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With the death of Whitlock, a new home for horror is born…
Garden of the Gods


GOTG Registry
Name: Vera and Shane Lemmons
Couple #: 0001
Occupation: Fashion Designer and the Main Board Member of GOTG
Slave preference: Blank slate Male
Recruiter #: 23200571
Experience
Wife: Beginner ⌧
Husband: Experienced ⌧


Main Master Notes:

Jealousy? Anger? Secrets?

Vera’s done nothing but love her husband through the good and the bad. Despite the struggles, she knows something isn’t right with Shane. The couple was meant to find ways to combat their problems. Is the Gardens the place, or will Vera not be able to stomach what it is she finds herself trapped in?

Shane was born into our world. His family’s status and loyalty secured his place at not only Whitlock, but at the Gardens as the Main Board Member as well. Now, he’s ready to let his wife in on the secret. After all…he’s prepared Vera for this moment for ten years. Shane’s always been into the darker things. Soon, she’ll discover just how deep the truth goes.

It’s said love triumphs all. The Gardens is ready to put it to the test. -Elec


MAD GIRL PUBLISHING'S RATING:

PITCH BLACK
STATIC WHITE ⌧
OBLIVION

Unknown Binding

45 people are currently reading
392 people want to read

About the author

A.A. Dark

45 books1,725 followers
A. A. Dark is an International Bestselling Author. She doesn’t live in one place for long and is known to move at the drop of a dime. From mountains and snow to tropical beaches, she could be at one in the morning and the other by night. A. A. is a Goodreads Choice Award Finalist in Horror. She is also the President and CEO of Mad Girl Publishing, and the founder for the Pitch Black brand.

Look for the boxes to see the rating.

PITCH BLACK ⌧

STATIC WHITE ⌧

OBLIVION ⌧

**CAUTION when reading.**

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5 stars
142 (35%)
4 stars
128 (32%)
3 stars
95 (23%)
2 stars
27 (6%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for TheBookPlatypus.
1,242 reviews264 followers
June 13, 2022
Shane and Vera.

“She was truly a surprise and bonus. Choosing her, marrying her, trying to bend her mind to fit perfectly to my fucked-up ways was a given. She was it for me.”

Shane is one of the OG masters. He works at Garden of the Gods. Was raised in this life. He’s been married for over 10 years and his wife Vera NEVER knew of this place.
What an insane turn of events when SHE was invited, without knowing the details of this place, and was told to pick a slave….


So we know that theirs a glitch in the blank slate slaves. Their minds are supposed to be 100% wiped and warped into being your complete and utter submissive slave.. or whatever to you want them to be.

This is the story of Shane opening up for the first time in their marriage and truly showing his deepest darkest desires and what he does at his real job…. Will his wife run or will she bend for her husband?!

What I absolutely love about this author‘s writing is she gives you the POV of the slaves/victims. She makes you feel for them and it’s what makes the whole story that much more gory, dark and twisted.

I would absolutely love to have more of a story on the last couple. Clearly Shane has umm… been teaching … Vera to play to his needs without her even realizing it. I would love a backstory on this couple!
Profile Image for Karen - Kazza's Books Blog .
647 reviews39 followers
June 13, 2022
The darkness and disturbing rises with each novella within this series.

This time around we meet Shane and Vera, married, happily or so Vera thought. Shane pushes his wife to a level which she wasn’t expecting. Lies are exposed, boundaries are pushed and all of this adds to the excitement and unexpected turns that are welcomed and embraced in the Gardens of the Gods.
Profile Image for Summer Nevels.
133 reviews15 followers
September 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 3 in series, Novella Length

This is not a dark romance, while there is romance present it is classified as pitch black. As always check trigger warnings!

Couple B-0001 also known as Vera and Shane lemons have been invited to the gardens as a couple with strict rules that their marriage must be secured in order to attend. Upon arrival we meet Vera whom has come alone hoping Shane will make his appearance soon. However they haven’t spoke in 4 months so should she even be here, without him? Surely he’ll show up any moment now. He was the one who insisted on this. How did he even get invited to a place like this to begin with? She knows something isn’t right with him and his dark desires from how they first met and how things continued to be between them but had no clue how far it actually went, but this is far more then she could have ever imagined. Not knowing what she’s suppose to do she follows the other mistresses to the blank slate males. If Shane can’t be there for her maybe she can buy a programmable slave who can

Master 0001 also known as Shane Lennons, is a main board member at the gardens and had also been one at Whitlock before it fell.
Leaving Vera behind the last 4 months to prepare GOTG for opening day has been excruciating. After being together for 10 years he’s ready to bring her into his world and hopes she accepts the real him and can flourish together in the gardens. Can she handle this world or will he have to make her take a slave so she’ll always be tied there so a part of her will always be his?!
Profile Image for Amanda Anderson (Beauty.and.the.bookies).
1,460 reviews72 followers
February 18, 2023
i am in love with this series!!

I loved this couple!!! Shane was soooo dark and can we say POSSESSIVE!!!!! Although I REALLY wanted Ninety-Nine to have a trio with them but the way it happened worked perfectly because now they have an even cooler story that could go on and on. But I really DID like that slave. AADark makes it SOO easy to love every character in these series. I have been devouring these like candy and I am onto the next!!!
Profile Image for Rhiannon .
108 reviews25 followers
June 16, 2022
welp. that happened

I. Yep, no words. I’m astounded by AA’s writing. The world, the stories. Three novellas in GotG and each is more horrifically awesome than the last. The couple were not at all what I expected. She is the absolute Mistress of the dark sub-genre. If you have any triggers or any content you don’t like.. don’t read. If you want to go in blind, to have everything you thought you knew questioned… This is it. My only review is brava 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Profile Image for Bourbon, Books and Brenda.
1,091 reviews101 followers
July 11, 2022
This novella is about the darkest and most depraved side of humanity.

This is horror and there are no HEAs in the Garden of the Gods. I will be honest… the ending ripped me to shreds. Holy cow I didn’t see that coming. If you like to push your limits… I definitely recommend giving this series a try. Just read the TW/CW first before diving in. I for one, will keep reading.


Profile Image for A.M..
467 reviews13 followers
June 13, 2022
The first couple to enter the garden of gods and did the author the delivered. It’s dark, sexy and definitely worth a try if you’re into darker romance.
Profile Image for Cayla.
1,468 reviews321 followers
June 10, 2022
I am seriously loving all of these mini novellas!! They all have been great and I really liked that this one had a couple involved instead of just a mistress or master. This one was by far DARK and disturbing but in a good way. You get Vera and Shane, the mistress and the master as well as a slave who is crazy let me just say! Usually I have liked all of the slaves in the previous 2 novellas but this one was just insane. You will see why once you read it! Lots of things go on in this one and you wont want to put it down! Cant wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Deanna.
594 reviews18 followers
August 4, 2022
If you love dark reads full of chaos and violence... this book is for you and you have got to read it. I love A.A. Dark's writing style in these books. Each one gets progressively better... or worse... depending on your take on things! 😆😆😆

I feel each one gets a little darker, grittier, more twisted and depraved then the last. I absolutely love it! This one was the best so far in my opinion. I couldn't believe what I was reading. Utterly twisted and depraved. The things that Shane does in this book. All his schemes that are revealed slowly through out the book is just perfect. Shane takes killing for your woman to the next level. He is so very possessive of Vera he can't stand for anybody but himself to look at or touch his woman. But he is all for tempting them to do so, so that he can have his revenge on them for doing it.

Vera I fear is almost as brainwashed as the slaves in this book. Not to the point that she can't still function as a normal person... She still gets angry and hurt over the things that Shane does. But its like all Shane has to do is remind her that she is strong because she belongs to him and she just falls right into plans that Shane has set in motion. Evan as she questions if they are right or wrong.

I loved everything about this book. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
Profile Image for Everything Bookish  Blog.
781 reviews32 followers
June 13, 2022
Oh hot damn. A.A. Dark is back at it again and I am here for it. If you’ve read and loved the previous Whitlock stories you won’t want to miss these deliciously sinful delights. If you enjoy dark and twisted reads with that grit and fire that keeps you wanting more, any of the Garden of the Gods books are a perfect place to dive into the world as they are all occurring simultaneously.

This series will be short stories following a Mistress, Master, or Couple as they partake in the Garden of the Gods. In each book we get a different perspective of the world. Be warned this story goes beyond pitch black into Static White. Enter at your own risk.

This tale of Garden of the Gods was my favorite yet. I loved every disturbing moment. It takes you to those dark corners of depraved minds, had me questioning my own sanity at times. This was pure mindfuckery at its best and I could not get enough. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs it gave such insight into the story to know what was going on inside their heads. I'm the type that loves to figure things out and this kept me guessing at every step. It drove me crazy in the best way. Her darkness speaks to my soul. I can’t wait to see this world grow even more.
482 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2024
Violent

I guess my biggest gripe with the book was more pronounced involvement with human trafficking. Okay I know its fiction and a figment of the authors imagination. I've read 24690 Evangaline and the other Whitlock stories including Blackout. And so far the Garden of the Gods books but this particular book didn't show the slave on the human side. That's about as close as I can get to explaining. M0099 did remember his name towards the ending, his ethnic background and remembered having a brother, in one sentence. The proceeding books carried the main slave in more favorable light. The authors also, in earlier GOTG books, showed no compassion towards the slaves more like the Whitlock scenarios created. Brutal deaths. To many of us, totally unnecessary and gruesome deaths, but in the realm of the storyline. In this book I get the idea the author relates, both central characters are damaged. They can't have normal sex. I just didn't like this book. I did feel there was more emphasis on promoting sex trafficking. Not recommended.
Profile Image for Brooke (darkcoffeedarkerreads).
282 reviews27 followers
May 15, 2023
5⭐ 0🌶️

Y’all! A.A. Dark just keeps getting better and this installment of Garden of the Gods is the best one yet. I’m loving how all of this is unfolding and how we keep getting glimpses of new dynamics and new pieces of this dark, depraved world. These “blank slate” slaves are really starting to glitch out and I’m utterly fixated on how this is all going to play out.

Shane was one of the OG masters, raised in the life at Whitlock, and he’s kept this deep, dark secret from his wife for YEARS. Watching Vera’s exploration of the Gardens and having her come to terms with her own desires and how these align with Shane’s was fantastic. The twisted reveal at the end was shocking and so well thought out–I would love some more backstory of Shane and Vera’s relationship and how they got to this point together without Vera even realizing it. My heart really ached for the slave in this one and it was all the darker being inside his head as he struggled to remember who he was, how he got there, and what he had done while still trying to please both Shane and Vera.

The Gardens certainly are not Whitlock but A.A. Dark has me in a chokehold with these novellas nonetheless and I can’t wait to see where the next story takes us.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,526 reviews78 followers
June 15, 2022
WOW! Another mind blowing, dark and depraved story that had me on edge the whole way through. The lust, desires, wants and twisted needs that these Masters and Mistresses crave from their slaves is so deliciously perverse and unique with each story. You never know how far each story is going to go down the rabbit hole of debauchery.

Shane and Vera are trying to take their marriage to a new level but their slave has other ideas when he starts become unhinged. It was bloody, wicked and satisfying. That’s all I am going to tell you about this one.

I loved every titillating second of it and can’t get enough of these hedonistic stories.
Profile Image for Karen.
555 reviews15 followers
August 19, 2022
Yet another stellar Novela. These stories are such a treat for die hard Whitlock fans as well as newcomers to the series. We get to a whole new world reinvented with all new couples. Here Couple B- 0001 is Shane. A board member. Or as so cleverly called by another reader, The Gardens OG LMAO!!! I love it. Wow, what a secret to keep from your spouse for a decade. These stories are such a delicious taste of this world that you could legit explore FOREVER. In this series, so much like Whitlock, really dives into the mind of the slaves. It doesn't just tell the story, it makes you feel it. It immerses you so deep into the story you get lost in it. Absolutely phenomenal!!
Profile Image for Jana Natalie.
156 reviews7 followers
June 11, 2022
I enjoyed reading about the dark sides of this couple and the roles especially Shawn has to play in the whole Garden of the Gods setting. This is the first time I wished, the story was longer in order to show me more of the interaction of the couple, their pasts and their characters. It made it a little difficult for me to connect with Vera’s character and I would have loved to get to know her better and how she became who she is today. Overall it was a great read. Thank you for trusting me with this ARC.
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,323 reviews146 followers
June 9, 2022
This was another page turning addition to this no holds barred gritty and horrific (in the very best way) series.
Like the previous book this one leaves me with questions but that was bound to happen with an extra main character and so few amount of pages. Yet again my head is spinning, just not quite as desperately as in Master B1212.
The part I liked most about this one was getting to see a different side/behind the scenes look of GOTG that we probably won't get with the other novellas.
Profile Image for Nicole Johnson.
863 reviews30 followers
June 13, 2022
Wowzers. This newest novella in this series, Garden of the Gods, is the scariest one, IMO. The Master is psychologically dark/messed up and uses his darkness to manipulate his wife. His game doesn't end well for their slave however that's life in the Gardens. Do heed the warnings on this one like the others before it. Couple B-0001 is dark, disturbing and has an ending fitting for the series. The ending is my favorite part even though it's seriously messed up.

I read an arc and posted my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Antoinette.
358 reviews
June 14, 2022
WOW just wow

This book is about the First couple in the Gardens. Shane is hiding his dark self from his wife Vera. It turns out Shane is Main Board Master, Master 0001 who has grown up in this world at Whitlock. Bringing Vera to the Gardens, is his way of finally showing her who he really is. Vera also seems to have a dark side, but is also struggling with who her husband really is

Theses novella's keep getting better!
Profile Image for Alex.
129 reviews5 followers
March 7, 2024
Okay so this was actually wayyyy better than the first two of this series 🙃
Still not Whitlock good but definitely better than the others.

I really liked the fact that time there was actual punishment for not following the rules! And that the slave was treated more like a slave than a friend/lover!

Also enjoyed the couples aspect of this rather than a single Master/Mistress.

As much as I'm slightly disappointed with the series so far, this one is definitely one of the better ones 🥰
Profile Image for Shernell Joseph.
904 reviews15 followers
May 19, 2024
It's official i'm a sick twisted person

So far, this one is my favorite. I don't know what about this world I enjoy so much, its probably because they actually have punishment even towards the masters and not just the slaves. This one actually had a happier ending but is still very dismal.

Okay, now I know what I like about the book.The reason is that the FMC and the main MMC are not slaves. They are master and mistresses.
Profile Image for savvvyreads.
202 reviews54 followers
November 20, 2024
I know this is only the third novella but it’s the most fucked up one so far. Look I thought Master 0001 just needed to go rot in a hole but oh my Mistress 0001 turns out to be just as fucked up as him.

Like there are so many more novellas in this world. What other crazy fucked up thing can AA Dark come up with? A lot apparently.

I’m also starting to get some ideas of what might be happening as we get farther into this world. Feeling like maybe there are little bread crumbs being left 👀
Profile Image for Stephenie  Miller .
89 reviews
July 26, 2025
This was an interesting way to show the "flaws" of the blank slate slaves. I wanted a little more from the couple for the story, or maybe I just felt the story didnt fit as well as the other, but overall it made sense and was a good read. I liked the conflict of the slave, watch Vera grow within the walls of the Gardens, and that Shane was very much "touch her and die" regardless of where he was at.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,235 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2025
The couple

Shane aka Master one and his wife Vera as mistress 1.

The first couple to be accepted in this messed up world of slaves and masters. We come across the new slaves, the blank slate that have not made an appearance till now.

It’s absolutely cruel as you can imagine what these evil people do. To try and make a human into some kind of robot. This slave had no chance, like most of the slaves in these books, they are lucky to last a hour after being purchased.




309 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2022
Beautifully dark!!!

There is just something beautiful about a dark and twisted book. I am obsessed with this world. You can't help but want more of each of the characters. I loved how this couple made it their own. I love how each book has slowly gotten darker. I can't wait for the next one. Must read series!!!
314 reviews4 followers
July 27, 2022
ANOTHER HOME RUN!

This time we have a couple that are Masters together. They definitely have some sick kink going on. This is yet another very good horror story in this series. Great flow to the story, well fleshed out characters, a quick read. I find myself fully invested in these stories and they stay with me long after I finish them. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Jenn Klingberg .
30 reviews4 followers
September 19, 2022
Cringe

I actually SUPER love A.A Dark and the twisted beauty of her mind. This though...ugh. NOT a fan. I was hoping for so SO much more! The first two books in this series were exciting and intense...this one just fell short for me. Moving onto the next one now, hopefully it will be better!
Profile Image for Kim BookJunkie ~ Editor & Proofreader.
2,135 reviews55 followers
November 21, 2022
Aside from the grammatical/punctuation errors and the many Chicago Manual of Style regulations that weren’t followed, everything about this book was AMAZING!!! Unlike Master B-1212, this is a full, complete story with deliciously dark, disturbing detail and is sexy, unpredictable and exciting from beginning to end!!!
Profile Image for Samantha.
294 reviews15 followers
April 30, 2023
Dark and Glorious

Alaska makes you feel things in every single book she writes. You don’t know what emotion it’s going to be until you can fully process what you read.

I honestly didn’t know how this one would play out. I had so many scenarios thought up and they were all wrong! The ending she chose was so much better than anything I could’ve ever imagined!
144 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2023
What the heck?!

So far I have liked all the books in this series, but this one was in bad taste. What happened to the slave in this book was downright wrong and completely unfair. But this is the world of the GOTG, here there are no morals of right and wrong.
Hopefully the next one can redeem the bad taste this one left me in.
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