, which I would call it Robinson’s creature. The author’s imagination, the clear well-defined plot, and the opening-ending style was finely written in this book. And what mostly kept me reading throughout the story was the themes offered by the author to enlighten the readers: from slavery to the tricky twist real term of “monstrosity” defined in the author’s characters!
Why I give it a 4 STARS rather than 5 STARS?
I believe this story deserves more and longer scenes. Plot-wise (unique and new), the author should have enlarge the actions to let the readers know more of these dense extraordinary characters.
A Good Read! 👍🏻
August 10, 2023
I like how the vampire in the story was helping people, setting slaves free allowing them to work for him as workers not slaves. I don't want to give too much away so I will not go too deep into it. I enjoyed the story, it reminded of my own, Book two in my vampire island sagas. The only thing I didn't like but this is my personal prefence, is the book size, the paperback is 6x9, I prefer reading paperbacks at 5x8. but like I said that is my personal prefence. I will not take a star away just for that. everyone to their own style.
April 3, 2021
I won this book as a giveaway. I love romance novels. I do like vampire novels as well. I liked that it was set in the south. When Demisha died I was disappointed; however it did make the ending of the story better knowing Enoch and Demisha still ended up together. Franklin was definitely portrayed well as a villain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2022
This was a really nice short love story set during the time of slaves in the u.s. there was a perfect amount of spice to the romantic scenes and I love this book. It's a fast read full of romance, drama, and action. Plus a vampire.
July 31, 2022
This was an interesting take on vampirism. I like the twists at the end of the story. Overall, it was a really good short read. It also had a beautiful love story.
I won this book through a goodreads.com giveaway.
I won this book through a goodreads.com giveaway.
June 20, 2021
I love paranormal romance but this book is not my cup of tea
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June 28, 2020
“Love knows no bounds!” In Shay Mill’s “Dark Bliss,” set in the Antebellum era, Enoch, a vampire saves a runaway slave, Demisha, from being recaptured by her slave owner and lover, Franklin and his friends. Although Enoch killed most of the others, Franklin barely escaped his death. As Enoch arranges plans to free Demisha and the other slaves that he keeps hidden at his plantation, he realizes that Demisha is not like the other slaves. As time passes, they fall madly in love with each other all the while Franklin brews up a plan to recapture his lover and slave by killing the beast responsible for taking her away from him.
“Dark Bliss” is a beautifully written book about love and revenge that could use minor improvement. Shay Mill’s writing style allowed an easy flow of imagery while reading. It allows the reader to become fully engaged in the book. I found it hard to put it down! Despite this, however, I wish there would have been more background on Demisha. I felt that although she was a major part of the story, I didn’t know too much about her life beyond the fact that she was a slave. Additionally, there was some information that came to light that didn’t add value to the story as it was written.
Overall, it was an entertaining story. I would highly recommend this book if you like vampires, love and revenge!
“Dark Bliss” is a beautifully written book about love and revenge that could use minor improvement. Shay Mill’s writing style allowed an easy flow of imagery while reading. It allows the reader to become fully engaged in the book. I found it hard to put it down! Despite this, however, I wish there would have been more background on Demisha. I felt that although she was a major part of the story, I didn’t know too much about her life beyond the fact that she was a slave. Additionally, there was some information that came to light that didn’t add value to the story as it was written.
Overall, it was an entertaining story. I would highly recommend this book if you like vampires, love and revenge!
October 26, 2020
Unique vampiric story
Mills pens a unique, not only vampiric story, but also historic in Dark Bliss. I haven't read anything from this author before, and I liked this one. The characters were unique, and in a setting that was interesting to place a vampire, which did work. The story was original, and there were some steamy "love" scenes, but there were also some things that were a bit too descriptive, but yet fit with the story. Between the historical south (plantation owners and slaves) and the backstory, it was a long tale, but it worked. Yes, this story works on a few levels, romance, connection to the past, the degradation of slaves, and the interactions between the characters. It was not only a vampire thriller, but also a story of unexpected and unique connected infatuation and lust. This story was intriguing and kept the reader guessing. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
Mills pens a unique, not only vampiric story, but also historic in Dark Bliss. I haven't read anything from this author before, and I liked this one. The characters were unique, and in a setting that was interesting to place a vampire, which did work. The story was original, and there were some steamy "love" scenes, but there were also some things that were a bit too descriptive, but yet fit with the story. Between the historical south (plantation owners and slaves) and the backstory, it was a long tale, but it worked. Yes, this story works on a few levels, romance, connection to the past, the degradation of slaves, and the interactions between the characters. It was not only a vampire thriller, but also a story of unexpected and unique connected infatuation and lust. This story was intriguing and kept the reader guessing. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
June 19, 2020
This is an excellent story which reminded me a little of Bram Stoker's elegant style. I think the writing suits the period in which it is set. I was at first thinking 'another vampire story' but it's different and well written. I liked how the whole symbiotic elements of being part man and part beast were dealt with. It's a story where your sympathies certainly lie with the hero of the piece and the love of his life. You will also not like the villain one iota. Which is as it should be. I was very pleasantly surprised by the novel and enjoyed it. It was suspenseful and certainly made me want to keep on reading until the end. I won't spoil the ending, it's not quite what I expected but I was happy with it overall. I can thoroughly recommend this particularly if you like vampire stories. So, pick this up and indulge yourself. You won't be disappointed.
June 18, 2021
From the first page to last, I couldn't stop reading. Dark Bliss is an imaginative and original vampire story as well as a tale of forbidden love and obsession. The plot twists and turns, keeping the reader in suspense from one page to the next. Mills' prose flows smoothly, taking the reader from one scene to the next. The author brings each character to life on the page with a vividly descriptive narrative. For those who love vampires, historical fiction and romance, Dark Bliss is recommended reading.
June 25, 2020
This is a very unique story and held my interest. The conflict between the two males in the story is descriptive. I'd have loved to hear a little more of the back story with the female but all and all a fun read! If you want a different sort of story then this is the one for you!
June 28, 2020
This was such an interesting read. I love reading vampire books and this was a take on vampire lore that I've never read. There were many plot twists in this book to keep you guessing until the very end. A very enjoyable book. Plus the ending was great.
December 15, 2022
Interesting take on vampire love
Loved the story and the spiritual aspect of it also. I'm a big fan of historical paranormal and this did not disappoint. Which it was a series. The author is new to me and I look forward to something else from him.
Loved the story and the spiritual aspect of it also. I'm a big fan of historical paranormal and this did not disappoint. Which it was a series. The author is new to me and I look forward to something else from him.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews