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Dark Desires Anthology: Six Modern Retellings of Timeless Romance

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This limited-time boxed set consists of six romantic classics retold by bestselling and award-winning authors! If you love timeless romance with a steamy modern spin, look no further...

SIX FULL-LENGTH BOOKS INCLUDE:
Savage Pride by Jill Ramsower (A Pride & Prejudice retelling)
Private Property by Skye Warren (A Jane Eyre retelling)
Prince of Hearts by LA Cotton (A Romeo & Juliet retelling)
Darkest Night by Sophie Lark (A Count of Monte Christo retelling)
Heath by K Webster and Nikki Ash (A Wuthering Heights retelling)
American Queen by Sierra Simone (A King Arthur retelling)

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Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2022

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Skye Warren

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Jemma Frost.
Author 16 books197 followers
August 3, 2022
*I read 2 of the 6 books, and I'll explain why below*

I expected dark and steamy retellings of old classics based on the anthology's title and description. I also expected them to be standalones as the stories they are based on are, however, that's not the case and my biggest issue with the anthology.

If there was a note about cliffhangers in the description, I wouldn't have picked this up and could've avoided disappointment. Maybe I should've looked each book up individually to see that some are part of duets or trilogies, but I didn't because 1) I never check that with anthologies, and 2) my mind automatically assumed they'd be one complete story like the books they're based on.

Below are reviews of the first 2 stories (the only ones I read or will read due to the cliffhanger situation):

Book #1: Savage Pride by Jill Ramsower

This was my first book by Jill and is a Pride and Prejudice retelling (which I honestly didn't get until further in). I prefer the main couple to spend more time together early on (or at all), which didn't happen here. With them being separated most of the time, the story focusing more on secrets and mafia instead of romance, I ended up skimming considerable chunks to find something romantic or sexy. It wasn't dark or steamy. Parts had good tension but not enough to keep me from skipping a lot. It's also only told in the heroine's POV (and personally, I prefer dual POV). Plus, it ended on a cliffhanger which I didn't expect.

Book #2: Private Property by Skye Warren

I like Skye Warren, though it's been a while since I've read her stuff. This was much better than the 1st book in this anthology and is a Jane Eyre retelling. It was steamy and dark, told in dual POV (though the male POV doesn't start until 10 chapters in which was a bit frustrating). However, while I liked it, it was still missing the romance. I didn't really feel the emotional connection from the hero mostly. Also, this ends in another cliffhanger.

Overall, if you like series that follow one couple, this might work for you because it includes first books in several duets and trilogies. Also, if you're expecting *dark smut from your favorite classic characters, be prepared for that to probably not happen (or very much) since these stories are focused on starting the relationship arc for a series rather than starting and ending it with a happily ever after.

*To be fair, REMEMBER I only read the 1st two stories, maybe the other 4 are smuttier.
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
2,706 reviews967 followers
July 31, 2022
So many amazing authors compiled into one collection of delicious stories. I was already a huge fan of many of these authors, and there is a lot to love in some of their best work. The Jane Eyre retelling Private Property is an all time favorite from the queen of steamy suspense, Skye Warren, and LA Cotton's Romeo and Juliet inspired mafia story is one of my very favorite series of hers- the romance is epic, dark, and swoony all at once. Sierra Simone's American Queen is RIVETING and so spicy, rife with emotional tension and poetic prose. And Nikki Ash and K Webster can always be counted on to bring drama and edge. I'd not read this story by Sophie Lark, but really enjoyed it (as I do her other work), and Jill Ramsower is a new to me author, but I also found this story entertaining. I've highlighted more in depth review for two of my favorites, but all are great. Just note that some are standalones and some are first books in series or trilogies.

Private Property: (the first in a trilogy)
As avid readers, I think we’ve all had those moments when we’ve read a masterpiece that has indelibly changed the way we think about literature. For me, one of those stories has always been Jane Eyre, one of the greatest novels ever written. So, when I learned Private Property is a Jane Eyre modern retelling, I was both exhilarated and nervous. Tackling a literary titan such as Jane Eyre is a daunting task, and giving it enough familiarity while also inserting an authentic point of view is a fine balance. But, if there was ever an author whose writing style is perfectly matched for this tall take, it’s Skye Warren- an author who has excelled at atmospheric, romantic and suspenseful story telling. And, I’m so happy to say this story did not disappoint! The dark sensuality, the gothic suspense, the foreboding melancholy, all of the hallmarks of the original story are translated beautifully in this modern version. Skye has taken the spirit of Jane- the tone, the atmosphere, the characters, the commentary- and breathed new life into it. The mystery still looms large, the gothic setting still a character in and of itself, the psychological intensity still towers over any action- though the action is entertaining, too. But Skye has also made it all her own.

Like the iconic governess of the original story, our modern day Jane finds herself in the mysterious and gloomy Rochester household in Maine, sent all the way from Texas to look after Mr. Rochester’s young orphaned niece. Jane is young and doe-eyed as she begins her first adult job- and she’s immediately entranced by the enigmatic but sexy (and much older) Mr. Rochester. Skye’s version of Jane has some welcomed differences from the original Jane- she’s brighter, more open and affectionate, and much bolder and stronger- a smart modern day shift for Jane and also a subtle nod to the more feminist elements of the original. Beau Rochester maintains all of the charms that made him one of our OG book boyfriends- he’s mysterious, contemplative and secretive, hot and cold in places. But also magnetic- we understand Jane’s draw to him, and we see the glimmers of the tender and wounded heart her buries. Skye brings some delicious alpha protectiveness to her version, and makes him a sensual and naughty lover, too. Thank you, modern romance, for letting our book boyfriends get it on. Bronte would smile at how romance has evolved FOR women.

LIke the original, Private Property is deliciously meta- the original a moralistic character study, and Skye's a character coming of age story, with a heroine trying to find her identity. But Skye brings the sensual, erotic, and passionate flair that make her books so consumable and enticing. Like the original, Skye plays with tense, angsty but passionate chemistry between Jane and Mr. Rochester, but, deliciously, Skye dials up the heat. These two are FIRE together- and Skye’s version really elevates the intensity of the connection between them. This is what really makes this story take off- and what gives the original a run for its money. Their chemistry is intriguing, steamy, sensual- and profoundly intimate. That intimacy, in particular, was not as central to the source material, and it gives this version a sexy, sweet, and warm element that nicely juxtaposes with the gothic atmosphere and ominous mystery. Plus, the age gap taboo nods to the illicit nature of the original novel’s coupling, ensuring this version still has that forbidden component.

But the biggest Skye adaptation is certainly the central mystery. And since we have two more books to go in the trilogy (which I didn’t initially know), we’ve only just scratched the surface about what Rochester is hiding and what dark secrets lay buried at the Rochester mansion. We start to see some glimmers of the social and moral commentary that made Bronte’s work so groundbreaking, and I can’t wait to see what lies beneath this mystery and what spin Skye decides to take. We already have so many twists and turns, mysterious characters, and loads of questions- and then Skye ends it with an epic cliffhanger that has left me DESPERATE for book two. I’m madly in love with the characters and thirsty for answers.

Danger, suspense, sensual passion, and a gripping mystery- this is everything I love about Skye Warren, and all the magic that I loved about the original!

Prince of Hearts (first in a duet)
For never was a story of more woe than this of Ari and her Nicco! LA Cotton hits us with an edge of your seat Romeo and Juliet infused mafia, angsty college romance. Two feuding mafia families, two star crossed lovers chained down by the weight of their family legacies, and an all consuming infatuation that blossoms into an epic romance.

Like the original R and J story, this is an insta-love, immediate connection, fated souls story- Ari and Nicco are immediately drawn to each other, their souls becoming immediately infused from their first moments together. At first the obstacle is that both are living behind public facades necessary because of their family’s notoriety, but once the truth is outed, we all know the classic obstacle- feuds, violence, and power.

Nicco and Ari are pretty adorable together- she’s sheltered, trying to embrace the version of herself she’s never been allowed to be. Nicco is brooding and numb. Both feel restrained by their last names, and their connection becomes to spark that re- ignites their souls.

Overall, I liked this story- but it did start out slow. And, since we have so many obstacles, we didn’t get as much “together” time with the couple as I’d like- I buy their connection and chemistry, but don't feel like they KNOW each other yet. (but then again, neither did R and J) About 60% through though it picks up, and then I was hooked- and LA starts to play with the R and J story less literally, so you are on your toes more. Be warned- several CLIFFY situations- this is a duet! Floored by that ending- what is going on!?!?!
Profile Image for Paganalexandria .
1,464 reviews
in-collection-boxset
July 29, 2022
07/28/22 currently free https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Desires-A...


SIX FULL-LENGTH BOOKS INCLUDE:
Savage Pride by Jill Ramsower (A Pride & Prejudice retelling) Savage Pride by Jill Ramsower
Private Property by Skye Warren (A Jane Eyre retelling) Private Property (Rochester Trilogy, #1) by Skye Warren
Prince of Hearts by LA Cotton (A Romeo & Juliet retelling) Prince of Hearts (Verona Legacy, #1) by L.A. Cotton
Darkest Night by Sophie Lark (A Count of Monte Christo retelling)
Heath by K Webster and Nikki Ash (A Wuthering Heights retelling) Heath by K. Webster
American Queen by Sierra Simone (A King Arthur retelling) American Queen (New Camelot Trilogy, #1) by Sierra Simone
Profile Image for Audrey.
133 reviews
August 25, 2023
This was a mixed bag - like almost all anthologies are. I'm gonna try to write down my brief thoughts on each book in here, but some of these I read a while ago so I may not remember things right. Also (as a heads up) most of the books here (with maybe 2 exceptions) are part of duologies or trilogies. So the majority do end with cliffhangers. Also the level of spice is different for each book and to be honest I don't remember most of it. None of it was clearly super memorable.

1) Savage Pride by Jill Ramsower (Pride and Prejudice) - Part of a Duology. I was enjoying this one until the Wickham-characters twist in the end. Didn't love that.

2) Private Property by Skye Warren (Jane Eyre) - Part of a Duology. I also enjoyed this one. Honestly would be curious to know how the story resolves since I enjoyed the actual Jane Eyre. Can't remember much

3)Prince of Hearts by Lianne Cotton (Romeo and Juliet) - Part of a Duology. This was one of the best. I think doing Romeo and Juliet set in a mafia world makes heaps of sense. I was also enjoying trying to figure out which character was which in the original story. Anyway, from my memory this was one of the best in this set. Would actually read the sequel

4)Darkest Night by Sophie Lark (Count of Monte Cristo) - Standalone. This was a lot of fun to read. Honestly probably had the least sex scenes, but was such a clever way to retell this story. I loved the three points of view. Definitely enjoyed this.

5)Heath by K Webster and Nikki Ash (Wuthering Heights) - Standalone. Hoo boy. This was rough. Now to be fair I didn't like the original Wuthering Heights but I went into this excited. I thought maybe this book would make me like these characters. Nope! They were all garbage. So I guess it was true to the book, but this was a rough read. I almost DNF'd this one multiple times but stuck it out. CW for very rough sex and language. Also kinda cousin incest (Adopted and didn't grow up together but...)? Which again - true to the original but in my mind thats the kind of thing you update a bit for a modern retelling.

6) American Queen by Sierra Simone (King Arthur) - Trilogy. Listen, it's Sierra Simone. It's gonna be good in that way that you know you shouldn't enjoy but oh boy is it right. 100% would read the sequels. I'm all about that MMF. And I'm sure there are things in this that I had issues with in the other books, but Sierra Simone is the queen of letting you know everything is consensual. All these characters are in for that ride.

Profile Image for Alice Bloomfield.
1,856 reviews10 followers
February 12, 2025
a very mixed bag here

Savage Pride
4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I wasn’t sure about a mafia Pride and Prejudice retelling but this is quite good. An interesting take and better if slightly disassociated from the original but a good story.

Private Property
2 stars ⭐️⭐️

A Jane Eyre retelling that ends on a cliff hanger. It claims to dark but honestly I wasn’t seeing in the same way the Jane Eyre link was pretty tenuous.

Prince of Hearts
1.75 stars ⭐️✨

I barely finished this and stopping was such a close call. There were flashes of good story mostly because it’s based on Romeo and Juliet but mostly this was a chore and I pushed myself to finish it.

Darkest Night
2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️✨

This is okay but it is very short and curiously doesn’t seem to have been released anywhere else or appear on the author’s website. While it is okay it is forgettable which is not surprising when the author has attempted to modernise The Count of Monte Cristo into a novella.

Heath
0.5 stars ✨

This is the book you will actually only finish reading when stuck on a plane for a long haul with no inflight entertainment. It’s a Wuthering Heights retelling that actually feels like an insult to the original text. I finished it but only just and if there was anything else I would have picked that over this.

American Queen
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is age gap MMF romance perfection. A romance between the President, the Vice President and a woman he fell in love with 10 years ago but didn’t do anything about until the hes were 36 and she was 26.

This book is all from Greer’s perspective with the follow on books from the others. Be warned the cute cover hides some top tier spice.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,989 reviews6 followers
September 1, 2022
Read all of the books in the anthology and reviewed them individually in GR based on their titles. Overall rating is a 2.5, 3 for the anthology - fine but not necessarily memorable. I do plan to finish the New Camelot trilogy by Sierra Simone, so I’m sure I’ll remember that one.


As a side note, all 6 books/stories are the first in a duet or trilogy (except for Darkest Night, I think). I was not compelled to keep reading with the exception of the first book (Savage Pride - and I wish I hadn’t paid for the second) and the last (American Queen).


Darkest Night by Sophie Lark is evidently only available in this anthology so I’ll review that here. It was my last favorite by a landslide. Disliked the characters, the plot was ridiculous, and although I’ve never read the Three Musketeers (which it’s meant to be based on?); I did read the plot summary of the novel and this story has literally NOTHING in common with the classic. There are 3 main characters in Lark’s story but from what I gather from the plot summary of the classic, there are 3 Musketeers AND the narrator who tells the story and strives to become a musketeer. So Lark’s story has literally nothing in common with the original, I did not misuse literally 😂

Anyway, Darkest Night is probably 1.5 stars for me.
Profile Image for Sandie Chraponski.
1,758 reviews18 followers
August 5, 2022
What amazing adaptations!

If you are a fan of retelling classic stories then this is the anthology for you. These authors are some of the best out there, and they are the best for a reason. These stories are so well written, and are going to make you fall in love with the classics again. Or at least their takes on them.

I’m not going to pick a favorite because there is just now way to do that, I’m just going to tell you to not miss a chance to read these stories, you will regret it if you do!
Profile Image for Wendy Mccrone.
69 reviews
September 14, 2022
Oh my gosh that was so good

I loved reading this anthology. One of the authors I've have read books from her before and I loved reading new authors.
Oh my goodness most of these books will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and keep you reading until the small hours of the morning.
One of the books I couldn't get into, it's NOTHING against the author but I just didn't enjoy it as much.
I would recommend this anthology for anyone who loved the old classics but done in a modern retelling of them.
Profile Image for ErikaWasReading.
518 reviews15 followers
September 15, 2023
I am a sucker for an anthology, but an anthology that is a collection of full novels — I’m so in.

I snagged this last year when it was free, but given that one story is a book exclusive and two are not on KU, even at full price it is totally worth it!


Because this is the only place Sophie Lark’s story appears I am using this as a “placeholder” for tracking the novel.

Everything else was reviewed under it’s own listing.
Profile Image for Julie Workman|Bookaholic Sisters Blog.
954 reviews32 followers
July 31, 2022
Prince of hearts by L.A. Cotton

Wow what an amazing story, from start to finish it completely consumed me.

It was a rollercoaster of emotions, I felt everything, from unbelievable sadness to unbelievable rage and everything else inbetween.

If I could give it more stars I would

1000% recommended
Profile Image for Vee.
346 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2022
Just the right amount of dark

Just the right amount of darkness to be captivating and tantalizing without being heavy. Excellent collection of books to get a taste of darkness with classic tales re-imagined.
American Queen is the start to the New Camelot Trilogy and I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Crystal Solis.
383 reviews22 followers
October 5, 2022
Spicy!!

This anthology was a cute little collection of dark, but spicy modern day spin-offs of a few classics that were customized to each author…or so it seemed to me. Not sure if that was what was intended, but it worked. Many of these little shorts lead to me purchasing a few new series!
472 reviews
September 13, 2022
Dark Desires Anthology

This series of books are good. Some better than others. By reading the series I was so interested in the story I bought the rest of that series of books.
Read for yourself.
7 reviews
December 20, 2022
Worth the Read

This anthologies stories are worth reading and then some. Sierra Simone's story and continuation is an incredible love story. Worth the purchase of the 2 additional books.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
August 3, 2022
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (8/3/2022)! 🎁
Profile Image for Mariska Myburgh.
66 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2022
Some of the books were really good. But I absolutely hated Heath. What a bunch of childish characters. I couldn't finish it. It is probably the worst book I have ever read.
Profile Image for Sarah Green.
1,869 reviews15 followers
August 22, 2022
Darkest Night- Sophie Lark

Liked that this one stood out a little. Not your typical love story.
There's friendships, strong chemistry, jealousy and deception.
What more do you need?
1,194 reviews5 followers
September 13, 2022
2 Stars

Most of the stories are two books, which you have to pay for the second part of story. I read to the end so I wouldn't get stuck again. Very disappointing.
Profile Image for Kat Crumb.
803 reviews6 followers
September 29, 2022
Wow

Oh my i loved this book. It was so different then others i have read. It radiates lust and love & hope.
Profile Image for Kim.
3 reviews
Read
December 28, 2022
Read Darkest Night (doesn't have separate cover)
Profile Image for Claire.
653 reviews39 followers
November 20, 2022
The Count of Monte Cristo has been on my TBR for years. I stumbled across this modern retelling by accident, in an anthology by Skye Warren.

Van, Ethan & Hazel are 3 friends who start a company together. When Hazel & Ethan get together at a New Years Eve party, Van is incensed with jealousy. What follows on the Darkest Night will set in motion a revenge story years in the making.

While the ending is perfect, it was a little too tidy for me - I wanted a bit more downfall for the Big Bad. A fun, dark weekend read.
Profile Image for Cassie.
154 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2022
Essentially DNF’d but I’ve already read the last one (Sierra Simone is the queen) and skimmed MOST of the others.

I was expecting much darker/spicier stuff. And stand alones. These were not that. Each of these was the first in a series and all ended on cliff hangers. I get that they’re trying to sell books, but they should be up front about it.
Profile Image for Sparklin C Reads.
2,005 reviews
February 21, 2024
Heath by K Webster & Nikki Ash (7/23/22)

From a taboo relationship. To not being able to choose what you want. To settling for less. One man’s revenge leads to sorrow and pain…. Then the second part begins and starts the process over again with their kid/s.

Private Property by Skye Warren - Is this nanny in over her head with her newest client. Be warned this is a series.
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