Dark McKenna

Shades of Love #1

by Shayne Ford

DARK MCKENNA (Shades of Love #1)

He’s dark, mysterious, broody, and has a secret life. A fighter who lost the most important battle of his life. He’s dwelling, and looking for another chance, or perhaps not.

She’s young, beautiful, and soft, yet she has a core of steel. Too skeptic for her age, she struggles to survive. Faithless, she finds herself irresistibly attracted to the man who she fears at first.

This is story about life, love and things that money can’t buy.

A modern fairy tale with a twist of reality, darkness, a lot of steaminess and a beautiful ending (in last book of the series).

Three books planned.

Since this book is part of a Series, it ends on a cliffhanger (not as dramatic as others in my books but it's there).

PLEASE NOTE: The enigmatic male lead makes an appearance in Golden Heir Series as a secondary cast member. Spoilers of Shade's story (the lead man in Golden Heir) may be present later on in Shades of Love Series.

FROM THE AUTHOR:
I write what I like to read-- hot, steamy romances with a solid, layered, character driven story. The lead men are hot, the women are soulful, and the narrative is spiced with a dose of realism to make the stories believable. I like stories that have a dash of mystery and a lot of depth. My stories are not the typical romance, nor are they formulaic or fit a mold.

Intended for mature audiences.
Genre: New Adult Romance, Contemporary Romance, Billionaire Romance, Dark Romance

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Novella

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2018

About the author

Get a steamy freebie when you sign up to my newsletter. ––> https://geni.us/freebiesignup

Shayne writes epic love stories with spice, plot, bits of darkness, and suspense.

Most of the time, her lead men are morally gray, and her stories are slow burn and anchored in reality, making her cast authentic and unforgettable.

All-time popular series: like the Night of the Kings, Shades of Love, and Night of the Diamonds Series showcase steamy, suspenseful romance at its best.

Her vast catalog is growing with delicious stories of all kinds that beg to be read over and over again. If you like your stories sprinkled with spice, suspense, and a dash of real life, you are in good company.

Her creative mind works overtime to come up with the stories that await patiently to be brought to life. Her love for books began when she grew up surrounded by books.

She likes to spend hours and hours in bookstores, brushing her fingers over amazing covers, and enjoying the unmistakable smell of newly printed books and freshly brewed coffee.

Never in a million years would she have thought that her stories would come to life someday and entertain so many people.

Her passion for the written word is only matched by her love for animals and nature.

When she's not writing, she's outside, walking and connecting with nature. She considers herself lucky to share her life with her amazing furry kids, who are very much book lovers as they are perfect companions.

Take a look at her lead men.

New Mafia Romance

CALLAN (The Bard Dynasty) A Standalone Mafia Romance

EWAN (The Bard Dynasty) A Standalone Mafia Romance


The Classics

The Ultimate Bad Boy Billionaire finds his match (JAMES)–The Night of the Kings Series
The Billionaire who doesn't believe in second chances changes his mind when he meets her(MCKENNA)–The Shades of Love Trilogy
The enigmatic, irresistible, hard-to-please King of Manhattan (REMI) lures her into a world of secrets and delicious affairs–The Night of the Diamonds Series
The magnetic mafia boss who wants a fake wife and makes the ultimate sacrifice for her. (MAX DE LUCCA)–The Forbidden Husband Mafia Duet
The sultry Billionaire who falls in love with a dancer (CAMERON)–The Night of the Diamonds Series
The Billionaire obsessed with a married woman caught in a web of lies (SEBASTIEN––Love is War)~The Boxset.
The Billionaire who saves a woman married to a mobster (BARON)–The Lions at Dawn Series (books 2 to 4)
The mercurial, perfect mix of fire and ice (ALEXANDER) who becomes obsessed with her –The Night of the Kings Series
The old soul trapped in a young body who sweeps his woman off her feet (SHADE)–The Golden Heir Trilogy
The rag-to-riches story where he is the answer to freeing her from a dark past (JADEN)–The Dark Heart Trilogy
The jaded Bad Boy Billionaire who moves away from a complicated past when he meets her (EDWARD)–The Night of the Kings Series
The powerful force who storms into her life and whisks her away from his brother (KIAN)–The House of Lions Series
The man charming a woman who lost hope that she'll ever find her man(TIAGO)–The Night of the Kings Series
The three Billionaires who dare a woman NOT to be with them and there's a prize in play (KAI, ALEJANDRO, FRANCISCO)–The Love Your Enemy Series
The Secret Billionaire she has a fiery affair with (no cheating involved) RHETT–The Kiss Duet
The Las Vegas mobster who becomes her protector (DAMASO)–The Lost Story Duet
The younger, ex–convict who turns her world upside down (JAX)–The Last Good Man–A Standalone Story
The Billionaire who swore off feelings for a woman until he meets her (DAVID)–The Night of the Kings Series.


And then....

The two best friends, Jagger and Braxton who find the perfect woman to fall in love with and ask to join them in their quest for freedom before exploring their feelings for each other. (WILD HEART SERIES)

The Rockstar Romance bursting with emotions. The slow-burn story of

Reviews

[Coco.V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I'm pleasantly surprised at how great this book was!

This is my first read by this author and and I can very easily say it won't be my last. Wonderfully written with strong characters, this incredibly hot, gritty, intense, sizzling, emotion-filled story kept me hooked from beginning to end.

I enjoyed the complex characters and plot development. Underlying motivations of the characters kept the story interesting. Vivian and McKenna’s story is intense and heartbreaking at times, this couple couldn't seem to catch a break not just starting on a relationship but other things cropping up to throw in the way. Shayne Ford’s writing flows smoothly through the action scenes and plot twists and surprises.

My curiosity is piqued and I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series. 4 solid stars!


ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars


*** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***

Wonderful book, I really liked Mckenna and Vivian. I still have some problem understanding the plot, but as this is the first book i think the plot would be revealed slowly in other book(hopefully). I was expecting the plot to be more stronger and bit original. It was an okay and quick read. I really loved Chad, I am a sucker for male MC being dark and alpha but simultaneously I like my female MC to have backbone and strong and independent and no shit attitude. I really found Vivian lacking a backbone. I hope that changes in second book.

[TMR · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ah, the usual steamy romance with no paved road of continuity of a novel.

The novel starts like this:

We meet the main heroine, a girl who has no home, no luxury or basic necessities to live a normal life.

After almost 3 chapters we figure out that she's a prostitute.

I don't even know why the author didn't start with the fact that she is a prostitute from the beginning.

Next comes the bad guy but still our hero who coincidentally becomes her next "client".

They have a steamy encounter, then they don't meet again for some time.

After a few weeks, he again shows up, "coincidentally" showing up and rescuing her from a group of goons (also his staff).

They again have some steaming chemistry, then he again leaves her for a while.

AGAIN after a few weeks, he meets with her, and you know the drill.

But this time he sticks with her, showing her his soft side, pushing back his rough exterior.

But you know what happens next?

Please do guess!

HE LEAVES AGAIN!

Brilliant.

Then when our main heroine shows up for her job, guess who's also there?

Guess,

Guess,

Guess!

That is absolutely right, it's our main bad guy, the mysterious hero.

She gets shocked seeing him (because who wouldn't) and then just damns him to hell as she goes out of his office (persuaded before by the hero's secretary).

This should be the end right? I mean he just pretty much ruined whatever they had right? Their relationship should have been finished for now, and continued (possibly) in the next book.

But NO!

That is simply not done.

Because he then comes back to her house, they start their sizzling scene and all is forgiven.

No explanation, no reasoning, no nothing! Simply a steamy scene smooths out all the scattered bullcrap.

And then, from our main heroine's past, we see a very old guy (even older than the hero himself) who comes chasing after her (because she chose to be with him to help her mother).

Darling, there are so many other ways to help someone, other than selling yourself short.

But I digress.

And then our hero bursts in and rescues the main gal and they live somewhat of a happy ever-after.

YAY! (Not).

Why am I summarising?

Because that is literally most of the book.

Steamy scenes, hard pasts, and dark cars.

No logic, no explanation, no nothing.

So is it worth reading it?

Nope.

Will I continue this series?

Certainly not.

Hope you all enjoyed my review.

-J.B

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shayne Ford is one of my top 5 authors. Her writing is always gripping and intense. This is darker then I’m use to by her but I loved every second. The way this story unfolds will keep guessing and wanting more. I’m already counting to the next one!!!!

I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book

[Shyralf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 Stars! An ok read.

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivian is a young woman who is alone in NYC trying to go to school to have a better life than her mother, after running away from a man in Seattle she finds herself between a rock and a hard place but she has to work a part-time job that is not allowing her to eat and get her rent paid as well as buy her school supplies it's one or the other. She has gotten into an age-old profession and she isn't good at it one night it was cold and she went out she hadn't eaten since the day before. She was standing in the alley behind the club she walked through and a black car rolled up the street but didn't stop by the women that stood at the top of the street until he got to the alley and her. She was surprised that the guy was young and exceptionally handsome he said his name was Mckenna he was definitely not a talker there is something dark about him, but she took care of that and she asked questions didn't mean he answered her after he took her to get something to eat and took her home while she was in the shower he left but left her some money. Mckenna is a man with some problems which he is not discussing with anyone especially not her he doesn't want to get involved and that is why he goes this route rather than a relationship with ties that bind. But its something about Vivian she is feisty and young and he wants her but refuses to feel anything for her until he does, but he has to leave town but cannot tell her if he will be back, he is going back to Europe he doesn't tell her why he is going back. Vivian has been miserable the last 3 months since he has been gone and she and her best friend Lila are at a corporate visit during Spring Break and Vivian was very taken with the female CEO that spoke to them, she said that the CM Inc, old CEO was in the building and she wanted him to speak with them. Vivian was shocked to see Mckenna in a suit and speaking to the group, she of course only knew him as Mckenna the bare-knuckles fighter and nothing more, and being shocked by seeing him she made a fool out of herself in front of everyone. Definitely, 5*. I enjoyed this book a really interesting storyline and characters. I own this book. I am providing an honest review.

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Difficult times brought Vivian to New York. She has dreams but they come with a price and tonight, the price of her dreams have her walking the streets of New York. She is taking a chance walking those dark alleys but it is the only way she can survive. At first I did not know where the story was going. Then it took a sudden shift and I had a glimpse, that's when I found myself completely enthralled.

The characters are dark, beautiful and oh so broken. Deep, soulful secrets brought them together and those secrets kept me tethered to the book as I became more engaged with the story and intrigued by the backstory...because that is really what this is all about.

Frequently I found myself holding my breath, gasping with the interaction between Vivian and McKenna ... questioning where they were going. What I discovered was a beautiful story wrapped in mystery and raw emotion. The author has presented her readers with spellbinding thriller that will have you pressed to your chair, panting and gritting your teeth...good thing it's cold outside because the heat factor will have you lifting the windows for a little "cool down."

This is Shayne Ford doing what she does best...take us on a dark, mysterious journey where lust, fear and the possibility of love wrap you in a blanket of emotions.

I did not want it to end! And I am anxiously awaiting the next segment, knowing it will be just as fabulous. I received a reader copy and am pleased to recommend this book to any reader interested in engaging in a soulful journey that is steeped in many flavors and most likely an ending you will not see coming. Ford has earned her five stars along with a large dose of gratitude. I forgive the cliffhanger because I expected it and will use the time to reread the story...it was just that good.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivian comes to New York to get far away from her past in Seattle as she can and to go to school. Her dreams and desires to eat, leave her to walk the streets of New York and taking a chance walking dark alleys alone, trying to survive. But when she meets McKenna, she feels different, wants more, needs more, and this has never happened to her. She should run away from him, but she can't. Will she survive?

McKenna has a dark past he tries to keep hidden and use any means as an escape. But when he gets to know Vivian a little bit, he wants more, but at what cost to both of them?

These characters are dark, erotic, strong and broken, as well as well-written. Secrets draw them to each other, but will they also break them? I want to know more and more about both of them. They have a wonderful chemistry that jumps from the pages. I am hooked and want more. It has mystery, drama, filled with emotions, scandal, love, lust, romance, and the promise of so much more. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!! This is why I love Shayne Ford! I received an ARC of this book from the author. I recommend this book and author!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating and addictive dark romance. The storyline is well-written with angst, explosive chemistry, and intrigue. These strong characters are flawed, realistic and have emotional depth. The gripping story will engage the reader from start to finish. This is a must-read. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Bookbytch5 janet Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Brilliant Story Shayne, This Vivian and Chad story it pulled me in form the first page, OMG it was emotional, plus so many twists along there journey, its a must read, I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. FYI this story ends in a cliffhanger, Bring on book 2

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Another sinfully crafted, hot & tightly coiled anguished male character for you to enjoy…

I received an Advance Reader Copy for DARK MCKENNA, A Billionaire Dark Romance (SHADES OF LOVE SERIES, Book #1) written by Shayne Ford and voluntarily reviewed this book. This author certainly reigns in one of the corners of the boxing ring of sexy-hot-male characters for me! This is an intriguing first installment to her newest series, of characters I am really looking forward to reading more nuances of. We get a greater sense of what McKenna is all about by the end of this book, as well as just how Vivian handles some of his secrets. How they meet is rather unconventional, but it propels them to intimate knowledge instantly, forcing them to step back and approach their delicate relationship another way. I am certain more drama will be unfolding over the next books, and I can’t wait! Vivian is young, but she seemingly knows what she wants. But sooner or later, her safe little world is not going to be the little slice of heaven she has made it, because real life is going to catch up with her.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark McKenna is book #1 in the new Shades Of Love series. This book is well written and has complex characters. This book introduces us to Vivian Mason and Chad McKenna. They are characters that are each wounded and have painful pasts that heavily influence their current lives. The plot is gritty, raw, real and painful. Packed with steamy scenes, emotional angst and a sizzling chemistry that was not expected or planned for, this read engages you from chapter one. This book does end on a cliffhanger because the story will continue in book #2. This book is for anyone that appreciates a layered, deeply emotional story, drama, angst, hot passion and characters that touch your heart while causing it to bleed for them. I highly recommend this book and eagerly await the next book in this series. I'm posting a voluntary honest review after reading an advance copy of this book.

[Kerasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a few authors out there that just blow me away with their writing, and this is one of them. If you're looking for something to stretch your boundaries and expand your horizons, read Dark McKenna. Shayne Ford write dark romance really well. The thing I love about her books is that she writes about real people, they aren't always sympathetic, but they are real. I simply had no choice but to surrender myself fully to this story. The writing is spot on and utterly captivating. Don't read this expecting your average love story because this is so much more. This is a really touching story, with a a lot of darkness but also a lot of hope. If you like dark romance with love, revenge, and absolution, then this book is for you.

[Jennifer Woodrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of a dark romance

This is a story that captured me immediately. The character of Vivian won my heart with her willingness to reach her dreams, no matter what, yet she had not lost her concern for people. She saw herself as cold hearted, but was not. McKenna is our dark hero, holding back his emotions, requiring dominance and causing pain to rid himself of the demons he has. He sees himself as unworthy of love, because of an unknown event in his past. Vivian’s sweetness begins to open his heart, but he is unwilling to share his past with her, which leads to pain for both of them. This book is certainly a cliffhanger. It sets up the story and makes you long for the rest. I hope she writes fast!

[Janine Stemmet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh WOW! My favourite character of all time is James, and I didn't any other character could come near a close second, but Shayne has done it again!!! McKenna is a man you will LOVE! He's dark, dominant, protective and HOT AS HELL! We all need a McKenna in our lives!
This book did not disappoint, I flew through it and couldn't put it down, Vivian is a good match for our Leading man, she can take all of his "roughness" (no pun intended!) for the small slight but extremely strong woman that she is. Excellent! Excellent!
I can't wait to see how this storyline is going to pan out!...... until then waiting with baited breath!

[Anne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did she Dream him or Was He an Illusion?
Wow if this is the first book in the series how much better can this superb story get? McKenna is dark, brooding, guarded, cold and emotionless. He meets Vivian working for tricks in a back alley. She is drawn to his troubled and dark side just like her life was a path of misery and despair. This fantastic story has so much intrigue and such a great storyline that it drags you in from the very first page. Is he her mirage or will things get worse for them? This is a highly recommended must read and I Can’t wait for the next in the series from the best writer ever. This is my honest review of an ARC I received.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anticipation, Thrilling , Captivating are three words that are only the start of how intriguing this book is.. McKenna a man who shut down his feelings long a go and the angrier that always hovers over him wanting to be released and underground fighting is how he deals with it. Vivian a young girl who's only known hardship her whole life made a decision that has her running away to escape the repercussions. When these two meet there's a connection and heat that they can't deny and will have you craving more and that's just book one. I'm so looking forward to book two.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real, Passionate, Raw. As you can tell from the title, this is a dark romance involving McKenna & Vivian. He has allowed his dark side to bury his emotions from an unknown past that has hurt him somehow. Vivian has lost her mother, is still in school and has fallen on extremely hard times but refuses to bow to her circumstances or lose her compassion and humanity. Shayne Ford has a gift of taking the reader through each of the emotions with the characters. I couldn't put this down once I started reading it and am anticipating the next book in the series.

[Sally C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Shades of Love series where the author weaves a story-line with broken lost characters and pulls you in from the first page. Vivian Mason is a student with no family, a friend she lies to and a troubled past she is running from. But then she meets dark, dangerous, angry, mysterious Chad McKenna, who invade her life, body, mind and heart. This story is like the movie Pretty Woman with a twist of darkness. Loved it!

[Crazycat Nieman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book through ARC but I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
Shayne Ford leads you into a dark love in this book. She keeps you guessing as to what is going to happen next. She gives just a touch of what I believe is going to be a great series. It will get you addicted and craving the next book. I loved that there was depth and strength to the characters but also heart. Great storyline with hot sex scenes as well. Definitely a great read and a book I would recommend.

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥CAPTIVATING!💕
Voluntarily review👍👍👍👍👍
A Raw, Gripping Powerful read! A storyline that is dark, twisted, emotional and engrossing! Barriers will be pushed. Feelings will be hurt. A full out of control rollercoaster ride that will leave you gasping for breath and wanting more. A Hot Perfect Must Read!

[Lisa Jolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free and l am volunteering to leave a review.

This is the first book in the series and we meet Chad McKenna and Vivian. Both have their own struggles in life and there is a connection between them.

I really enjoyed this book and l cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and all I can say is, WOW! I don't know if it's this particular book or if they're all this hot, but I am sticking with this series. I could not stay away from this story. If I had to stop reading, I got back to it asap. These two lovers are unforgettable. And just look at this cover! I'd pay just to own that! I'm voluntarily reviewing a free copy of this book.

[Book-Lovin-Momma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivian didn't know what she was getting into when she got into McKenna's car! Wow, what a riveting story! He's dark, mysterious, and he has his emotions locked down tight. But Vivian somehow brought some light into his darkness, just like he did to hers. A fantastic start, and I can't wait to read more!

[Gin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I love this Author’s stories of dark, twisted, beautiful love and characters. This is another great start to what I’m sure will be another fabulous series. So emotional, heart wrenching and sexy. I love the H/h and their connection. So good!

[Vickie Raynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of Fifty Shades, but with an edgier, broody, more realistic man. McKenna was off the charts hot, his hidden secrets just adding to his magnetism. I cannot wait for the next book to this cliffhanger!

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a terrific book with page turning hotness & a great story! McKenna is so sexy with all his mystery. What is going on? OMG I can't wait to read what happens in the next book! Well done Shayne Ford ❤❤❤

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two broken people trying to get through to the next day. Neither wants love. I fell hard for these two characters. I so want them to get past their heartbreak and misconceptions. Then there is a twist. At least we were left with a happy for now ending.
This is an honest and voluntary review of an ARC.

[Sandra Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1Q129E...

[Susan Nall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read! This author sure can tell a story. McKenna is a dark complex character that you just can't help but love. This story is full of intrigue, suspense and hot sex. The characters were perfectly depicted and brought the book to life.