Dark Romance « Read-Love-Blog

Release Day Blitz & Review…Betrayed In The Dark by Ashley Elizabeth

by Courtney

Betrayed in the Dark by Ashley Elizabeth is now live!

Betrayed.

With one letter, that’s what he did to me,

irrevocably splitting my heart down the middle,

causing everything we once shared in secret to become nothing more than a distant memory.

One I try desperately to forget.

So, imagine my shock when my brothers stood before me

to tell me who my new bodyguard would be while I fought back tears,

pretending my heart had never belonged to him.

And only him.

Especially since another man’s ring now rests on my finger.

Yet, every moment spent in his presence makes it harder to stay away.

Every secret embrace makes it nearly impossible to remember why I should hate him.

Even though I never could.

But as lines get crossed and feelings threaten to unravel everything,

there’s one thing I must remind myself:

This wedding is happening,

whether I want it to or not.

There’s just one problem.

The same man who is doing everything in his power to stop me from walking down the aisle

is the one I’m ultimately doing it all for:

Eli Lyon.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4lyKGHS

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3Tm0qlA

I really don’t know how to put this book into words.

You can read this one as a standalone – personally, I think part of the draw to Eli and Maddy is not knowing their connection from the previous book. But if you read the previous book, then parts of the mystery behind their interactions are already known.

I really enjoyed the flow and pacing of this story. The letters between them are placed perfectly within the story and help readers learn about their history and how they came to be where they are today.

This is a thrilling romantic, mafia suspense story. It’s a great way for people to dip their toes into the darker-ish parts of the romance world without getting turned off completely from dark romance.

Loved this one! Can’t wait for the next book in this series!!

Meet Ashley Elizabeth

Ashley Elizabeth is an author of steamy contemporary romance. Her books will always tell a love story with just the right amount of spice and, most importantly, end with a happily ever after. When she’s not reading a romance novel or overthinking everything, you can find her at Starbucks, keeping them in business, or watching Jurassic Park for the thousandth time with her fur baby, Bailey.

Connect with Ashley

Website | https://ashleyelizabethauthor.com/

Amazon | http://bit.ly/44QcosR

Goodreads | http://bit.ly/40h9k7E

Instagram | http://bit.ly/3IsS898

Dark Romance Five Loves New Releases New Reviews October 2025 Release Day Event Romance Romantic Suspense Second Chance Standalone

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Release Day Blitz & Review…Unveil by Greer Rivers

by Courtney

Unveil by Greer Rivers is now live!

A dark Swan Lake retelling where the ‘villain’ steals the girl, set in a world of secret pacts, feuding families, and primal obsession.

He’s her curse, but she’s his salvation, and he’ll do anything to keep the ones he loves safe.

Rebellious ballerina Luna Bordeaux may be the darling of the New Orleans elite, but she’s destined to dance in her parents’ shadows. Her twenty-second birthday was supposed to be her escape. One last performance, one necessary breakup, then? Freedom.

Except her white knight of a boyfriend just proposed on stage.

And now her masked stalker has crashed the engagement party…

Orion Fury has protected Luna for years, counting the seconds until he can claim his future wife, honoring a vow made between their fathers decades ago. His discipline has only ever slipped once, but his enemy just crossed the line. All bets are off, and a night that began with a party ends in kidnapping and murder.

Now Luna is a stolen bride with blood on her slippers and a target on her back, trapped in the wilderness with the man who hunted her. But Orion isn’t the only predator in these woods, and the men coming for her will do anything to stop the Fury-Bordeaux alliance.

Her villain may be the one person she’s determined to hate, but is he the only one dangerous enough to keep her alive?

Tropes:
Arranged marriage
Masked stalker
Primal play
Touch her and die
Hidden identity
Stolen bride
Villain gets the girl

Unveil is Book 1 of the Frayed Satin Series, a Tattered Curtain second-generation legacy series of interconnected standalones reimagining classic ballets with dark and twisty HEAs. Each series can be enjoyed separately. TWs will be available in the front of the book.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4joHqgx

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/IzPRf

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4dT6go1

Unveil does not disappoint at all!

I was hooked from the start with the mystery and suspense behind this story.

You definitely do not need to read the series this is a spin-off from (I only read one of those books) but there is alot of family involved in this story – but they need to be in order for the whole story to work. However, there isn’t an overload of information that takes away from the story. It’s just alot to take in, so tread lightly.

I love Luna – she is very carefree and ready to break free from the “chains” she’s been held down by. I adored Orion and his overly protective personality – he was the perfect match for Luna. But there is so much more to these two. The growth, the respect, the chemistry – LOVE IT ALL!

Greer writes a phenomenal story line that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. The angst, the suspense, the spice but also some hard issues that were handled perfectly.

A great start to her new series, where each book ends in an HEA.

Dark Romance Five Loves New Releases New Reviews October 2025 Release Day Event Romance Standalone

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Cover Reveal…Loving The Tormentor by Lola King

by Courtney

Lola King has revealed the cover for Loving The Tormentor!

Releasing: December 4, 2025

She dreams of being noticed by her idol. He needs a muse to torment.

Once a decade, my broken hometown spits out a good girl.

Everyone always made sure to point out that it’s me. The violinist who doesn’t belong. The girl mocked for dreaming too big, for believing I can escape the gangs, the debts, and the crimes of the North Shore.

All I want is one thing: a spot at Silver Falls University, where they house the most elite music school in the country. The place where my idol studies.

Achilles Duval is a legend. A genius. A man whose music could break your heart before he ever touched your body. I’ve followed him for years, obsessed with the chance of one day having him hear me play. His notorious arrogance means nothing when I dream of him noticing me.

And he does notice me.

But not in the way I hoped.

Because Achilles isn’t just brilliant. He’s dangerous. Untouchable. A man born with power, privilege, and no limits. His reputation barely scratches the surface of what he really is.

He’s not an idol. He’s a monster.

And once Achilles Duval sets his eyes on you, there’s no walking away unscathed.

They say never meet your heroes.

They should have warned me about Achilles.

Pre-order your copy today!

https://mybook.to/lovingthetormentor

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4pFHxca

Bully Romance Cover Reveal Dark Academia Dark Romance New Adult Pre-Order Romance September 2025

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Cover Reveal…Beautiful Torment by A. Zavarelli

by Courtney

BEAUTIFUL TORMENT BY A. ZAVARELLI

Release Date: September 26th

Genre/Tropes: Dark Romance / Millionaire / Fake Dating / Stalker x Obsession / Mafia / Primal Play / Masks / Fear Play / Stolen Bride / My Wife / Touch Her and Die / Hero Needs an Heir / Bloody Vows / Only Soft for Her / Tattoos Her / Obsessed Hero / Revenge / Arranged Marriage / Billionaire Romance / Mafia Princess / Secret Society / Morally Gray

Photographer: Michelle Lancaster / @lanefotograf

Cover Model: Chad Hurst

Check out this GORGEOUS cover!!

We are honored to reveal the cover for the upcoming release of BEAUTIFUL TORMENT by A. Zavarelli, coming September 26th!

Make sure to preorder this secret society, dark mafia romance TODAY!

PREORDER NOW!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKKKC5LC

BLURB

They call him Il Diavolo

When the devil dressed in black crashes my wedding

I know he didn’t come to offer me his blessing

He came to collect what was always his

For months, he’s watched me from the shadows

Haunting me

Biding his time

Planning his revenge

Before he was King of the Cosa Nostra

I was fated to be his queen

I promised him forever

Now, he’s here to remind me what forever really means.

About A. Zavarelli:

Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of dark and contemporary romance.

When she’s not putting her characters through hell, she can usually be found watching bizarre and twisted documentaries in the name of research.

She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.

Connect w/A. Zavarelli:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azavarelliauthor/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/943497375705372/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@azavarelli

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azavarelli/

Twitter:https://twitter.com/AZavarellibooks

Mailing List: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/b7o9l3

Website: https://www.azavarelli.com

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13549895.A_Zavarelli

Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/A-Zavarelli/e/B00U2562W8

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/a-zavarelli

Cover Reveal Dark Romance Mafia Romance Pre-Order Romance Romantic Suspense September 2025 Standalone

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Release Day Blitz & Review…He Knows When You’re Awake by Alta Hensley

by Courtney

He Knows When You’re Awake by Alta Hensley is now live!

This Christmas, it’s all about getting what you really want in this dark billionaire stalker romance sequel to He Sees You When You’re Sleeping.

Stalking in a winter wonderland…

Jewelry designer Sloane dreams of launching her own custom line—but she needs a Christmas miracle to pull it off. With traditional banks turning her down left and right, she can’t resist when a mysterious stranger offers her a lifeline.

I see what she creates in those stolen moments when she thinks no one’s watching. I see everything. There’s a darkness at her core and I will unravel her until I find it.

Reclusive billionaire Cole Asher offers to fly Sloane out to an ultra-luxurious Swiss resort for a meeting. Reluctantly, she agrees—only to realize she’s met him once before in a New York bar.

She is crucial to my plans, and I need her close. She insists that we keep things professional, and I comply. But soon she will realize that every line is blurred when it comes to her and me.

Cole offers to back her company—but there’s a cost. To secure his investment, Sloane must move into his Manhattan penthouse, where she’ll complete her first round of designs for him to review before Christmas.

Sloane throws herself into her work, yet soon the attraction between her and Cole becomes undeniable. As the city sparkles with Christmas splendor from her penthouse view, Sloane wonders if she has stepped into a fairy tale—until Cole’s powerful enemies close in. They will stop at nothing to destroy him, including going after the woman he loves.

I will burn down the world to get her back…and it will be in time for Christmas.

TROPES

Billionaire Romance

Stalker romance

Christmas romance

Morally grey MMC

Forced proximity

Opposites attract

Kink friendly

He Knows When You’re Awake is a dark romance with a morally grey male lead. Some themes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the content warnings at the beginning of the book.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: http://bit.ly/4fvhUWG

Apple Books: http://bit.ly/4gmpS5a

Nook: http://bit.ly/3I94QtZ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/4nmYNRm

Google Play: http://bit.ly/4mbq48x

Pre-order the Deluxe paperback edition: http://bit.ly/4gmq98c

Features special sprayed edges with digital artwork and glow-in-the-dark cover effects!

Audible Pre-order: http://bit.ly/3V4Ny49

Releasing in audio on November 4th

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/4fDcXeK

Dark Romance Five Loves New Releases New Reviews Release Day Event Romance Romantic Suspense Romantic Thriller Standalone

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Release Day Blitz & Review…He Knows When You’re Awake by Alta Hensley

by Courtney

He Knows When You’re Awake by Alta Hensley is now live!

This Christmas, it’s all about getting what you really want in this dark billionaire stalker romance sequel to He Sees You When You’re Sleeping.

Stalking in a winter wonderland…

I see what she creates in those stolen moments when she thinks no one’s watching. I see everything. There’s a darkness at her core and I will unravel her until I find it.

Reclusive billionaire Cole Asher offers to fly Sloane out to an ultra-luxurious Swiss resort for a meeting. Reluctantly, she agrees—only to realize she’s met him once before in a New York bar.

She is crucial to my plans, and I need her close. She insists that we keep things professional, and I comply. But soon she will realize that every line is blurred when it comes to her and me.

I will burn down the world to get her back…and it will be in time for Christmas.

TROPES

Billionaire Romance

Stalker romance

Christmas romance

Morally grey MMC

Forced proximity

Opposites attract

Kink friendly

He Knows When You’re Awake is a dark romance with a morally grey male lead. Some themes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the content warnings at the beginning of the book.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: http://bit.ly/4fvhUWG

Apple Books: http://bit.ly/4gmpS5a

Nook: http://bit.ly/3I94QtZ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/4nmYNRm

Google Play: http://bit.ly/4mbq48x

Pre-order the Deluxe paperback edition: http://bit.ly/4gmq98c

Features special sprayed edges with digital artwork and glow-in-the-dark cover effects!

Audible Pre-order: http://bit.ly/3V4Ny49

Releasing in audio on November 4th

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/4fDcXeK

Alta became a favorite author of mine when I discovered her books almost two years ago (really her books with Blake Zoe – The Gilded Decadence series) but quickly started reading her other books.

I inhaled the first book in this series last year and when it became known there was a second releasing, I hit pre-order so fast I almost broke a finger.

And let me tell you, Alta did not let me down with book two. She just proved why she is able to make a stalker romance sound so enticingly hot.

The blurb is all you need for this one. Alta weaves a very suspenseful and wickedly spicy story together that will have you turning pages quickly.

I will definitely be re-reading this around Christmas too.

Contemporary Romance Dark Romance Five Loves Holiday Romance New Releases New Reviews Release Day Event Romance Romantic Suspense September 2025 Standalone

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Release Day Blitz…Eldritch by Keri Lake

by Courtney

Title: Eldritch

Series: The Eating Woods Trilogy #2

Author: Keri Lake

Genre: Dark Fantasy

Tropes: Morally Grey Characters/Fated Mates

Elements of Horror/Forced Proximity

Release Date: September 9, 2025

BLURB

An eldritch magic has awakened, turning the mortal world darker. Colder. Famished. With flesh-eating monsters and a sinister curse spreading like a plague, the last glimmer of humanity in Foxglove Parish has long-since faded.

For Maevyth and Zevander, the only chance of escape is through The Eating Woods. But fate has woven a new web, tangling the threads of destiny, and crossing the mystical boundary to Aethyria might not be so simple.

As the bones of Maevyth’s past are unearthed, and truths unravel with unsettling clarity, the possibility of never leaving Mortasia is becoming more of a reality. Unfortunately for Zevander, time is running out. The longer he stays in the mortal lands, deprived of essential vivicantem, the more he succumbs to the encroaching specter of madness.

Or maybe those chasing shadows are someone hunting him. A wretched evil closing in, threatening to pull him into the darkest corners of his mind.

Only, this time, Maevyth may not have the power to save him.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

ALSO AVAILABLE

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

AUTHOR BIO

Keri Lake is a dark romance writer who specializes in demon wrangling, vengeance dealing and wicked twists. Her stories are gritty, with antiheroes that walk the line of good and bad, and feisty heroines who bring them to their knees. When not penning books, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters, and their rebellious Labrador (who doesn’t retrieve a damn thing). She runs on strong coffee and alternative music, loves a good red wine, and has a slight addiction to dark chocolate.

AUTHOR LINKS

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK GROUP

INSTAGRAM

TIKTOK

NEWSLETTER

Dark Romance Duet Fantasy New Releases Release Day Event Romance September 2025

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Release Day Blitz & Review…Unrequited by Jane Henry

by Courtney

Unrequited: A Dark Bratva Age Gap Romance by Jane Henry is now live!

A forbidden, age-gap romance of secrets, loyalty, and obsession.

He was never supposed to touch me.
I was never supposed to love him.
But some lines don’t stay drawn.

I live in a world of rules and expectations, where obedience is survival and love is a liability. I was the innocent one. The youngest sister. Sheltered by my brothers and kept far away from the family’s darker affairs.

Until him.

He’s dangerous. Nameless. Obsessive.

Mine for one stolen hour a week, and every time he leaves me, he takes a piece of me with him.

But when I find out his true identity, my world implodes.

They call him the Undertaker.
The man who buries problems no one else can solve.

Loving him means betraying my family.
Choosing him means choosing war.
But he’s already chosen…me.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: geni.us/UnrequitedJaneHenry

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/4fg2CVW

This book was perfection!!

I was so excited when I realized this was going to be Zoya’s and The Undertaker’s book. These two could not be any more different and yet they are immediately drawn to one another.

Jane did what Jane does best – she writes a phenomenal story with fantastic characters that standout on their own but when they meet their match, the chemistry is off the charts.

I won’t tell you how everything goes down because that will ruin this book for you. But I will tell you that you will fall in love with these two and their story.

And let’s not forget the spicy scenes – oh yes, they are worth the slow burn.

Unrequited is an absolute must-read!

August 2025 Dark Romance Five Loves Mafia Romance New Releases New Reviews Romance Romantic Suspense Standalone

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Release Day Blitz & Review…Almost Ravaged by Abby Millsaps

by Courtney

Almost Ravaged by Abby Millsaps is now live!

Prepare to be swept away by Almost Ravaged, the first book in an all new dark, why choose, college hockey trilogy from bestselling author Abby Millsaps.

They say you never forget your first love.

What they don’t say is how hard it is to move on when he happens to be the trifecta: a brooding hockey player, your brother’s best friend, AND the keeper of your darkest secret.

I spent three years trying to get over Tytus Tremblay, only to slingshot right back into his orbit when we’re reunited at Holt University.

But Tytus isn’t the only man on my radar anymore.

I have a new enemy in the form of Mercer Eden, an arrogant, condescending professor almost twice my age who happens to be my boss. Then there’s his sweet, bashful best friend, Noah Henry, the owner of Evercrisp Orchard.

The pleasure Mercer and Noah offer me—individually, and together—is the primal distraction I live for. It just might be what I need to finally forget my first love and move on with my life.

But then Tytus makes a life-altering choice that affects us all, and one thing becomes abundantly clear: he never plans to let me go.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://geni.us/AlmostRavaged

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/44Bav4P

Man, oh man, Abby – you definitely know how to deliver the perfect punch at the start of a series.

I was very intrigued with where Abby was going to take this story after the start of this book.

I love that she gives us a nice background on some of the main characters and then proceeds to show us where they are a few years later and introduces us to the other main characters.

I am saying zero else about the plot because I knew absolutely zilch about this book except the blurb and that made this book all the more delicious to read. And that ending – in true Abby fashion, that came out of nowhere and now I need the next book.

I will leave you with this….this book will have your appreciating those spicy scenes soooooo much. Phew.

August 2025 Dark Romance Five Loves Forbidden New Releases New Reviews Release Day Event Reverse Harem Romance Sports Romance Taboo Why Choose

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Release Day Blitz & Review…Handsome Devil by L.J. Shen

by Courtney

I made a deal with the devil to save my mother…

But is it really hell if I love the way it burns?

Handsome Devil, an all-new enemies to lovers, marriage contract, dark romance from New York Times bestselling author L.J. Shen is now available!

Gia

The monster from my nightmares crawled into my reality, masquerading as my boss.

Tatum Blackthorn is Lucifer, personified.

When he discovers my weakness, he makes me an offer I cannot refuse, and I become his wife.

I always knew he was depraved, but as his twisted vendetta unfurls, so does my darkest secret.

Now we’re both the target of very nefarious people…

They’re about to find out no one matches my husband’s wrath.

Tate

I am a man of a few pleasures, one of which is destroying Gia Bennett.

Slowly. Patiently. Systematically.

My fixation with my secretary has an origin, but no limits.

When my revenge spree sparks into an all-consuming Mafia war, I expect nothing but a good time.

After all, death cannot come too soon.

Alas, it isn’t just my life that’s on the line now.

In this chess name, the king protects the queen.

Even at the price of burning down his entire empire.

Start reading today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

ebook: https://amzn.to/4cTjUqJ

Audible: https://tinyurl.com/hdljsaud

Deluxe Edition Paperback: https://amzn.to/3ELzTtZ

Indigo Exclusive Edition: https://shor.by/NMB5

Walmart Exclusive Edition: https://tinyurl.com/y979h86h

Add Handsome Devil to Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/hd3ljsgr

Start the Forbidden Love series today → https://amzn.to/4lsG6LX

Keep reading for a look inside Handsome Devil!

He caught me by the arms, his touch cold and impersonal, and righted me against a glass wall.

“Why are you doing this?” I whispered.

He stared me down serenely. He oozed power, this unabashed male roughness that made me swallow a whimper.

“You cannot be all good, and I cannot be all bad. We have to meet somewhere in the middle for people to buy this marriage,” he said, ignoring my question.

“But you are all bad!” I protested, balling my fists to pound his chest. It was as solid as stone beneath the rich fabric.

The notebook slipped from between my arms between us.

“That’s not true. I am very good with giving women earth-shattering orgasms. References are available upon request.

He smirked, his face still dangerously close to mine. What lay behind his eyes made my pulse quicken. Possessiveness mixed with something else. Desperation maybe.

His marble cheekbones were flushed, his nostrils narrow. For a brief moment, I thought he’d lean down and kiss me. I’d let him too.

Because even though I hated him, even though I loathed the idea of his very existence, I was curious to know what it felt like.

To be kissed by a man who owned the entire world, who had infinite power, no limits, no restraints, no conscience.

My lips parted. I could feel his breath against my own. I would find a way to get him back tomorrow. To punish him for what he was doing to me. But right now, in this minute, I wanted him like air. Like oxygen.

For more information about L.J. Shen and her books, visit her website:

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August 2025 Dark Romance Five Loves New Releases New Reviews Release Day Event Romance Romantic Suspense Standalone

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Release Day Blitz & Review…The Hunter by T.K. Leigh

by Courtney

Title: The Hunter

Series: Hunter Trilogy #1

Author: T.K. Leigh

Genre: Dark Romance

Tropes: Morally Gray Hero/Captive Romance

Opposites Attract/Hades X Persephone Retelling

Release Date: August 7, 2025

BLURB

To take down a monster, you have to become one.

Victor Kane thought he was untouchable… Until he took something that didn’t belong to him.

Now I’ll burn his empire to the ground, starting with the one thing he holds dearest.

His wife.

But Ariana Kane is no fragile flower.

She’s colder than winter, sharper than any thorn, and hiding secrets darker than my own.

I took her as a pawn in this ruthless game of revenge.

I didn’t expect to keep her.

And I sure as hell didn’t expect to crave her with every beat of my dead, cold heart.

She was supposed to be a means to an end.

But the deeper I drag her into my world, the more I realize some queens aren’t made for the light.

And some gods fall hardest for the goddess they were never meant to touch.

The Hunter is the first book in a brand new dark romance trilogy from USA Today Bestselling Author T.K. Leigh.

GOODREADS

BOOKBUB

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

UNIVERSAL / WEBSITE

COMING SOON

Releasing January 15

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS

UNIVERSAL

RELEASING JANUARY 1 HERE

AUTHOR BIO

T.K. Leigh is the USA Today Bestselling author of romance ranging from fun and flirty to sexy and suspenseful. Originally from New England, she now resides outside of Raleigh with her husband, beautiful daughter, special needs rescue dog, and three cats. When she’s not writing, she can be found training for her next marathon (of which she has run over twenty fulls and far too many halfs to recall) or chasing her daughter around the house.

AUTHOR LINKS

WEBSITE

NEWSLETTER

FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK GROUP

INSTAGRAM

PINTEREST

GOODREADS

BOOKBUB

August 2025 Dark Romance Five Loves New Releases New Reviews Release Day Event Romance Romantic Suspense Standalone

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