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mom2three's review
5.0
This is a wonderful anthology that is full of stories that I hope get expanded and turned into full novels. Each of them is dark, but they are all dark in their own way. I have read a lot of paranormal dark romances but I don't think I've seen many, if any, Djinn stories so that made this anthology even better. I loved the different takes each author took on the Djinn, I loved the differing levels and takes on what a dark romance is, and I loved that none of the stories were similar.
Shattered Djinn by V.T. Bonds - This story is about Zuli, an author who is battling writers block, Kai'tau, a Djinn with a dark streak, and Ke'nu, the light to Kai'tau's dark. The story is super sexy with a touch of the Omegaverse blended with the mystique of the Djinn. The characters are intriguing and the, the plot is original, and the heat is high with this one. I can't wait to see where their story goes from here.
Release by Emma Mountford - This is a new to me author who I can't wait to dive into. Her take has a touch of ghost or haunting story. Ady has recently inherited the home she grew up in and she has returned to clean it out and decide what to do with it, but there are some secrets and dangers hiding in this old house. His name is Michael, but what he is, and what his plans for Ady are remain a mystery. The story is reminiscent of a gothic novel and I loved it. There are dangers all around them and their love may not be enough to give them their HEA.
King of Horrors by Chelsii Klein - This is another new to me author that I'm excited to discover. Her world is based on the Candy Land game but it isn't the sweet innocent game of my childhood. Instead, it's dark and twisted and everything is trying to kill you. I loved that about the story. The other thing I liked is the Emerald, or Fellen. She wasn't what I was expecting. This is just the beginning of the tale and it's going to be a wild ride that's full of danger, secrets, and heat.
Risky Wishes by D.E. Chapman - This is another Omegaverse/ Djinn mix and I'm here for it! It's the story of an Omega, Cami, her sister, Clara, and the Seven Sinners. It's dark and sexy and full of twists. It actually has an ending of sorts, but I feel there is more to the story because it's not a happy one. The protective streak that I'm used to from the Omegaverse trope isn't part of this one and it added a darker dimension that I really appreciated.
The Baroness and the Brothers Djinn by Ana B. Starr - This is the story that broke my heart the most. I felt for Ivy and her indecision and guilt. I felt her anger at the Djinn who are her captors and the undeniable attraction. This one took a turn I wasn't expecting and that also broke my heart. I also felt vindication at the end. I'm not sure if this one will have more added onto it because it actually gives a fairly satisfactory ending, and it's even happy. So even though this one could be considered a short and not just a beginning it's not lacking. The characters are complex, the heat level is high, the relationships between Ivy and the three djinn are all unique and fulfilling, and the story has depth. It's been a while since I've read any of Ms. Starr's books and this story reminded me of why I fell instantly in love with her writing.
Wish Me Real by Merel Pierce - This is the final story in the anthology and it's dark in a way none of the others were. Cecily's a nice, innocent, animal loving girl who has a big heart and not the best luck. that big heart and her bad luck are about to get her in trouble. The only things I'm going to say about this one is that Fastiq is a through and through bad boy. Even after finishing the story I'm not sure if I like him or not, and I actually like that. It's not the typical bad-boy-made-good, or at least he isn't at the ending of this part. I really hope Ms. Pierce adds on to this one. I would love to see more of the bond between Cecily and Fastiq. I would love to see the impact they have on each other and who wins their battle.
All in all, this is a fabulous dark romance anthology. Each story is strong and doesn't get lost among the others. I couldn't pick a favorite because each of them had something I loved and they are each so unique. The stories are short enough in length that you could read one on your lunch break but I was so sucked in that I read it in one sitting. Either way, it's a must read.
Shattered Djinn by V.T. Bonds - This story is about Zuli, an author who is battling writers block, Kai'tau, a Djinn with a dark streak, and Ke'nu, the light to Kai'tau's dark. The story is super sexy with a touch of the Omegaverse blended with the mystique of the Djinn. The characters are intriguing and the, the plot is original, and the heat is high with this one. I can't wait to see where their story goes from here.
Release by Emma Mountford - This is a new to me author who I can't wait to dive into. Her take has a touch of ghost or haunting story. Ady has recently inherited the home she grew up in and she has returned to clean it out and decide what to do with it, but there are some secrets and dangers hiding in this old house. His name is Michael, but what he is, and what his plans for Ady are remain a mystery. The story is reminiscent of a gothic novel and I loved it. There are dangers all around them and their love may not be enough to give them their HEA.
King of Horrors by Chelsii Klein - This is another new to me author that I'm excited to discover. Her world is based on the Candy Land game but it isn't the sweet innocent game of my childhood. Instead, it's dark and twisted and everything is trying to kill you. I loved that about the story. The other thing I liked is the Emerald, or Fellen. She wasn't what I was expecting. This is just the beginning of the tale and it's going to be a wild ride that's full of danger, secrets, and heat.
Risky Wishes by D.E. Chapman - This is another Omegaverse/ Djinn mix and I'm here for it! It's the story of an Omega, Cami, her sister, Clara, and the Seven Sinners. It's dark and sexy and full of twists. It actually has an ending of sorts, but I feel there is more to the story because it's not a happy one. The protective streak that I'm used to from the Omegaverse trope isn't part of this one and it added a darker dimension that I really appreciated.
The Baroness and the Brothers Djinn by Ana B. Starr - This is the story that broke my heart the most. I felt for Ivy and her indecision and guilt. I felt her anger at the Djinn who are her captors and the undeniable attraction. This one took a turn I wasn't expecting and that also broke my heart. I also felt vindication at the end. I'm not sure if this one will have more added onto it because it actually gives a fairly satisfactory ending, and it's even happy. So even though this one could be considered a short and not just a beginning it's not lacking. The characters are complex, the heat level is high, the relationships between Ivy and the three djinn are all unique and fulfilling, and the story has depth. It's been a while since I've read any of Ms. Starr's books and this story reminded me of why I fell instantly in love with her writing.
Wish Me Real by Merel Pierce - This is the final story in the anthology and it's dark in a way none of the others were. Cecily's a nice, innocent, animal loving girl who has a big heart and not the best luck. that big heart and her bad luck are about to get her in trouble. The only things I'm going to say about this one is that Fastiq is a through and through bad boy. Even after finishing the story I'm not sure if I like him or not, and I actually like that. It's not the typical bad-boy-made-good, or at least he isn't at the ending of this part. I really hope Ms. Pierce adds on to this one. I would love to see more of the bond between Cecily and Fastiq. I would love to see the impact they have on each other and who wins their battle.
All in all, this is a fabulous dark romance anthology. Each story is strong and doesn't get lost among the others. I couldn't pick a favorite because each of them had something I loved and they are each so unique. The stories are short enough in length that you could read one on your lunch break but I was so sucked in that I read it in one sitting. Either way, it's a must read.
freya_fron's review against another edition
5.0
My favourite is "The Baroness and the brother Djinns" by Ana B Starr. Refreshing, unique and sweet. Love the twist and how the story unfolds. The pace of the story is just right for the novella size. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shattered Djinns by VT Bonds and Risky Wishes by DE Chapman are also enjoyable. Risky wishes is also dark omegaverse, true to DE Chapman's style. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Merel Pierce's is my least favourite. The first part is quite slow and the latter feels rushed ( which I think is a typical issue of her writing. Her story has a good plot in general but the story pace is dragging)⭐⭐⭐
I DNF the other two stories after reading 1-2 chapters and find it difficult to engage the story.
Shattered Djinns by VT Bonds and Risky Wishes by DE Chapman are also enjoyable. Risky wishes is also dark omegaverse, true to DE Chapman's style. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Merel Pierce's is my least favourite. The first part is quite slow and the latter feels rushed ( which I think is a typical issue of her writing. Her story has a good plot in general but the story pace is dragging)⭐⭐⭐
I DNF the other two stories after reading 1-2 chapters and find it difficult to engage the story.
pagesinkedinshadows's review against another edition
5.0
King of Horrors - by Chelsii Klein is an epic retelling that will leave you wanting more.
You thought Candyland was just a game, but what if you had to play a life or death version of the game, where noone ever wins?
You thought Candyland was just a game, but what if you had to play a life or death version of the game, where noone ever wins?
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