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Doomsday Brethren #1
Tempt Me with Darkness
I hate her as much as I can’t live without her.
Marrok
I’ve been cursed, and I’m out for revenge. I’ll do anything to end my damnation, including kidnap an innocent with telling violet eyes.
For a thousand years I’ve been an immortal recluse. Suddenly, I’m tortured by filthy dreams that leave me craving my captive. Worse, once I lay rough hands on her soft skin, I demand things from her I shouldn’t. I feel things beyond the hatred that has consumed me.
Protectiveness.
Possessiveness.
And a hunger more demanding than any vengeance.
***
Olivia
The second I meet Marrok, my heart stutters. My world stops. I’m drawn to the brash stranger, until…
He abducts me.
He vows to slake fifteen centuries of lust on me.
He demands I uncurse him, or he’ll kill me.
We should never have met. We’re enemies. Fate makes us lovers. Magic decrees us mates, unlocking secrets and unleashing a dark, paranormal power determined to burn down the world. Unless we band together, we’re doomed.
Marrok
I’ve been cursed, and I’m out for revenge. I’ll do anything to end my damnation, including kidnap an innocent with telling violet eyes.
For a thousand years I’ve been an immortal recluse. Suddenly, I’m tortured by filthy dreams that leave me craving my captive. Worse, once I lay rough hands on her soft skin, I demand things from her I shouldn’t. I feel things beyond the hatred that has consumed me.
Protectiveness.
Possessiveness.
And a hunger more demanding than any vengeance.
***
Olivia
The second I meet Marrok, my heart stutters. My world stops. I’m drawn to the brash stranger, until…
He abducts me.
He vows to slake fifteen centuries of lust on me.
He demands I uncurse him, or he’ll kill me.
We should never have met. We’re enemies. Fate makes us lovers. Magic decrees us mates, unlocking secrets and unleashing a dark, paranormal power determined to burn down the world. Unless we band together, we’re doomed.
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2008
206 people are currently reading
6080 people want to read
About the author
Shayla Black
150 books9,994 followersShayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.
As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.
Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.
Follow me on Facebook: http://shayla.link/FBPage
Join me in my Book Beauties group for weekly LIVE chats: http://shayla.link/FBChat
As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.
Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.
Follow me on Facebook: http://shayla.link/FBPage
Join me in my Book Beauties group for weekly LIVE chats: http://shayla.link/FBChat
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 381 reviews
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March 22, 20150 stars - DNF shelved.
I’m not going to rate this book because I simply couldn’t bring myself to finish it and maybe it would have gotten better, but by about 1/3-1/2 of the way through, I couldn’t take anymore.
What was it that didn’t work, you ask? Well, I love tormented heroes. Cursed, scarred, broken hearted, so defeated they’ve given up… I can’t get enough of them! And Marrok was definitely all those things, so this story should have been right up my alley. The problem for me was in the story itself. Here’s the blurb –
He's an immortal knight hungering for satisfaction....
As soon as Marrok sees Olivia Gray's dark windswept hair and burning violet eyes, he's sure they've met in eons past. He's felt her soft gentle curves writhing in pleasure beneath his own hard powerful body...Morganna! For centuries, towering Marrok, once the mightiest of King Arthur's warriors, has endured a terrible curse cast upon him when he spurned the witch.
She's a modern woman about to discover ancient magic....
Olivia shares a mystical — and irresistible — connection with brooding Marrok. Soon after the sexy warrior appears in her erotic dreams, he abducts her, demanding she uncurse him. Their intense passion is more powerful — and intimate — than either of them has ever known. Olivia may be the key to unlocking the diary that will break Morganna's hold on his life. But in the wrong hands, the book also holds the power to destroy all magickind. As they search for answers, a ruthless wizard returned from exile is building an army of evil. When he discovers Marrok and Olivia have the diary, only their love — with the help of a powerful group of magical Brethren — can save them.
Now, I love a good steamy book as much as the next person, the steamier the better, in fact. That said, I need a believable plot to go with said steam, otherwise it’s just a sticky, humid mess. And yes, that’s what it felt like to me. It didn’t grab me, it didn’t even give me a gentle nudge, and I wasn’t at all invested in the characters.
I freely admit that it might have just been bad timing, or maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for this type of story, because based on overall ratings, this should have been a winner. Someday I’ll give it another try, and hopefully finish it.
September 21, 2008
A dark and sexy immortal knight from the time of King Arthur!! "Tempt Me with Darkness" is the first novel in Shayla Black's new 'Doomsday Brethren' series and if her next one is as good as this one, I can't wait!
Cursed by Morganna le Fay for spurning her, Marrok has been unable to achieve orgasm for over a thousand years. He can tup all night long, but never quite 'get there'. After 1500 years, he thought all anger, grief and emotion were burned out of him until he meets Morganna's only surviving descendant, Olivia. He doesn't dare trust her, she IS a le Fay after all. But when their attraction flares out of control, and they bond, they literally can't exist without each other. But now they have a horde of bad guys with magic on their tail and after the le Fay Doomsday Book. If they don't learn to trust each other, they'll both die...along with most of humanity.
I've enjoyed Shayla Black's contemporaries (even when she writes as Shelley Bradley), so I was interested to see what she would come up with in her foray into the paranormal world. I am not disappointed!! Hot heroes, hot sex, bad guys, good guys, and lots more characters for her to write about...YIPPEE!
Cursed by Morganna le Fay for spurning her, Marrok has been unable to achieve orgasm for over a thousand years. He can tup all night long, but never quite 'get there'. After 1500 years, he thought all anger, grief and emotion were burned out of him until he meets Morganna's only surviving descendant, Olivia. He doesn't dare trust her, she IS a le Fay after all. But when their attraction flares out of control, and they bond, they literally can't exist without each other. But now they have a horde of bad guys with magic on their tail and after the le Fay Doomsday Book. If they don't learn to trust each other, they'll both die...along with most of humanity.
I've enjoyed Shayla Black's contemporaries (even when she writes as Shelley Bradley), so I was interested to see what she would come up with in her foray into the paranormal world. I am not disappointed!! Hot heroes, hot sex, bad guys, good guys, and lots more characters for her to write about...YIPPEE!
July 8, 2012
1.5*
I had hopes for this... It wasn't meant to be...
Random.rg, why did you do this to meeeee??
This sums up all the characters in this book.
I made notes on it and I am too lazy to write a proper review so I'll paste everything here :))
-The start would make Anzu burn this :))
-"prime male" what 21st Century woman says that?
-"He had answered her Mating Call." cringing
-I like this world, curing fever with sex. How cool is that?
NOTE TO SELF: Find out if it works with headaches
-"zounds"?! Are we in Scooby Doo now?! I see no Velma around though.
-"When he pushed in once more and felt the mouth of her womb" if I read another.... thing(can't name it anything else) like this one I'm out!
-"He’d given her every bit of vigor he could scrape together, every touch his screaming muscles could give. And he had surrendered a part of himself he’d never given another.
Had it been enough to help her?" Sex, the ultimate healer!
Such a great motto, I think I'll go and bang my head on something very, very hard, maybe a marble tabletop or smth even harder.
-“What is going on?” She tensed. Her stare demanded answers. “How did we get…here?”
“You were so ill, I feared you would die.”
“So you had sex with me? Damn, my head hurts. Wait!” She tensed.
At lest they aren't allcomplete idiots :))
-All this 'medieval' talk gives me a headache(ie: methkins, wench, 'tis). You'd think d dude who lived in the world for all those 1500 years, not sleeping, in a coma, stasis whatever, would have accliated with the time[If I were to roll my eyes even more they would get blocked like that.].
-I really am pushing myself with this book.
-TSTL heroine after all
-"magical warrior" laaa-ame!
I had hopes for this... It wasn't meant to be...
Random.rg, why did you do this to meeeee??
This sums up all the characters in this book.
I made notes on it and I am too lazy to write a proper review so I'll paste everything here :))
-The start would make Anzu burn this :))
-"prime male" what 21st Century woman says that?
-"He had answered her Mating Call." cringing
-I like this world, curing fever with sex. How cool is that?
NOTE TO SELF: Find out if it works with headaches
-"zounds"?! Are we in Scooby Doo now?! I see no Velma around though.
-"When he pushed in once more and felt the mouth of her womb" if I read another.... thing(can't name it anything else) like this one I'm out!
-"He’d given her every bit of vigor he could scrape together, every touch his screaming muscles could give. And he had surrendered a part of himself he’d never given another.
Had it been enough to help her?" Sex, the ultimate healer!
Such a great motto, I think I'll go and bang my head on something very, very hard, maybe a marble tabletop or smth even harder.
-“What is going on?” She tensed. Her stare demanded answers. “How did we get…here?”
“You were so ill, I feared you would die.”
“So you had sex with me? Damn, my head hurts. Wait!” She tensed.
At lest they aren't all
-All this 'medieval' talk gives me a headache(ie: methkins, wench, 'tis). You'd think d dude who lived in the world for all those 1500 years, not sleeping, in a coma, stasis whatever, would have accliated with the time[If I were to roll my eyes even more they would get blocked like that.].
-I really am pushing myself with this book.
-TSTL heroine after all
-"magical warrior" laaa-ame!
September 14, 2008
This is the first "paranormal romance" from Shayla Black/ Shelley Bradley... who writes notoriously HOT erotica books! This book was really sweet and sexy, and its definitely a romance, not an erotica. Plus it sets us up for LOTS more characters...
Marrok is a warrior. One who was cursed 15 centuries ago by Morgana le Fay... she curses him to an eternity of want and lust, without ever being able to...umm... complete...
Olivia is an American girl living in London. She opened her own art shop trying to make enough money to find her estranged father. Her friend Bram insists she meet a "wonderful artist" who can carve the most beautiful pieces. She agrees and Bram brings Marrok into her shop. The moment they see each other its a huge shock! They have been dreaming about one another and to top it off, Marrok thinks that Olivia is Morgana le Fay reincarnated!! She thinks he is insane, but a gifted artist, so she agrees to go with him to his home to look at more art.
After a huge argument and even huger (is that a word?) misunderstanding, they end up becoming bonded mates! Now what? They have to be together, and have sex (a lot) to stay energized or Olivia could die!! Olivia is the only person in 15 centuries that Marrok is able to...umm....finish with? ;) She finds out that she IS related to Morgana le Fay, and on top of all of that, the two of them become embroiled in a plot to save the world when a bad wizard tries to kill them all!
Overall, a very busy and very energetic story line, with romance, sex, magic, a mystical book and lots of hot men! I cant wait for the next book in the series!
Marrok is a warrior. One who was cursed 15 centuries ago by Morgana le Fay... she curses him to an eternity of want and lust, without ever being able to...umm... complete...
Olivia is an American girl living in London. She opened her own art shop trying to make enough money to find her estranged father. Her friend Bram insists she meet a "wonderful artist" who can carve the most beautiful pieces. She agrees and Bram brings Marrok into her shop. The moment they see each other its a huge shock! They have been dreaming about one another and to top it off, Marrok thinks that Olivia is Morgana le Fay reincarnated!! She thinks he is insane, but a gifted artist, so she agrees to go with him to his home to look at more art.
After a huge argument and even huger (is that a word?) misunderstanding, they end up becoming bonded mates! Now what? They have to be together, and have sex (a lot) to stay energized or Olivia could die!! Olivia is the only person in 15 centuries that Marrok is able to...umm....finish with? ;) She finds out that she IS related to Morgana le Fay, and on top of all of that, the two of them become embroiled in a plot to save the world when a bad wizard tries to kill them all!
Overall, a very busy and very energetic story line, with romance, sex, magic, a mystical book and lots of hot men! I cant wait for the next book in the series!
Read
October 24, 2023Tempt Me with Darkness is available now!
Grab your copy today!
Shayla’s Store: https://bit.ly/3GvsuMs
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3WFTBeB
Apple Books: https://bit.ly/3XmZXQ5
Nook: https://bit.ly/3ioTsNE
Kobo: http://bit.ly/3XcR6QG
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3k2resH
Excitement inside:
Abducti0n
Band of brothers
Cursed hero
Enemies to lovers
Fated mates
Immortal
Magic
R€veng€
S€x = power
V!rgin
Grab your copy today!
Shayla’s Store: https://bit.ly/3GvsuMs
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3WFTBeB
Apple Books: https://bit.ly/3XmZXQ5
Nook: https://bit.ly/3ioTsNE
Kobo: http://bit.ly/3XcR6QG
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3k2resH
Excitement inside:
Abducti0n
Band of brothers
Cursed hero
Enemies to lovers
Fated mates
Immortal
Magic
R€veng€
S€x = power
V!rgin
October 24, 2023
4.5 Magical Stars
I will start by saying that I didn't read the original version of this book. Still, I know the author has revamped it and added more content to make it more cohesive with her vision of where she wants the series to go because she plans to add more books. So, if you read the original version, you will also want to read this new one.
TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS is Marrok of Cadbury and Olivia Gray's story, and I recommend having a large glass of ICE water close by because this is a HOT one!
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewTMwD
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
I will start by saying that I didn't read the original version of this book. Still, I know the author has revamped it and added more content to make it more cohesive with her vision of where she wants the series to go because she plans to add more books. So, if you read the original version, you will also want to read this new one.
TEMPT ME WITH DARKNESS is Marrok of Cadbury and Olivia Gray's story, and I recommend having a large glass of ICE water close by because this is a HOT one!
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewTMwD
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
May 5, 2010
Marrok just wants to die already. Cursed by the evil Morganna Le Fey to live an eternity without companionship and sexual satisfaction, he's lived a long lonely fifteen centuries. When he stumbles across Olivia Gray at her art gallery in London, he's sure it's the witch Morganna in another form come to torment him further.
He isn't far off. Though not Morganna, she has in fact descended from the line of Le Fey but Olivia, in England to find the father who abandoned her years ago, has no clue about her magical roots. Of course, she's about to find out!
Marrok kidnaps her to his secluded house in the woods, determined to break his curse once and for all, but things turn on a dime when he discovers that though she is the key to releasing him- she's also his mate!
Naturally, an evil faction led by a psychopathic wizard are out to capture her too- because if she can release Marrok from his curse then she can will also release the untold power in the diary which Morganna used to curse Marrok. (You get the key, you get the power!)
In this the first book of Shayla Black's Doomsday Brethren series we get a mixed bag of myth's and magic. Par for the course any more, there are magical creatures, ancient magic and bonded mates to be had, unfortunately it didn't work for me here. I sensed elements of Ward, Moning, & Whedonverse throughout it- (A group of Brethren out to save the world- including one eerily like Ward's Zhadist and Kenyon's Zarek, An eternally cursed Highlander & one character obviously based on the uber sexy Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel tv shows. OH and the diary? A total knock off of Harry Potter and the Chamber of secrets!). Though I love all these authors and their work- in this book, it felt like a pale imitation and simply became decidedly annoying.
Olivia and Marrok are a romantic couple to be sure, but through much of the book they fought their attraction, each holding back because of trust issues, and after awhile- it just got old. (Especially Olivia- indecisive and whiny she got on my nerves.)
2 out of 5- it didn't completely suck, but it's all together average as far as I'm concerned and I'm afraid, not good enough to hold a place on my keeper shelf.
He isn't far off. Though not Morganna, she has in fact descended from the line of Le Fey but Olivia, in England to find the father who abandoned her years ago, has no clue about her magical roots. Of course, she's about to find out!
Marrok kidnaps her to his secluded house in the woods, determined to break his curse once and for all, but things turn on a dime when he discovers that though she is the key to releasing him- she's also his mate!
Naturally, an evil faction led by a psychopathic wizard are out to capture her too- because if she can release Marrok from his curse then she can will also release the untold power in the diary which Morganna used to curse Marrok. (You get the key, you get the power!)
In this the first book of Shayla Black's Doomsday Brethren series we get a mixed bag of myth's and magic. Par for the course any more, there are magical creatures, ancient magic and bonded mates to be had, unfortunately it didn't work for me here. I sensed elements of Ward, Moning, & Whedonverse throughout it- (A group of Brethren out to save the world- including one eerily like Ward's Zhadist and Kenyon's Zarek, An eternally cursed Highlander & one character obviously based on the uber sexy Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel tv shows. OH and the diary? A total knock off of Harry Potter and the Chamber of secrets!). Though I love all these authors and their work- in this book, it felt like a pale imitation and simply became decidedly annoying.
Olivia and Marrok are a romantic couple to be sure, but through much of the book they fought their attraction, each holding back because of trust issues, and after awhile- it just got old. (Especially Olivia- indecisive and whiny she got on my nerves.)
2 out of 5- it didn't completely suck, but it's all together average as far as I'm concerned and I'm afraid, not good enough to hold a place on my keeper shelf.
October 30, 2023
Reread of the latest reissue...curious as to what SB has in store for the rest of the series...any yes!!! She is finishing the series!
October 31, 2023
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
"Tempt Me with Darkness" is the first book in Shayla Black's 'Doomsday Brethren' series. This is not a new series, as it was originally published in 2008. This publication is a revamped version of the original with more content added. I didn't read the original, therefore I am not in a position to make any comparisons. However, after reading this version, I cannot wait to see where she plans to take the series.
The story introduces Marrock, a dark and sexy immortal who served as a knight in the time of King Arthur. Marrock learned the validity of the statement 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' when the king's half-sister, Morganna Le Fay, placed a curse on him for spurning her. A curse which not only rendered him immortal but prevented him from achieving an orgasm for the past 15 centuries. (Poor guy). 1500 years later, he faces a major change in his when he meets Olivia, the woman who first appeared in his dream.
Olivia came to London to open an art gallery whilst searching for her father. She never expects to meet the broody, and sexy Marrock. However, their initial meeting had a rocky start. Olivia bore an uncanny resemblance to the witch who cursed Marrock. Believing her to be Morganna in disguise, he kidnaps her, intending to force her to lift the curse. He never counted on his immense attraction to her, especially knowing he despised Morganna 1500 years ago. Then he learns she is not Morganna in disguise, but her descendant and also his mate.
Despite, learning she's his fated mate, he doesn't trust her. However, the attempts of a powerful, twisted and diabolical wizard, Matthias, to steal the very book used to curse Marrock placed them in a position of learning to trust each other. Having the help of Bram, a descendant of Merlin, aided in their fight.
Tempt Me with Darkness started out slow. It took a couple of chapters before the pace intensified. However, when it did, it proved difficult to put down. This was my first time reading Shayla Black's work and it was a delightful experience. Tempt Me with Darkness possessed the perfect blend of spicy moments, humour, magic and action, all of which held me captive. The characters, despite the myriad of trust issues and animosity between them, united in the fight against the evil threatening the magic world. In addition to the POVs of the main characters, the story also provides readers with the POVs of some of the secondary characters. They played a vital role in the execution of the plot, and I look forward to reading their stories.
Readers who enjoy spicy paranormal romance featuring fated mates, enemies to lovers, a cursed and tortured hero and magic will get a treat from this new version of Tempt Me with Darkness.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
"Tempt Me with Darkness" is the first book in Shayla Black's 'Doomsday Brethren' series. This is not a new series, as it was originally published in 2008. This publication is a revamped version of the original with more content added. I didn't read the original, therefore I am not in a position to make any comparisons. However, after reading this version, I cannot wait to see where she plans to take the series.
The story introduces Marrock, a dark and sexy immortal who served as a knight in the time of King Arthur. Marrock learned the validity of the statement 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' when the king's half-sister, Morganna Le Fay, placed a curse on him for spurning her. A curse which not only rendered him immortal but prevented him from achieving an orgasm for the past 15 centuries. (Poor guy). 1500 years later, he faces a major change in his when he meets Olivia, the woman who first appeared in his dream.
Olivia came to London to open an art gallery whilst searching for her father. She never expects to meet the broody, and sexy Marrock. However, their initial meeting had a rocky start. Olivia bore an uncanny resemblance to the witch who cursed Marrock. Believing her to be Morganna in disguise, he kidnaps her, intending to force her to lift the curse. He never counted on his immense attraction to her, especially knowing he despised Morganna 1500 years ago. Then he learns she is not Morganna in disguise, but her descendant and also his mate.
Despite, learning she's his fated mate, he doesn't trust her. However, the attempts of a powerful, twisted and diabolical wizard, Matthias, to steal the very book used to curse Marrock placed them in a position of learning to trust each other. Having the help of Bram, a descendant of Merlin, aided in their fight.
Tempt Me with Darkness started out slow. It took a couple of chapters before the pace intensified. However, when it did, it proved difficult to put down. This was my first time reading Shayla Black's work and it was a delightful experience. Tempt Me with Darkness possessed the perfect blend of spicy moments, humour, magic and action, all of which held me captive. The characters, despite the myriad of trust issues and animosity between them, united in the fight against the evil threatening the magic world. In addition to the POVs of the main characters, the story also provides readers with the POVs of some of the secondary characters. They played a vital role in the execution of the plot, and I look forward to reading their stories.
Readers who enjoy spicy paranormal romance featuring fated mates, enemies to lovers, a cursed and tortured hero and magic will get a treat from this new version of Tempt Me with Darkness.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
October 29, 2023
After reading Tempt Me With Darkness, I'm convinced that the Doomsday Brethren series will be an absolute treat for readers who love mystical adventures, nail-biting danger, and explosive passion. The author's writing style and attention to detail while creating a world of sorcery are impressive, and the story itself is incredibly engaging with a unique medieval flair.
This series starter introduces a wide range of characters but mainly focuses on the journey of Marrok of Cadbury and Olivia Gray. Marrok is a cursed immortal who has been unable to achieve sexual release for the last fifteen centuries because of a hex placed on him by Olivia's great-great-grandmother, Morgana because he did not return her affection. When Marrok meets Olivia, he finds it hard to control his urges. He is immediately suspicious of her, thinking that she might be Morgana reincarnated and playing tricks on him.
Olivia is unaware of the existence of magickind and is unable to comprehend the accusations being made against her by Marrok. Despite his hostility, she feels drawn to him and quickly finds herself ensnared by the stunning man, but she also finds herself caught in the middle of a magical war.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and recommend Tempt Me With Darkness by Shayla Black to anyone who appreciates the following:
👥 Multi POV
👑 Arthurian Lore
🗡 Enemies to Lovers
💞 Fated Mates
💪 Found Family / Band of Brothers
🔮 Magical Mayhem
💋 A Possessive & Protective Hero
🍆 Sexual Healing (and lots of it!)
🦋 First Time Heroine
I can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the series!
⚠️ Content Warning: profanity, on-page sex, descriptive SA (not FMC), dub-con, violence/death/torture, discussions of a loveless childhood and abandonment
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This series starter introduces a wide range of characters but mainly focuses on the journey of Marrok of Cadbury and Olivia Gray. Marrok is a cursed immortal who has been unable to achieve sexual release for the last fifteen centuries because of a hex placed on him by Olivia's great-great-grandmother, Morgana because he did not return her affection. When Marrok meets Olivia, he finds it hard to control his urges. He is immediately suspicious of her, thinking that she might be Morgana reincarnated and playing tricks on him.
Olivia is unaware of the existence of magickind and is unable to comprehend the accusations being made against her by Marrok. Despite his hostility, she feels drawn to him and quickly finds herself ensnared by the stunning man, but she also finds herself caught in the middle of a magical war.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and recommend Tempt Me With Darkness by Shayla Black to anyone who appreciates the following:
👥 Multi POV
👑 Arthurian Lore
🗡 Enemies to Lovers
💞 Fated Mates
💪 Found Family / Band of Brothers
🔮 Magical Mayhem
💋 A Possessive & Protective Hero
🍆 Sexual Healing (and lots of it!)
🦋 First Time Heroine
I can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the series!
⚠️ Content Warning: profanity, on-page sex, descriptive SA (not FMC), dub-con, violence/death/torture, discussions of a loveless childhood and abandonment
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 17, 2009
Great world building and characters. Think Harry Potter's magical world mixed with the dark mind of Clive Barker. The Brethen is a crazy mix of interesting characters fighting a pure evil warlock. The romance part of this book was only OK, but I'd read more in this series without a doubt. There is a plot device that requires sex to energize ones powers which was about the only thing in the world building that I thought was over the top silly, but this is not an erotic book. I'd rate the sensuality around really warm or maybe just shy of hot.
January 14, 2011
"Tempt Me With Darkness" is the first book in Shayla Black's Doomsday Brethren story. It features Marrok, who was a knight for King Arthur, when he slept with the witch Morganna. After he loved her, he left her. And in her rage, she cursed him to an immortality without the ability to ever find satisfaction.
15 centuries later, he sees a woman in a dream that reminds him of Morganna. The very next day, he meets Olivia, the woman from that dream. He thinks she is Morganna in disguise, but she is actually a descendant of the le Fey line. There is a strong attraction between Marrok and Olivia and they quickly consummate their relationship and become mated. We learn that the book Morganna used to curse Marrok is very powerful. A really twisted and powerful wizard, Matthias, has been revived by his followers after a long absence. And he wants the so-called Doomsday Book to use for his own ends.
A good wizard, Bram, takes it upon himself to form the so-called Doomsday Brethren, a group of wizards devoted to protecting the book and fighting Matthias. The Brethren also take on the cause of protecting Olivia --as she may be the key to using the powerful book.
The dynamic between Marrok and Olivia is kind of sad as it plays out. Each is filled with fear that they are unloveable and that causes them to doubt each other's feelings and motivations. But with part of the book's mythology, witches and wizards gain energy from sex, so there is a built-in hot factor throughout. The love scenes were steamy and frequent... though not overwhelming in relationship to the plot. It takes a long time for our couple to get past their baggage, but the story surrounding them was interesting and the sex was hot enough to keep me reading.
I liked the concept of the series and will definitely check out Seduce Me in Shadow. 4 stars.
15 centuries later, he sees a woman in a dream that reminds him of Morganna. The very next day, he meets Olivia, the woman from that dream. He thinks she is Morganna in disguise, but she is actually a descendant of the le Fey line. There is a strong attraction between Marrok and Olivia and they quickly consummate their relationship and become mated. We learn that the book Morganna used to curse Marrok is very powerful. A really twisted and powerful wizard, Matthias, has been revived by his followers after a long absence. And he wants the so-called Doomsday Book to use for his own ends.
A good wizard, Bram, takes it upon himself to form the so-called Doomsday Brethren, a group of wizards devoted to protecting the book and fighting Matthias. The Brethren also take on the cause of protecting Olivia --as she may be the key to using the powerful book.
The dynamic between Marrok and Olivia is kind of sad as it plays out. Each is filled with fear that they are unloveable and that causes them to doubt each other's feelings and motivations. But with part of the book's mythology, witches and wizards gain energy from sex, so there is a built-in hot factor throughout. The love scenes were steamy and frequent... though not overwhelming in relationship to the plot. It takes a long time for our couple to get past their baggage, but the story surrounding them was interesting and the sex was hot enough to keep me reading.
I liked the concept of the series and will definitely check out Seduce Me in Shadow. 4 stars.
July 27, 2011
This review was posted at Under The Covers
Marrock. One of King Arthur’s knights. Maybe used to be the “love them and leave them” type. Until the day he slept with, and left, the wrong woman. Or witch, in his case, Morganna. Obviously none to happy about it, Morganna curses him to immortality.
Now fast forward to present day. He has lived in isolation, after having everything taken from him, being kicked out of court, and watching his loved ones die, he lives in solitude, does not form bonds with anyone as he knows he will eventually lose them. But one day, he sees Olivia, and her eyes are the same eyes he’s been remembering for the past 15 centuries. Morganna’s. He believes her to be the witch who cursed him. However Olivia is just an American human, who has moved to London in search of her heritage. After the death of her mother she finds out who her father is and goes to London to find him. And she does find out where she came from, as she is descendant of Morganna Le Fay.
I really like the premises of this whole new world. There’s magic, there’s fae. I enjoyed the fact that the book had a mystery feel to it, with a lot of twists and turns, and I didn't expect how things would turn out and unfold, which was great! The one scene in the hallway with Bram walking up the stairs (great!). And towards the end where there’s more action it got really good.
I thought Marrock was a bit of a brute, I understand why he’s bitter, I understand why he doesn’t have any personal relations skills, so in a way I thought he was cute in his big brute ways. He does have issues with trusting Olivia, and although understandable, I thought they went on too long. The lack of communication and mistrust was getting a bit frustrating at times, but I could see Marrocks point completely.
I liked Olivia just fine. She struggles with believing that Marrock can love her, even after they perform the mating ritual. This also felt a bit repetitive. Onto the other characters: I LOVED Bram! Sabelle and Ice, I could see some sparks maybe in the future. Shock, he's hot and I'm still confused (and that's all I'm going to say). Caden, sounds very promising ;)
I loved the ending and how things fell into place and I'm looking forward to book 2.
Marrock. One of King Arthur’s knights. Maybe used to be the “love them and leave them” type. Until the day he slept with, and left, the wrong woman. Or witch, in his case, Morganna. Obviously none to happy about it, Morganna curses him to immortality.
Now fast forward to present day. He has lived in isolation, after having everything taken from him, being kicked out of court, and watching his loved ones die, he lives in solitude, does not form bonds with anyone as he knows he will eventually lose them. But one day, he sees Olivia, and her eyes are the same eyes he’s been remembering for the past 15 centuries. Morganna’s. He believes her to be the witch who cursed him. However Olivia is just an American human, who has moved to London in search of her heritage. After the death of her mother she finds out who her father is and goes to London to find him. And she does find out where she came from, as she is descendant of Morganna Le Fay.
I really like the premises of this whole new world. There’s magic, there’s fae. I enjoyed the fact that the book had a mystery feel to it, with a lot of twists and turns, and I didn't expect how things would turn out and unfold, which was great! The one scene in the hallway with Bram walking up the stairs (great!). And towards the end where there’s more action it got really good.
I thought Marrock was a bit of a brute, I understand why he’s bitter, I understand why he doesn’t have any personal relations skills, so in a way I thought he was cute in his big brute ways. He does have issues with trusting Olivia, and although understandable, I thought they went on too long. The lack of communication and mistrust was getting a bit frustrating at times, but I could see Marrocks point completely.
I liked Olivia just fine. She struggles with believing that Marrock can love her, even after they perform the mating ritual. This also felt a bit repetitive. Onto the other characters: I LOVED Bram! Sabelle and Ice, I could see some sparks maybe in the future. Shock, he's hot and I'm still confused (and that's all I'm going to say). Caden, sounds very promising ;)
I loved the ending and how things fell into place and I'm looking forward to book 2.
January 21, 2009
The premise of the story started out fairly well. The immortal warrior cursed...the relocated American seeking a father she never knew. He hard, crusty, and looking for a way out. She totally unaware of the mess she's about to get tossed in to....really great beginning. Unfortunately, it sort of fizzled out about 1/3 of the way through it. The action was there and all, but the romance between the two of them was ridiculous. I mean, the hero spends an incredible amount of time declaring his love (I mean it came way too early for my tastes, but, ok) and the heroine spent nearly the entire book refusing to believe him even though she saw it, heard it, felt it every time he opened his mouth or touched her body. I mean, COME ON! If a huge hulking warrior who's more apt to lop your head off continually spouts his love...do you honestly think he's kidding?! In other words, the romance just didn't work for me.
Anyway, read if that kind of things doesn't bother you. Great sex scenes and the plot was interesting despite the weird romance going on. Overall, not horrible but a little annoying at times from the heroine's actions.
Anyway, read if that kind of things doesn't bother you. Great sex scenes and the plot was interesting despite the weird romance going on. Overall, not horrible but a little annoying at times from the heroine's actions.
November 8, 2023
Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Angst: 💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend it? ✔️
Tropes: paranormal romance, romantic suspense, enemies-to-lovers, revenge, fated mates, forced marriage, supernatural powers, band of brothers
Marrok has been cursed, and he's out for vengeance. He'll do anything to end his damnation, including kidnapping an innocent with telling violet eyes. For over a thousand years, he's been an immortal recluse. Suddenly, he's tortured by filthy dreams that leave him craving his captive. Worse, once he lays rough hands on her soft skin, he demands things from her he shouldn’t. He feels things beyond the hatred that has consumed him. Among them are protectiveness and possessiveness. And a hunger more demanding than any vengeance. The second Olivia meets Marrok, her heart stutters. Her world stops. She's drawn to the brash stranger until he abducts her. He vows to slake fifteen centuries of lust on her. He commands her to uncurse him, or he’ll kill her. They should never have met. They're enemies. Fate makes them lovers. Magic decrees them mates, unlocking secrets and unleashing a dark, paranormal power determined to burn down the world. Unless they band together, they're doomed.
I've been wanting to read Mrs. Black's work for some time now, so I'm happy I finally took the plunge. This book is the beginning of a new series, and after finishing, I am stoked to find out where we'll go next. I'm not a big fan of historical romance, but if it's written during the time of Camelot, I'll be on board in a heartbeat. I loved that Marrok was one of Arthur's Knights and that Olivia is a descendant of Morgana Le Fey, along with all of the other exciting characters. They both had such bruised hearts and souls. It broke my heart when the pain & doubt crept through. The angst kept me on the edge of my seat, and don't get me started on the twists and turns. The plot boiled down to the eternal fight of good verses evil with a setting that mixed today with centuries in the past. The world building was spot on and has me excited for the rest of the series. I highly recommend this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend it? ✔️
Tropes: paranormal romance, romantic suspense, enemies-to-lovers, revenge, fated mates, forced marriage, supernatural powers, band of brothers
Marrok has been cursed, and he's out for vengeance. He'll do anything to end his damnation, including kidnapping an innocent with telling violet eyes. For over a thousand years, he's been an immortal recluse. Suddenly, he's tortured by filthy dreams that leave him craving his captive. Worse, once he lays rough hands on her soft skin, he demands things from her he shouldn’t. He feels things beyond the hatred that has consumed him. Among them are protectiveness and possessiveness. And a hunger more demanding than any vengeance. The second Olivia meets Marrok, her heart stutters. Her world stops. She's drawn to the brash stranger until he abducts her. He vows to slake fifteen centuries of lust on her. He commands her to uncurse him, or he’ll kill her. They should never have met. They're enemies. Fate makes them lovers. Magic decrees them mates, unlocking secrets and unleashing a dark, paranormal power determined to burn down the world. Unless they band together, they're doomed.
I've been wanting to read Mrs. Black's work for some time now, so I'm happy I finally took the plunge. This book is the beginning of a new series, and after finishing, I am stoked to find out where we'll go next. I'm not a big fan of historical romance, but if it's written during the time of Camelot, I'll be on board in a heartbeat. I loved that Marrok was one of Arthur's Knights and that Olivia is a descendant of Morgana Le Fey, along with all of the other exciting characters. They both had such bruised hearts and souls. It broke my heart when the pain & doubt crept through. The angst kept me on the edge of my seat, and don't get me started on the twists and turns. The plot boiled down to the eternal fight of good verses evil with a setting that mixed today with centuries in the past. The world building was spot on and has me excited for the rest of the series. I highly recommend this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
October 26, 2023
Woowee this one is SPICY and THICK (innuendo intended). Though I admire that it still had a pretty good plot among it all. Then again— the spice was the point of the plot. Marrok can’t uh- “complete” his pleasure due to a curse placed on him by Morgana (from King Arthur era) and he was made immortal to suffer this forever. Flash forward 15 centuries and he meets Olivia, who he thinks is Morgana in disguise but she actually is just from her bloodline. She is the key to breaking his curse, and boy does she. Also the plot twist in the end!
Thank you Valentine PR for the early copy!
Thank you Valentine PR for the early copy!
December 17, 2019
Interesting romance and world so I'll continue with the series.
July 14, 2011
I finally finished this after a few months of struggling through it. I am sure I have the review written in a journal somewhere. My problem with this is an overload of characters. Giving bits and pieces of information that the main characters could have handled. I would have been happy if the hero had a flashback for a couple chapters and interacted with his friends. The problem with bringing everyone into the first book is trying to fully flesh them out. It screams, "Oh! Pick me! Pick me! I'm important even though I'm just a minor character...in this book."
Example: A character would turn up to'help in the fight'. Start explaining his life history. This smacks of future set-up. For his book. This is fine to do with a couple minor characters but there just seemed to be alot of this and it took away from the meat of the plot between the hero and heroine developing their romance. They seemed to have progressed very mechanically.
The storytelling was classically good for a PNR. So I am not at all disappointed in that aspect. I just could have done without the pauses to interject "his story", for later. This author writes some of the hottest sex scenes ever! So I wouldn't not recommend this book. I would just like to forewarn readers that are annoyed by character pop-ins.
Example: A character would turn up to'help in the fight'. Start explaining his life history. This smacks of future set-up. For his book. This is fine to do with a couple minor characters but there just seemed to be alot of this and it took away from the meat of the plot between the hero and heroine developing their romance. They seemed to have progressed very mechanically.
The storytelling was classically good for a PNR. So I am not at all disappointed in that aspect. I just could have done without the pauses to interject "his story", for later. This author writes some of the hottest sex scenes ever! So I wouldn't not recommend this book. I would just like to forewarn readers that are annoyed by character pop-ins.
October 23, 2023
5+🌟...𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕦𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕎𝕒𝕣 𝕒𝕘𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝔼𝕧𝕚𝕝 𝕎𝕚𝕫𝕒𝕣𝕕
💞🅑🅞🅞🅚 🅗🅘🅖🅗🅛🅘🅖🅗🅣🅢:💞
🔮 Enemies-to-Lovers
🔮 Forced Marriage
🔮 Witches and Wizards
🔮 A Love borne out of Curse
🔮 Forced Proximity
🔮 Revenge
🔮 Age Gap (Like Centuries and Centuries😜)
🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
Where do I even begin with this delicious and juicy ride.
It has so much going on from Hot Passion to Revenge to finding a cure for the curse to Epic Battle against the great evil.
Marrok and Olivia dream about an 🔥 dream without having ever seen each other, though Marrok recognises the woman as the same powerful one who's the reason for his cursed living and as such he seeks to find this violet eyed woman.
All Olivia wants is for her Art Store to get going and to find her father for whom she's left the states and has to come live in London.
When she meets the uber rude guy, Marrok through their common friend, she's beyond shocked to recognise him from her dream. Moreover, she's surprised by how passionately she feels for Marrok even after just meeting him.
He's insanely talented though and she would have to make him work with her because his carvings will sell like hot pancakes and would help her art store.
This one is written so exceptionally that it paints such a realistic picture of everything that's happening, that I felt each and every gasp-worthy scene that was happening.
Marrok and Olivia though hate each other like crazy yet go on to have the hottest freaking, panty melting seggs that will sure raise your temperatures.🥵🔥
Marrok has the doomsday diary, the book that has his curse and that he guards with his life.
But soon he learns from his non friend, Bram the Wizard Royalty, that there are much larger and dangerous forces out there with an evil mastermind of the past at the helm, who are heck bent on destroying humankind and magickind.
Matthias, I don't even want to talk about that GREATEST AHOLE AND EVILKIND EVER TO EXIST WHO'S DESTROYING EVERYTHING AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HIM HURT AND DESTROYED SOON.
Oh my my..... I loved how Marrok and Olivia's passionate hate-love story is witfully and beautifully interspersed with the curse, and the battle that's upcoming and preparing for it and all the secrets, magic and twists and turns that make this ride beyond delicious and absolutely ravishing.
I'm so pumped up for all the characters we meet with Bram Rion as the leader but also Sabelle, Bram's sister who is so outgoing and confident yet gets nervous around Ice who looks like he wants to devour her, then there's Duke and also What's happened with Shock has left me Shocked for sure as to why he do that, then there's Caden and especially Lucan.. on my.... I need need need Lukan and Anka's book yesterday.
An extraordinarily written, Fiery Hot starter to an Exciting Magical series that is just so meaty and Juicy that it had me turning the pages like crazy. SO FREAKING EXCITED FOR THIS SERIES. Loved freaking loved this one.💖💖💖💖💖
💞🅑🅞🅞🅚 🅗🅘🅖🅗🅛🅘🅖🅗🅣🅢:💞
🔮 Enemies-to-Lovers
🔮 Forced Marriage
🔮 Witches and Wizards
🔮 A Love borne out of Curse
🔮 Forced Proximity
🔮 Revenge
🔮 Age Gap (Like Centuries and Centuries😜)
🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
Where do I even begin with this delicious and juicy ride.
It has so much going on from Hot Passion to Revenge to finding a cure for the curse to Epic Battle against the great evil.
Marrok and Olivia dream about an 🔥 dream without having ever seen each other, though Marrok recognises the woman as the same powerful one who's the reason for his cursed living and as such he seeks to find this violet eyed woman.
All Olivia wants is for her Art Store to get going and to find her father for whom she's left the states and has to come live in London.
When she meets the uber rude guy, Marrok through their common friend, she's beyond shocked to recognise him from her dream. Moreover, she's surprised by how passionately she feels for Marrok even after just meeting him.
He's insanely talented though and she would have to make him work with her because his carvings will sell like hot pancakes and would help her art store.
This one is written so exceptionally that it paints such a realistic picture of everything that's happening, that I felt each and every gasp-worthy scene that was happening.
Marrok and Olivia though hate each other like crazy yet go on to have the hottest freaking, panty melting seggs that will sure raise your temperatures.🥵🔥
Marrok has the doomsday diary, the book that has his curse and that he guards with his life.
But soon he learns from his non friend, Bram the Wizard Royalty, that there are much larger and dangerous forces out there with an evil mastermind of the past at the helm, who are heck bent on destroying humankind and magickind.
Matthias, I don't even want to talk about that GREATEST AHOLE AND EVILKIND EVER TO EXIST WHO'S DESTROYING EVERYTHING AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HIM HURT AND DESTROYED SOON.
Oh my my..... I loved how Marrok and Olivia's passionate hate-love story is witfully and beautifully interspersed with the curse, and the battle that's upcoming and preparing for it and all the secrets, magic and twists and turns that make this ride beyond delicious and absolutely ravishing.
I'm so pumped up for all the characters we meet with Bram Rion as the leader but also Sabelle, Bram's sister who is so outgoing and confident yet gets nervous around Ice who looks like he wants to devour her, then there's Duke and also What's happened with Shock has left me Shocked for sure as to why he do that, then there's Caden and especially Lucan.. on my.... I need need need Lukan and Anka's book yesterday.
An extraordinarily written, Fiery Hot starter to an Exciting Magical series that is just so meaty and Juicy that it had me turning the pages like crazy. SO FREAKING EXCITED FOR THIS SERIES. Loved freaking loved this one.💖💖💖💖💖
October 23, 2023
5+🌟...𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕦𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕎𝕒𝕣 𝕒𝕘𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝔼𝕧𝕚𝕝 𝕎𝕚𝕫𝕒𝕣𝕕
💞🅑🅞🅞🅚 🅗🅘🅖🅗🅛🅘🅖🅗🅣🅢:💞
🔮 Enemies-to-Lovers
🔮 Forced Marriage
🔮 Witches and Wizards
🔮 A Love borne out of Curse
🔮 Forced Proximity
🔮 Revenge
🔮 Age Gap (Like Centuries and Centuries😜)
🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
Where do I even begin with this delicious and juicy ride.
It has so much going on from Hot Passion to Revenge to finding a cure for the curse to Epic Battle against the great evil.
Marrok and Olivia dream about an 🔥 dream without having ever seen each other, though Marrok recognises the woman as the same powerful one who's the reason for his cursed living and as such he seeks to find this violet eyed woman.
All Olivia wants is for her Art Store to get going and to find her father for whom she's left the states and has to come live in London.
When she meets the uber rude guy, Marrok through their common friend, she's beyond shocked to recognise him from her dream. Moreover, she's surprised by how passionately she feels for Marrok even after just meeting him.
He's insanely talented though and she would have to make him work with her because his carvings will sell like hot pancakes and would help her art store.
This one is written so exceptionally that it paints such a realistic picture of everything that's happening, that I felt each and every gasp-worthy scene that was happening.
Marrok and Olivia though hate each other like crazy yet go on to have the hottest freaking, panty melting seggs that will sure raise your temperatures.🥵🔥
Marrok has the doomsday diary, the book that has his curse and that he guards with his life.
But soon he learns from his non friend, Bram the Wizard Royalty, that there are much larger and dangerous forces out there with an evil mastermind of the past at the helm, who are heck bent on destroying humankind and magickind.
Matthias, I don't even want to talk about that GREATEST AHOLE AND EVILKIND EVER TO EXIST WHO'S DESTROYING EVERYTHING AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HIM HURT AND DESTROYED SOON.
Oh my my..... I loved how Marrok and Olivia's passionate hate-love story is witfully and beautifully interspersed with the curse, and the battle that's upcoming and preparing for it and all the secrets, magic and twists and turns that make this ride beyond delicious and absolutely ravishing.
I'm so pumped up for all the characters we meet with Bram Rion as the leader but also Sabelle, Bram's sister who is so outgoing and confident yet gets nervous around Ice who looks like he wants to devour her, then there's Duke and also What's happened with Shock has left me Shocked for sure as to why he do that, then there's Caden and especially Lucan.. on my.... I need need need Lukan and Anka's book yesterday.
An extraordinarily written, Fiery Hot starter to an Exciting Magical series that is just so meaty and Juicy that it had me turning the pages like crazy. SO FREAKING EXCITED FOR THIS SERIES. Loved freaking loved this one.💖💖💖💖💖
💞🅑🅞🅞🅚 🅗🅘🅖🅗🅛🅘🅖🅗🅣🅢:💞
🔮 Enemies-to-Lovers
🔮 Forced Marriage
🔮 Witches and Wizards
🔮 A Love borne out of Curse
🔮 Forced Proximity
🔮 Revenge
🔮 Age Gap (Like Centuries and Centuries😜)
🅼🆈 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
Where do I even begin with this delicious and juicy ride.
It has so much going on from Hot Passion to Revenge to finding a cure for the curse to Epic Battle against the great evil.
Marrok and Olivia dream about an 🔥 dream without having ever seen each other, though Marrok recognises the woman as the same powerful one who's the reason for his cursed living and as such he seeks to find this violet eyed woman.
All Olivia wants is for her Art Store to get going and to find her father for whom she's left the states and has to come live in London.
When she meets the uber rude guy, Marrok through their common friend, she's beyond shocked to recognise him from her dream. Moreover, she's surprised by how passionately she feels for Marrok even after just meeting him.
He's insanely talented though and she would have to make him work with her because his carvings will sell like hot pancakes and would help her art store.
This one is written so exceptionally that it paints such a realistic picture of everything that's happening, that I felt each and every gasp-worthy scene that was happening.
Marrok and Olivia though hate each other like crazy yet go on to have the hottest freaking, panty melting seggs that will sure raise your temperatures.🥵🔥
Marrok has the doomsday diary, the book that has his curse and that he guards with his life.
But soon he learns from his non friend, Bram the Wizard Royalty, that there are much larger and dangerous forces out there with an evil mastermind of the past at the helm, who are heck bent on destroying humankind and magickind.
Matthias, I don't even want to talk about that GREATEST AHOLE AND EVILKIND EVER TO EXIST WHO'S DESTROYING EVERYTHING AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HIM HURT AND DESTROYED SOON.
Oh my my..... I loved how Marrok and Olivia's passionate hate-love story is witfully and beautifully interspersed with the curse, and the battle that's upcoming and preparing for it and all the secrets, magic and twists and turns that make this ride beyond delicious and absolutely ravishing.
I'm so pumped up for all the characters we meet with Bram Rion as the leader but also Sabelle, Bram's sister who is so outgoing and confident yet gets nervous around Ice who looks like he wants to devour her, then there's Duke and also What's happened with Shock has left me Shocked for sure as to why he do that, then there's Caden and especially Lucan.. on my.... I need need need Lukan and Anka's book yesterday.
An extraordinarily written, Fiery Hot starter to an Exciting Magical series that is just so meaty and Juicy that it had me turning the pages like crazy. SO FREAKING EXCITED FOR THIS SERIES. Loved freaking loved this one.💖💖💖💖💖
Read
October 28, 2023📚248 (no rating)
🇺🇸Unfortunately not my jam. Something bothered me with the writing style and the insta lust/love between the two main characters. I was also bothered with the random POV change.
But if you’re into spicy smut, fated mates that got married ish without really meaning to and Arthur-like magic, go for it, I’m sure you’ll like it.
🇺🇸Unfortunately not my jam. Something bothered me with the writing style and the insta lust/love between the two main characters. I was also bothered with the random POV change.
But if you’re into spicy smut, fated mates that got married ish without really meaning to and Arthur-like magic, go for it, I’m sure you’ll like it.
October 24, 2023
Loved every second of Marrok and Olivia. Olivia has no idea what or who she really is until Marrok comes into her life. Danger comes right to their front door and from there it's non stop action. Can not wait for the next couples book.
October 15, 2023
I'm not a big PNR fan but I am a big Shayla Black fan and will read anything she writes, so I knew I had to at least give this book a chance and I am so glad I did. This isn't like anything I have ever read before. I don't read much PNR/Fantasy but if find more like this, I will for sure be reading it! I absolutely loved this book, I was addicted from page one.
Gah, I fell in love with Marrok and Olivia and their intense relationship. It was one hell of a ride full of high chemistry which was all-consuming and such a delight and addictive to read. The passion, the banter between the two and throw in some magic and some humour from the secondary characters and you get this outstanding, incredible, action-packed story that will keep you second-guessing everything to the very end!
Shayla Black, you really cannot write a bad book!!
I went into this completely blind, I didn't know what to expect... What I got was AMAZING. This book was INCREDIBLE! I highly recommend it!
5 STARS!!
Gah, I fell in love with Marrok and Olivia and their intense relationship. It was one hell of a ride full of high chemistry which was all-consuming and such a delight and addictive to read. The passion, the banter between the two and throw in some magic and some humour from the secondary characters and you get this outstanding, incredible, action-packed story that will keep you second-guessing everything to the very end!
Shayla Black, you really cannot write a bad book!!
I went into this completely blind, I didn't know what to expect... What I got was AMAZING. This book was INCREDIBLE! I highly recommend it!
5 STARS!!
October 19, 2023
I thought this book was great. I love that the author took Camelot medieval and spun it into modern day with her story. I thought the romance between the two main characters was great, and I also liked the banter between the other characters in the book, along with the magic that they had it wasn’t super complicated to understand. It was overall a great book and I would highly recommend anybody who likes fantasy romance to pick it up and try it.
January 10, 2015
In my quest to read as many Book Bash Authors as I possibly could before the convention, it was only a matter of time before I dived into some of Shayla Black's books. I was a little put off by the cover simply because I have an aversion to men with long hair. I waffled a bit and then finally said 'to hell' with what the cover and started to read it anyway.
Black's world of the Doomsday Brethren opens with Marrok. He is a soldier from King Arthur's army who has lived much longer than he would have liked. He has watched everyone he loves and cares for die and turn to dust while he remained. All he wants is for the curse the witch, Morganna, placed on him to come to an end. He wants to die in peace and never have to wake another day on this Earth. Eventually, he dreams about a raven haired beauty with familiar violet eyes who beckons to him and tells him she is the key to his curse's undoing. Thinking he is coming up against Morganna in an attractive disguise he captures the young woman and demands she free him. All the while he struggles with the attraction that threatens to overshadow his desire for release from his eternal existence.
Olivia never thought the droolworthy man who abducted her would turn her life upside down in so many ways. She feels so much for him in such a short period of time that she offers to help him break the curse any way she can. She may not be the witch he thought she was, but she is destined for greatness in the magical world. She will help free Marrok from his curse, even if her heart breaks with the idea of him submitting to death.
Olivia and Marrok's quest to open the Morganna's diary to release Marrok from his curse leads to an evil entity who has designed on the diary for entirely different reasons. Now they must keep the diary safe not just to avoid losing the one tool that could help Marrok, but to save magickind entirely from utter destruction. All the while, the two must learn to trust one another or else lose each other forever.
There was so much suspicion in this book. Who was the rat in their ranks? Was Marrok or Olivia completely unselfish in their actions? Every member of the Brethren had beef with someone else within their numbers. It was chaos. I got frustrated on more than one occasion with Marrok and Olivia always suspecting the other of working against them or questioning their feelings. But, of course, that sort of drama is what kept the story going. It wouldn't be very thrilling if they all just trusted each other completely from the beginning. However, I did want to smack Marrok and Olivia on more than one occasion.
I enjoyed the world that was created. I liked that it was a nice break from vampires and werewolves. I also gushed a little at a small Harry Potter reference within the pages. This book actually does read a lot like an erotica version of Harry Potter. Possibly why I liked it so much?
Tempt Me in Darkness is a page turner from start to finish. It brings into question loyalty and love to the extinct of sacrifice and solidarity.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot...
October 14, 2023
This was an incredibly fun fantasy, complete with magic, immortals, fated mates- everything! It is especially fun that they have to keep “being with one another” to stay energized once mated so there’s lots of good Marrok gone feral scenes:) I like the storyline, the twists, the entire crew of characters and I can’t wait for more in this series now! You will fall hard for Marrok in this first book, nothing is better than an ancient warrior who finds love with a modern witch!
January 30, 2009
Marrok of Cadbury was one of Arthur's most ferocious knights and a hungry but careless lover. After spending a night with Arthur's half-sister, the powerful witch, Morganna, he spurns her and is cursed by her to an immortal life with no satisfaction. The curse she writes in her Doomsday Book, which Marrok manages to steal, but it is locked and he is doomed to an eternity of life with no sexual relief. Now living outside London, he is tormented by dreams of Morganna in a new form, luring him and seducing him before vanishing. But the dream gives him a clue, and he's set on finding her in her new look.
Olivia Gray has come to London to open a new art gallery and look for her long-lost father, Richard, whom she's never met. A chance meeting with the amazing wood carver, Marrok, through their mutual friend Bram, leads to Marrok believing she's someone called Morganna and abducting her. Locked up in his cottage in the woods, Olivia can find no way to convince Marrok she's who she says she is. She also thinks he's insane for believing he's immortal, but that doesn't stop her from being drawn to him, seducing him and offering an ancient Mating Call that binds them together forever.
Marrok believes Olivia, a descendant of Morganna, is the key to unlocking the Book, but can he trust her? Doesn't duplicity run in her veins? As Olivia falls in love with him, she's sure he's only with her because he believes she can help him be free of his curse and finally die.
Shayla Black's new series promises to be a juicy, thrilling ride through steamy sex, supernatural politics, a war started anew, an evil wizard a la Voldemort but with a perverse liking for sexual torture, and the reforming of a new Brethren, a group of warriors to protect the world from falling into the hands of the evil Mathias. It's fast-paced, exciting, a mix of pleasing originality and tried-and-true formula, a few Harry Potter jokes and some powerful-looking, hulking wizards who suck at fighting and don't know how to fire a gun. Until Marrok trains them. A very promising start to the Doomsday Brethren.
Olivia Gray has come to London to open a new art gallery and look for her long-lost father, Richard, whom she's never met. A chance meeting with the amazing wood carver, Marrok, through their mutual friend Bram, leads to Marrok believing she's someone called Morganna and abducting her. Locked up in his cottage in the woods, Olivia can find no way to convince Marrok she's who she says she is. She also thinks he's insane for believing he's immortal, but that doesn't stop her from being drawn to him, seducing him and offering an ancient Mating Call that binds them together forever.
Marrok believes Olivia, a descendant of Morganna, is the key to unlocking the Book, but can he trust her? Doesn't duplicity run in her veins? As Olivia falls in love with him, she's sure he's only with her because he believes she can help him be free of his curse and finally die.
Shayla Black's new series promises to be a juicy, thrilling ride through steamy sex, supernatural politics, a war started anew, an evil wizard a la Voldemort but with a perverse liking for sexual torture, and the reforming of a new Brethren, a group of warriors to protect the world from falling into the hands of the evil Mathias. It's fast-paced, exciting, a mix of pleasing originality and tried-and-true formula, a few Harry Potter jokes and some powerful-looking, hulking wizards who suck at fighting and don't know how to fire a gun. Until Marrok trains them. A very promising start to the Doomsday Brethren.
October 28, 2023
As a fan of the original Doomsday Brethren series I was thrilled to see that Shayla was revamping the series and hopefully continuing where she once left off.
I won't go into the blurb since I'm sure you all have read it. What I will say is that Marrock lived as the top knight to King Author and his curse from Morgan Le Fay has kept him alive for what seems like an eternity with no pleasure to be felt. His heart is tough from what he has endured and his trust limited but there is a story behind the man.
Olivia is a descendant of Morgan Le Fay and has no idea she is magickal until Bram comes into her life and introduces her to Marrock. That is really where the story begins.
This first book introduces us to what will become the Doomsday Brethren. Let's say it is the building block for what is to come.
Each character is introduced with a bit of background along with some part they will play in the future in saving magick and mankind from Mathis.
Along with a growing storyline, each book will have a character meeting their fated mate. Not as cliche' as you may think. There is a lot of action, enough heat at times to melt the pages and have you panting for the next book. The more you read the more enthralled with the characters you will become. I personally can't wait for the next book. The Wolvsey brothers are a hoot and we have Ronan Wolvsey coming up next but the author already has us watching what's next with Bram.
There is some hot, intense reading coming our way!
I won't go into the blurb since I'm sure you all have read it. What I will say is that Marrock lived as the top knight to King Author and his curse from Morgan Le Fay has kept him alive for what seems like an eternity with no pleasure to be felt. His heart is tough from what he has endured and his trust limited but there is a story behind the man.
Olivia is a descendant of Morgan Le Fay and has no idea she is magickal until Bram comes into her life and introduces her to Marrock. That is really where the story begins.
This first book introduces us to what will become the Doomsday Brethren. Let's say it is the building block for what is to come.
Each character is introduced with a bit of background along with some part they will play in the future in saving magick and mankind from Mathis.
Along with a growing storyline, each book will have a character meeting their fated mate. Not as cliche' as you may think. There is a lot of action, enough heat at times to melt the pages and have you panting for the next book. The more you read the more enthralled with the characters you will become. I personally can't wait for the next book. The Wolvsey brothers are a hoot and we have Ronan Wolvsey coming up next but the author already has us watching what's next with Bram.
There is some hot, intense reading coming our way!
June 22, 2010
This book was a huge disappointment! What a hot pile of garbage! Weak characters, weak plot and weak romance. I actually had to skip ahead the last 100 pages because I was so bored with this book.
The heroine was thoroughly annoying as was the hero. She didn't want to fall in love with him because she thought he viewed her as a means to an end. He didn't want to show feelings of love because he didn't know what to do with his feelings. This repetitive theme got old really fast.
Her story I felt lacked direction and clarity. By the time I had to skip ahead (page 230), the book still hadn't truly explained the premise of the story. Usually I can overlook this if the romance part of the book is good but it wasn't. I haven't read Shalya Black before but I know she writes erotica novels. Perhaps she should of stuck to that genre.
The heroine was thoroughly annoying as was the hero. She didn't want to fall in love with him because she thought he viewed her as a means to an end. He didn't want to show feelings of love because he didn't know what to do with his feelings. This repetitive theme got old really fast.
Her story I felt lacked direction and clarity. By the time I had to skip ahead (page 230), the book still hadn't truly explained the premise of the story. Usually I can overlook this if the romance part of the book is good but it wasn't. I haven't read Shalya Black before but I know she writes erotica novels. Perhaps she should of stuck to that genre.
July 25, 2010
This book was almost a 5 star read. I had some major issues with Olivia. Olivia was raised only by her mother, a woman who never showed her any love or support. At the same time in Olivia's life her father & mate enter. She has complete trust & faith in her father, who has played for the wrong team in the past. Marrock, her mate on the other hand she does not does not have the same blind faith in.
I loved Marrock. He is 1500 years old & stuck in the Dark Ages. He was cursed for doing exactly what he loved most. He only wants the curse broken so that he can die. He does not like magic or people. He is fine with living alone in the middle of the woods without too many modern conveniences.
This series also has a great line of supporting characters that will be featured in the upcoming books.
I loved Marrock. He is 1500 years old & stuck in the Dark Ages. He was cursed for doing exactly what he loved most. He only wants the curse broken so that he can die. He does not like magic or people. He is fine with living alone in the middle of the woods without too many modern conveniences.
This series also has a great line of supporting characters that will be featured in the upcoming books.
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