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Dark Things #2
Dark Ink
After a gang raid doesn’t go to plan, the lives of Tanya, Ben and Jenya are thrown into chaos. The three are forced to face the same terrifying enemy, but will they succeed when past feelings pit them against each other?
Tanya
I thought I put all the ugly behind me—I was wrong.
Now the cult is back, and Ben is in danger.
I can’t abandon him, despite his betrayal.
Ben
Tanya resents me now.
And a job went to hell.
Maybe fighting a common enemy will bring us back together.
Jenya
My world was destroyed.
I followed Ben, a man I just met. Maybe he will help.
And if not, the Darkness will claim us all.
Dark Ink is a dark romantic suspense. It has a HEA, no cliffhanger, no cheating. It’s a second-chance romance with a warning for strong language, descriptions of psychological trauma and violence.
Cozy up with Dark Ink now to discover a dark Chicago underworld like you’ve never seen before.
Dark Ink is part of the Lavender world. It can be read as a standalone, but it’s recommended to read Dark Rings first to enjoy the full overarching story as intended. If you like Easter eggs and crossover characters you may also enjoy reading the Club Lavender Duet which takes place in the same world and before the events of this book.
Tanya
I thought I put all the ugly behind me—I was wrong.
Now the cult is back, and Ben is in danger.
I can’t abandon him, despite his betrayal.
Ben
Tanya resents me now.
And a job went to hell.
Maybe fighting a common enemy will bring us back together.
Jenya
My world was destroyed.
I followed Ben, a man I just met. Maybe he will help.
And if not, the Darkness will claim us all.
Dark Ink is a dark romantic suspense. It has a HEA, no cliffhanger, no cheating. It’s a second-chance romance with a warning for strong language, descriptions of psychological trauma and violence.
Cozy up with Dark Ink now to discover a dark Chicago underworld like you’ve never seen before.
Dark Ink is part of the Lavender world. It can be read as a standalone, but it’s recommended to read Dark Rings first to enjoy the full overarching story as intended. If you like Easter eggs and crossover characters you may also enjoy reading the Club Lavender Duet which takes place in the same world and before the events of this book.
264 pages, ebook
First published July 22, 2022
12 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Lainey Delaroque
11 books257 followersIndulge your hidden side with Lainey's books: packed with action, danger, and sizzling romance.
Lainey Delaroque started writing at eleven and studied Journalism only to rediscover her love for fiction. She writes stories packed with action, danger, and sizzling romance. She loves dangerous, fantastical worlds and morally grey characters. Lainey’s books are a mashup of her lived experience as a kinky pansexual immigrant and her relentless imagination. They are a refuge for those looking to indulge their deepest, darkest parts. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, watching, or gaming, because there are too many great stories in the world and too little time.
Lainey Delaroque started writing at eleven and studied Journalism only to rediscover her love for fiction. She writes stories packed with action, danger, and sizzling romance. She loves dangerous, fantastical worlds and morally grey characters. Lainey’s books are a mashup of her lived experience as a kinky pansexual immigrant and her relentless imagination. They are a refuge for those looking to indulge their deepest, darkest parts. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, watching, or gaming, because there are too many great stories in the world and too little time.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 16, 2022
Dark Ink is the second story in the wonderful Dark Things series. You remember Tanya? And Ben? They worked at Lavender in the dark years.
They get to tell their story….and i was the lucky girl to get the ARC!
Where Tanya came from,was a dark place,and she was lucky enough to be rescued by Damien after she helped him destroy her world.
She still feels she needs to keep the people she cares about at a distance.
Because of the darkness that lives inside her.
Only now,somehow,the past has caught up with her….and she doesn’t know what to do with it.
And then there’s Ben….he left her when she needed him,but now he’s back.
What does he want from her?
And the girl he brings with him to her home,does he really think she’s going to help her?
Jenya is part of her past,and she needs to stay there!
Ben thought he was doing what Tanya wanted when the dust settled after the Jesters were defeated.
But that didn’t mean he gave her up…not his Firebird!
Following orders from his boss,the Empress,he helps with the distruction of a cult village.
Only, one girl escaped and followed him to find him talking to a familiar person.
Jenya asked that he’d bring her to that person….to Tanya.
And from that moment on,he decided he was going to be the one to keep them both safe.
To stick to them like glue.
Tanya and Jenya both needed time.
Tanya to come to terms with where her anger should be directed.
And Jenya with the fact that all she was raised to believe was wrong.
But then their time was up….because the person behind everything wasn’t done yet.
Did that mean the end for Tanya and Jenya’s hopes for the future?
Did it mean that Ben would have to let his Firebird,his Tanya go?
To see them smothered by evil?
Or is there a way to save them both?
Ben and Tanya were made for eachother,and while it hurt me to see her fight the attraction,i had hope.
Because i knew Ben wouldn’t give up on his Firebird.
And deep down,Tanya knew she didn’t want to let him go.
Hearing what Tanya went through,the abuse she’d suffered,was heartbreaking.
Her ideas of her being too dark for Ben,the only light in her life,were devastating.
Good thing that Ben didn’t allow her to push him away,and was determined to make up for his mistakes.
To show her she was it for him,and that she had been ever since they met.
Their journey towards a well deserved HEA was a rollercoaster-ride i enjoyed very much.
And the fact that i saw familiar faces from Lavender joining them on that ride,made me a very happy girl…..
Knowing there’s still more to come,that another member of Sophie’s gang is about to get center stage?
I can’t wait!!!
They get to tell their story….and i was the lucky girl to get the ARC!
Where Tanya came from,was a dark place,and she was lucky enough to be rescued by Damien after she helped him destroy her world.
She still feels she needs to keep the people she cares about at a distance.
Because of the darkness that lives inside her.
Only now,somehow,the past has caught up with her….and she doesn’t know what to do with it.
And then there’s Ben….he left her when she needed him,but now he’s back.
What does he want from her?
And the girl he brings with him to her home,does he really think she’s going to help her?
Jenya is part of her past,and she needs to stay there!
Ben thought he was doing what Tanya wanted when the dust settled after the Jesters were defeated.
But that didn’t mean he gave her up…not his Firebird!
Following orders from his boss,the Empress,he helps with the distruction of a cult village.
Only, one girl escaped and followed him to find him talking to a familiar person.
Jenya asked that he’d bring her to that person….to Tanya.
And from that moment on,he decided he was going to be the one to keep them both safe.
To stick to them like glue.
Tanya and Jenya both needed time.
Tanya to come to terms with where her anger should be directed.
And Jenya with the fact that all she was raised to believe was wrong.
But then their time was up….because the person behind everything wasn’t done yet.
Did that mean the end for Tanya and Jenya’s hopes for the future?
Did it mean that Ben would have to let his Firebird,his Tanya go?
To see them smothered by evil?
Or is there a way to save them both?
Ben and Tanya were made for eachother,and while it hurt me to see her fight the attraction,i had hope.
Because i knew Ben wouldn’t give up on his Firebird.
And deep down,Tanya knew she didn’t want to let him go.
Hearing what Tanya went through,the abuse she’d suffered,was heartbreaking.
Her ideas of her being too dark for Ben,the only light in her life,were devastating.
Good thing that Ben didn’t allow her to push him away,and was determined to make up for his mistakes.
To show her she was it for him,and that she had been ever since they met.
Their journey towards a well deserved HEA was a rollercoaster-ride i enjoyed very much.
And the fact that i saw familiar faces from Lavender joining them on that ride,made me a very happy girl…..
Knowing there’s still more to come,that another member of Sophie’s gang is about to get center stage?
I can’t wait!!!
July 11, 2022
I love raw emotions in books , this was such a good read
July 25, 2022
This book had me obsessed with the characters 😈 I feel the book was a bit chaotic and It took me a while to get into it but it's probably because I haven't read the other books in the series 🤦🏼♀️
Our 3 main characters are thrown together in a matter of life or death and they need to learn to support each other before the gangs close in. This book book fits into several genres and is very slow burn but very worth it!
I'm now off to get damiens story because 🥵🥵🥵
Our 3 main characters are thrown together in a matter of life or death and they need to learn to support each other before the gangs close in. This book book fits into several genres and is very slow burn but very worth it!
I'm now off to get damiens story because 🥵🥵🥵
July 17, 2022
This book was great! It was nice to see the characters from the first book pop in for a quick cameo, and I absolutely love the way the author dives deep into some of the darkest topics our world has to offer. Not the spiciest book, but still had plenty of dark topics to keep me interested. Definitely recommended!
July 18, 2022
I loved book 2. This is Tanya and Ben's story and was so incredible. Tanya's especially brought me to tears all her abuse and heartache and yet she still just wants to help people. This was a fantastic read and once you start you won't be able to stop .
October 24, 2022
Dark Ink is the second book in the Dark Things series and follows Tanya and Ben on a journey that may or may not end in happily ever after. I loved the Cult element in this book, and the introduction of Jenya. There were times when I wanted to slap Ben for his self doubt and how he thought himself as weak. It took me a bit to get into. I think it was the back and forth with the timelines that I found hard but the story soon grabbed me, pulled me in and wouldn't let go. Tanya and Jenya were two incredibly strong women who went through so much. I loved their backstory with the cult which had you really despising the leader. Once again this was a brilliant read from Lainey, and if you like your spice, then this has some moments you're gonna love!
July 25, 2022
All of my reviews can be found at Glowstars.net
I’m going to start out by saying that Lainey Delaroque‘s Club Lavender world is pure brilliance and expanding that world into the Dark Things series was the perfect way to continue with the stories of the supporting cast. No, you don’t need to have read the Club Lavender Duet to get into Dark Ink, but your experience will be so much richer if you do. The story explains so many things that weren’t in those two books and shows how both Tanya and Ben met Damien and came to be in Lavender. Both books are in Kindle Unlimited so you might as well hit pause while you go and read them.
After only a few pages I knew that I loved the version of Tanya that we were being shown. Her past appearances had proved she had a bit of badass in her, but I now wanted her to be my new feisty BFF. I really understood her anger towards Ben and the emotions that both Jenya and her grandfather stirred in her, but I couldn’t help feeling that they could’ve been better exploited to really pull on the readers’ heart strings.
I went into this book completely blind (other than knowing that Tanya and Ben would star) and Jenya’s first chapter completely threw me. I wondered if I’d stumbled into a fantasy or sci-fi novel and, although this radically different point of view was fascinating, keeping on with the story was an exercise in trusting an author and the journey they’re going to take you on. Although it’s challenging to read from the point of view of a person who knows nothing of normal life, Delaroque merges the real world with Jenya’s in a way that makes it feel like you’re on a voyage of discovery while still surrounded by the familiar.
From his appearances in the previous books, I’d assumed that Ben would be a tough guy. This book shows a more vulnerable and less confident version of him but it works and softens the harsh edges that Tanya and Jenya provide.
If you’re looking for all the steam this book is definitely dialled down compared to Dark Rings. Readers who loved the kink in Delaroque’s previous books will find that it’s pretty much missing in this one. I think I wanted more steam but it wouldn’t have fit with the story. There’s no winning that battle.
While Dark Ink is a fab read I don’t think it compares to Dark Rings. The storyline is unique and gripping but it lacks the emotional depth of its predecessor, and I’m all about emotional depth. Whether you’re a sucker for plot or character development you won’t regret reading it.
I’m going to start out by saying that Lainey Delaroque‘s Club Lavender world is pure brilliance and expanding that world into the Dark Things series was the perfect way to continue with the stories of the supporting cast. No, you don’t need to have read the Club Lavender Duet to get into Dark Ink, but your experience will be so much richer if you do. The story explains so many things that weren’t in those two books and shows how both Tanya and Ben met Damien and came to be in Lavender. Both books are in Kindle Unlimited so you might as well hit pause while you go and read them.
After only a few pages I knew that I loved the version of Tanya that we were being shown. Her past appearances had proved she had a bit of badass in her, but I now wanted her to be my new feisty BFF. I really understood her anger towards Ben and the emotions that both Jenya and her grandfather stirred in her, but I couldn’t help feeling that they could’ve been better exploited to really pull on the readers’ heart strings.
I went into this book completely blind (other than knowing that Tanya and Ben would star) and Jenya’s first chapter completely threw me. I wondered if I’d stumbled into a fantasy or sci-fi novel and, although this radically different point of view was fascinating, keeping on with the story was an exercise in trusting an author and the journey they’re going to take you on. Although it’s challenging to read from the point of view of a person who knows nothing of normal life, Delaroque merges the real world with Jenya’s in a way that makes it feel like you’re on a voyage of discovery while still surrounded by the familiar.
From his appearances in the previous books, I’d assumed that Ben would be a tough guy. This book shows a more vulnerable and less confident version of him but it works and softens the harsh edges that Tanya and Jenya provide.
If you’re looking for all the steam this book is definitely dialled down compared to Dark Rings. Readers who loved the kink in Delaroque’s previous books will find that it’s pretty much missing in this one. I think I wanted more steam but it wouldn’t have fit with the story. There’s no winning that battle.
While Dark Ink is a fab read I don’t think it compares to Dark Rings. The storyline is unique and gripping but it lacks the emotional depth of its predecessor, and I’m all about emotional depth. Whether you’re a sucker for plot or character development you won’t regret reading it.
Want to Read
July 1, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/1/2023)! 🎁
August 2, 2022
“This story was pure bliss. Even though the past was hunting and painful all the emotions and feelings had me on the edge. This isn’t for the faint heart and you must be prepared off.”
July 27, 2022
so so dark and so good
This series of stand alones are phenomenal! I was totally floored when Tanya was literally in a cult but not only that she was a product of really bad things. Her upbringing was a nightmare her getting out of it was a dream. Yet she had to go back and settle the score she had with her relative . With help from the arcana and her ex lover Ben … well you will find out once you pick up this awesome book. I can’t wait for the next book .
This series of stand alones are phenomenal! I was totally floored when Tanya was literally in a cult but not only that she was a product of really bad things. Her upbringing was a nightmare her getting out of it was a dream. Yet she had to go back and settle the score she had with her relative . With help from the arcana and her ex lover Ben … well you will find out once you pick up this awesome book. I can’t wait for the next book .
July 28, 2022
Tanya's story
Book 2 is about Tanya and her dark past. Ben shows up with a piece of her past and wants to help her work through it. She's determined to not get close to anyone again, but will she let them in? These books are very well written and engaging.
Book 2 is about Tanya and her dark past. Ben shows up with a piece of her past and wants to help her work through it. She's determined to not get close to anyone again, but will she let them in? These books are very well written and engaging.
July 27, 2022
Good read
Another good read in this crazy world Lainey has created. These characters are introduced in the Club Lavender duet which you don't have to read but I recommend you do because its awesome. This is quite a wild ride but what I enjoyed was how Ben wasn't your typical tough guy but quite realistic. I enjoyed these characters and the story.
Another good read in this crazy world Lainey has created. These characters are introduced in the Club Lavender duet which you don't have to read but I recommend you do because its awesome. This is quite a wild ride but what I enjoyed was how Ben wasn't your typical tough guy but quite realistic. I enjoyed these characters and the story.
July 25, 2022
Wow a lot of emotions in this read. My heart goes to Tanya good grief. Tanya and Ben, he was devoted to her. Their ending was perfect. Good read.
I received this copy and my honest review is voluntary
I received this copy and my honest review is voluntary
July 25, 2022
Dark in drew me in and wouldn't release! I felt that I saw through Tanya's eyes as she realizes who Jenya is and falls in love. This is a must read!!!
August 11, 2022
I Loved Tanya & Ben’s Story!! ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
This is my second book I’ve read of Lainey and am still looking forward to reading more in this series. She creates characters that are strong and amazing. They come from dark pasts and struggle to face and deal with their pasts that continue to haunt them.
And Tanya’s story is no different. But an ex from her past comes to help her. Ben and Tanya’s story is an emotional and dark one but also very amazing because as they confronted the nightmares of their past they were able to move on and heal not just from the cult and the dangers it brought them but also between the two of them. They had amazing chemistry and intense steamy moments!! It was really great to read. Definitely can’t wait to read the next book. A must read for sure!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
This is my second book I’ve read of Lainey and am still looking forward to reading more in this series. She creates characters that are strong and amazing. They come from dark pasts and struggle to face and deal with their pasts that continue to haunt them.
And Tanya’s story is no different. But an ex from her past comes to help her. Ben and Tanya’s story is an emotional and dark one but also very amazing because as they confronted the nightmares of their past they were able to move on and heal not just from the cult and the dangers it brought them but also between the two of them. They had amazing chemistry and intense steamy moments!! It was really great to read. Definitely can’t wait to read the next book. A must read for sure!!
July 29, 2024
In Dark Ink, Ben is an explosive expert who meets Tanya after being sent to monitor a club. Tanya is a survivor who lives, not really living. After a misunderstanding in the past, Tanya is mad at Ben, forcing him to try to make it up to her.
Ok, so Tanya might be one of my favorites of all time, even if I hated (sad hate, not bad writing hate) her backstory and had to take a few days and a few books before I could do so. Ben is her personal savior even though she has to save him and controls their relationship, something I love about this story. Something that gets on my nerves is when a man shows up and saves the day and the woman is either on the sidelines or helps a little. This one is the opposite of that. I do wish I got to see some pegging;)
I highly recommend for those that like this genre.
Ok, so Tanya might be one of my favorites of all time, even if I hated (sad hate, not bad writing hate) her backstory and had to take a few days and a few books before I could do so. Ben is her personal savior even though she has to save him and controls their relationship, something I love about this story. Something that gets on my nerves is when a man shows up and saves the day and the woman is either on the sidelines or helps a little. This one is the opposite of that. I do wish I got to see some pegging;)
I highly recommend for those that like this genre.
August 13, 2022
After reading the first book in this series I really looked forward to this second book.
I'll be honest and say that I really struggled with the first 40% of it. Normally I would've put it down but as I hate DNFs I persevered and I'm really glad I did. I think the reason I struggled was the to and fro nature if the writing. I found it hard to grasp what was happening and who the characters were in relation to the first book. Once I did, I became obsessed with finishing it.
This story focuses on Tanya's story and her past, present and future. Her past is tough and hard to read at times, her present is overshadows by her past and her future, well you'll have to read it to find out.
I received this book as an ARC and I am happy to leave this review.
I'll be honest and say that I really struggled with the first 40% of it. Normally I would've put it down but as I hate DNFs I persevered and I'm really glad I did. I think the reason I struggled was the to and fro nature if the writing. I found it hard to grasp what was happening and who the characters were in relation to the first book. Once I did, I became obsessed with finishing it.
This story focuses on Tanya's story and her past, present and future. Her past is tough and hard to read at times, her present is overshadows by her past and her future, well you'll have to read it to find out.
I received this book as an ARC and I am happy to leave this review.
July 5, 2024
* 4.5 stars
Just like with the first book, I believe this story would have hit me harder (or at least differently) if I had read the Lavender duet first. This is a pretty emotional read, where characters are carrying around a lot of bruises on their souls that never really found a way to heal, and the Lavender duet gives some background on where those bruises came from. That being said, I still enjoyed this novel. There’s a second chance romance involved, but for me, that was not the focus of the storyline. For me, the focus was on the characters and how they try to find each other through a past that weighs on all of them. It’s a beautiful story, a tad emotional, and with a lot of respect for the consequences of suffering in darkness.
Just like with the first book, I believe this story would have hit me harder (or at least differently) if I had read the Lavender duet first. This is a pretty emotional read, where characters are carrying around a lot of bruises on their souls that never really found a way to heal, and the Lavender duet gives some background on where those bruises came from. That being said, I still enjoyed this novel. There’s a second chance romance involved, but for me, that was not the focus of the storyline. For me, the focus was on the characters and how they try to find each other through a past that weighs on all of them. It’s a beautiful story, a tad emotional, and with a lot of respect for the consequences of suffering in darkness.
August 13, 2022
After the first book, I was more than excited to read Dark Ink.
Although it can be read as a stand alone, I will always recommend to read Dark Rings first. You won't regret it.
A dark, second chance romance following Tanya, her really dark past and her ex-boyfriend Ben.
To understand someone, you need to know their past and to move forward you need to confront your past.
I loved the chemistry and sexual tension between Tanya and Ben. And overall their character development was amazing.
A must read!
Although it can be read as a stand alone, I will always recommend to read Dark Rings first. You won't regret it.
A dark, second chance romance following Tanya, her really dark past and her ex-boyfriend Ben.
To understand someone, you need to know their past and to move forward you need to confront your past.
I loved the chemistry and sexual tension between Tanya and Ben. And overall their character development was amazing.
A must read!
July 25, 2024
This is the second book in a series of stand alone stories. Each one has different main characters, but the back story builds throughout the series so, while you could reach each one individually, you will understand the overall story better if you read them in order. After reading book 1, I was excited to read Tanya's story and it did not disappoint. This one is a bit darker involving cults, assassins, and lots of action, but amongst that is a great story with lots of steam.
July 29, 2024
This one confused me a couple times. I stuck with it though because Lainey Delaroque is a wonderful writer and I knew I would at least strongly like it. I enjoyed the crossover from the first book. Even though there are three stand alone books, I'm reading the complete collection right now so I enjoy knowing what's going on with the characters I already love. Tanya and Ben are great characters.
Lots of read the trigger spots, lots of steamy spots, lots of love. Great read
Lots of read the trigger spots, lots of steamy spots, lots of love. Great read
Want to Read
July 5, 2023Amz Purch. June 30, 2023
September 24, 2023
Dark Ink is Ben and Tanya's story, and I DEVOURED it! I loved their story. The heartbreak. The challenges. It was impossible not to connect with these characters.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews