What do you think?
Rate this book
Silent Night
Oh Silent Night.
Oh Holy Night.
This holiday season get treated with 13 delicious dark, forbidden, taboo stories from some of your favorite authors.
Oh Holy Night.
This holiday season get treated with 13 delicious dark, forbidden, taboo stories from some of your favorite authors.
776 pages, Paperback
Published December 5, 2022
126 people are currently reading
1463 people want to read
About the author
C. Lymari
37 books1,111 followersClaudia lives in the Chicagoland suburbs, and when she's not busy chasing after her adorable little spawn, she's fighting with the characters in her head. After not being able to keep up with them, she decided enough was enough and wrote her first novel.
Claudia writes both sweet and dark romances that will give you all the feels. Her other talents include binge watching shows on Netflix and eating all kinds of chips.
Sign up for my newsletter
https://bit.ly/clymarinl
Follow me on IG
https://www.instagram.com/c.lymari
Follow me on FB
https://www.facebook.com/clymari
Join my Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/c.lym...
Claudia writes both sweet and dark romances that will give you all the feels. Her other talents include binge watching shows on Netflix and eating all kinds of chips.
Sign up for my newsletter
https://bit.ly/clymarinl
Follow me on IG
https://www.instagram.com/c.lymari
Follow me on FB
https://www.facebook.com/clymari
Join my Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/c.lym...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
December 28, 2022
Review for 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙉𝙤𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚 by 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙖 𝙍𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙮
This was festive, spicy, daringly forbidden and oh so good. I can never go wrong with a story written by this amazing duo! Wilder and Noelle knew just how to make their season bright... with passion!
Noelle is young, too young. Should be off limits because of that alone, but then throw into the mix that she is Wilder's ex-wife's baby sister and you've got a recipe for something sinfully delicious. After running into each other at Noelle's work, the passion that they both thought was hidden fairly well bursts forth and the chemistry is molten! Can't hold back anymore.... it feels too good to give in.
Check this one out if you're in the mood... for something spicy this Christmas!
Unholy Obsessions by C.M. Radcliff
This short read about foster siblings was dark and dirty. Check your triggers because it's probably in the story. I freaking loved them! The story was intense and raw. These two together were perfection.
This was festive, spicy, daringly forbidden and oh so good. I can never go wrong with a story written by this amazing duo! Wilder and Noelle knew just how to make their season bright... with passion!
Noelle is young, too young. Should be off limits because of that alone, but then throw into the mix that she is Wilder's ex-wife's baby sister and you've got a recipe for something sinfully delicious. After running into each other at Noelle's work, the passion that they both thought was hidden fairly well bursts forth and the chemistry is molten! Can't hold back anymore.... it feels too good to give in.
Check this one out if you're in the mood... for something spicy this Christmas!
Unholy Obsessions by C.M. Radcliff
This short read about foster siblings was dark and dirty. Check your triggers because it's probably in the story. I freaking loved them! The story was intense and raw. These two together were perfection.
![Profile Image for Megan [Cottage Vibes].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 16, 2023
MM/MF Anthology
Dark Romance
3.5 Stars ⭐️
I read more than the 4 stories I’m reviewing but these are the only ones that I left notes for in my highlights. All the rest were either forgettable or I haven’t gotten to them yet. It’s been awhile since I’ve read any MF romance and the teasers I’ve gotten from some of these have me yearning for the full length book much to my surprise. This came out during the holidays but none of the stories have had anything to do with Christmas which is fine with me.
CIRQUE DES MASQUES by BECCA STEELE-MM
-This one was my least favorite but I did appreciate seeing a new side to this author. This was about a circus freak show ran by paranormals. I couldn’t work out if they were vampires or a hybrid of something else but during one of their stops, Dima meets Ollie, a human, and they have a quick tryst that will change Ollie’s life forever. This was just a really odd story and I’m not sure if I’ll be reading the full length book when it comes out later this year but like I said earlier, love to see the author branching out.
BROKEN DOVE by C. LYMARI-MF
-This one was about a girl who lost her sight due to an incident that was kept very hush hush in the teaser but it’s clear her life has been a bit of a nightmare. She was traveling with a ballet company for awhile but it sounded like the company was a front for prostitution. Someone steps in to give her a better life but because our heroine is blind we are just as in the dark as she is about where she is or why she’s there. We do get the guy’s POV but it’s very mysterious. All we really know is he has a huge house she has full reign of except for the left wing and he’s promised to never touch her without her consent. I enjoyed what I read of this and will be looking for the full length book when it comes out because I have a lot of theories and I need to know if they are correct.
UNHOLY OBSSESIONS by C.M. RADCLIFF-MF
-This one was my favorite and one of the only ones that didn’t say if it was going to be a full length book. I assume there will be based on what happens in this book but I NEED it now! This is about serial killers and I would have loved some trigger warnings in the beginning because I had no idea what to expect and the main character Luna hunting for kittens at the start almost made me lose my shit. Thankfully when she finds them, she’s interrupted. I can read a lot of dark shit but I hate cruelty to animals especially cats because I worked in a cat rescue for many years and saw some pretty horrific shit that I don’t care to read about either. Anyway, Luna and Onyx met in foster care and are now lovers. They are also killers. This reminded me of Lana from The Risk *Mindfuck* series in a way because these two not only kill for fun but are killing the men who gang raped Luna as a teenager. This is a super sexy filthy book and the sex while deranged was red hot. There’s a bit of a twist to this that hooked me right in and I NEED MORE! Onyx was so protective over his little moon but she can hold her own and then some. The obsession/possessiveness was chef’s kiss for me. Definitely going to see what else this author has written but I hope the editing is better than this shitshow.
There were errors throughout all the ones I read but this one was a total nightmare. Holy shit the editing was bad. The fact the editor or this author didn’t notice things like this amazes me. Here’s an example:
-“I swallow hard, not liking the way that Onyx has shifted. It’s as if he thinks that I’m not capable of taking care of myself, but we both know that that isn’t true. I’m Luna fucking (LAST NAME).” 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
TROUBLEMAKER by MELINDA TERRANOVA-MM
-This one is about stepbrothers and I could see myself enjoying it, maybe. We all know my shit luck with stepbrother books. So, one of them is super angry, gets kicked out of his dad’s house with nowhere to go and decides to go find his estranged mom. She has remarried and is living the life of luxury it seems. The man she married has a son the angry one calls ‘meathead jock’ and they are both seniors in high school. (Can’t remember their real names so these will do 🤣). The angry one is gay and meathead jock appears closeted but they don’t hit it off and this ends with a weird cliffhanger but no mention of a full length book. I’m curious what else this author has written but I’m unsure if I even want a full length story of these two. That being said though it isn’t the same stepbro shit that keeps being churned out so I’d probably give it a go on that alone.
In summary, I loved the MF ones I read and wasn’t totally feeling the MM ones which is super surprising. There are still 10 more stories in this anthology and I’ll probably read them eventually because I own this and I’ll update this review when I do. Maybe 😉
Dark Romance
3.5 Stars ⭐️
I read more than the 4 stories I’m reviewing but these are the only ones that I left notes for in my highlights. All the rest were either forgettable or I haven’t gotten to them yet. It’s been awhile since I’ve read any MF romance and the teasers I’ve gotten from some of these have me yearning for the full length book much to my surprise. This came out during the holidays but none of the stories have had anything to do with Christmas which is fine with me.
CIRQUE DES MASQUES by BECCA STEELE-MM
-This one was my least favorite but I did appreciate seeing a new side to this author. This was about a circus freak show ran by paranormals. I couldn’t work out if they were vampires or a hybrid of something else but during one of their stops, Dima meets Ollie, a human, and they have a quick tryst that will change Ollie’s life forever. This was just a really odd story and I’m not sure if I’ll be reading the full length book when it comes out later this year but like I said earlier, love to see the author branching out.
BROKEN DOVE by C. LYMARI-MF
-This one was about a girl who lost her sight due to an incident that was kept very hush hush in the teaser but it’s clear her life has been a bit of a nightmare. She was traveling with a ballet company for awhile but it sounded like the company was a front for prostitution. Someone steps in to give her a better life but because our heroine is blind we are just as in the dark as she is about where she is or why she’s there. We do get the guy’s POV but it’s very mysterious. All we really know is he has a huge house she has full reign of except for the left wing and he’s promised to never touch her without her consent. I enjoyed what I read of this and will be looking for the full length book when it comes out because I have a lot of theories and I need to know if they are correct.
UNHOLY OBSSESIONS by C.M. RADCLIFF-MF
-This one was my favorite and one of the only ones that didn’t say if it was going to be a full length book. I assume there will be based on what happens in this book but I NEED it now! This is about serial killers and I would have loved some trigger warnings in the beginning because I had no idea what to expect and the main character Luna hunting for kittens at the start almost made me lose my shit. Thankfully when she finds them, she’s interrupted. I can read a lot of dark shit but I hate cruelty to animals especially cats because I worked in a cat rescue for many years and saw some pretty horrific shit that I don’t care to read about either. Anyway, Luna and Onyx met in foster care and are now lovers. They are also killers. This reminded me of Lana from The Risk *Mindfuck* series in a way because these two not only kill for fun but are killing the men who gang raped Luna as a teenager. This is a super sexy filthy book and the sex while deranged was red hot. There’s a bit of a twist to this that hooked me right in and I NEED MORE! Onyx was so protective over his little moon but she can hold her own and then some. The obsession/possessiveness was chef’s kiss for me. Definitely going to see what else this author has written but I hope the editing is better than this shitshow.
There were errors throughout all the ones I read but this one was a total nightmare. Holy shit the editing was bad. The fact the editor or this author didn’t notice things like this amazes me. Here’s an example:
-“I swallow hard, not liking the way that Onyx has shifted. It’s as if he thinks that I’m not capable of taking care of myself, but we both know that that isn’t true. I’m Luna fucking (LAST NAME).” 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
TROUBLEMAKER by MELINDA TERRANOVA-MM
-This one is about stepbrothers and I could see myself enjoying it, maybe. We all know my shit luck with stepbrother books. So, one of them is super angry, gets kicked out of his dad’s house with nowhere to go and decides to go find his estranged mom. She has remarried and is living the life of luxury it seems. The man she married has a son the angry one calls ‘meathead jock’ and they are both seniors in high school. (Can’t remember their real names so these will do 🤣). The angry one is gay and meathead jock appears closeted but they don’t hit it off and this ends with a weird cliffhanger but no mention of a full length book. I’m curious what else this author has written but I’m unsure if I even want a full length story of these two. That being said though it isn’t the same stepbro shit that keeps being churned out so I’d probably give it a go on that alone.
In summary, I loved the MF ones I read and wasn’t totally feeling the MM ones which is super surprising. There are still 10 more stories in this anthology and I’ll probably read them eventually because I own this and I’ll update this review when I do. Maybe 😉
December 3, 2022
Broken Dove by C. Lymari
I was so excited when I heard Broken Dove was in the same world as Swan Song and I inhaled this tease of her new novel! With just a few chapters her words had me immersed in this dark beautiful world I could literally feel all the emotions Summer felt and could vividly see this world this author has created her writing was amazing and I honestly can’t wait for this full novel to come out!
5/5⭐️
Cirque Des Masques by Becca Steele
This story blew my ever loving mind! Becca Steele has written some dark stories before but nothing like this with just a few short chapters we are introduced to this new dark creepy and twisted world it’s down right scary sometimes but I am so here for it! I loved the insane chemistry between Ollie and Dima this one is a mm romance and with these they are a hit or miss with me but this one was definitely a hit and I can’t wait for more from this world we are introduced to some new characters and I’d love to get their story! This one was amazing!
5/5⭐️
I was so excited when I heard Broken Dove was in the same world as Swan Song and I inhaled this tease of her new novel! With just a few chapters her words had me immersed in this dark beautiful world I could literally feel all the emotions Summer felt and could vividly see this world this author has created her writing was amazing and I honestly can’t wait for this full novel to come out!
5/5⭐️
Cirque Des Masques by Becca Steele
This story blew my ever loving mind! Becca Steele has written some dark stories before but nothing like this with just a few short chapters we are introduced to this new dark creepy and twisted world it’s down right scary sometimes but I am so here for it! I loved the insane chemistry between Ollie and Dima this one is a mm romance and with these they are a hit or miss with me but this one was definitely a hit and I can’t wait for more from this world we are introduced to some new characters and I’d love to get their story! This one was amazing!
5/5⭐️
December 4, 2022
'Tis The Secret Nights - A.R. Breck
A spicy, age gap/dad's best friend... Cleo and Wilder 🥵🥵🥵🥵 The relationship is forbidden and I am here for all of it! I could not get enough of them. I NEED MORE OF THEM!
🖤🖤🖤🖤
Claimed - G.N. Wright
OHHH! Uncle REID!!! Another age gap/forbidden relationship, dad's stepbrother... yes, please! Reid is a military man, a bit dark and scarred, Amelia isn't the same person he knew years ago. These two are together
🖤🖤🖤🖤
A Crimson Carol - J Rose
I FLOVE Athena!! She is bad b! She is drug back home when she receives an unexpected surprise in the mail. Drake matches her on every level and meant for her.
🖤🖤🖤🖤
Troublemaker - Melinda Terranova
WHOA! Easton and Asher have all kinds of tension... This one did end on a cliffhanger, so I can only hope that these characters will have their own story! I need to find out how it happened!
🖤🖤🖤🖤
Violent Night - Rachel Leigh
Just the snippet I needed of Scar and The Lawless 😩😩😩 I do recommend reading the entire Boulder Cove series before this one as there are *some* spoilers. Also, I need more info on characters we meet in this one and their story!!
🖤🖤🖤🖤
Twisted Obsession - S. Massery
I just read Brutal Obsession a few days ago, so this was icing on the cake. Jacob and Melody are 🥵🥵🥵 I can only hope their story will be revisited in the Crown Point University series!
🖤🖤🖤🖤
Sleigh - Steph Macca
Evie and Nick!! Their chemistry is off the charts. I loved how they met, and even the wrench that was thrown in. I'd love to read more on them one day!
A spicy, age gap/dad's best friend... Cleo and Wilder 🥵🥵🥵🥵 The relationship is forbidden and I am here for all of it! I could not get enough of them. I NEED MORE OF THEM!
🖤🖤🖤🖤
Claimed - G.N. Wright
OHHH! Uncle REID!!! Another age gap/forbidden relationship, dad's stepbrother... yes, please! Reid is a military man, a bit dark and scarred, Amelia isn't the same person he knew years ago. These two are together
🖤🖤🖤🖤
A Crimson Carol - J Rose
I FLOVE Athena!! She is bad b! She is drug back home when she receives an unexpected surprise in the mail. Drake matches her on every level and meant for her.
🖤🖤🖤🖤
Troublemaker - Melinda Terranova
WHOA! Easton and Asher have all kinds of tension... This one did end on a cliffhanger, so I can only hope that these characters will have their own story! I need to find out how it happened!
🖤🖤🖤🖤
Violent Night - Rachel Leigh
Just the snippet I needed of Scar and The Lawless 😩😩😩 I do recommend reading the entire Boulder Cove series before this one as there are *some* spoilers. Also, I need more info on characters we meet in this one and their story!!
🖤🖤🖤🖤
Twisted Obsession - S. Massery
I just read Brutal Obsession a few days ago, so this was icing on the cake. Jacob and Melody are 🥵🥵🥵 I can only hope their story will be revisited in the Crown Point University series!
🖤🖤🖤🖤
Sleigh - Steph Macca
Evie and Nick!! Their chemistry is off the charts. I loved how they met, and even the wrench that was thrown in. I'd love to read more on them one day!
December 4, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: taboo
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
If you’re looking for a quick and steamy Christmas novella, Cala Riley definitely delivers with Forbidden Noelle! Absolutely loved it. Well written and characters you’re going to be rooting for despite the taboo nature of their relationship ♥️.
Trope: taboo
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
If you’re looking for a quick and steamy Christmas novella, Cala Riley definitely delivers with Forbidden Noelle! Absolutely loved it. Well written and characters you’re going to be rooting for despite the taboo nature of their relationship ♥️.
December 2, 2022
*** BROKEN DOVE by C. Lymari ***
I have loved so much the Swan Song and when I heard that a new novel is coming to us placed in this world, I was so excited!!! Claudia is known for giving us dark and haunting stories that we will carry for a long time with us and I am positive that this is one of those stories!!!
Only a handful of chapters in and I was a goner...
I am already very invested to Summer and Luca... and I need more of them...
This one taste wasn't enough to satiate my hunger for this story!!!
***CIRQUE DES MASQUES by Becca Steele***
Holy shit!!! Becca took me by surprise with this story!!!
Yep, she had written some dark stuff before, but nothing is like this one and tell you what??? I freakin' loved it and I am intrigued beyond imagination!!!
I need to learn more about this circus and their creepy actions...
I need to see more of Dima and Ollie and the rest of the gang...
I am very impressed by this small sample and I am dying to get my hands on the real thing!!!
I have loved so much the Swan Song and when I heard that a new novel is coming to us placed in this world, I was so excited!!! Claudia is known for giving us dark and haunting stories that we will carry for a long time with us and I am positive that this is one of those stories!!!
Only a handful of chapters in and I was a goner...
I am already very invested to Summer and Luca... and I need more of them...
This one taste wasn't enough to satiate my hunger for this story!!!
***CIRQUE DES MASQUES by Becca Steele***
Holy shit!!! Becca took me by surprise with this story!!!
Yep, she had written some dark stuff before, but nothing is like this one and tell you what??? I freakin' loved it and I am intrigued beyond imagination!!!
I need to learn more about this circus and their creepy actions...
I need to see more of Dima and Ollie and the rest of the gang...
I am very impressed by this small sample and I am dying to get my hands on the real thing!!!
November 30, 2022
Silent Night Anthology: Cirques Des Masques by Becca Steele, Broken Dove by C. Lymari
Cirques Des Masques:
I am obsessed with this book. It is dark, gritty, and oh, so, decadent in a completely forbidden way. This fully fleshed-out M/M world was so well written through Becca’s eyes it’s hard to believe it is only a novella. I can not wait to read more about this creepy, circus-themed, dark romance. If you can handle the dark, this is one to read.
Broken Dove:
The world of Swan Song, along with Daddy Nico is one of my favorite worlds, so color me excited when Broken Dove was written. I am fully immersed in Summer’s world and applaud Claudia for the non-traditional female lead. Summer is unlike any other heroine. Again, I was sucked in and am incredibly ready for more!!
Cirques Des Masques:
I am obsessed with this book. It is dark, gritty, and oh, so, decadent in a completely forbidden way. This fully fleshed-out M/M world was so well written through Becca’s eyes it’s hard to believe it is only a novella. I can not wait to read more about this creepy, circus-themed, dark romance. If you can handle the dark, this is one to read.
Broken Dove:
The world of Swan Song, along with Daddy Nico is one of my favorite worlds, so color me excited when Broken Dove was written. I am fully immersed in Summer’s world and applaud Claudia for the non-traditional female lead. Summer is unlike any other heroine. Again, I was sucked in and am incredibly ready for more!!
December 12, 2022
a little bit of everything!
Ok so these short little stories are all great! They are each different in their own ways but all are dirty and wrong and I am sooo here for it!! I will give a quick thought about each one and about the book as a whole at the end!
’TIS THE SECRET NIGHTS by A.R. BRECK —5⭐️!!! Dad’s best friend, age gap, deliciously wrong yet oh so right! And this short story can NOT be left done here!! I NEED more, PLEASE!!
CIRQUE DES MASQUES by BECCA STEELE— Ohhhh this is gonna be a good one!! 5⭐️ and counting! LOVE that it’s MM of course! It definitely sucked me in and left me high and dry! I can NOT wait to read what comes next!!! This is a TO BE CONTINUED… story!!
FORBIDDEN NOELLE by CALA RILEY—This is definitely 5⭐️ material! Love when there is a parent involved and the fact it was the ex’s forbidden little sister is even better for my deranged brain! I would love for there to be more of them and their story!
BROKEN DOVE by C. LYMARI—This is a TO BE CONTINUED… story!! You have been warned! Cause it will suck you in and make you crave more!!! 5⭐️ for sure and I can’t wait to finish reading about this one!!
HERE STALKS A MONSTER by CL MATTHEWS—5⭐️ twisted, dark, and so good! Stalker vibes! Need more!!
UNHOLY OBSESSIONS by C.M. RADCLIFF—5⭐️ another one that is twisted and dark and so wrong yet so right! I just need more!! Serial killers are a mystery in a way and I need to know what happens next!
CLAIMED by G.N. WRIGHT—Definitely a 5⭐️ read!!! A forbidden “uncle”, age gap, dirty read. More please, I need to know what happens afterwards!
A CRIMSON CAROL by J ROSE—This one I feel would be a good novella with more details and not so rushed. But since that’s not how this works, I would give this a 4⭐️. It’s basically a mafia themed and who doesn’t love a good mafia read!
SINFUL VOWS by LILIAN HARRIS—5⭐️ Kidnapping, mafia, sex club, sex trafficking. Sucks you in and makes you desperate for more!! It is a CONTINUE READING HERE story! I will be making sure I continue this one for sure cause I’m definitely invested!
TROUBLEMAKER by MELINDA TERRANOVA—4⭐️ MM, bad boy, tattoos and piercings, piece of you know what uncle, and d-bag step brother. This story definitely leaves you hanging and doesn’t say anything about being continued but I REALLY hope that is NOT the case cause it started off soooo good!!
VIOLENT NIGHT by RACHEL LEIGH— 4⭐️ Secret society, life of death choices, and best of all RH! However once again it is clear that it is basically the beginning of a book that has to be continued! It obviously has great potential!
TWISTED OBSESSION by S. MASSERY—5⭐️ College, hockey, crush on professor, taboo, stalkers (yes more than one) and things that are just not right but my brain don’t understand that! And then to leave me hanging like that and not say if it’s to be continued! Umm PLEASE tell me it will be continued!!!!
SLEIGH by STEPH MACCA—4⭐️ Santa/“stepbrother”, Bahamas, “what happens in the Bahamas, stays in the Bahamas".
Overall this is a good combination of dark, wrong yet oh so right, taboo, mysterious, serial killers, age gaps, dads best friend, “uncle”, “stepbrother”, mafia, stalkers, professor/student, MM, bad boy, college secret societies, RH, single parent, ex in law, blind, and so much more with some cliffhangers/to be continued reads all in one book! It literally gives you a little bit of everything all in one! Definitely a good anthology!!
Ok so these short little stories are all great! They are each different in their own ways but all are dirty and wrong and I am sooo here for it!! I will give a quick thought about each one and about the book as a whole at the end!
’TIS THE SECRET NIGHTS by A.R. BRECK —5⭐️!!! Dad’s best friend, age gap, deliciously wrong yet oh so right! And this short story can NOT be left done here!! I NEED more, PLEASE!!
CIRQUE DES MASQUES by BECCA STEELE— Ohhhh this is gonna be a good one!! 5⭐️ and counting! LOVE that it’s MM of course! It definitely sucked me in and left me high and dry! I can NOT wait to read what comes next!!! This is a TO BE CONTINUED… story!!
FORBIDDEN NOELLE by CALA RILEY—This is definitely 5⭐️ material! Love when there is a parent involved and the fact it was the ex’s forbidden little sister is even better for my deranged brain! I would love for there to be more of them and their story!
BROKEN DOVE by C. LYMARI—This is a TO BE CONTINUED… story!! You have been warned! Cause it will suck you in and make you crave more!!! 5⭐️ for sure and I can’t wait to finish reading about this one!!
HERE STALKS A MONSTER by CL MATTHEWS—5⭐️ twisted, dark, and so good! Stalker vibes! Need more!!
UNHOLY OBSESSIONS by C.M. RADCLIFF—5⭐️ another one that is twisted and dark and so wrong yet so right! I just need more!! Serial killers are a mystery in a way and I need to know what happens next!
CLAIMED by G.N. WRIGHT—Definitely a 5⭐️ read!!! A forbidden “uncle”, age gap, dirty read. More please, I need to know what happens afterwards!
A CRIMSON CAROL by J ROSE—This one I feel would be a good novella with more details and not so rushed. But since that’s not how this works, I would give this a 4⭐️. It’s basically a mafia themed and who doesn’t love a good mafia read!
SINFUL VOWS by LILIAN HARRIS—5⭐️ Kidnapping, mafia, sex club, sex trafficking. Sucks you in and makes you desperate for more!! It is a CONTINUE READING HERE story! I will be making sure I continue this one for sure cause I’m definitely invested!
TROUBLEMAKER by MELINDA TERRANOVA—4⭐️ MM, bad boy, tattoos and piercings, piece of you know what uncle, and d-bag step brother. This story definitely leaves you hanging and doesn’t say anything about being continued but I REALLY hope that is NOT the case cause it started off soooo good!!
VIOLENT NIGHT by RACHEL LEIGH— 4⭐️ Secret society, life of death choices, and best of all RH! However once again it is clear that it is basically the beginning of a book that has to be continued! It obviously has great potential!
TWISTED OBSESSION by S. MASSERY—5⭐️ College, hockey, crush on professor, taboo, stalkers (yes more than one) and things that are just not right but my brain don’t understand that! And then to leave me hanging like that and not say if it’s to be continued! Umm PLEASE tell me it will be continued!!!!
SLEIGH by STEPH MACCA—4⭐️ Santa/“stepbrother”, Bahamas, “what happens in the Bahamas, stays in the Bahamas".
Overall this is a good combination of dark, wrong yet oh so right, taboo, mysterious, serial killers, age gaps, dads best friend, “uncle”, “stepbrother”, mafia, stalkers, professor/student, MM, bad boy, college secret societies, RH, single parent, ex in law, blind, and so much more with some cliffhangers/to be continued reads all in one book! It literally gives you a little bit of everything all in one! Definitely a good anthology!!
November 28, 2022
Books read from this anthology:
•Cirques Des Masques by Becca Steele
•Broken Dove by C.Lymari
•Forbidden Noelle by Cala Riley
Cirques Des Masques-Becca Steele
This book! Gah! I love this new world that Becca has created. It’s slightly darker than what she normally writes and I was here for every single minute of it! I need more because I was absolutely hooked by this MM circus romance. Deadly, depraved and dangerous, Becca managed to make me so excited about a world in just a few chapters. There are also some new characters I wouldn’t mind getting to know! 👀
Broken Dove-C.Lymari
Broken Dove is set in the world of C.Lymari’s hit dark romance Swan Song! I love seeing some disability representation in romance books! C.Lymari has me fully hooked with this plot and I’m going to need more asap! Her descriptions were beautiful and made me picture everything so clearly. Broken Dove is a dark romance with triggers.
Forbidden Noelle-Cala Riley
Cala Riley aren’t really known for their forbidden romances so I was blown away when I read Forbidden Noelle. They bought the taboo with this story. Ex wives baby sister anyone? Age gap? Sign me up! A private club that you’re ex-sister in law shouldn’t be frequenting because you most definitely shouldn’t be seeing her in that position. Oh go on then!
Cala Riley bought all the tropes I love when you hear forbidden! Spicy and addicting, Forbidden Noelle is exactly the sort of Christmas romance I want to be reading this holiday.
•Cirques Des Masques by Becca Steele
•Broken Dove by C.Lymari
•Forbidden Noelle by Cala Riley
Cirques Des Masques-Becca Steele
This book! Gah! I love this new world that Becca has created. It’s slightly darker than what she normally writes and I was here for every single minute of it! I need more because I was absolutely hooked by this MM circus romance. Deadly, depraved and dangerous, Becca managed to make me so excited about a world in just a few chapters. There are also some new characters I wouldn’t mind getting to know! 👀
Broken Dove-C.Lymari
Broken Dove is set in the world of C.Lymari’s hit dark romance Swan Song! I love seeing some disability representation in romance books! C.Lymari has me fully hooked with this plot and I’m going to need more asap! Her descriptions were beautiful and made me picture everything so clearly. Broken Dove is a dark romance with triggers.
Forbidden Noelle-Cala Riley
Cala Riley aren’t really known for their forbidden romances so I was blown away when I read Forbidden Noelle. They bought the taboo with this story. Ex wives baby sister anyone? Age gap? Sign me up! A private club that you’re ex-sister in law shouldn’t be frequenting because you most definitely shouldn’t be seeing her in that position. Oh go on then!
Cala Riley bought all the tropes I love when you hear forbidden! Spicy and addicting, Forbidden Noelle is exactly the sort of Christmas romance I want to be reading this holiday.
March 9, 2023
These anthologies can be such a mixed bag. This one definitely had some great stories from authors I love and also some new-to-me authors I can’t wait to read more from!
But egads, between the Wattpad-esque inclusions and the author who names her male main character Rhage *side eyes in JR Ward*, it’s getting harder and harder to spend even the $1-$5 on these.
——
‘Tis The Secret Nights by AR Beck ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a short age gap/father’s best friend romance. Not my thing, but a reminder that every time I read an A.R. Beck story in an anthology, I say I want to read more of their work.
Cirque des Masques by Becca Steele ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow. Not at *all* what I was expecting from Ms. Steele, but now I am super curious about the world.
Forbidden Noelle by Cala Riley ⭐️⭐️
Eh…while I liked the heat between Noelle and Wilder, I *really* didn’t understand the ex-wife wants him back sub-plot. It just reads like unnecessary girl hate, especially when they already set up a valid reason for their divorce.
Broken Dove by C. Lymari ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Interesting. I’m definitely curious enough to add the first book to my TBR to hopefully get more of the backstory.
Here Stalks A Monster by CL Matthews ⭐️
I tend to give a lot of grace when it comes to spelling and grammar errors in anthologies because I know these are often quick writes between books, but this particular story had a lot of errors to the point it was distracting. Add that you were just dropped in, and the story wasn’t that enticing.
Also, I honestly can’t with a character named Rhage. It’s one thing for JR Ward to use it in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series when the nomenclature is well, but for another author to use that same spelling 16 years after Lover Eternal was first published is weird.
Unholy Obsessions by CM Radcliff ⭐️
Okay, I know my last mini-review discussed a lack of editing, but this one was too funny to pass up. The text reads, “I’m Luna f**king (LAST NAME).” I spent a good amount of time trying to figure out if the character didn’t know her own last name before I realized it was a placeholder 🤦🏻♀️
Outside of the two-page info dump at the very end of the story, I don’t feel like I learned anything about these characters other than they liked to kill and have sex. They were flat outside of “zomg so edgy” actions, and I couldn’t get a feel for either one.
Claimed by GN Wright ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Very steamy, just not my jam. The dad’s best friend/step-uncle is just a bit too close for my personal tastes.
A Crimson Carol by J Rose ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
Yeah, so I’m a sucker for Greek boys. This was a short, dark mafia story but a great introduction to a new-to-me author. I am definitely grabbing more books!
Sinful Vows by Lilian Harris ⭐️
This definitely could have used another editing pass, as there were often sentences that didn’t make sense (sometimes due to the wrong word being used, indispensable vs. dispensable, other times because they missed details). Then the level of sarcasm and sass on the first meeting. Dude just discovered you broke into his home, and you just saw him torturing a guy, so now is the time for snappy responses? The writing was so overdone and just meh that I skimmed to the end.
Troublemaker by Melinda Terranova - DNF’d
What in the holy Wattpad did I just read? This was like a middle schooler sketching out a story based on every potential stereotype while throwing every high drama moment at the lack of plot.
Violent Night - Rachel Leigh ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Um…is this I Know What You Did Last Summer - snow version? Yay! This was a fun little interlude to transition us from Scarlett’s story to Riley’s.
I’m looking forward to getting back into the world of the Society *and* getting to see what happens when everyone’s favorite Pollyanna/Guardian finally gets the guy(s).
Twisted Obsession by S. Massery ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wowzer. Definitely not where I thought the story was going. But damn, Jacob was 🔥🔥🔥but like also, book 2 is Steele, and book 3 is Miles… are we ever going to discover Melody’s fate?!?!
Sleigh by Steph Macca ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cute story. A little too “omg coincidence” rather than plot, but it was a fun short.
But egads, between the Wattpad-esque inclusions and the author who names her male main character Rhage *side eyes in JR Ward*, it’s getting harder and harder to spend even the $1-$5 on these.
——
‘Tis The Secret Nights by AR Beck ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a short age gap/father’s best friend romance. Not my thing, but a reminder that every time I read an A.R. Beck story in an anthology, I say I want to read more of their work.
Cirque des Masques by Becca Steele ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow. Not at *all* what I was expecting from Ms. Steele, but now I am super curious about the world.
Forbidden Noelle by Cala Riley ⭐️⭐️
Eh…while I liked the heat between Noelle and Wilder, I *really* didn’t understand the ex-wife wants him back sub-plot. It just reads like unnecessary girl hate, especially when they already set up a valid reason for their divorce.
Broken Dove by C. Lymari ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Interesting. I’m definitely curious enough to add the first book to my TBR to hopefully get more of the backstory.
Here Stalks A Monster by CL Matthews ⭐️
I tend to give a lot of grace when it comes to spelling and grammar errors in anthologies because I know these are often quick writes between books, but this particular story had a lot of errors to the point it was distracting. Add that you were just dropped in, and the story wasn’t that enticing.
Also, I honestly can’t with a character named Rhage. It’s one thing for JR Ward to use it in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series when the nomenclature is well, but for another author to use that same spelling 16 years after Lover Eternal was first published is weird.
Unholy Obsessions by CM Radcliff ⭐️
Okay, I know my last mini-review discussed a lack of editing, but this one was too funny to pass up. The text reads, “I’m Luna f**king (LAST NAME).” I spent a good amount of time trying to figure out if the character didn’t know her own last name before I realized it was a placeholder 🤦🏻♀️
Outside of the two-page info dump at the very end of the story, I don’t feel like I learned anything about these characters other than they liked to kill and have sex. They were flat outside of “zomg so edgy” actions, and I couldn’t get a feel for either one.
Claimed by GN Wright ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Very steamy, just not my jam. The dad’s best friend/step-uncle is just a bit too close for my personal tastes.
A Crimson Carol by J Rose ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
Yeah, so I’m a sucker for Greek boys. This was a short, dark mafia story but a great introduction to a new-to-me author. I am definitely grabbing more books!
Sinful Vows by Lilian Harris ⭐️
This definitely could have used another editing pass, as there were often sentences that didn’t make sense (sometimes due to the wrong word being used, indispensable vs. dispensable, other times because they missed details). Then the level of sarcasm and sass on the first meeting. Dude just discovered you broke into his home, and you just saw him torturing a guy, so now is the time for snappy responses? The writing was so overdone and just meh that I skimmed to the end.
Troublemaker by Melinda Terranova - DNF’d
What in the holy Wattpad did I just read? This was like a middle schooler sketching out a story based on every potential stereotype while throwing every high drama moment at the lack of plot.
Violent Night - Rachel Leigh ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Um…is this I Know What You Did Last Summer - snow version? Yay! This was a fun little interlude to transition us from Scarlett’s story to Riley’s.
I’m looking forward to getting back into the world of the Society *and* getting to see what happens when everyone’s favorite Pollyanna/Guardian finally gets the guy(s).
Twisted Obsession by S. Massery ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wowzer. Definitely not where I thought the story was going. But damn, Jacob was 🔥🔥🔥but like also, book 2 is Steele, and book 3 is Miles… are we ever going to discover Melody’s fate?!?!
Sleigh by Steph Macca ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cute story. A little too “omg coincidence” rather than plot, but it was a fun short.
November 29, 2022
Review for Broken Dove by C.Lymari - 5🌟
I cannot wait for the full length, that short beginning is everything I needed. Enough to have me locked into the story of Summer and her history...I cannot wait for more of this girl. She has amazed me in a few short chapters. The descriptions are a lot more vivid in this, the author has taken care to make sure the reader feels exactly what Summer feels.
Review for Cirque De Masques by Becca Steele - 5🌟
Blew my mind. I cannot wait for the full length story of this clan of scariness. I can already tell its going to be a thrilling, slightly creepy book and I can't wait for every single chapter. I adored Ollie and Dima, even with the short snippet. Their chemistry was insanely amazing.
I cannot wait for the full length, that short beginning is everything I needed. Enough to have me locked into the story of Summer and her history...I cannot wait for more of this girl. She has amazed me in a few short chapters. The descriptions are a lot more vivid in this, the author has taken care to make sure the reader feels exactly what Summer feels.
Review for Cirque De Masques by Becca Steele - 5🌟
Blew my mind. I cannot wait for the full length story of this clan of scariness. I can already tell its going to be a thrilling, slightly creepy book and I can't wait for every single chapter. I adored Ollie and Dima, even with the short snippet. Their chemistry was insanely amazing.
November 30, 2022
Broken Dove by C. Lymari
C. Lymari has taken us back into the same world as Swan Song and I am here for it!
C. Lymari has given us a taste of her upcoming novel, Broken Dove, and I'm beyond hooked already! C. Lymari entranced me with her vividness of everything that was going on. It was as if I felt everything Summer was feeling - the good and the bad.
There is a little teaser in there that makes me believe something but, at the same time, I don't know if it's just me wishfully thinking.
I need the full length novel to be released ASAP because I want the rest of this story so that I can find out all the answers to the questions I have!
I highly suggest this one! (Also, go read Swan Song as well!)
C. Lymari has taken us back into the same world as Swan Song and I am here for it!
C. Lymari has given us a taste of her upcoming novel, Broken Dove, and I'm beyond hooked already! C. Lymari entranced me with her vividness of everything that was going on. It was as if I felt everything Summer was feeling - the good and the bad.
There is a little teaser in there that makes me believe something but, at the same time, I don't know if it's just me wishfully thinking.
I need the full length novel to be released ASAP because I want the rest of this story so that I can find out all the answers to the questions I have!
I highly suggest this one! (Also, go read Swan Song as well!)
November 27, 2023
An anthology of dark romance short or partial stories, with Christmas having something to do with each. I will review below as I read, in the order they appear in the book.
'Tis the Secret Nights (A Father's Best Friend Romance) by A.R. Breck
pages 8-81, 1%-10%
2.5-3 Stars
I love an age gap/father's BFF trope but I didn't really feel the insta-chemistry/heat between this pair, despite the steamy scenes. It also had several inconsistencies and errors that distracted me. I liked that it left it kind of open-ended, so the reader could decide what happened for themselves.
Cirque des Masques by Becca Steele
pages 83-126, 10%-15%
Not Read/Not Included in Rating
This circus-themed MM story has been extensively expanded and republished as a full book since this anthology came out so I going to read it in its newer, full form instead of this partial one.
Forbidden Noelle by Cala Riley
pages 128-196, 15%-25%
3.5 Stars
I dug the slightly taboo relationship of the hero being the heroine's ex-brother-in-law and the age gap, of course. The proper/tepid BDSM didn't do much for me, but I liked the writing style and his daughters being so supportive of their relationship and their HEA in the face of her gross sister/his ex. It also had less errors than the first one I read, though still some.
Broken Dove by C. Lymari
pages 199-274, 25%-34%
Not Read/Not included in Rating
This one is also a partial story in this anthology, one that has been republished as a full book since, so I will read it later in its full form.
Here Stalks a Monster by CL Matthews
pages 276-329, 34%-41%
2 Stars
The start of this one has a note saying it takes place before the start of an already existing, partially finished series that centers on other characters, and that those characters will make appearances in this short. It also says that Soren's (who is the lead in this short) story will make sense in another book, which is not published yet. I should have known right then not to bother reading this but I did anyway. The basic story between the heroine and the "monster" is decent, if predictable, but there is too much about the world that is not explained if you haven't read the other series mentioned in the note, and the other characters are cameos but mean nothing if you don't know who they are, so overall all of that info was extraneous and bogged down the basic story needlessly. It also had 40 outright errors and another 40 poor style/sentence structure choices, and that really got irritating as they added up. It was the first one (that I've read) that had a touch of darkness (minor to my scale) but the negatives outweighed the positives.
Unholy Obsessions by CM Radcliff
pages 331-397, 41%-50%
3.25 Stars
This one is the first I've read that was actually dark, dark in this antho. The leads are psychopath serial killers, and it has graphic violence and a darker tone and bent to the sex scenes. I wasn't necessarily in the mood for that kind of theme when I read it, but I liked that it felt complete and was a cohesive story. It had one glaring error and a few structure issues, but for the most part was a clean read.
Claimed by G.N. Wright
pages 399-449, 50%-57%
2.5 Stars
I liked the taboo nature (step-niece/step-uncle) of this one, and the steamy bits evaluated on their own, but I struggled with all the rest for some reason, and it didn't hold my interest.
A Crimson Carol by J. Rose
pages 451-524, 58%-67%
4 Stars
This has been the best written (and edited) story I've read in the antho so far. A dark-ish mafia second chance MF story, it was a complete short story (albeit with a lack of deep development appropriate to the length) with steam, a tad bit of predictability that didn't change my enjoyment of the story. I will definitely check out this author's full-length books.
Sinful Vows by Lilian Harris
pages 527-592, 67%-76%
Not Read/Not included in Rating
This one has also since been republished as a complete book so I will check it out in that form.
Troublemaker by Melinda Terranova
pages 594-628, 76%-81%
2.5 Stars
I'm not clear on if this was a prequel or just a short story with an open ending; it seems more prequel but it doesn't say at the end. I kind of liked the basic MM stepbrothers story idea but if it is to be a prequel or the start of a full story it needs some re-working for more development and some editing on top of that. It was thirty-ish pages and had about as many outright errors or sentences that were incorrectly structured.
Violent Night by Rachel Leigh
pages 630-665, 82%-86%
Not Read/Not Included in Average Rating
This short features stories from a series by this author that I have not read yet, I will circle back after I read that series.
Twisted Obsession by S. Massery
pages 667-730, 86%-94%
Not Read/Not Included in Average Rating
A prequel to a full length book but also featuring a character that appears in other books in a series first, I will read in order instead of reading this now.
Sleigh by Steph Macca
pages 732-774, 94%-100%
2.5 Stars
First of all, I'm not sure if my copy was cut off or if the author added to this story but it has since been republished on its own with additional chapters, which I read in KU after reading the pages in the antho and seeing the single title on Amazon had more pages than this antho version. This one had some errors, etc, too but not as many as some of the others. It wasn't dark and it wasn't bad really, but I was just bored reading it-despite their purported insta-chemistry I just never felt their connection. It's also one of those step-siblings (almost) who meet as adults (in their thirties!) and the heroine in particular is messed up over that issue and I always just think that is silly, personally. It was more Christmas themed than some of the others considering they meet working as Santa and Mrs. Claus at a photo-with-Santa business. The KU version gives more of a finish than this shortened version in the antho.
Average Rating: 2.84 Stars
'Tis the Secret Nights (A Father's Best Friend Romance) by A.R. Breck
pages 8-81, 1%-10%
2.5-3 Stars
I love an age gap/father's BFF trope but I didn't really feel the insta-chemistry/heat between this pair, despite the steamy scenes. It also had several inconsistencies and errors that distracted me. I liked that it left it kind of open-ended, so the reader could decide what happened for themselves.
Cirque des Masques by Becca Steele
pages 83-126, 10%-15%
Not Read/Not Included in Rating
This circus-themed MM story has been extensively expanded and republished as a full book since this anthology came out so I going to read it in its newer, full form instead of this partial one.
Forbidden Noelle by Cala Riley
pages 128-196, 15%-25%
3.5 Stars
I dug the slightly taboo relationship of the hero being the heroine's ex-brother-in-law and the age gap, of course. The proper/tepid BDSM didn't do much for me, but I liked the writing style and his daughters being so supportive of their relationship and their HEA in the face of her gross sister/his ex. It also had less errors than the first one I read, though still some.
Broken Dove by C. Lymari
pages 199-274, 25%-34%
Not Read/Not included in Rating
This one is also a partial story in this anthology, one that has been republished as a full book since, so I will read it later in its full form.
Here Stalks a Monster by CL Matthews
pages 276-329, 34%-41%
2 Stars
The start of this one has a note saying it takes place before the start of an already existing, partially finished series that centers on other characters, and that those characters will make appearances in this short. It also says that Soren's (who is the lead in this short) story will make sense in another book, which is not published yet. I should have known right then not to bother reading this but I did anyway. The basic story between the heroine and the "monster" is decent, if predictable, but there is too much about the world that is not explained if you haven't read the other series mentioned in the note, and the other characters are cameos but mean nothing if you don't know who they are, so overall all of that info was extraneous and bogged down the basic story needlessly. It also had 40 outright errors and another 40 poor style/sentence structure choices, and that really got irritating as they added up. It was the first one (that I've read) that had a touch of darkness (minor to my scale) but the negatives outweighed the positives.
Unholy Obsessions by CM Radcliff
pages 331-397, 41%-50%
3.25 Stars
This one is the first I've read that was actually dark, dark in this antho. The leads are psychopath serial killers, and it has graphic violence and a darker tone and bent to the sex scenes. I wasn't necessarily in the mood for that kind of theme when I read it, but I liked that it felt complete and was a cohesive story. It had one glaring error and a few structure issues, but for the most part was a clean read.
Claimed by G.N. Wright
pages 399-449, 50%-57%
2.5 Stars
I liked the taboo nature (step-niece/step-uncle) of this one, and the steamy bits evaluated on their own, but I struggled with all the rest for some reason, and it didn't hold my interest.
A Crimson Carol by J. Rose
pages 451-524, 58%-67%
4 Stars
This has been the best written (and edited) story I've read in the antho so far. A dark-ish mafia second chance MF story, it was a complete short story (albeit with a lack of deep development appropriate to the length) with steam, a tad bit of predictability that didn't change my enjoyment of the story. I will definitely check out this author's full-length books.
Sinful Vows by Lilian Harris
pages 527-592, 67%-76%
Not Read/Not included in Rating
This one has also since been republished as a complete book so I will check it out in that form.
Troublemaker by Melinda Terranova
pages 594-628, 76%-81%
2.5 Stars
I'm not clear on if this was a prequel or just a short story with an open ending; it seems more prequel but it doesn't say at the end. I kind of liked the basic MM stepbrothers story idea but if it is to be a prequel or the start of a full story it needs some re-working for more development and some editing on top of that. It was thirty-ish pages and had about as many outright errors or sentences that were incorrectly structured.
Violent Night by Rachel Leigh
pages 630-665, 82%-86%
Not Read/Not Included in Average Rating
This short features stories from a series by this author that I have not read yet, I will circle back after I read that series.
Twisted Obsession by S. Massery
pages 667-730, 86%-94%
Not Read/Not Included in Average Rating
A prequel to a full length book but also featuring a character that appears in other books in a series first, I will read in order instead of reading this now.
Sleigh by Steph Macca
pages 732-774, 94%-100%
2.5 Stars
First of all, I'm not sure if my copy was cut off or if the author added to this story but it has since been republished on its own with additional chapters, which I read in KU after reading the pages in the antho and seeing the single title on Amazon had more pages than this antho version. This one had some errors, etc, too but not as many as some of the others. It wasn't dark and it wasn't bad really, but I was just bored reading it-despite their purported insta-chemistry I just never felt their connection. It's also one of those step-siblings (almost) who meet as adults (in their thirties!) and the heroine in particular is messed up over that issue and I always just think that is silly, personally. It was more Christmas themed than some of the others considering they meet working as Santa and Mrs. Claus at a photo-with-Santa business. The KU version gives more of a finish than this shortened version in the antho.
Average Rating: 2.84 Stars
December 2, 2022
C. Lymari had me so caught up in the start of her Broken Dove story in this anthology! I need more!!!!! The part C. Lymari contributed here will be book 2 of the Dance Of The Dead series. Book 1 was fantastic by the way! Summer is blind from an accident when she was younger. Luke is now the man she’s been given a home with. Summer has secrets that Luke wants and I feel a huge twist coming up that we will get when the full version comes out. I can’t freaking wait! Now I need to read the rest of this anthology!
January 31, 2024
This anthology was dark and everything I needed. All the stories had their different versions of dark and even introduced me to new authors whose stories I really liked.
April 18, 2023
I read the Twisted Obsession story by S. Massery in this anthology. It’s a prequel-ish type novella to a story we’ll be getting later this year I believe.
This is an age-gap (10ish years) teacher/student taboo romance where the teacher is reluctant to get involved with her student both bc she doesn’t want to lose her job but also bc of her past, which we got a glimpse of, but don’t know too much about yet. I loved this story and can’t wait for the full book! These hockey players are just dark and twisted and I’m here for it. But PLEASE check TW below before you read. This one may not be for everyone, but many dark romance lovers will enjoy!
TW: dub-con, somnophilia, forced abduction, domestic abuse (alluded to)
This is an age-gap (10ish years) teacher/student taboo romance where the teacher is reluctant to get involved with her student both bc she doesn’t want to lose her job but also bc of her past, which we got a glimpse of, but don’t know too much about yet. I loved this story and can’t wait for the full book! These hockey players are just dark and twisted and I’m here for it. But PLEASE check TW below before you read. This one may not be for everyone, but many dark romance lovers will enjoy!
TW: dub-con, somnophilia, forced abduction, domestic abuse (alluded to)
December 3, 2022
✨Review for 𝗔 𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗠𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗢𝗟 by: 𝗝. 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲✨
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5⭐️
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 2/3 🌶
I don’t know how to put into words the intensity of the pace of this book. There was never a time where I didn’t want to get to the next page as fast as possible. I consistently felt on edge and in the moment.
“𝙄 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨. “𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣, 𝘼𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙖.”
The complexity of Drake and Athena is mesmerizing. They have so much tension and a lot of things left unsaid that ended up causing a rift between them. I really can't say anything else because I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say- trust the author.
This book was absolutely AMAZING and blew me away! It all came together so naturally and I’m super sad to see it end. I definitely recommend reading it!!
______________
✨Review for 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗥 by: 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮✨
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5⭐️
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 1.5/3 🌶
What. The. Heck. Was that ending?! That cliffhanger was insane 🤯 and I NEED more!
Easton and Asher are brought together for this intense, sexy, and hot as heck short read. I need to know what happens next as I’m left with so many questions.
Just please make sure to check the trigger warning. This story is DARK and filled with triggers. It’s definitely not for the faint of the heart.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5⭐️
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 2/3 🌶
I don’t know how to put into words the intensity of the pace of this book. There was never a time where I didn’t want to get to the next page as fast as possible. I consistently felt on edge and in the moment.
“𝙄 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨. “𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣, 𝘼𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙖.”
The complexity of Drake and Athena is mesmerizing. They have so much tension and a lot of things left unsaid that ended up causing a rift between them. I really can't say anything else because I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say- trust the author.
This book was absolutely AMAZING and blew me away! It all came together so naturally and I’m super sad to see it end. I definitely recommend reading it!!
______________
✨Review for 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗥 by: 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮✨
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5⭐️
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 1.5/3 🌶
What. The. Heck. Was that ending?! That cliffhanger was insane 🤯 and I NEED more!
Easton and Asher are brought together for this intense, sexy, and hot as heck short read. I need to know what happens next as I’m left with so many questions.
Just please make sure to check the trigger warning. This story is DARK and filled with triggers. It’s definitely not for the faint of the heart.
December 3, 2022
Review for Claimed by GN Wright
I've had the worst slump and short smutty reads for me are as entertaining as a burning orphanage. But dude, like, fucking DUDE. If you read Tainted Crown, then you KNOW this author has it in her to bring the goddamn STEAM in novellas. This was only 8 goddamn chapters and holy hell, that devilish whore knows how to grab you by the cunt!
You got the college age Lolita named Mila, spending time at home for xmas and then there's Reid, her uncle, not blood, just her father's massively, tattooed, bearded step brother. Holy shit. The chemistry was off the fucking charts.
Mila had no damn qualms in tempting Reid. Imagine washing machine, backseat and dark corners. Imagine ribbons, sweet treats, belts and “You’re so fucking pretty with a mouth full of cock.” and fucking hell, you got yourself a winner that you'll be reading over and over again. You're going to wanna scream at your stacked washer and dryer, your candycanes and swear that the red ribbons decorating your place are out to get you. This will cover your ho, ho, HOE needs this season. Pick this up. Pick it up NOW.
I've had the worst slump and short smutty reads for me are as entertaining as a burning orphanage. But dude, like, fucking DUDE. If you read Tainted Crown, then you KNOW this author has it in her to bring the goddamn STEAM in novellas. This was only 8 goddamn chapters and holy hell, that devilish whore knows how to grab you by the cunt!
You got the college age Lolita named Mila, spending time at home for xmas and then there's Reid, her uncle, not blood, just her father's massively, tattooed, bearded step brother. Holy shit. The chemistry was off the fucking charts.
Mila had no damn qualms in tempting Reid. Imagine washing machine, backseat and dark corners. Imagine ribbons, sweet treats, belts and “You’re so fucking pretty with a mouth full of cock.” and fucking hell, you got yourself a winner that you'll be reading over and over again. You're going to wanna scream at your stacked washer and dryer, your candycanes and swear that the red ribbons decorating your place are out to get you. This will cover your ho, ho, HOE needs this season. Pick this up. Pick it up NOW.
November 29, 2022
****ARC Review of A Crimson Carol within this anthology****
There is nothing better than a good mafia Christmas romance mixed in with some bloodshed, strong heroine and spice…and J Rose completely nailed it.
Athena lives up to her name - not only is the woman a trained killer, she is also a trained doctor. I love her take no crap personality and seeing her flip from caretaker to life ender.
Drake is a force to be reckoned with. He’s dark and will go to great lengths to get the love of his life back by his side.
This may be a short story, but this talented author packs more than just one punch with it. It has twists I wasn’t expecting, characters that I love and such a perfect ending that I flipped right back to the beginning just to experience again.
There is nothing better than a good mafia Christmas romance mixed in with some bloodshed, strong heroine and spice…and J Rose completely nailed it.
Athena lives up to her name - not only is the woman a trained killer, she is also a trained doctor. I love her take no crap personality and seeing her flip from caretaker to life ender.
Drake is a force to be reckoned with. He’s dark and will go to great lengths to get the love of his life back by his side.
This may be a short story, but this talented author packs more than just one punch with it. It has twists I wasn’t expecting, characters that I love and such a perfect ending that I flipped right back to the beginning just to experience again.
Read
January 8, 2023**Forbidden Noelle**
I enjoyed it and I know it’s part of an anthology, but I still wish it was longer for more character and plot development. Or I wish they took something out of the story to allow for more development in other parts. Maybe remove the jealous Master Raven bc that plot line went no where.
— sisters ex husband trope
— light bdsm kink
— 3/5 ⭐️ (if it it was full length I could see myself bumping that up to a 4 or 5)
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
**Unholy Obsessions**
I DNF’d it — serial killer romance. Too dark for me.
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
OTHER STORY RTC
I enjoyed it and I know it’s part of an anthology, but I still wish it was longer for more character and plot development. Or I wish they took something out of the story to allow for more development in other parts. Maybe remove the jealous Master Raven bc that plot line went no where.
— sisters ex husband trope
— light bdsm kink
— 3/5 ⭐️ (if it it was full length I could see myself bumping that up to a 4 or 5)
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
**Unholy Obsessions**
I DNF’d it — serial killer romance. Too dark for me.
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
OTHER STORY RTC
December 4, 2022
I have read Cirque Des Masques by Becca Steele in this collection and oh my, I need more. This short story is dark, twisted, but filled with enough steaminess to make you melt. Dima and Ollie take us on a twisted adventure that will have you on the edge of your seats and wanting more by the end! I can’t wait to read the other stories in this collection!
Want to Read
December 16, 2022Read - Violent Night by Rachel Leigh (3.5-stars)
Read
December 9, 2022Tis the Secret Nights- A.R. Breck- 1 star
This one just wasn't my cup of tea which was a bummer because the tropes are age gap and dad's best friend and I love both of those so I was expecting to love this one. I just couldn't get invested in the plot.
Cirques des Masques- Becca Steele- 2 stars
Forbidden Noelle- Cala Riley- 1 star
Broken Dove- C. Lymari-5 stars
I thought the writing style for this one was really beautiful. I can't wait for the full length novel to come out in March. This short story is connected to one of her other books called Swan Song so I need to read that one now.
Here Stalks A Monster- CL Matthews- 3 stars
I thought this one was just okay for it being a short story but I don't think I'm interested in reading the series that this story is connected too. I just feel like that series isn't for me.
Unholy Obsessions- C.M. Radcliff- 2 stars
I enjoyed the writing style but this short story had a lot of triggers that affected me and I think that affected my enjoyment for the story because I didn't really know what I was getting into with this one.
Claimed- G.N. Wright- 2 stars
A Crimson Carol- J. Rose- 5 stars
I will read anything that J. Rose writes. After reading the Twisted Heathens series this year and becoming obsessed with that series she has become one of my favorite authors.
Sinful Vows- Lilian Harris- 5 Stars
I can't wait to read more from this world when the full length novel comes out in January.
Troublemaker- Melinda Terranova- 2 stars
Violent Night- Rachel Leigh- 2 stars
Twisted Obsession- S. Massery- 1 star
Sleigh- Steph Macca- 3 stars
This one just wasn't my cup of tea which was a bummer because the tropes are age gap and dad's best friend and I love both of those so I was expecting to love this one. I just couldn't get invested in the plot.
Cirques des Masques- Becca Steele- 2 stars
Forbidden Noelle- Cala Riley- 1 star
Broken Dove- C. Lymari-5 stars
I thought the writing style for this one was really beautiful. I can't wait for the full length novel to come out in March. This short story is connected to one of her other books called Swan Song so I need to read that one now.
Here Stalks A Monster- CL Matthews- 3 stars
I thought this one was just okay for it being a short story but I don't think I'm interested in reading the series that this story is connected too. I just feel like that series isn't for me.
Unholy Obsessions- C.M. Radcliff- 2 stars
I enjoyed the writing style but this short story had a lot of triggers that affected me and I think that affected my enjoyment for the story because I didn't really know what I was getting into with this one.
Claimed- G.N. Wright- 2 stars
A Crimson Carol- J. Rose- 5 stars
I will read anything that J. Rose writes. After reading the Twisted Heathens series this year and becoming obsessed with that series she has become one of my favorite authors.
Sinful Vows- Lilian Harris- 5 Stars
I can't wait to read more from this world when the full length novel comes out in January.
Troublemaker- Melinda Terranova- 2 stars
Violent Night- Rachel Leigh- 2 stars
Twisted Obsession- S. Massery- 1 star
Sleigh- Steph Macca- 3 stars
July 6, 2023
I just read three of them since there were only two m/m stories and I gave one m/f a try because it was the first; and I thought oh, well it won't kill me to try one, I did just read a very lengthy book from a girl's perspective the entire time and I loved that— that however was because I like that author's work not because of anything else.
'Tis The Secret Night, rating is between a high three and a mid four.
This one quote might, taken without context, sound so incredibly wrong:
— Nonetheless I really liked the short story. Wilder and Cleo weren't irritating together; they weren't boring together; and it felt like they actually cared for each, and given their circumstances as (step...foster? it's been close to two months from when I read it so I forgot the specifics here)uncle/niece so that's understandable! But for the first like two chapters, probably because I barely paid attention until I started to like them, I was really uncomfortable because I missed the part that said they weren't actually related Besides that little thing that's entirely my problem it was good. I would even go so far as to say I won't mind an expansion of the two.
Cirque des Masques, revised rating is about a mid three to low four
Already wrote the review for the full length, and since the seven chapters here are the exact ones in the full length I don't want to talk about it again. I think I read the book first, and then came here actually...timelines wonky.
Troublemaker, rating is the highest of high fives
To be honest I'm kind of sad that there's no actual news on whether this is going to be a full length novel. It's right up my alley. Stepbrothers— actual ones because so many with the trope are actually adopted brothers or somehow pretend they're adopted when really neither parent formally adopted the other and it's even on paper not that (mild) taboo and there's like no real tension between the main characters or really anything beyond the fact that their parents are married to each other and they live in the same house which is basically what Collided is probably going to be like which is why I'm confused as to why I'm going to give that a five because I'm still a sucker for the trope regardless of the semantics.
That was an entire run-on sentence, but I am okay with that. I do really hope the author goes back to the characters because I want to see more between Easton and Asher— maybe even Asher supporting Easton in getting his sister out the bad situation Easton used to be in.
___________________
Collective rating from my opinions of what I did read I give the book a four. I waited so long to review it because I thought I might go back for the remaining stories but that's...not happening. Especially with Lightbringer in just two and half weeks, and that's commanding all my book attention with scrapping however many chapters of Throne of Glass in-between now and then..
'Tis The Secret Night, rating is between a high three and a mid four.
This one quote might, taken without context, sound so incredibly wrong:
I want to push on her head and make her shrink until she's twelve again.
— Nonetheless I really liked the short story. Wilder and Cleo weren't irritating together; they weren't boring together; and it felt like they actually cared for each, and given their circumstances as (step...foster? it's been close to two months from when I read it so I forgot the specifics here)uncle/niece so that's understandable! But for the first like two chapters, probably because I barely paid attention until I started to like them, I was really uncomfortable because I missed the part that said they weren't actually related Besides that little thing that's entirely my problem it was good. I would even go so far as to say I won't mind an expansion of the two.
Cirque des Masques, revised rating is about a mid three to low four
Already wrote the review for the full length, and since the seven chapters here are the exact ones in the full length I don't want to talk about it again. I think I read the book first, and then came here actually...timelines wonky.
Troublemaker, rating is the highest of high fives
To be honest I'm kind of sad that there's no actual news on whether this is going to be a full length novel. It's right up my alley. Stepbrothers— actual ones because so many with the trope are actually adopted brothers or somehow pretend they're adopted when really neither parent formally adopted the other and it's even on paper not that (mild) taboo and there's like no real tension between the main characters or really anything beyond the fact that their parents are married to each other and they live in the same house which is basically what Collided is probably going to be like which is why I'm confused as to why I'm going to give that a five because I'm still a sucker for the trope regardless of the semantics.
That was an entire run-on sentence, but I am okay with that. I do really hope the author goes back to the characters because I want to see more between Easton and Asher— maybe even Asher supporting Easton in getting his sister out the bad situation Easton used to be in.
___________________
Collective rating from my opinions of what I did read I give the book a four. I waited so long to review it because I thought I might go back for the remaining stories but that's...not happening. Especially with Lightbringer in just two and half weeks, and that's commanding all my book attention with scrapping however many chapters of Throne of Glass in-between now and then..
December 4, 2022
The Silent Night anthology Is a wonderful collection of thirteen dark and delicious, forbidden and taboo stories from some of the best authors around and is a fun twisted ride deep into the darkness! If you’re a fan of bloody, twisted, psychotic hero’s and heroines then this is the one for you!
Cirque des Masques by Becca Steele gives us a brief glimpse into some new dark and twisted characters by Steele and I cannot wait for the full version to come! If you’re a fan of MM and dark and twisted alpha males then this is the one for you as Dime and Ollie don’t mess around! These guys are freakishly intriguing and Their story is unbelievably hot and I just need more, more, more of them and the rest of their cast of crew!
And if MM is your thing then Troublemaker by Melenda Terranova was another delicious novella you need to read stat!
Broken Dove C. Lymari was yet again another fabulously dark and oh so intriguing and tempting ride that is sure to please any Lymari fan and leave you begging for more to come! Summer and Luke are both equally mysterious and full of secrets and boy is their chemistry off the charts! With a pas full of tragedy, Our heroine Summer is essentially just trying to survive in a world full of pain and numbness from her past. That is until a new caretaker, enters her life and everything starts to change. Luke meanwhile is on a mission of revenge and tries to resist the temptation. But the question is…can he? ;)
And a Crimson Carol by J. Rose is yet another intense and fabulously dark ride and you’re going to want to immerse yourself in the world of Drake and Athena asap! The angst and tension burns strong between these two and is utterly captivating!
Overall this collection is a definite must read and I cannot wait for the full stories to come of some of these asap!!! If you love twisted dark rides packed full of yummy characters, intriguing plots and storylines that grab a hold of you tightly—this is the anthology for you!
Cirque des Masques by Becca Steele gives us a brief glimpse into some new dark and twisted characters by Steele and I cannot wait for the full version to come! If you’re a fan of MM and dark and twisted alpha males then this is the one for you as Dime and Ollie don’t mess around! These guys are freakishly intriguing and Their story is unbelievably hot and I just need more, more, more of them and the rest of their cast of crew!
And if MM is your thing then Troublemaker by Melenda Terranova was another delicious novella you need to read stat!
Broken Dove C. Lymari was yet again another fabulously dark and oh so intriguing and tempting ride that is sure to please any Lymari fan and leave you begging for more to come! Summer and Luke are both equally mysterious and full of secrets and boy is their chemistry off the charts! With a pas full of tragedy, Our heroine Summer is essentially just trying to survive in a world full of pain and numbness from her past. That is until a new caretaker, enters her life and everything starts to change. Luke meanwhile is on a mission of revenge and tries to resist the temptation. But the question is…can he? ;)
And a Crimson Carol by J. Rose is yet another intense and fabulously dark ride and you’re going to want to immerse yourself in the world of Drake and Athena asap! The angst and tension burns strong between these two and is utterly captivating!
Overall this collection is a definite must read and I cannot wait for the full stories to come of some of these asap!!! If you love twisted dark rides packed full of yummy characters, intriguing plots and storylines that grab a hold of you tightly—this is the anthology for you!
February 22, 2023
Reading all the stories took me quite a while, but I enjoyed most of them! There were a few misses but overall, there was a bit of everything in there and I added several books from the featured authors to my TBR. Here are some thoughts on the individual stories:
Cirque des Masques 4 stars
This was the reason for buying the book and it did not disappoint! I feel like the market for dark MM is a bit small and I really love Becca Steele's writing style. Also, I love a good creepy circus setting, so I will read the full-length novel when it's out.
Troublemaker 2 stars
MM stepbrother, the story wasn't my thing overall. The punctuation mistakes and typos annoyed me a lot.
Broken Dove 5 stars
Amazing. Is it even possible to create that depth (characters and plot!) in 11 chapters?
Unholy Obsession 2 stars
Way too dark for me. They are both serial killers and cruel and creepy. The writing style is fine, but "sinister" and "violent and volatile" is repeated too often.
Violent Night 4 stars
Loved it. I've only read one RH before - which I hated - but I feel like I could really enjoy this one in full length. I'm not 100% sure but I think it will be continued.
Sinful Vows 4 stars
I'm intrigued, but I think it might get a bit too dark for me (there's torture in it). The full novel is already out.
Tis the secret nights 1 star
This was a reminder of why I hate Dad's Best Friend. Too much smut as in nothing but smut and no connection at all.
Here Stalks A Monster 4 stars
Claimed 1 star
This annoyed me badly. Some weird forbidden almost-uncle situation.
A Crimson Carol 3 stars
Forbidden Noelle 3.5 stars
Sleigh maybe 3 stars?
Twisted Obsession 4 stars
Cirque des Masques 4 stars
This was the reason for buying the book and it did not disappoint! I feel like the market for dark MM is a bit small and I really love Becca Steele's writing style. Also, I love a good creepy circus setting, so I will read the full-length novel when it's out.
Troublemaker 2 stars
MM stepbrother, the story wasn't my thing overall. The punctuation mistakes and typos annoyed me a lot.
Broken Dove 5 stars
Amazing. Is it even possible to create that depth (characters and plot!) in 11 chapters?
Unholy Obsession 2 stars
Way too dark for me. They are both serial killers and cruel and creepy. The writing style is fine, but "sinister" and "violent and volatile" is repeated too often.
Violent Night 4 stars
Loved it. I've only read one RH before - which I hated - but I feel like I could really enjoy this one in full length. I'm not 100% sure but I think it will be continued.
Sinful Vows 4 stars
I'm intrigued, but I think it might get a bit too dark for me (there's torture in it). The full novel is already out.
Tis the secret nights 1 star
This was a reminder of why I hate Dad's Best Friend. Too much smut as in nothing but smut and no connection at all.
Here Stalks A Monster 4 stars
Claimed 1 star
This annoyed me badly. Some weird forbidden almost-uncle situation.
A Crimson Carol 3 stars
Forbidden Noelle 3.5 stars
Sleigh maybe 3 stars?
Twisted Obsession 4 stars
December 2, 2022
Broken Dove by C. Lymari
5 ⭐️
Broken Dove by C. Lymari, although a Standalone is set in the same world as her Dark Romance Swan Song.
This short teaser reeled me right into Summer and Luke’s story, devouring it all in one go.
From the chapters we were presented with, Claudia was able to set up the start of a hauntingly beautiful, Dark Romance with very vivid and intricate descriptions that allowed for the narrative to come to life by playing in your head like a movie.
With two complete opposite individual characters like Summer and Luke, there was no way you couldn’t be intrigued and captivated by them.
Particularly Summer, given her disability that made her a unique and non-traditional female lead.
Honest to lawd just like Swan Song, Broken Dove had me falling in love despite it not even being the full story.
Safe to say next year could not come fast enough! C. Lymari has me already ready to read the complete full length novel Broken Dove now!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
5 ⭐️
Broken Dove by C. Lymari, although a Standalone is set in the same world as her Dark Romance Swan Song.
This short teaser reeled me right into Summer and Luke’s story, devouring it all in one go.
From the chapters we were presented with, Claudia was able to set up the start of a hauntingly beautiful, Dark Romance with very vivid and intricate descriptions that allowed for the narrative to come to life by playing in your head like a movie.
With two complete opposite individual characters like Summer and Luke, there was no way you couldn’t be intrigued and captivated by them.
Particularly Summer, given her disability that made her a unique and non-traditional female lead.
Honest to lawd just like Swan Song, Broken Dove had me falling in love despite it not even being the full story.
Safe to say next year could not come fast enough! C. Lymari has me already ready to read the complete full length novel Broken Dove now!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2022
This is a review for Troublemaker by Melinda Terranova in the Anthology.
OMG so hot and that cliffhanger ending. Easton, our misunderstood MC that's a pierced and tattooed bad boy and his stepbrother, Asher, sports captain jock that's super deep in the closet but can't hide his desire for Easton. Big enemies-to-lovers vibes, high school bully romance, triggers like mentions of past childhood sexual assault, violence, bullying, and more. Please read the full list of triggers before proceeding.
This was way too short. I need more of Easton and Asher and how they'll overcome their problems. All the parents mentioned seem awful and the school adults don't seem any better. Hoping to read the expanded version in the future soon. Ughhh that cliffhanger set-up, wow, breaks my heart seeing all the sh*t Easton gets accused of.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the author.
OMG so hot and that cliffhanger ending. Easton, our misunderstood MC that's a pierced and tattooed bad boy and his stepbrother, Asher, sports captain jock that's super deep in the closet but can't hide his desire for Easton. Big enemies-to-lovers vibes, high school bully romance, triggers like mentions of past childhood sexual assault, violence, bullying, and more. Please read the full list of triggers before proceeding.
This was way too short. I need more of Easton and Asher and how they'll overcome their problems. All the parents mentioned seem awful and the school adults don't seem any better. Hoping to read the expanded version in the future soon. Ughhh that cliffhanger set-up, wow, breaks my heart seeing all the sh*t Easton gets accused of.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the author.
December 2, 2022
Silent Night is a dark romance anthology featuring stories from authors C. Lymari, A.R. Breck, Becca Steele, Cala Riley, C.L. Matthews, C.M. Radcliff, G.N. Wright, J. Rose, Lilian Harris, Melinda Terranova, Rachel Leigh, S. Massery, Steph Macca, Veronica Eden
———————
Cirque de Masques by Becca Steele
As part of their reading team I was provided an ARC for Becca Steele's story Cirque de Masques.
It's twisted, depraved and dark teaser of a new world. This is darker than most of Becca's usual writing, but it's fantastic nonetheless. A dark MM circus read, how could I don't love this!
———————
Violent Night By Rachel Leigh
I will take any excuse to dive back into he world of the Bastards of Boulder and I really hope this little teaser of the Christmas party is a sign of what might be to come. Another series following Scar & the boys again!
———————
I'll be updating my review when i've read further stories in the anthology
———————
Cirque de Masques by Becca Steele
As part of their reading team I was provided an ARC for Becca Steele's story Cirque de Masques.
It's twisted, depraved and dark teaser of a new world. This is darker than most of Becca's usual writing, but it's fantastic nonetheless. A dark MM circus read, how could I don't love this!
———————
Violent Night By Rachel Leigh
I will take any excuse to dive back into he world of the Bastards of Boulder and I really hope this little teaser of the Christmas party is a sign of what might be to come. Another series following Scar & the boys again!
———————
I'll be updating my review when i've read further stories in the anthology
December 2, 2022
Cirque-Des-Masques By Becca Steele.
Characters: Ollie and Dima
Ollie has survived more than most has had to in his young, so being chased by the blood thirsty clown is no big deal.
If he could just make it to him, the beautiful, haunting man from the bar last night, Dima, he will be alright.
Did I know this story was just the tip for Ollie and Dima before I read it? Yes
Was I still sad to see the last word? Yes
When this is story is expanded will I read it? Heck yes.
Did this story make me buy the whole anthology? Yes
I adore Becca's writing, I have not found a full-blown story, short little teaser, or a project she co-wrote on that I have not loved. I cannot wait to find out more about Ollie, Dima and the whole Circus of Mask.
If the rest of the stories found within these pages are anything like this one, we are all in for on hauntingly, steamy, and wonderful holiday reads.
Characters: Ollie and Dima
Ollie has survived more than most has had to in his young, so being chased by the blood thirsty clown is no big deal.
If he could just make it to him, the beautiful, haunting man from the bar last night, Dima, he will be alright.
Did I know this story was just the tip for Ollie and Dima before I read it? Yes
Was I still sad to see the last word? Yes
When this is story is expanded will I read it? Heck yes.
Did this story make me buy the whole anthology? Yes
I adore Becca's writing, I have not found a full-blown story, short little teaser, or a project she co-wrote on that I have not loved. I cannot wait to find out more about Ollie, Dima and the whole Circus of Mask.
If the rest of the stories found within these pages are anything like this one, we are all in for on hauntingly, steamy, and wonderful holiday reads.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews