#Dannika Dark

[jarofstyles]

Book Recs

This is literally all over the place and I read a lot of diff tropes, I realize now I read a lot of dark romance which makes sense why Reaper is one of our best fics lol (maybe I need to write more dark harry? Lmk)

But here’s a mixed bag. I’ve read over 400 books in the last 2 1/2 years (again idk I go through them fast lol) and if you want more recommendations in certain genres I’d be happy to do so!

A lot of these are series recommendations as well because I tend to be a serial series reader and I’m trying to find more one offs so if you have any recs I’m so willing to read and tell you what I think!

As always, check TWs before reading and let me know if you’ve read any of these and your thoughts!!!

——

Chestnut Springs series by Elsie Silver- smut is good, (especially in heartless bc a dad x nanny trope ughhhh)

Sinners Anonymous series by Somme Sketcher (search TW)

Windy City series by Liz Tomforde (book 2 is my favorite)

Carolina Reapers series by Samantha Whiskey (hockey romance is one of my faves)

The Sweetest Oblivion- Danielle Lori (mafia, I love the dynamic, search TW)

Little Dove by Layla Frost (gives me 2013 wattpad energy where y/n is sold to 1d but it is dark, age gap, check TW)

Best Kase scenario by Layla Frost- (kase does some asshole shit but he’s one of my faves of her characters)

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey (she’s a hit or miss author for me but I do enjoy some of her books and the smut is some of the better I’ve read in published stuff)

The Seven series Mageriverse by Dannika Dark (shifter/werewolf series, lots of action. Smut isn’t incredible but I’ve loved the series for a while)

Dreamland Billionaires series by Lauren Asher

Dark and Dirty Sinner’s Series by Serena Aekroyd (check TW, mc romance so there’s violence and definitely dark as the series implies)

Wait With Me series by Amy Daws

Bittersweet by Morgan Elizabeth (also gives me wattpad vibes, lowkey imagined Harry as the mmc lol)

Highest Bidder by Sara Kate (check TW, age gap)

PS You’re Intolerable by Julia Wolf (I liked this series but this is by far the best one in it, boss x assistant, asshole but soft for her, fmc is pregnant and it’s not his)

[acourtofthought]

Evil Elain and Evil Gwyn

SJM has a history of taking misunderstood or "Evil" characters and turning them good (i.e Rhys, Eris, Nesta, Jurian, Lysandra, Manon, Lorcan, Aedion, etc.). They start out looking like the enemy but are proven worthy. If there ever is a character in her series who start off good then behaves in a "questionable but not necessarily evil way" she tends to kill them off (i.e. Nehemiah (mostly decent but manipulated Aelin for the greater good), Elena, Dannika, etc.

Dorian is the only "good" character who ended up being manipulated but we knew the entire time why that was. There was no hidden agenda and the collar being placed on him was beyond his control and not because he did something self serving that resulted in it. He's also a male.

And Ms. Female Empowerment author SJM has never written a story where a heroine has turned evil because of her own idiocy or selfish desires requiring her to be saved from the Dark Side by other characters. The point of the females story is showing her strength and ability to become who she's meant to be and that doesn't involve betraying her friends or family.

The thing is, I could easily argue for both Evil Elain and Evil Gwyn based on the text.

Evil Elain:

“Then why did you pick this body?” Elain asked,

Elain asked, “And once you were in this body, you couldn’t change?”

Amren said after a moment, “Are you asking out of curiosity for my past, or your own future?”

Elain’s brow furrowed before I could leap in. “What do you mean?”

“There’s no going back to being human, girl,” Amren said, perhaps a tad gently.

Elain’s face reddened further, her back straightening. But she didn’t bolt. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I’d never heard Elain’s voice so cold.

And....

Elain had already departed with Feyre, claiming she had to be up with the dawn to tend to an elderly faerie’s garden. Cassian didn’t exactly know why he suspected this wasn’t true. There had been some tightness in Elain’s face as she’d said it.

And....

“There are others in your court as delusional as you are. They’ll get it for me one way or another, with the right incentive.

(I know some try to use Elain "looking over Nesta's shoulder at Solstice as suspicious but when you break it down, it's 100% evident she's looking into the room where the party is going on)

Those examples make Elain "sus" to some so you can see where the argument is coming from. She's desperate to be human again or she's tired of her sisters not thinking she's capable so she must be meeting someone in secret to change her situation.

But there's plenty of other possibilities to explain those examples and those possibilities don't involve her being evil and selfish and falling for a trap laid by the bad guy. If Elain wanted to be human, than why would she care about being able to change back after the fact? Exactly what would she be going back to? An ex who rejected her and will never want her again? As far as claiming she had to be up early, she could have felt odd around Az (considering Cassian notes she looked away from him at one point when he smiled at her) and wanted to leave the table without making it obvious, if she's a shifter maybe she needed to shift. Not to mention Briallyns comment about "plenty of others who will get it for me with the right incentive." Briallyn is now dead so it's an empty threat on her part. If Koschei moved onto someone else to manipulate, than as a Seer, wouldn't Elain realize that any bait meant to ensnare her is just that? She's also canonically wise and observant so it just goes against who she's been written as.

Evil Gwyn:

“I cannot stand to fail them in anything. Especially someone as demanding as Merrill. Even when it might seem trivial.”

“Because I don’t like to fail. I can’t …” Gwyn shook her head. “I don’t want to make any more mistakes.”

And:

Only that the Trove must be found quickly. And that Gwyn should not mention it to anyone.

“Morning,” Nesta said, falling into step with her. “Anything on the Trove?”

Gwyn shook her head. “I even asked Merrill last night

And:

“There are others in your court as delusional as you are. They’ll get it for me one way or another, with the right incentive.

And:

“There are lightsingers: lovely, ethereal beings who will lure you, appearing as friendly faces when you are lost. Only when you’re in their arms will you see their true faces, and they aren’t fair at all.

She was young—almost coltish, with her slender, elegant limbs. High Fae, and yet … Nesta couldn’t explain the way she sensed that there was something else mixed into her. Some secret beneath the pretty face.

Nesta stared after her for a long moment, wondering if she’d imagined the whole thing. Two friendly conversations in one day.

And:

As that seventh bell finished pealing, music erupted. Not from any instruments, but from all around. As if they were one voice, the priestesses began to sing.

with every intention of returning it to the shop in the Palace of Thread and Jewels.

Instead, he found himself at the library beneath the Hous of the Wind, standing before Clotho as the clock chimed seven in the evening.

Merrill is completely suspicious in SF and we know Gwyn has trouble standing up to her. If Merrill were looking to manipulate Gwyn then it's an easy argument for some, that Gwyn wouldn't even realize it was happening. It does sound like Gwyn told Merrill about the Trove after Nesta told her not to. We also know Gwyn struggles with feeling worthy of wearing her Stone and is scared of making any more mistakes so maybe she thinks that doing something that will make her a Hero might ease her guilt. Maybe she thinks making a bargain to ensure she won't mess up is a possibility. Also the whole lightsinger thing not to mention how Gwyn's voice can "summon" and "beckon" which can be twisted into nefarious purposes especially given Az specifically ends up at the library at 7.

Or.....what's more likely is that regardless of being worried about making more mistakes, Gwyn is on a path to self discovery where she can acknowledge that even with her past mistakes, she's still worthy. That she doesn't need to constantly prove herself. Maybe the "something behind the friendly face" is that she's got an unknown power and maybe she didn't give specific information about the Trove to Merrill and casually gathered information from her in an indirect way so she could share it with Nesta.

Heck, I could even argue that there were hints that Nesta would turn evil:

“I’ll show you the unlocking spell,” Helion said, but she stepped away from him.

“No,” Nesta said abruptly. “No, I don’t want to know it.” Silence fell. Nesta declared to none of them in particular, “If Briallyn is hunting for the Mask, if she apprehends me, I don’t want to have any knowledge of how to free it.”

It was wise, even if it made him sick to consider, but he could have sworn it was a lie. Could have sworn that Nesta didn’t want to have access to the information—for herself. As if she might be tempted by the Mask.

Right here is proof that just because Cassian "suspects" he's not getting the full story doesn't mean the character will end up tempted or manipulated to do evil against those they love. We know that while the Mask was in Nesta's possession, when given the opportunity to do wrong with it, she chose the right path.

Both Gwyn and Elain have had their bodies violated beyond belief. Both are struggling with this new world or life they've found themselves forced into. Both struggle with their self worth and what they're capable of and both struggle to stand up to certain people in their lives.

Of course I could be proven wrong but I just cannot fathom SJM creating a storyline where either one is temporarily manipulated or evil which would only cause further issues to their self worth (it seems unrealistic that they'd just "get over" having intentionally or unintentionally betrayed their friends and family by the end of their book). I also struggle to understand how when they finally get their own book, where they finally come into their powers and find where they belong, the story would revolve around other characters needing to save them from themselves because they've been lost to the dark side. Basically their friends and families become the victims then heroes in what is supposed to be their healing journey.

Personally I think both Gwyn and Elain deserve more than that. To prove that they as two really amazing, positive, kind females who truly care for their loved ones have earned their chance to shine in this series.

If I'm wrong though, I'll be issuing a public announcement that @booknerd87 was right about Sus Elain and I was not 😁😂

[ledelano]

A to Z Book Review: KEYSTONE

My Letter “K” Pick for the A to Z Book Challenge was KEYSTONE by Dannika Dark. I’m not a huge Urban Fantasy reader, but I do believe Dannika Dark has made a convert out of me with this book – and joy of joys – it’s book one of a series so I can keep on enjoying these characters and the rich, multi-faceted world of vampires, mages, and shifters. Our story follows Raven Black, an half-vampire,…

[bewitchingbooktours]

Kiss of the Fallen by Kharma Kelley

Kiss of the Fallen

Kharma Kelley

 Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Wicked Bayou Press

Date of Publication: September 18, 2018

ISBN: 978-0-9981573-5-1

ASIN:B07GPLP4NS

Number of pages:250

Word Count:  70K 

Cover Artist: Kharma Kelley

 Tagline: The night has a new ruler...

 Book Description: 

Sooner or later, Mr. Darkness comes for all of us…

At least, that’s what Tristan Castilion, a celebrated Commander of the Vampire Royal Guard, believes. A centuries-old vampire, he just wanted to be left alone. He wanted nothing to do with the war brewing among all the supernaturals and had grown tired of fighting for a lost cause.

Sucked into one last mission from his vampire government, Tristan soon finds himself in the middle of a dark conspiracy within the vampire ranks and a beautiful, half-naked demon chained to his bed.

She is every vampire’s fantasy and nightmare…

Zoë is a Black Blood Slayer—legendary demons bred to do one thing: kill vampires. A true ruler of the night, she's forced to keep her lethal wiles at bay in order to uncover the truth, creating an unlikely partnership with Tristan.

The Night Has a New Ruler…

Her blood is spiked with a desire he longs to tame, but if he does, he could be six-feet under; this time forever. But with both of them on the run and all hell breaking loose, how can he be sure she wants him to love or to destroy?

Fans of Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dannika Dark and Patricia Briggs will enjoy this non-stop action story featuring a badass heroine of color. It’s like Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance and a Thriller had a ménage à trois of angry sex, then spawned this book!

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/embed/RSmH_nVg41w

Amazon     iTunes     BN     Kobo

Excerpt: 

Tristan no sooner entered the foyer of his home when he heard the rustling of metal upstairs and bared his teeth to attack. His gun drawn from his holster, he snarled at the thought of someone invading sanctuary. Someone had the gall to invade his home after the shit I've been through today? His body tense, he leaped to the top of the stairs, checking around the hall until he focused on his bedroom door closed with light shining under from under it. His senses still buzzing from the alcohol, he paused to get his bearings, letting the adrenaline stomp down his buzz. Ready to eliminate the threat, Tristan kicked down his bedroom door. With his gun drawn, he froze as his eyes met with the stark, violet eyes of a woman on his bed.

His mouth gaped open as she pulled against the glowing chains that were shackled to her wrists and ankles, the metal brushing against the bare flesh of her stomach, and lace-covered breasts.

Her abundant auburn hair cascaded down her back as she struggled to get to her knees as she faced him. She was breath-taking among the black satin of his bed and Tristan's eyes lingered over her from the full pout of her lips all the way down to the lacy black triangle at the meeting of her thighs.

Okay...It isn't his birthday...and what was in that fucking drink?

Her scowling face was less than pleased at Tristan's ogling. She pulled against the chains with a loud clink that brought Tristan back to earth.

"Take this off of me now!" Her eyes were thin slits as she glared at him.

Tristan moved closer to her, looking around the room for anyone else that decided to drop in on him. The only anomaly there was the woman wearing nothing but strange chains and underwear on his bed. His gun still drawn and aimed at her, he finally responded. "Who the hell are you?

And why the hell are you here? I didn't order a blood-bag stripper."

Zoë sneered at him viciously. "I'm not a stripper, you asshole! Now turn me loose or I'll rip your heart out!" She barked out through gritted teeth.

Tristan gave her a smirk. "Woo hoo, strong talk for a woman who can't move three inches from where she is." He chambered a round in his gun. "Now I'll ask you once more. Who the hell are you?"

He paused as she suddenly took a deep breath and inhaled him and the air around him.

"Damn it," she cursed under her breath as she realized what he was. Her senses reeling, she desperately tried to focus on her lucidity as her body primed itself for the hunt. NO! Not until I find out why I'm here in this jerk's room, she pleaded with herself. Focus. Focus. But it was too late. He was so close now, so very tempting and her body would not listen to reason. It was the nature of her kind, and yet she despised herself for it.

Tristan tried to shake the cloudiness from his head as he stared at her. All he could think of was ripping that delicate fabric from her body and plunging deep into her, then sinking his fangs into her lush, radiant skin and sampling her life force. He moved closer to her as she leaned back against the bed, her ethereal eyes seductive and enchanting. Tristan stopped at the edge of the bed, nothing but the iron rail to stop him from moving even closer.

But something in the back of his mind urged that it wasn't right. The need to sate himself with her made him want to tear the heavens down just to have her. This maddening, clawing sense of urgency that was so hot, it threatened to burn away all sense of reasoning. Even his stopping against the railing made his body burn for her. An insatiable need to taste her, to take her, as some unknown force drove him to her like a rabbit in a snare. The feeling was so innate and primal, Tristan could eagerly walk through all the flames of hell just to taste her now. It was what some would call, pure insanity.

He lowered his gun.

She crooked a finger to him to come closer and he obeyed, moving to the side of the bed, finally dropping his gun to the floor. Reaching for him, she closed her mouth on his, pressing her body against him. Tristan growled at her bare olive flesh rubbing against the folds of his clothes. He could feel all of her now as if there were no clothing between them. It made his body rigid, and throbbing. Never had he wanted to be inside someone with every fiber of his lost soul with such a hunger. Her full lips plundered him, greedy and lustful. He was already painfully erect, pulling at his coat to remove it as her mouth assaulted him in the most sinful way possible.

Zoë, you have to get a grip. She called within herself, as her tongue darted into his mouth, brushing against his fangs. He had the metallic taste of blood on his tongue as if he just came from feeding. The ripple of his flesh beneath his clothes begged her to strip him to see all of the sinew he hid from her gaze. When his erection poked against her stomach, she groaned at the promise of it. Every molecule in her body was honed to seduce him. To take him and make him hers...

The bastard deserves to die. He had just fed, probably off a human. Kill him now!

She shook her head, trying to dismiss the huntress in her clawing to get out. If she let it take over, this vampire was as good as dead. If she would reject it, the enthrallment would tear her soul to pieces. But this was not a 'stake the vampire, ask questions later' kinda situation. He's the only one who could help her out of the chains and probably out of this mess she somehow found herself in. She hated to admit it, but she needed the stupid vamp.

Just a little more, then you can kill him. Bite him!

"NO!"

Hissing, Zoë broke away, pushing him away from her. "Get away damn you!" Tristan shook the haze from his head as he saw her writhe on the bed in pain. His bedroom suddenly filled with the tortured screams of the woman as she convulsed and shook on his bed. He started to reach for her, when he saw her back as she pressed her stomach against the bed, screaming. Then she collapsed.

He went cold at what he saw.

Tristan stepped back as he saw the elaborate tattoo on her back. Wings were so beautifully crafted, one would have sworn the black feathers on her bare skin were actually real. But he knew exactly what those wings represented.

Oh, fuck me!

They were the symbol of the clipped wings of the league of angels who chose to fall to protect mankind.

Vampires were never at the top of the food chain, as much as they'd like to think so. They also had slayers; stronger and more gifted than any Buffy or Van Helsing a human could conjure up in their fantasy world.

They, and they alone were the true rulers of the night.

Black Blood Slayers, demons that had the power to lure a vampire from miles away if they chose. They could draw anything without a soul and bend some of those creatures to their will.

The supreme angels of death to vampires and the lesser demons on earth. They were beautiful, cunning, and absolutely lethal. Vampires unfortunate enough to encounter one did not live to talk about the experience.

And here was one, right in his bed.

Yeah, the night just keeps getting better.

About the Author: 

 A Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy author, Kharma Kelley has been enamored with all things that go "bump in the night" for who knows how long. She truly believes that finding humanity and beauty in some of the most seemingly unconventional places is part of the romantic psyche to her. A big fan of the Big Easy, Kharma tends to weave her proud Cajun heritage and values into her books. She enjoys reading other urban fantasy and romance novels and is the founder of the Inclusive Romance Project--an online community and mentorship for romance writers of marginalized identities.

 Website:  http://www.authorkharmakelley.com 

 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorkharmakelley 

 Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kharmakelley 

 Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kharmakelley

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15662193.Kharma_Kelley 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

[storyxonline]

Caffeinated Reviewer | Forevermore by Dannika Dark

11th May My heart was shattered when the Crossbreeds series concluded, and I wished we could return to Raven, Christian and the Keystone characters. I am here to tell you that wishes come true. We get to attend a wedding! Swoons, humor, sexy-time and wonderful moments with beloved characters await you. Forevermoreby Dannika Dark Series: Crossbreeds #12.5 Narrator: Nicole Poole Length: 3 hours…

[stargazermuse]

(Open. Introducing Dannika)

The ocean off the docks turned blood red as the sun slowly set on the horizon, casting an eerie shadow on the boats that were harbored for the night, their occupants either stowed away or enjoying the nightlife that Ketterdam offered.

The Inferni watched as the sun set, bringing on the night and the hustle and bustle that would soon flood the streets. Dark brown hair brushed from her shoulders with the slight breeze. It was turning spring, which meant the weather didn't know what temperature it wanted to be at the moment. Warm or cold.

Cold eyes squinted into the darkness as the lanterns behind began to light. She was callous, brash, and sometimes too hard-headed for her own good. And she wouldn't be caught dead in Kefta.

She was also a sister, who only wanted the world for her brother. And now that he has found his place with a friendly sharpshooting Durast, she knows she can loosen the reins.

The time moved slowly, but Dannika knew she had to make her way to her next priority. Slowly, she pushed away from the railings, before turning and beginning to make her way through the crowds of Ketterdam. The Grisha girl moved slowly sometimes, scanning the others as if they were prey. It was a habit of hers, to always make sure she kept her eyes open for any changes in the world.

The familiar club came into view, and she slipped in the open door with no problems. It was already bustling with people hoping to find a place to drink and gamble their lives away. Her time of freedom was up, and her time as a barkeep was upon her.

"Anything new this evening?" She asked the familiar face beside her, smiling at one of the other girls. They wore skirts and tight corsets, things she would never be able to breathe in. She never understood it. Her hand shot out, a flame erupting from her fingertips and lighting the fire behind them. With thanks, she turned back to the familiar face, leaning against the bar.

She was a loner, but here she was with her friends, her people.

[lacewinglacey]

Super stoked to share this book - the hero is a Jewish chef! Please check it out!

[the-book-queen]

Hide your wallets, it’s that time again! #TBQsBookDeals

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1st POV. Wolf shifters. Best friend's brother.

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Romeo and Juliet vibes, enemies to lovers with dueling mariachi bands.

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Vampire soldier + photographer (human). Because of a birthmark, she may be destined for some great battle.

KU Title

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 Putting these lists together takes time. If you appreciate this content, please consider buying me a Ko-Fi. http://ko-fi.com/danielletbq 

[bookmarkstarnet]

Four Days by Dannika Dark PDF Download

Four Days by Dannika Dark PDF Download

Download Four Days by Dannika Dark PDF novel free. “Four Days by Dannika Dark PDF Download” is an impressive novel that plots a heart-wrenching story for the reader of all ages. Four Days by Dannika Dark Summary “Four Days: A Novel” is one the best and most entertaining novels with a very unique and impressive story. Dannika Dark is the author of this fantastic novel. Dannika is the author of…

[harrypotterhousequotes]

SLYTHERIN: "It is not the easy road that makes us capable of great things. It is the hard journey that leads to a greater destiny. You can never rise if you never have anything to rise above." –Dannika Dark (Sterling)

[books-in-a-storm]

Book Of The Week

Title: Keystone(Crossbreed #1)

Author: Dannika Dark

Pages:310

Synopsis: Raven Black hunts evildoers for fun, but her vigilante justice isn’t the only reason she’s hiding from the law. Half Vampire, half Mage, she’s spent years living as a rogue to stay alive. When a Russian Shifter offers her a job in his covert organization hunting outlaws, dignity and a respectable career are finally within her grasp. The catch? Her new partner is Christian Poe - a smug, handsome Vampire whom she’d rather stake than go on a stakeout with. They're hot on the trail of a human killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. One misstep during her probationary period could jeopardize Raven’s chance at redemption, and her partner would love nothing more than to see her fail. Will Raven find the courage to succeed, or will she give in to her dark nature?

[random-bookquotes]

There are few things in life that are worth waking up to: sex, the dark spices of freshly brewed coffee, and bacon.

Dannika Dark, Sterling (Mageriverse #1)

[fireflyknowles]

I feel this...

[spookymulder97]

The events in our lives mark us, carve away the edges, and determine our shape as a sculpture to an artist

Dannika Dark (Twist)

[constantlytiredpigeon]

He smiled wolfishly. “Mind if I see your fangs?”

“Mind if I see your cock?”

He dropped the ball onto his foot and then hopped back, grimacing.

“Sorry, Christian. That’s a personal question.”

He limped toward the door and grumbled, “I’ll just be on my way.”

- Christian and Raven in Keystone by Dannika Dark

[hourlywallstaring]

Person A: I think I'm cursed

Person b: ha!

Person a: no I'm serious all this bad shit happens to me. I'm not complaining -really I'm not- I'm just worried it'll rub off on you

Person b: *smiling softly* that's okay you're worth it

Person a: are you sure? *smirks* I could ruin your life ... on accident

Person b: *drags fingers through the back of person a's hair and brings their faces so close together that their lips almost touch when they speak* Then ruin me, precious, ruin me.