Tops

Dark Arsenal #1

by Kay Wilder

The city's noise followed me years after I left that godless place. But being in an area without God meant there was just enough pleasure in the chaos to make you forget how terrible it was. Or at least how terrible I should have thought it was. The sounds of the city and all the people in it drowned out my own voice of self-preservation. Up became down. Left became right.

Tops became Bottoms.

It took me a while to truly understand what that meant. My time with them made me question who I was and who I simply thought I was supposed to be. A group of unforgettable men turned my world upside down by pinning me like a butterfly to a board. It's funny how in life, sometimes the thing you need the most is the one thing that can shatter you from the inside.

Genres: Contemporary, Why Choose, Dark Romance

Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2022

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ewww She doesn't care that one of the guys could be sleeping with other girls (he isn't) while being with her. She only requests him not to see it or hear about it And honestly, the h and Hs don't talk much between them.

[Darcy’s Good Opinion · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐ Steam: 5/5 Strong Language: 3.5/5 Characters: 4.5/5 Plot: 4.5/5
Tops by Kay Wilder

Triggers: Light 🐝DSM, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Alcohol Abu$e, Death(off page), Loss of Loved One(off page), Attempted $exual A$$ualt, V!0lence, Cheating by secondary character(off page), $ta!king

This is the first book in Kay Wilde's Tops and Bottoms Duet. This is a dark romance and ends on a significant cliff hanger. The second book in the series is expected shortly according to the author. Even if it wasn't, this is worth the wait.

Vanessa is a college senior who struggles with anxiety and panic disorders. Her family was shattered when she was a child by a senseless act of violence and it robbed her of peace. She has lived in an ever insulated and isolated world until another criminal act disrupts her carefully order existence and throws her in the path of three seemingly helpful men.

Tanner is her roommate's boss. A dominating and contolled aristocrat who's carefully constructed mask crumbles only for her. Colton is Tanner's lawyer and childhood friend. His somewhat shy and awkward social persona cover for a commanding Casanova in private. Nik is a NYPD Detective and Tanner's friend from college. He is also Nessa's guest Professor in college and the teacher definitely has some things to teach his student.

When imminent danger threatens Nessa's life, the trio set about to protect her life while cherishing and sharing her body. She starts to blossom in each relationship gaining more self confidence and awareness. Yet, danger lurks around every corner, enemies are revealed, some thought friends, some foes. As more secrets are unraveled will the bonds she's made, hold?

This was excellently written with dynamic characters. Nessa, in particular, is an extremely relatable heroine. She has body image issues and self doubts. It was extremely gratifying to read a novel that showed positive growth of the female character. She became stronger, not just through her love interests, but she would analyze what she went through, how she could do better, and then enact it. I anxiously await Book Two, Bottoms.

This was my first Kay Wilder read. It will most definitely not be my last. If you'll excuse me, I have a new author to binge.

[Booksfordays40 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The FMC’s, Vanessa, life has been anything but easy. She struggles with real mental issues brought on by childhood trauma. I think she brings a lot of relatable issues to the forefront, and despite the fantasy of the situation (3 guys, each with flaws, but are drawn to her...), there is something real and satisfying about her growth through the book. Don’t get me wrong, it’s deliciously dark and a wild ride. Tops and Bottoms (happens to be the name of the next book coming out after this one) are names of underground fantasy clubs, that double as the MMCs home and playgrounds. There are two sides to every coin after all. The book ends on a cliffhanger... be warned.... but I don’t think you’ll have to wait too long! This was my first book by this author, and I look forward to what’s next!

[Jacqulin Gipson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read by Kay Wilder and won't be my last. This was a fantastic read with plenty of twists and turns. I always love reading a book with a FMC that isn't perfect. While Vanessa battled outside forces she had internal struggles with anxiety and body issues that I felt relatable to. As with all why choose/rh books we get the sweet AND salty characters. You live to hate them. I was happily reading along and was not at all ready for the cliffhanger. I am eagerly awaiting book 2.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

hidden gem

This right here is a hidden gem!! I absolutely devoured the book from the 1st page. Everything about this book was top notch; character development, steady pacing without lulls or dull moments, relationship building, character growth, drama, and action.

The steam was off the charts hot with plenty of tension and build up. I love all the men in Nessa’s like but her sexy professor may be my favorite so far. The ending was a huge surprise for me but I loved it…not gonna lie, I’m kind of hoping for some kind of revelation or redemption for Fynn.

The twist at the end has left me with so many questions as to exactly why Nessa was being targeted to start with, what kind of business Tanner is negotiating with the senator, and what will Fynn’s ultimate role be by the end of the duet.

I cannot recommend this book enough for those who enjoy a darker and dramatic contemporary story with stalker themes and RH. I cannot wait for the next book and luckily, it’s release is less than a week away!! Go read this now!!

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I loved the way that Kay handled anxiety and self esteem issues with Nessa, this is a sensitive topic that not everyone gets right but Kay definitely did.

Nik, Colten and Tanner! 🥵 Well these guys all brought something completely different to the group but they all fit together perfectly and were perfect for Nessa! I loved how protective they are!

This book had it all, suspense, steam and angst. Also had a cliffhanger that I wasn't sure if I wanted to scream or travel to the future and read the next book instantly. I cannot wait to read the next book and I couldn't recommend this book enough, you will not regret picking this up!

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanessa is living in New York to finish her degree; then she's gone. Due to past trauma, she frequently spirals and has bouts of anxiety. Her roommate and best friend, Hannah, is her complete opposite. Hannah works as a dancer in a gentlemen club and has sex with whatever guy catches her fancy. In comparison, Nessa is a virgin and doesn't do relationships, focusing on her future and what comes after New York.  When  an assassin follows her and Hanna, Hannah's boss Tanner makes arrangements to keep them safe.  When Nessa finds herself surrounded by three men that call to her in ways she's never felt before, she finds her world turned upside down. The only catch is they always share women. Will she give in to desire and give herself to them or will she continue to keep herself shut off from the world and hide? 
   Bottoms is one of the best books I have read in a while. The characters jumped off the pages and came to life as I read. There's so much more to the men in this story than meets the eye and I loved exploring them along with Nessa. Nessa seems to blossom under the attention of her men. They all offer something different and something she desperately needs. I love how they push her out of her comfort zone. Despite the dark undertones of this book, there is plenty of humor as Nessa deals with some of her issues and insecurities, often driving the men nuts with her antics. As someone that suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, Nessa was very authentic and relatable with her mental health issues. The $exual scenes were sensual and super steamy. (fans self)
    I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  I adored Vanessa's story and her underlying strength. Then men are all wonderfully unique and are perfect examples of how and why polyamorous relationships work.  There are plenty of mysteries as she gets to know these men as they work out how and why she caught the attention of a hitman. I loved the alpha protection vibe the men give off. This book is for adults only due to the graphic $ex and other adult themes and situations. If you have triggers, I suggest you check before reading as there is assault, attempted $exual assault, death, loss of a parent, mental health issues of anxiety and depression, stalking ,and some $exual kinks. Wilder caught and kept my attention with Tops. The story ended with a crazy cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for the next book, Bottoms, to see the new turn of events and how everything gets resolved.  Something tells me Nessa's life is never going to be the same. 

[Alyssa Longmire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb writing!!

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

This is my first book of Kay Wilders I’ve read and oh my gosh this one is a doozy! That cliffhanger tore me apart!!

Tropes/triggers: Reverse harem, no ⚔️, virgin FMC, BDSM.

The story starts off with Nessa and her best friend/roommate, Hannah. Nessa is 24 and almost done with her degree, and her best friend works at a strip club. She suffered some childhood trauma and still has anxiety and panic attacks. She is a recluse, but she goes to her friends work one night to hangout, and also make sure Hannah tells her boss about how she was mugged earlier.

She stumbles into a scene that she doesn’t realize is just CNC, so she turns to run and find a phone to call the cops, but finds herself in the big bosses office. Hannah finds her in there and helps her boss, Tanner, explain what the situation really was.

When they discuss the attempted mugging it’s later found out that the attacker was in the club later that night watching Nessa. Tanner and his two business partners propose to have Nessa stay with them so they can keep her safe while they sort out why this person is interested in Nessa and Hannah. They have a safe house for Hannah to stay in as well. As Nessa moves in she finds herself even more attracted to all three guys, and she’s very surprised when one of them suggests a relationship that includes both of his friends/partners.

This story starts out hot and steamy with the first chapter, and then it takes a while to warm back up again when Nessa finally loses her virginity to her guys. I love the tenacity she has, and I wish she would just allow herself to get close to her sort of boyfriends. They clearly care about her a lot and I know deep down she does too.

[Mimi.Reads.Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Dark Arsenal duet. I stayed up way too late reading this one; I just couldn’t put it down. Main character Ness and her roommate get caught up in something nefarious at her roomie’s work, a club called Tops. Her roommate’s boss, his friend and lawyer, and their other friend who happens to be a cop, take the women in to protect them and figure out why there seems to be a hit out on them.

I relate to Ness in some ways. Due to trauma in her childhood, she has anxiety and panic attacks. She spirals and has to learn to manage her reactions, especially when things take a dangerous turn. Hannah, Ness’s roommate and friend, ends up staying somewhere else with her own protective detail, while Ness is staying with the three sexy and protective men at the club. She is drawn to them, and they to her, and a deal is made between all of them that adds significant spice to the story. While the men are older, dominant, and bossy AF, Ness has her own power and she uses it to get what she wants - which is experience in the bedroom.

There are twists and turns all over the place, and none of the characters are paragons of perfection. I appreciate that Ness has agency and isn’t really at a disadvantage in the relationships. The conflict mostly comes from information being withheld, misunderstandings, and outside sources. There is a mystery at the heart of things that drives the plot forward between the spicy scenes, and it’s compelling and suspenseful. There is a cliffhanger but the second book will be out soon.

[Lourene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tops with lots of mystery

Wow! This was not at all what I expected at the beginning. We have Vanessa a hard working college girl and her friend Hannah who are roommates. Hannah works at Tops and sets Nessa up in a VIP area while she's working, but Nessa thinks she's witnessing something illegal and runs into Tanner. Once he and Hannah calm her down she sits at the bar. This is where her life changes. Tanner calls her and Hannah to Tops because they're in danger.
They've drawn the notice of an assassin and they're put under protective care. Nessa is placed in Bottoms with Tanner, Colton, the lawyer, and Nik, her professor. She's attracted to all three and they come up with a mutually beneficial agreement that allows her to have a relationship and protection with them. But something goes terribly wrong and we're left on a cliffhanger.
The story is good filled with mystery and there's A lot of baggage that gets unpacked about how the men know each other and why they decided it is best to share. The spice is very good throughout the story and I'm looking forward to what happens in Bottoms.

[Sue Harbers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tops is a new and interesting series from Kay that will have you brought into a world that isn't like anything else you've read. Tops and Bottoms are actually clubs, of the sexy variety, and they double as a place to live for the owners; Tanner, Colton and Nik. Colton and Nik both have other jobs and because all three are so busy, they tend to lean towards having a relationship with one woman between the three of them in order to make sure everyone's needs are met. It's a very interesting dynamic between all three guys and their agreement. Enter Vanessa, who captivates all three pretty much instantly, and then also needs their protection from someone who seems to have a history with them. I found that Tanner was difficult to like and didn't make awesome decisions at times, but then he had moments where he was really sweet. I liked Colton a lot, he seemed very dependable and safe but also spicy. Nik is still a little bit of a mystery. I'm very intrigued by how this book left off and I'm looking forward to Bottoms!

[TheheartofBrigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok. Tops by Kay Wilder was totally not what I expected. To be fair, I really didn’t know what it was about, but I did not expect the goodness that came out of this story.

💜 smart, sassy FMC
💜 polar opposite but still sassy best friend
💜 a detective, a lawyer, and a business owner (oh my!)
💜 danger lurking around every corner
💜mystery that needs solved
💜 why choose romance
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spicy time

Vanessa (Nessa) is our graduate degree, sassy FMC. We find her living in NYC with her best friend, Hannah, who is also in graduate school but also strips on the side for income. They couldn’t be more opposite in personality. As life unfolds, they find their lives completely turned upside down in more ways than one. Enter the hot men like rounds of shots in a bachelorette party. So much craziness ensues and it sucks you right in.

Did I expect to get this sucked in? No, no I did not. Was I upset this ended on a cliffhanger? Yes, yes I was. But fear not. Book two is on its way and I will be able to find out what happens next.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: This review is for me so that when I forget if I read this book, I can look back on my thoughts.

Holy spicy tension! There wasn’t a lot of spicy scenes in this book but DAMN the tension between Nessa, Nik, Tanner, and Colton was *chef’s kiss*

I like Nessa as a character. She’s sassy, down to earth, and relatable. I thought her anxiety disorder was presented well throughout the story. I also liked how when she got bratty, she acknowledged her bratty behavior- that felt real.

The tension is what really kept me going in this story. My one issue with the story is that Nessa just totally accepts whatever happens to her without any questions. There’s a hitman after you and you never ask why?? Strange notes about someone watching you appear in your bedroom and you never even question where they came from?? You learn there’s actually no hit out on you and you still never wonder why a hitman is stalking you??

There’s wasn’t much plot to this story but the dynamic between the Nessa and her guys kept my interested.

[LadyOfTheLibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite thing about this book was that every time I started to relax thinking things were chill, it was just like okay now stuffs about to get real. I'm not a lovey person and I LIVE for the angst so every time I was thinking yesssssss!

My other favourite thing was Nessa's inner monologue. She's such a genuinely funny character and her thought processes are not only relatable but hilarious. I snorted more than once. The rain watching brought me particular joy with the globs globbing up other globs.

Then my other other favourite thing was the best friend dynamic between Nessa and Hannah. Perhaps unlikely friends but absolutely perfect for each other and I loved them but we did not see enough of Hannah for my liking so I'm hoping that there might be a Hannah story???

Warning to all there is a MASSIVE cliffhanger but the next book is already out so you can go straight for that like I plan to immediately right now.

[Elizma Heckroodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no word! I loved the story and that cliffy!!!! I am so glad the second book is ready to read. I would have not wanted to wait!

This is my first introduction to the author and I can't wait to read more.

I hope we will find out the story about her farther and why there is a hit out on her in book two. It feels as if I am missing that.

I loved that there were a story line even though it's not quite a slow burn it's not a rush either. I also enjoyed that smexy time was not too much that it overshadow the story line. We already get more smexy time due to the number of people involved, but it gets boring if its not timed properly. The author did a very good job balancing story time and smexy time.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so intriguing! It automatically sucked me right in. There is plenty of solid plot and spice to keep you turning the pages. I love the female main character Vanessa and her wild best friend Hannah. The men that invade Vanessa’s life have very different personalities. Nik is the playful professor (I love a good forbidden relationship!), Colten seems like the cinnamon roll of the group, and Tanner…well…he is grumpy prick most of the time. There was a lot that left me wondering what is going on with the FMC and why she ended up in this situation.
There is a brutal cliffhanger that left me with more questions than answers. Impatiently waiting for the second book 🤣

[Amanda Quarles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tops: Dark Arsenal

Okay.... that cliffhanger was kind of brutal. I loved this book, and thank goodness I only have to wait a little over 2 weeks for the release of book 2. I realize this one was just released, but its nice to not have to wait the whole month in-between. The guys were a chefs kiss and Nessa needs to stop being determined that their non-relationship is temporary. At least that's what I'm hoping for anyway. Somehow it just all needs to come together for them. I do have to say I really enjoyed this story. I can't believe there aren't more ratings for this yet. You should definitely give this book a read. Can't wait for Bottoms!!!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysteries and spice!

Great story from Kay Wilder. Lots of mystery and intrigue in this book, there are things happening in the background that will hopefully come to light in the next book. I want to know if the girls, including Nik's sister, have something to do with the mystery of why Fynn wants Nessa. Who is the creepy senator, with the $ubmission k!nk and is he the person who a$$aulted her?
The guys in this are hot and the book is spicy, loved the desk scene!
I can't wait to read the next one!!!!!!!

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK

So by the description of this book, I was really confused going in. Honestly, it kept me entertained, but was it a great book? Not really. I really felt like these characters didn't really have any depth to them. out of all the spicy scenes, there was maybe two good ones. It was like as soon as all three guys have their turn the story jumped ahead. All of the relationship building you wanna see between the characters was just told. And to be quite honest, I am not interested in reading book two.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC!!!
IF I could give this more than 5 stars I would!! I thought it had such an original storyline and I couldn't put it down. I still find myself looking back on what I just read. There was suspense, lots of angst and steam! I loved that we got Tanner's pov, even if only once. That ending....I have so much questions!!!
This was my first book by this author and she didn't disappoint. I loved it!!!

[Phyllis Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arrangements

Kay Wilder’s first book in her ‘Dark Arsenal Duet’ leaves you screaming for more. I loved this story and fell in low with the wonderful characters. The storyline was so beautifully written that it played like a symphony. There was plenty of exciting adventures, mystery, suspense and steamy situations. This book was so riveting that I couldn’t put it down until the very last page. I can’t wait to get my hands on book two. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!

[Christina Mckinley tackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! There is plenty of suspense and plenty of heat. Vanessa is a homebody and her best friend Hannah is more than willing to get her out and about. The men are so different and each add something valuable to the group. There is a cliff hanger that leaves you with plenty of questions. This is a must read. I am patiently/ impatiently waiting for the next book.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book hits on a lot of issue such as anxiety and abuse. Our main characters are pulled through the wringer and must come together to help each other tackle the challenges. I liked how we saw the characters start at one place and gradually throughout the story develop into more, both individually and in their relationships. I wonder what will come next!

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

More please...

Whoa, that cliffhanger kinda snuck up on me. I can't wait to dive into the next book, because this one is a page-turner, and I've read this whole story in one day.
Descriptive spicy scenes (Check)
Amazing plot (Check)
Realistic characters (Check)
Totally hooked on the wonderful story you're telling, Kay Wilder!

[Victoria Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just my first book by Kay but it was also an unique storyline that held my attention well. It was well written with a mixture of things to keep it interesting. Steam, intensity and suspense.

I received this copy and my spoiler free review is voluntary

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addicting and incredible!

Wow, this was incredible! I read from start to finish barely even stopping. I was so addicted to the story and finding out what was going to happen next. There is plenty of steam and the plot is amazing. 100% recommend!

[Brittany Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!

Must read. I need more.
I have to say that I want to move Into this world.
Very well written and ms wilder has hooked me from the beginning, as usual. I can’t wait for bottoms to be released! Run to get it, expect to not put it down. Worth every second!

[Main Energy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay a new favorite book for sure. Can easily see myself re-reading this book and the next one too. Vanessa has grows and becomes someone with backbone. I love this type of set up more then just the stupid alpha man roles. My favorite man would be Flynn hes just absolutely devoted to Nessa.

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A intriguing, suspenseful story that drew you right in. The characters were interesting and had such intense chemistry. A great, steamy read I really enjoyed with an amazing cliffhanger.

[Migeldy Mauri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The clifffyyyyyy

I just want to say one thing ....
Holy sh!tttttttt! I knew what to expect from the prologue but it didn't prepare me for how it ended 😱