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The Dark Side #3
Darkest
When his past destroys Eva's trust in her Master, can he win her back?
As their turbulent, complex relationship deepens, Nathan Darke is increasingly aware that Eva Byrne has become much more to him than his submissive. She's in his home, in his family. And in his heart.
Eva hasn't found it easy to trust, to believe in herself and in a relationship that can last. But happiness, once so elusive, is within her grasp. Nathan is her Master, her lover and her soulmate.
However, no sooner do they manage to find a fragile balance between them-a way of entwining both their worlds-and start to build a future, than their past comes crashing back to destroy their emerging love. Jealousy and hate brutally shatter Eva's and Nathan's delicate trust in each other, and their life together crumbles.
Can they overcome the crushing pain of betrayal and deceit to regain some sort of future together, or are some wounds just too deep to heal? Are some risks too great? Some rewards just not enough?
As their turbulent, complex relationship deepens, Nathan Darke is increasingly aware that Eva Byrne has become much more to him than his submissive. She's in his home, in his family. And in his heart.
Eva hasn't found it easy to trust, to believe in herself and in a relationship that can last. But happiness, once so elusive, is within her grasp. Nathan is her Master, her lover and her soulmate.
However, no sooner do they manage to find a fragile balance between them-a way of entwining both their worlds-and start to build a future, than their past comes crashing back to destroy their emerging love. Jealousy and hate brutally shatter Eva's and Nathan's delicate trust in each other, and their life together crumbles.
Can they overcome the crushing pain of betrayal and deceit to regain some sort of future together, or are some wounds just too deep to heal? Are some risks too great? Some rewards just not enough?
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2013
3 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Ashe Barker
140 books807 followersUntil 2010, Ashe was a director of a regeneration company before deciding there had to be more to life and leaving to pursue a lifetime goal of self-employment.
Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.
She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.
When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.
Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.
She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.
When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 31, 2014
This was such a nice series, is a mix of 50 Shades of Grey, Crossfire and Knight Trilogy by CC Gibbs...practically 3 favorite series of mine. The story takes place in Haworth, West Yorkshire...in the moors of the Bronte Sisters.
This is the story of Eva (Evangelica) Byrne a 21 years old nerd, highest genius with an IQ of 181, 17 GCSEs and 8 A levels. She speaks fluently 17 languages and has 2 PhDs in Mathematics and Music by the age of 21. She went to university when she was 13, she couldn't relate because of the age difference with her grown up university mates, they saw her as the little nerd at the back, the strange brainy kid...so she felt always alone, isolated, a screwed up mess who spent her time with the books and no friends. And now in the age of 21 while doing her PhD in Oxford she had a mental collapse, she couldn't work anymore, she couldn't sleep, eat...she left Oxford and locked herself in her room at her mothers flat and began thinking of what she wanted to do with her life. So on impulse she decided to teach violin to children this could give her a chance to relate with people and do something she could enjoy. So she went to the "Little Maestros" agency and in short time they called her for a work as a violin teacher for a little girl in Yorkshire. So began Eva's adventure in discovering herself and her sexuality when she met Nathan Darke, father of her 8 years old student Rosie.
Nathan Darke is around 30, he's sexy as hell, tall, a physic to die for, with long black hair and deep chocolates eyes. He's an architect and businessman. He's totally alpha and into BDSM. His wettest fantasy is having a red head librarian to his mercy...When little nerd red head Eva comes to his house to teach his daughter, he's totally obsessed with her and want her badly!
This is a beautiful love story, I totally enjoyed it. I loved Nathan and Eva, I loved little Rosie and I was enchanted with Isabella, in my opinion even though she had her father's looks...she has the IQ of her mother, with those smart big chocolate eyes she seems to understand a lot around her :)
Isabella
I would have loved though to read a couple more chapters of their life finally together as a family in the moors of Black Comb.
This is the story of Eva (Evangelica) Byrne a 21 years old nerd, highest genius with an IQ of 181, 17 GCSEs and 8 A levels. She speaks fluently 17 languages and has 2 PhDs in Mathematics and Music by the age of 21. She went to university when she was 13, she couldn't relate because of the age difference with her grown up university mates, they saw her as the little nerd at the back, the strange brainy kid...so she felt always alone, isolated, a screwed up mess who spent her time with the books and no friends. And now in the age of 21 while doing her PhD in Oxford she had a mental collapse, she couldn't work anymore, she couldn't sleep, eat...she left Oxford and locked herself in her room at her mothers flat and began thinking of what she wanted to do with her life. So on impulse she decided to teach violin to children this could give her a chance to relate with people and do something she could enjoy. So she went to the "Little Maestros" agency and in short time they called her for a work as a violin teacher for a little girl in Yorkshire. So began Eva's adventure in discovering herself and her sexuality when she met Nathan Darke, father of her 8 years old student Rosie.
Nathan Darke is around 30, he's sexy as hell, tall, a physic to die for, with long black hair and deep chocolates eyes. He's an architect and businessman. He's totally alpha and into BDSM. His wettest fantasy is having a red head librarian to his mercy...When little nerd red head Eva comes to his house to teach his daughter, he's totally obsessed with her and want her badly!
This is a beautiful love story, I totally enjoyed it. I loved Nathan and Eva, I loved little Rosie and I was enchanted with Isabella, in my opinion even though she had her father's looks...she has the IQ of her mother, with those smart big chocolate eyes she seems to understand a lot around her :)
Isabella
I would have loved though to read a couple more chapters of their life finally together as a family in the moors of Black Comb.
May 21, 2016
Darkest is book three in the Dark Side trilogy by Ashe Barker. I liked the story's ending well enough but it left me with some mixed feelings on how we got there.
We are treated to Eva and Nathan together and coming to understand the dynamics of their relationship. I loved their relationship and the easy going feeling you get from it. Unfortunately things do not last. Nathan's past-so to speak-catches up to him and an obstacle presents itself. It proves to be an obstacle too big for Eva to dismiss. She gives in to her insecurities, her world ripping apart, she flees. Further complications arise, and Eva keeps retreating deep into herself. I felt she needed to talk to Nathan at some point, but she didn't. I felt this was handled totally wrong and not really how I would've thought Eva to act at this point. I don't think she would have just fell off the face of the earth. Yes, she was upset, hurt, all of it. I get that but to not talk to Nathan once, didn't fit.
Nathan is beside himself when Eva takes off. When she doesn't talk to him, he seems, after awhile, to let her go. We get little of what is going through his head during this time. I felt it was out of character for him to just let her go. Eva was what he wanted, Dom's go after what they want. That's part of their makeup. He had the resources to find her, so why didn't he implore them to find Eva and confront her? They were apart for a year. It doesn't seem believable that he would stay away from her for that long.
I can not spoil the ending, but I really did like how it unfolded. I loved how the author explained Eva's emotions and Yes, we were hoping for a shot at a HEA. This was a real emotional journey for Eva, but also for Nathan. Both learned things about themselves. They both had their faults and I was happy how it ultimately wrapped up. I would've enjoyed a little bit more time to take in their family dynamic, so may be we will be treated to that in a later book!
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire Dark Side trilogy. The writing is very good, and the story is one you will remember!
4 stars/4 flames
I was given this book for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
We are treated to Eva and Nathan together and coming to understand the dynamics of their relationship. I loved their relationship and the easy going feeling you get from it. Unfortunately things do not last. Nathan's past-so to speak-catches up to him and an obstacle presents itself. It proves to be an obstacle too big for Eva to dismiss. She gives in to her insecurities, her world ripping apart, she flees. Further complications arise, and Eva keeps retreating deep into herself. I felt she needed to talk to Nathan at some point, but she didn't. I felt this was handled totally wrong and not really how I would've thought Eva to act at this point. I don't think she would have just fell off the face of the earth. Yes, she was upset, hurt, all of it. I get that but to not talk to Nathan once, didn't fit.
Nathan is beside himself when Eva takes off. When she doesn't talk to him, he seems, after awhile, to let her go. We get little of what is going through his head during this time. I felt it was out of character for him to just let her go. Eva was what he wanted, Dom's go after what they want. That's part of their makeup. He had the resources to find her, so why didn't he implore them to find Eva and confront her? They were apart for a year. It doesn't seem believable that he would stay away from her for that long.
I can not spoil the ending, but I really did like how it unfolded. I loved how the author explained Eva's emotions and Yes, we were hoping for a shot at a HEA. This was a real emotional journey for Eva, but also for Nathan. Both learned things about themselves. They both had their faults and I was happy how it ultimately wrapped up. I would've enjoyed a little bit more time to take in their family dynamic, so may be we will be treated to that in a later book!
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire Dark Side trilogy. The writing is very good, and the story is one you will remember!
4 stars/4 flames
I was given this book for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
March 23, 2017
Nathan and Eva have finally found a fragile balance between them. Eva, who has trust issues, thinks she has found it with Nathan. Nathan, who has had many subs, feels Eva may be the not-so-perfect sub for him. Together they start to build their lives but when a moment of betrayal and jealous arise, they find they world is torn apart.
This third and final entry has the least amount of sex and the most heart wrenching moments. Eva has come so far and to have an act of jealous come between then was so upsetting. This is definitely the book that made me the most emotional. Even though I feel there is less sex in this book than the previous two, the creative aspect had me liking it the best. You are so naughty and wicked Nathan! I won’t spoil the ending but I will say the journey Eva and Nathan take in Darkest easily make this my favorite of the three books. I gasp, giggled and cried. As for the end, let’s just say I couldn’t ask for a better one.
And so the story ends. I’m so sad to say goodbye. Eva, Nathan and all the other characters have been some my favorites and I feel like I have moved away some great friends. If you get a chance, read the The Dark Side Trilogy. As for recommendations, read Darkest. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this book from JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 5 Flames - 4
This third and final entry has the least amount of sex and the most heart wrenching moments. Eva has come so far and to have an act of jealous come between then was so upsetting. This is definitely the book that made me the most emotional. Even though I feel there is less sex in this book than the previous two, the creative aspect had me liking it the best. You are so naughty and wicked Nathan! I won’t spoil the ending but I will say the journey Eva and Nathan take in Darkest easily make this my favorite of the three books. I gasp, giggled and cried. As for the end, let’s just say I couldn’t ask for a better one.
And so the story ends. I’m so sad to say goodbye. Eva, Nathan and all the other characters have been some my favorites and I feel like I have moved away some great friends. If you get a chance, read the The Dark Side Trilogy. As for recommendations, read Darkest. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this book from JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars – 5 Flames - 4
July 22, 2017
I loved this final book in this series.
It's the usual, they fall madly in love, really getting it on, sex off the hot scale, and then wam the woman appears on the scene. The other woman, the cheating, lieing, two faced pig, so she leaves without saying a word. Finds out she's pregnant, and then they get back together, fall madly in love yet again, marry nad live happy ever after.
But this story was so much more. There's mental health, baby born, single motherhood for a while, and then to find its all been such a huge mistake. A lieing ex sub, who's decided to her her own back on her Dom.
I just felt this story had a bit of realism, with the post natal depression. No full on love, but pain and so re building, with real expectations. It wasn't wam bamb thank you Mam, it's a painful reunion, and a very slow rebuild of a very special relationship.
The sex is agin, sooooooo hot, in its unique way. Pain nad pleasure rolled into one. I felt jealous at times, just wondering what that would be like.
I would read this series agin...made me feel so good.
It's the usual, they fall madly in love, really getting it on, sex off the hot scale, and then wam the woman appears on the scene. The other woman, the cheating, lieing, two faced pig, so she leaves without saying a word. Finds out she's pregnant, and then they get back together, fall madly in love yet again, marry nad live happy ever after.
But this story was so much more. There's mental health, baby born, single motherhood for a while, and then to find its all been such a huge mistake. A lieing ex sub, who's decided to her her own back on her Dom.
I just felt this story had a bit of realism, with the post natal depression. No full on love, but pain and so re building, with real expectations. It wasn't wam bamb thank you Mam, it's a painful reunion, and a very slow rebuild of a very special relationship.
The sex is agin, sooooooo hot, in its unique way. Pain nad pleasure rolled into one. I felt jealous at times, just wondering what that would be like.
I would read this series agin...made me feel so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2018
The third instalment shows Eva and Nathan enjoying their new relationship and all that entails. Unfortunately trouble comes brewing and Eva rather than discuss first with Nathan up and takes off. It somewhat threw me since she is of genious level but seriously lacking in common sense. It seemed over the top but in the end..all's well that ends well as the saying goes. Wonderful series.
June 5, 2017
So while I loved this series book 3 felt rushed. This is a series that I would recommend however book 3 felt underdeveloped and left me with as many questions as answers
May 30, 2014
finally !
well, another interesting series to read. Dark Side is surely not just another copycat of fifty's (yeah i tend to compare many books in this genre with fifty's). This series have its own interesting story. Many different aspects that makes this story beautiful in its own way. But i just didn't understand why on earth a powerful and smart man like Nathan couldn't find Eva, he had a very long time, 1 year for God shake! And Eva's insecurity is really frustating ! oh come on, she has IQ long above most people, can she be a little bit more rasional?
but anyway, it is still an interesting series!
well, another interesting series to read. Dark Side is surely not just another copycat of fifty's (yeah i tend to compare many books in this genre with fifty's). This series have its own interesting story. Many different aspects that makes this story beautiful in its own way. But i just didn't understand why on earth a powerful and smart man like Nathan couldn't find Eva, he had a very long time, 1 year for God shake! And Eva's insecurity is really frustating ! oh come on, she has IQ long above most people, can she be a little bit more rasional?
but anyway, it is still an interesting series!
January 12, 2014
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS:
Very disappointed..I enjoyed the first 2 books, but this one fell flat for me..it started off very good, but then it took a nose dive. I grew to really dislike Eva. For someone so brilliant, she could be so dumb at times. To go almost a year without even talking to Nathan REALLY ticked me off. Then, just as things are getting settled, the book ended..the ending felt very rushed.
Very disappointed..I enjoyed the first 2 books, but this one fell flat for me..it started off very good, but then it took a nose dive. I grew to really dislike Eva. For someone so brilliant, she could be so dumb at times. To go almost a year without even talking to Nathan REALLY ticked me off. Then, just as things are getting settled, the book ended..the ending felt very rushed.
October 17, 2013
I stumbled across this series and I'm so happy I did. I really enjoyed them, well written with a solid storyline and a male lead to get spanked for. I could happily read another (hint hint).
June 10, 2016
Ever been both sad and euphoric at finishing a book? That's me on the last page of Darkest. I'll never again read it for the first time. But the trilogy is now on my TBR-Again list.
Ashe Barker's three-book saga (Darkening, Darker, and Darkest) made me sigh. A lot . And this one most of all.
I sighed in frustration. Sadness. Arousal. Excitement. A few gasping sighs. Some longing sighs. A few, ahem, satisfied sighs.
A tiny, itsy bitsy warning. Don't try reading Darkest in public.
Erm. A. Gerd.
I had to while away an hour while the mechanic worked on my car. Seemed like a perfect chance to get started on the book. Yeah. Um. It starts innocuously enough.
(Spoiler alert from the cliffhanger at the end of Darker: the housekeeper is okay). Eva does a good job taking charge and getting help, and then she calls Nathan to let him know what happened. During the phone call, she accidentally gets bossy. And he switches into Dom mode. Tells her to call him that night with a selection of toys from his bedroom, and he'll teach her a lesson about who is in charge.
Holy mother of heteronormative climax. Just the way he said it gave me that my-tummy-is-fluttering-I-can't-sit-still feeling. I have a crap poker face. The mechanic asked if I was okay.
Um, well, yeah, except I needed some privacy. With none to be had, I kept on reading. It got progressively hotter.
The phone sex scene, people. THE PHONE SEX SCENE . If you had asked me before I read Darkest if I thought reading about phone sex could be hot, I'd have been unenthused.
(Yeah, like that.)
But since Ashe Barker has a filthy (oh my, so, so, naughty) imagination, the ever-eager Eva tests her body to the limits, under her Dom's tender mercy, and it's hotter than a fiery hot thing.
Have your lover handy (whether mechanical or human). We don't see Nathan in the flesh for a goodly chunk of the first half of the book, yet he still manages to take care of Eva's needs. And when he comes home, such a lovely homecoming. Emphasis on the second syllable.
I don't want to say too much more - you should read it for yourself (after you read Darkening and Darker, of course). Let's just say that their relationship progresses, the path to love is not smooth, and Eva's impressive intellect doesn't save her from epic stupidity. Also, Nathan must have a really large apartment, because a St. Andrew's cross takes up a good bit of room. What in the world must his cleaner think?
Thank you, Ms. Barker, for writing such an enjoyable, exciting trilogy with memorable, stubborn, flawed, human characters who constantly surprised me. Loved the books, the characters, and the plot.
***
I strongly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys quirky, smart female characters, Doms who spank hard and deliver tender after-care with lots of Os, gorgeous settings, great dialogue, and incredibly hot non-vanilla sex. The publisher kindly provided complimentary copies of book 2 and 3 in return for honest reviews.
Ashe Barker's three-book saga (Darkening, Darker, and Darkest) made me sigh. A lot . And this one most of all.
I sighed in frustration. Sadness. Arousal. Excitement. A few gasping sighs. Some longing sighs. A few, ahem, satisfied sighs.
A tiny, itsy bitsy warning. Don't try reading Darkest in public.
Erm. A. Gerd.
I had to while away an hour while the mechanic worked on my car. Seemed like a perfect chance to get started on the book. Yeah. Um. It starts innocuously enough.
(Spoiler alert from the cliffhanger at the end of Darker: the housekeeper is okay). Eva does a good job taking charge and getting help, and then she calls Nathan to let him know what happened. During the phone call, she accidentally gets bossy. And he switches into Dom mode. Tells her to call him that night with a selection of toys from his bedroom, and he'll teach her a lesson about who is in charge.
Holy mother of heteronormative climax. Just the way he said it gave me that my-tummy-is-fluttering-I-can't-sit-still feeling. I have a crap poker face. The mechanic asked if I was okay.
Um, well, yeah, except I needed some privacy. With none to be had, I kept on reading. It got progressively hotter.
The phone sex scene, people. THE PHONE SEX SCENE . If you had asked me before I read Darkest if I thought reading about phone sex could be hot, I'd have been unenthused.
(Yeah, like that.)But since Ashe Barker has a filthy (oh my, so, so, naughty) imagination, the ever-eager Eva tests her body to the limits, under her Dom's tender mercy, and it's hotter than a fiery hot thing.
Have your lover handy (whether mechanical or human). We don't see Nathan in the flesh for a goodly chunk of the first half of the book, yet he still manages to take care of Eva's needs. And when he comes home, such a lovely homecoming. Emphasis on the second syllable.
I don't want to say too much more - you should read it for yourself (after you read Darkening and Darker, of course). Let's just say that their relationship progresses, the path to love is not smooth, and Eva's impressive intellect doesn't save her from epic stupidity. Also, Nathan must have a really large apartment, because a St. Andrew's cross takes up a good bit of room. What in the world must his cleaner think?
Thank you, Ms. Barker, for writing such an enjoyable, exciting trilogy with memorable, stubborn, flawed, human characters who constantly surprised me. Loved the books, the characters, and the plot.
***
I strongly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys quirky, smart female characters, Doms who spank hard and deliver tender after-care with lots of Os, gorgeous settings, great dialogue, and incredibly hot non-vanilla sex. The publisher kindly provided complimentary copies of book 2 and 3 in return for honest reviews.
October 27, 2013
http://www.blue-moon.fr/spip.php?arti...
Ashe Barker a décidément beaucoup de talent et a su avec une intelligence consommée exploiter le thème maintenant rebattu de la jolie jeune innocente qui succombe à un dominant qui va l’initier aux bonheur du bdsm. On ne peut pas dire que sa trilogie n’en rappelle pas d’autres, ce serait mentir mais elle é su trouver sa voix, son ton et ses propres idées ; dans ce dernier tome, toujours aussi efficace, elle surprend même avec un thème jamais exploité avant dans ce type d’histoire.
Ce troisième opus conclut la belle histoire de Nathan et Eva mais, heureusement, ne ferme pas la porte définitivement sur les landes du nord de l’Angleterre car des personnages secondaires auront doit eux aussi à une trilogie. C’est une excellente nouvelle.
Rappelons que Nathan et Eva ont déjà connu un bout de chemin ensemble et qu’il est évidemment primordial d’avoir suivi les deux précédents épisodes. Eva est une jeune femme peu ordinaire, fragile psychologiquement et elle le démontrera une fois de plus dans ce roman. Surdouée intellectuellement, ses rapports aux autres sont compliqués et cela explique qu’elle est demeurée repliée sur elle-même très longtemps avant de rencontrer Nathan, architecte séduisant de Leeds. Leur histoire a commencé lorsque Nathan l’a employée pour donner des cours de violon à sa fille adoptive. Après des débuts mouvementés, leur histoire a trouvé un certain équilibre qui va exploser dans ce roman.
Et une fois de plus Ashe Barker nous embarque totalement. Le lecteur averti de ce type de trilogie croit même pouvoir deviner ce qui va se passer mais l’auteure réussit à surprendre et très habilement nous entrainer sur une autre voie, pleine d’émotion, de doute et d’intérêt pour nous. La séries est clairement érotique et placée sous le signe du bdsm. Si nous restons dans des scènes à deux soft, Nathan et Eva ont besoin de cette relation dominant/soumise et ce n’est pas qu’une manière de gérer des problèmes psychologiques même si ile st évident que cela joue un rôle pour Eva. Ces scènes sont superbement écrites, imaginatives et laissent transparaître l’affection, l’amour que ces deux là se portent. Peu de romances sont parvenues à cela. Cette relation chaotique est d’autant plus crédible et forte.
Il reste le contexte très anglais et même pas londonien. Ces landes du nord de l’Angleterre conserve leur charme mystérieux, la ville de Leeds qui n’a pourtant rien de glamour a un côté moderne et accueillant. Cela donne une fraicheur inattendue au livre. Ajoutons que l’auteure, britannique a cette petite distance ironique qui manque parfois à ses consoeurs américaines.
Alors si Ashe Barker emploie de vieilles ficelles de la romance parfois ou utilise une intrigue qui a l’air bien connue, on peut lui pardonner aisément car elle surprend très agréablement autant par son écriture, que ses personnages ou son histoire. Le fait également qu’elle introduise d’autres personnages qui auront leur histoire sans doute largement plus nouvelle que celle-ci donne très envie de continuer à la lire.
October 16, 2016
These three books weave a lovely story told in a way that I didn't particularly enjoy. The story is about virginal, emotionally stunted super genius, Eva Byrne, who meets super wealthy, experienced sadistic dominant with a guarded heart, Nathan Darke. To be honest, had I realized this trilogy bore such a likeness to another infamous set of books (which I haven't read, but was stated in one of the blurbs), I'd never have started it. As it turns out I'm not sorry to have read them, but I do wish they hadn't been written entirely in the first person and only from Eva's point of view. It's very difficult to warm to an overly confident, sadistic, domineering man with a guarded heart, without any idea what's making him act like such an idiot.
Frankly, it wasn't all that easy to like Eva either. She was a bit like a side show freak in the way she was presented, what she was able to do because of her extreme intelligence, but the problems caused by her extreme immaturity. Either Eva was conveniently speaking yet another foreign language, playing yet another instrument - with incredible skill, or solving yet another mathematical problem, or Nathan was throwing his money around. The relationship between the two of them was one of extreme highs based on these factors (and great sex of course), or lows based on emotional immaturity, annoying assumptions, and misunderstandings.
I did enjoy the lovely descriptions of Yorkshire, where the story takes place and the supporting characters were great, if a bit unrealistic.
The end was nice enough, but Nathan's lack of reaction to what happened after Susanna's cruelty just didn't ring true. Then again, we weren't given any real insight to what his reaction had been or why. In the case of this story, I think that was a very unfortunate choice on the part of the author.
Frankly, it wasn't all that easy to like Eva either. She was a bit like a side show freak in the way she was presented, what she was able to do because of her extreme intelligence, but the problems caused by her extreme immaturity. Either Eva was conveniently speaking yet another foreign language, playing yet another instrument - with incredible skill, or solving yet another mathematical problem, or Nathan was throwing his money around. The relationship between the two of them was one of extreme highs based on these factors (and great sex of course), or lows based on emotional immaturity, annoying assumptions, and misunderstandings.
I did enjoy the lovely descriptions of Yorkshire, where the story takes place and the supporting characters were great, if a bit unrealistic.
The end was nice enough, but Nathan's lack of reaction to what happened after Susanna's cruelty just didn't ring true. Then again, we weren't given any real insight to what his reaction had been or why. In the case of this story, I think that was a very unfortunate choice on the part of the author.
August 29, 2014
when you finally found what you are looking for, something that you consider yours to have, hold on to, love; and betrayal comes along, it hurts even more and it's devastating soooo much more that what it normally would be. with trust not being given so easily and let's face it, we are only human, and there will always be within us that voice that want's us to turn around and run, before it gets more ...
so betrayal happens of the devastating level and the rest of the cards fall like domino and all you can do sit and wait out the storm. again we are only human and there is the ever present mistrust in ourselves, the eternal questions "why me, am I good enough" and with that the judgment of easily believing the worst. we also get to see what it feels like to have an internal struggle and what depression really feels like and to what it brings you.
I don't like putting spoilers out there but I will tell you there is a happy ending and how can you doubt it when we are dealing with Nathan.
I just love this story cause it's crazy, it messes with you and it real and you can name the emotions in the book that you actually felt and situations that you have been in.
the characters are polar opposites but perfectly matching and all without it being obnoxiously obvious !!!
thank you Ashe for the Nathan and Eva
so betrayal happens of the devastating level and the rest of the cards fall like domino and all you can do sit and wait out the storm. again we are only human and there is the ever present mistrust in ourselves, the eternal questions "why me, am I good enough" and with that the judgment of easily believing the worst. we also get to see what it feels like to have an internal struggle and what depression really feels like and to what it brings you.
I don't like putting spoilers out there but I will tell you there is a happy ending and how can you doubt it when we are dealing with Nathan.
I just love this story cause it's crazy, it messes with you and it real and you can name the emotions in the book that you actually felt and situations that you have been in.
the characters are polar opposites but perfectly matching and all without it being obnoxiously obvious !!!
thank you Ashe for the Nathan and Eva
March 26, 2014
3 and 1/2 can't--give-it-4-stars-after-that-last-quarter-of-it stars..
Even with that happily-ever-after!
It was glorious!
Seriously! I wanted to cry of how perfect it was, and then...
Why! Oh why did it have to turn out like that!!
Basically, after ALL THAT!! Seriously!
I wanted to cry!
Oh, well.. what can we do.
Even with that happily-ever-after!
It was glorious!
Seriously! I wanted to cry of how perfect it was, and then...
Why! Oh why did it have to turn out like that!!
Basically, after ALL THAT!! Seriously!
I wanted to cry!
Oh, well.. what can we do.
February 1, 2015
Received a copy in exchange for a honest review.
Darkest left me with mixed feelings. We're back to spending more time inside Eva's head as the inevitable monkey wrench is thrown into her relationship with Nathan. I felt that the third novella was too short and moved too fast. Things change rapidly for Eva and we really don't get the chance to reflect before something else happens. I also felt that there were points in the story where Eva and Nathan acted out of character. It is the first time that we see this side of their characters, but I felt that they would have handled it differently. As the ending of the series, I loved it. I just wished it was longer and explored more of the new phase in the relationship between Nathan and Eva. I loved how the ending reflected the imperfection of their relationship, but was still a happy ending with the hint of a bright future for them as a couple.
Darkest left me with mixed feelings. We're back to spending more time inside Eva's head as the inevitable monkey wrench is thrown into her relationship with Nathan. I felt that the third novella was too short and moved too fast. Things change rapidly for Eva and we really don't get the chance to reflect before something else happens. I also felt that there were points in the story where Eva and Nathan acted out of character. It is the first time that we see this side of their characters, but I felt that they would have handled it differently. As the ending of the series, I loved it. I just wished it was longer and explored more of the new phase in the relationship between Nathan and Eva. I loved how the ending reflected the imperfection of their relationship, but was still a happy ending with the hint of a bright future for them as a couple.
May 10, 2014
ok. this is a three book series. fine whatever but a least finish the dang book. that was a nice place to stop for the next book but wasnt a true ending to the series. i dont need a wedding what i need is to know what happen with the mom did she end up hooking up with a new guy? what happen to the teacher.. did he finish the project. what happen with rosie. i cant explain it ive had books end at this point and be fine with it. i just felt like.. this was a shitty way to end the book yes it was a happy ending of sorts. but i felt like
July 12, 2015
ok. this is a three book series. fine whatever but a least finish the dang book. that was a nice place to stop for the next book but wasnt a true ending to the series. i dont need a wedding what i need is to know what happen with the mom did she end up hooking up with a new guy? what happen to the teacher.. did he finish the project. what happen with rosie. i cant explain it ive had books end at this point and be fine with it. i just felt like.. this was a shitty way to end the book yes it was a happy ending of sorts. but i felt like
September 13, 2014
Having been kept spellbound by this series for the last couple of days I can only give it a good review .It's a full and rich story with great characterisation from an author I've never heard of before !A great love story yet with the D/s slant.It really was a little different from the vast amount of FSoG copiers .The Heroine is fascinating and more to the point believable !! The Hero ....well...phewww
This book deserves to be more widely read and should have come to my attention before .The story never flags although there were many mistakes in the editing it kept me reading just enough to bypass them to know the ending .Dark, erotic and full of action .
This book deserves to be more widely read and should have come to my attention before .The story never flags although there were many mistakes in the editing it kept me reading just enough to bypass them to know the ending .Dark, erotic and full of action .
May 3, 2014
More like a 2.5 stars.
This trilogy started off great! It had lots of promise and plenty of kinky sex. However, after reading book 2 (Darker), the female lead started to get on my nerves. By book 3, I couldn't stand her and wanted to slap her repeatedly. If you read this book yourself you'll know what I mean. I understand that the author tried to show us how far she had come and how much she had changed, but actually, Barker only managed to get across how annoying she was. I ended up skipping the last 20 pages or so because I couldn't be bothered reading about her anymore.
This trilogy started off great! It had lots of promise and plenty of kinky sex. However, after reading book 2 (Darker), the female lead started to get on my nerves. By book 3, I couldn't stand her and wanted to slap her repeatedly. If you read this book yourself you'll know what I mean. I understand that the author tried to show us how far she had come and how much she had changed, but actually, Barker only managed to get across how annoying she was. I ended up skipping the last 20 pages or so because I couldn't be bothered reading about her anymore.
September 22, 2014
I had hopes for this last book..but it felt short and of course there was a damn baby. We really never got to see who Nathan was outside the bedroom, and that he was a good father. The drama was pitiless, just Eva being retarded.It is a shame because I liked the writing style and I feel that the author has something to say, but it got left behind with all the sexy toys. And what the hell is going on with grown-ass rich friends sharing sex toys and a fuck-pad?!? Wrong!!!!
May 8, 2015
I thought this last book was good and I loved that Eva and Nathan got their HEA. I would have liked a epilogue to finish the story though, it would have been nice to see a bit more in their future. I liked how this covered the baby blues and how Nathan brought her out of her depression. All in all a great series.
June 9, 2014
A 5 star series. I really enjoyed reading about Nathan, Eva, Rosie, Isabella and all the wonderful characters. Only issue is the ending. I wished for just a bit more. Highly recommend this trilogy.
December 22, 2013
4.5 stars
February 1, 2014
Outstanding. I got lost in the charaters. No to dark. But a little on edge. Ouch better Eva than me. She sure was a brave little virgin.
October 27, 2014
was she stupid or wat i cant believe she walked away just like that i was like wtf bitch confront the man make some splashes do something
January 16, 2016
So disappointed. The ending just was too quick. I felt it was rushed.
March 22, 2017
Awesome end
Greta way to end the book. Wasn't typical like your other trilogies that you may read where they always break up in the 1st or 2nd book.
Greta way to end the book. Wasn't typical like your other trilogies that you may read where they always break up in the 1st or 2nd book.
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