The dream-mafia co-writing team. This was such a delicious and sexy little morsel- but I wanted SO much more of this story- I would kill for a full length.

3.5 stars



Merged review:

Dark, delicious, and steamy, Tales of Darkness and Sin is a dark, hedonistic delight. Packed with dream-collaborations of some of my favorite dark romance authors, authors who consistently set the bar for twisted, devious, and sumptuously sensual romance stories. Some of these shorts I’d read when they appeared in the authors’ Queen of Darkness and Sin group- and others I got to read for the first time. This was an incredibly stacked deck of sexy stories- one of my favorite anthologies to date. I loved every single story in this book.

Stories included:

**Sold to the Highest Bidder by Aleatha Romig and Skye Warren
These two have such complimentary storytelling approaches, so I love when they collaborate- I knew it would be a sensual and debaucherous creation. I wished we had a bit more to Briana and Cameron’s story- but I loved the premise and the very sexy and alluring alpha Cameron.


**Stalker by A. Jade and A. Zavarelli
I was most excited for this one- not only because I love stalker stories but also because I am obsessed with both of these authors- A Zavarelli’s dark intensity and Ashley Jade’s unconventional and depraved stories. Both so compellingly explore flawed characters- so having them take on a stalker story was just a dream. This one really hit the spot- I loved Violet and Zander, had all that taboo/forbidden appeal, and was just the right amount of naughty. Definitely my favorite in the anthology.

** Poisoned Hearts by Giana Darling and Parker S. Huntington
These two authors have some of the most distinct and flowery prose I’ve read in romance- their novels really elevate the genre in their artistry, and they both have a wheelhouse that is one of my favorite sub-genre’s- MAFIA. I had actually already read this in Queens of Darkness and Sin group, and I loved it then, and I love it now. This is probably the most well written piece of the bunch- just really artfully constructed and packs quite a punch for a novella- steam, intimacy, emotional range, and explosive character connection. That chemistry- HOT. This one had me on my toes- and I loved Liliana, the mafia princess/ virgin who is a minx under it all, and Frankie, the anti-hero intent on revenge. This story is seductive and delicious.


**The Dirty Bargain by Cora Reilly and Lylah James
The dark mafia queens in a dream collaboration. I remember freaking out reading this when it first appeared in the QoDS group- these two are masters at the alpha-softer heroine dynamic that I love so much. The dark anti-hero who softens only for his lady. Fans of Cora’s series will remember Talia, Cara’s little sister from Bound by Vengeance. Talia is SO much more than we realized, and I love how she goes against Cora’s usual heroine type. Her with Killer is just the ultimate mafia assassin/anti-hero. He’s dark, twisted, ruthless. They strike a delicious and sexy bargain- and the twists had me gasping. THis one ended far too quickly- I needed a whole book!


**Mr. Foster by K Webster and Sam Mariano
My psychologically and emotionally taboo writing queens! AH- my heart was so happy. And age gap/father’s best friend? GIMME GIMME. These two authors are my go-tos for forbidden romance- not only because their stories are sexy, but because they so beautifully challenge and push our conceptions of love by the EMOTIONAL intensity they bring to the taboo. This isn’t overly taboo (especially for KW), we have just enough of the forbidden though, and it is so steamy and yummy. The chemistry is magnetic- yowzers, loved this one.

**Not A Dirty Little Secret by Sierra Simone and Giana Darling
Again, two deeply eloquent composers of prose and also two of the most emotionally sensual writers around. I knew this would be magic. But even better- MM (finally, Giana!!) And we’ve got a bit of the taboo with it being stepbrothers. These two bring SO much soul to their dark stories- an emotional intensity that just sings, it makes the sex even sexier. Truly a beautiful AND steamy story.

**Her Christmas Present by Jade West and Lucia Franco
No one writes kink like Jade West- so I expected this one to be on fire. And oh, it was. Teacher-student kinky magic. So taboo, so filthy, I’m overheating just thinking about it. Such a naughty little treat.

And, in addition to these stories, Pepper Winters, Natasha Knight, and Isabella Starling all feature previews of upcoming books. I’d already read Natasha Knight’s With This Ring (it just came out)- and I LOVED this forced marriage/mafia story. Isabella Starling’s Tyrant Stalker had me intrigued and builds on a book already out (that was so naughty), and I always love the dark sensuality that Pepper’s writing exudes- so the Forbidden Flaws previews was a great glimpse into a book that I’m sure I’ll devour.

All in all A GREAT anthology showcasing the dark and devious talents of some of the best dark romance writers out there. If only we could convince them to write full length novels together….but these stories are pretty incredible.

Provided by Socialbutterflypr an Arc for an exchange of an honest review.


I will be honest, considering the incredible
authors who came together for this book,
I was like holy shit, the smut was so going
to be next level.

Eh.

I mean, the foreplay was 10/10⭐
Amazing build up, and the characters chemistry,
for such short books, these authors sure
know how build INCREDIBLE character
dynamics


But the sex scenes...
They were just there. I was expecting it to be
a lot more graphic considering the authors
but.. it was so tamed. I was super dissapointed.
It was more like: in, bang, out.

Wow. Don't you just love my crude language?


REMINDER. SM Soto was an author featured here HOWEVER she is completely removed from this anthology. I do not condone palagarism and I will not support an author who doesn't remain accountable for their actions. I debated all night if I should post this regardless of the contract I have signed. I have witnessed the action social butterfly and the other 16 authors in the past 24 hours and I am belated and satisfied at their course of actions.



Sold to the Highest Bidder - ⭐3/5
By althea romig and skye warren
✨ Husband's Brother.

“You’ve been engaged once before, Briana.” I pump my fingers in and out of her, dragging her mercilessly to the edge. “You should recognize a marriage proposal when you hear one.”




Stalker - ⭐4/5
By A ZAVARELLI
✨ Stalker Neighbor


Fortunately, the time has come for you to meet that man. Again. Because I’m your new neighbor, Violet Meadows… And I have every intention of getting what I want this time. You.



Poisoned hearts - ⭐5/5
By parker s huntington and Giana darling
✨ Opposite Mafia Family

“Come play with the devil for a while.”




Dirty Bargain - ⭐5/5
by Lylah James and Cora Riley
✨ When murder brings two people together.


I killed for sport; I killed for hobby … and I killed for my job. My hands were tainted with blood and countless deaths. The cage was my home and the screams of my victim? Fucking music to my ears. A goddamn lullaby.



Mr Foster - ⭐4/5
By KWebster and Sam Mariano
✨ Dad's best friend


My mouth would decimate hers and it would be just the beginning. I would devour her inch by inch, tasting every sweet part of her until she screamed for mercy. Together, we could be fantastic in bed. But… Oh, fuck me, there always has to be a but with anything good.




Not a Dirty Little Secret - DNF
- wasn't interested in the lame first interaction.





Her Christmas Present - ⭐5/5
✨ Student Teacher Romance
- Most graphic of all

“You’re not here for detention, little girl ,” I tell her. “You’re here so I can fuck you like the dirty little bitch you want me to make you.”



Forbidden Flaws - DNF
- wasn't interested and kind of boring



With this Ring - ⭐4.5/5
✨ Kidnapped

“Remember what I said. Face down, ass up.” She loses what color remained on her face. Good . She’ll heel. Because the tables have turned on the De La Cruz family and I decide whether she and her brother live or die.


Tyrant Stalker - DNF
by isabella starling
- boring

I was provided an early copy of Poisoned Hearts by Parker S. Huntington and Giana Darling, but I didn't need to be, the second this baby went up for pre-order I ordered myself a copy. All my favorite authors sharing their take on Dark themes? I'm so down! Poisoned Hearts did not disappoint! Lily and Frankie are from mob families steeped in the old ways. I knew Frankie was not a 'good' guy going in, but loved every minute of their twisted story. Made men, star crossed lovers, arranged marriages, violence, all the elements are there. Kind of reminded me of Romeo and Juliet, only a mobbed out, modern day spin on it, and like everything Ms Darling has a hand in writing, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED it!

I also had the chance to preview Not A Dirty Little Secret by Giana Darling and Sierra Simone and boy did that one give me all the feels! Its super quick, super dirty, and super HOT! Once I knew Ms Simone was involved I never doubted it! James and Tally bring the HEAT! Scandalous Prime Minister anyone? I do love a guy who can take charge and these ladies both write them so well! Very taboo treat that I won't spoil for anyone.
This anthology is one you can't miss!

I read lylah james story and I very much devoured and enjoyed it. A fab read

I loved these short stories. They were devilishly written with everything we love to hate in our antiheroes! Don’t miss this!

Thank you to the authors of this anthology and the team at Social Butterfly PR for the advance reader copy of Tales of Darkness and Sin, a new anthology from some of the top authors of the romance genre.

For over a year I have been getting sneak peeks at these stories through the Queens of Darkness and Sin Facebook group. If you are a fan of any of these lovely ladies or steamy sexy stories in general, you gotta join the group. I was super excited to see these ladies compile the stories they have co-written together in a package tied up in a nice little bow.

Check out the full review for each story here...
http://clarynathanwill.com/reviews/tales-of-darkness-and-sin-arc-review/

Me gustó ➙ ★★✩✩✩
ㅤ✧ Protagonistas

Cortito, me gustó. Recordaba a Talia como alguien extrovertida pero durante todo el libro llegué a sentir su miedo ante todo pero estuvo bueno. Le pongo tres estrellas porque sigo teniendo curiosidad, quería saber más sobre ellos:)

This anthology was so good. There was only 1 story I didn’t like. The rest I liked or loved. It was kind of thrilling reading through each story blind. It’s for a great cause too. Totally worth every penny.

SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER BY ALETHA ROMIG & SKYE WARREN
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was more of an appetizer than an actual story. I liked it but it was disappointing that we didn’t actually get to see any of the relationship between Cameron and Bri. The story ends where it should begin and then we get an epilogue that explains what happened but we don’t get to see it.

I get that it’s a short story in an anthology but I would have preferred less building up to the good part and more of actually seeing Bri and Cameron together.

STALKER BY A JADE & A ZAVARELLI
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A stalker story, one of my most favorite tropes, written by two of my favorite authors. Yes, please. This story isn’t terribly long but it’s so good. The only thing I’d change is that he planned to make her fall in love so he could break her heart. I prefer my stalker stories to be about getting and keeping the girl.

It was a great story though. Obviously he didn’t go with his plan. The ending was absolutely perfect!

POISONED HEARTS BY PARKER S. HUNTINGTON & GIANNA DARLING
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This one was interesting. I’ve read a lot of mafia books but I’ve never heard of a deflowering ceremony. I was definitely rooting for Frankie and Lily. I was pretty appalled by his behavior in the beginning but I do think he redeemed himself well enough.


COLLATERAL HEARTS BY K WEBSTER & S M SOTO
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I know there was some plagiarism controversy with S M Soto and this story is to be removed from the anthology. It’s in the version that Apple Books delivered from my pre-order so I’m including my review even though I think the updated version won’t have it when it’s available.

I would love to see this story rewritten by K Webster solo or perhaps another collaboration with Sam Mariano or another author. It was a really good story. It definitely evoked a lot of emotions from me.

I hated Saint in the beginning. The way he broke Melody down was cruel. It worked shockingly well. It was so interesting to see Melody’s slow transition from captive to willing participant in taking down her father.

Even though this story is short it thought provoking and packs an emotional punch. I loved Saint by the end. He may have brought out a fierceness in Melody but she brought out the light in him.

DIRTY BARGAIN BY LYLAH JAMES & CORA REILLY
⭐️
This one was unfortunately a miss for me. I’ve never read Lylah James before but I do love Cora Reilly’s books. I’ve been meaning to try some of Lylah James’ books just haven’t got there yet. While I didn’t like this story at all I still want to give her full length solo books a try.

Why didn’t I like it? There are several reasons but the biggest one was him fingering another woman to orgasm in front of her. He was unredeemable after that. I don’t care what his intentions were that ain’t it, fam.

I adore dark romance, you can hardly go too dark for me. Fingering another woman to orgasm in front of the heroine isn’t dark, it’s disgusting. The whole twist at the end was also not believable at all.

MR. FOSTER BY K WEBSTER & SAM MARIANO
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Real talk, this particular collaboration is the reason I bought this book. I adore anything written by Sam Mariano. She’s one of the few authors that wow me every time. Her dark heroes walked right out of my dreams. Carter, Matteo, Sebastian & Brant