What do you think?
Dirty Nights #1-3
Dirty Nights, The Novel
If you like your romances light and sweet, this is NOT for you. This is a tough and gritty story of heartbreak, rejection, and hard love. You’ve been warned.
Life isn’t easy.
Nor is it fair.
And you don’t get to choose who you fall in love with.
Sometimes love chooses you.
Skylina...Her story is not pretty. Discarded like trash by her father. Forced into prostitution by her mother. Used and abused, she learns to cope. And survives. Because she has to. What other choice is there?
Ryder...His story is every bit as ugly. Beaten and left for dead. A star whose light was extinguished long before it should have been. Now a he’s drug addict who wrestles with the demons that try to destroy him.
Two broken people...
Extraordinary circumstances...
Pasts that could tear them apart.
Attention: This book is also published as the Dirty Nights Novella Series under A.M. Hargrove’s pen name of Emerson St. Clair.
**Content Warning: Due to the explicit sexual content this is not intended for younger readers.
Life isn’t easy.
Nor is it fair.
And you don’t get to choose who you fall in love with.
Sometimes love chooses you.
Skylina...Her story is not pretty. Discarded like trash by her father. Forced into prostitution by her mother. Used and abused, she learns to cope. And survives. Because she has to. What other choice is there?
Ryder...His story is every bit as ugly. Beaten and left for dead. A star whose light was extinguished long before it should have been. Now a he’s drug addict who wrestles with the demons that try to destroy him.
Two broken people...
Extraordinary circumstances...
Pasts that could tear them apart.
Attention: This book is also published as the Dirty Nights Novella Series under A.M. Hargrove’s pen name of Emerson St. Clair.
**Content Warning: Due to the explicit sexual content this is not intended for younger readers.
ebook
First published April 20, 2014
About the author
Emerson St.Clair
4 books18 followersA Little Dark, A Little Erotic, A Lot Sexy
I am a lover of all things fiction, particularly dark erotic romance. I find all forms of art to be quite intriguing, but dance and music have always been an inspiration to my writing. I believe there is a hidden talent within each of us, but it takes courage to uncover and explore that talent, whatever it may be. Failure only happens when one stops trying.
I can also be found on Goodreads, where I'm known as A.M. Hargrove.
I am a lover of all things fiction, particularly dark erotic romance. I find all forms of art to be quite intriguing, but dance and music have always been an inspiration to my writing. I believe there is a hidden talent within each of us, but it takes courage to uncover and explore that talent, whatever it may be. Failure only happens when one stops trying.
I can also be found on Goodreads, where I'm known as A.M. Hargrove.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 10, 2014
DNF I couldn't get past Skylina's way of talking. I mean really? A stripper slash prostitute who can't say a few measly bad words. I just can't... I didn't find it appealing at all. What purpose does it even serve? Other than making her sound like a complete dumb-ass.
examples:
"Holy ravioli!"
“I’m a ferking hooker”
“Well, ferk me running. Hell with the running. Ferk me sitting, laying, standing, you name it. I’d do him for ferking free.”
*Smacks hand across forehead*
D'OH! ( Homer Simpson voice)
I mean who could possibly continue after reading such nonsense.
examples:
"Holy ravioli!"
“I’m a ferking hooker”
“Well, ferk me running. Hell with the running. Ferk me sitting, laying, standing, you name it. I’d do him for ferking free.”
*Smacks hand across forehead*
D'OH! ( Homer Simpson voice)
I mean who could possibly continue after reading such nonsense.
May 8, 2014
WOW!! I was totally blown away with this book. A tasty treat, drawing you in with its steamy seductive cover...and also the scorching sex...but this novel provided so much more; while it may have some dirty nights in it...it is surrounded by a beautiful tale of two broken people being pieced together again....
Skylina and Ryder are two characters that will crawl in to your heart...I was amazed at the lives these two had and continue to lead.
My heart ached for them both and all I could do was keep reading to find out more...Ryder and Skylina both have a tumultuous past that seems to plague their present. Even though one of them seems to be taking more control, the other accepts the here and now and stifles themselves for better...
It is when these two meet and find that kindred spirit together that they search themselves and decide to overcome the chains that have been keeping them down.
GAH....Brilliantly written with an intriguingly suspenseful storyline all the while heating you up from the flaming erotic sex...
A definite must read...
Skylina and Ryder are two characters that will crawl in to your heart...I was amazed at the lives these two had and continue to lead.
My heart ached for them both and all I could do was keep reading to find out more...Ryder and Skylina both have a tumultuous past that seems to plague their present. Even though one of them seems to be taking more control, the other accepts the here and now and stifles themselves for better...
It is when these two meet and find that kindred spirit together that they search themselves and decide to overcome the chains that have been keeping them down.
GAH....Brilliantly written with an intriguingly suspenseful storyline all the while heating you up from the flaming erotic sex...
A definite must read...
May 18, 2014
*ARC received in return for an honest review
**I read Dirty Nights by A.M. Hargrove when it was first published as a series of 3 short novellas under the pen name of Emerson St. Clair**
5 dirty stars!!!
First, let me start by saying I'm a huge fan of A.M. Hargrove. I love her style of writing and it just gets better, and hotter, with each book she writes. So, when Annie told me she was writing under a different name and this was so different and much hotter than her other work I was like, "yeah bring it on!"
Omigod, she wasn't wrong, I loved it!!! Dirty Nights is dirtier, badder, grittier and sooo much hotter than she's ever wrote before...my favourite story of hers to date. I devoured this book like I would a bar of my favourite chocolate...finished in one sitting! Annie girl, you have certainly excelled yourself with this one!! You had me hooked from the first page and kept me there until the very last with quite a few nail-biting moments and a lot of panty-melting scenes too!!
Sometimes, you are lucky enough to pick up a book where you connect with the story, and the characters, so much that it stays with you no matter how long ago you read the book and, for me, this is the case with Dirty Nights.
A wonderful and moving story of how two people, from different walks of life but equally broken, try to fix each other.
I can't recommend Dirty Nights highly enough. Go on, 1-click buy NOW and treat yourself to a Dirty Night!!
Full review on makemydaybooks.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05...
**I read Dirty Nights by A.M. Hargrove when it was first published as a series of 3 short novellas under the pen name of Emerson St. Clair**
5 dirty stars!!!
First, let me start by saying I'm a huge fan of A.M. Hargrove. I love her style of writing and it just gets better, and hotter, with each book she writes. So, when Annie told me she was writing under a different name and this was so different and much hotter than her other work I was like, "yeah bring it on!"
Omigod, she wasn't wrong, I loved it!!! Dirty Nights is dirtier, badder, grittier and sooo much hotter than she's ever wrote before...my favourite story of hers to date. I devoured this book like I would a bar of my favourite chocolate...finished in one sitting! Annie girl, you have certainly excelled yourself with this one!! You had me hooked from the first page and kept me there until the very last with quite a few nail-biting moments and a lot of panty-melting scenes too!!
Sometimes, you are lucky enough to pick up a book where you connect with the story, and the characters, so much that it stays with you no matter how long ago you read the book and, for me, this is the case with Dirty Nights.
A wonderful and moving story of how two people, from different walks of life but equally broken, try to fix each other.
I can't recommend Dirty Nights highly enough. Go on, 1-click buy NOW and treat yourself to a Dirty Night!!
Full review on makemydaybooks.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05...
May 19, 2014
Please note: I was given this book in three parts...
My 4 Star Review for Dirty Nights Part One:
Ryder was at the top of his dancing career. After a night of celebration he is mugged and left for dead. With his dreams shattered he turns to the things that make him feel good and make him forget; Alcohol, drugs and women. No longer able to sit back and watch their son destroy his life, Ryder is given an ultimatum; Get help, get healthy, go back to school or get cut off. You know what they say, once you have hit rock bottom, the only way is up from there and another incident make Ryder see what his life has become, and he doesn’t like it one bit. With the help from a man named Case, he is able to get his life back on track
.
Skylina grew up feeling unworthy, unloved and undeserving. Abandoned by the one man that was supposed to love and protect her, all she had was an abusive drug addicted mother who forced her into a life of prostitution. Hating what she has become she has learned to cope and survive. Her dreams of becoming a professional dancer slip further and further away. Her friend Cara and Jimmy believe in her and see her potential. They do what they can to help her and try to convince her to leave her mother to pursue her dreams.
Fate is a funny thing. When their paths cross, the attraction they feel for each other is so explosive. For the first time in her life, Skylina feels safe and cared for when she is with Ryder but she tries to keep her distance from him.
Ryder is taken by the petite blond. She is beautiful but she is also a mystery. The thoughts he has about her when she’s around are flat out wrong, but he can’t help it. He wants her.
Both have secrets they will do anything to keep hidden. Both wanting each other like it is their last breath and both unsure of what the future will hold for them
Ryder is a rich boy, a former dancer and now a student. He is GORGOUES, strong and smart. Did I mention that when it comes to sex, he is controlling in the best ways possible. *fansselfoff*
Skylina is beautiful and plays her part well. I love that she is strong and weak at the same time. I love how innocent she is even though she isn’t. She honestly doesn’t know what it feels like to be loved and it is heart breaking. When Ryder comes into her life she is happy, scared and confused, she has never had normal.
Although their chemistry together is off the charts, they slowly learn to open up about their past. I loved that even though they have only known each other a short time, their connection and feelings for each other are rock solid.
My 4 Star Review for Dirty Nights Part Two:
Ryder learns some things about Skylina. He isn’t sure how to handle things so he does a little investigating of his own.
Struggling with the truth, he finally confronts her. Even though it KILLS him to know the truth, what she does can’t keep him away. All he wants is her.
Skylina is mortified and devastated that Ryder knows her secret. She also knows that her choices will either make or break their budding relationship. He is everything she never knew she could want.
I was so happy to see how much Skylina opens up to Ryder. It was nice to see her go for what she wants and find her backbone to achieve it, although it is baby steps, it is still a step in the right direction.
Ryder remains a bit closed but gives a little here and there. He is obviously still struggling with his demons. I loved how much he supports her and her dreams and how he helps with the not so fun aspects of her life
.
Aaannnd of course, we have a bit of suspense, some angst and a beautifully SMEXY reunion which of course leaves us wanting and needing more.
Together again, Ryder and Skylina slowly figure things out and they are on the right track.
Ryder knows everything about Skylina but he still keeps his past guarded.
My 4 Star review for Dirty Nights Part Three:
“Every day is a blessing. Count it as one. Life is a challenge. Live it as one. Cheat death, not yourself. Think of others, not yourself. Care enough to learn to love.”
Things seem to be looking up for Skylina and Ryder. Then tragedy strikes and someone from Skylina’s past pays her a visit.
With her emotions all over the place, she takes Ryder’s advice and seeks help.
Ryder is beyond happy to have Skylina back. With her finally telling him all about her past, he is looking forward to moving onto their future. The thing is, he hasn’t been completely honest and open about his past.
“I had this done when I started to see the light again. After I met Case. I tried hating life but I couldn’t. I tried dying but I didn’t. From this day forward, I’ll accept what I did wrong and strive to do what’s right.”
When his past collides with the present, he is certain that he will lose Skylina for good but fate usually has other plans.
I loved how this ended. Questions were answered and dreams came true. Two damaged people working hard to overcome their pasts to make a better future, not only for themselves but for each other.
A.M Hargrove did a fantastic job with this erotic novella. You can’t help but fall head over heels in love with Ryder and completely cheer for Skylina. They make such a great couple.
If you are looking for a Hot read.. Ryder will have you feeling flirty and dirty in no time.. *fansselfoff*
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1jtteDk
My 4 Star Review for Dirty Nights Part One:
Ryder was at the top of his dancing career. After a night of celebration he is mugged and left for dead. With his dreams shattered he turns to the things that make him feel good and make him forget; Alcohol, drugs and women. No longer able to sit back and watch their son destroy his life, Ryder is given an ultimatum; Get help, get healthy, go back to school or get cut off. You know what they say, once you have hit rock bottom, the only way is up from there and another incident make Ryder see what his life has become, and he doesn’t like it one bit. With the help from a man named Case, he is able to get his life back on track
.
Skylina grew up feeling unworthy, unloved and undeserving. Abandoned by the one man that was supposed to love and protect her, all she had was an abusive drug addicted mother who forced her into a life of prostitution. Hating what she has become she has learned to cope and survive. Her dreams of becoming a professional dancer slip further and further away. Her friend Cara and Jimmy believe in her and see her potential. They do what they can to help her and try to convince her to leave her mother to pursue her dreams.
Fate is a funny thing. When their paths cross, the attraction they feel for each other is so explosive. For the first time in her life, Skylina feels safe and cared for when she is with Ryder but she tries to keep her distance from him.
Ryder is taken by the petite blond. She is beautiful but she is also a mystery. The thoughts he has about her when she’s around are flat out wrong, but he can’t help it. He wants her.
Both have secrets they will do anything to keep hidden. Both wanting each other like it is their last breath and both unsure of what the future will hold for them
Ryder is a rich boy, a former dancer and now a student. He is GORGOUES, strong and smart. Did I mention that when it comes to sex, he is controlling in the best ways possible. *fansselfoff*
Skylina is beautiful and plays her part well. I love that she is strong and weak at the same time. I love how innocent she is even though she isn’t. She honestly doesn’t know what it feels like to be loved and it is heart breaking. When Ryder comes into her life she is happy, scared and confused, she has never had normal.
Although their chemistry together is off the charts, they slowly learn to open up about their past. I loved that even though they have only known each other a short time, their connection and feelings for each other are rock solid.
My 4 Star Review for Dirty Nights Part Two:
Ryder learns some things about Skylina. He isn’t sure how to handle things so he does a little investigating of his own.
Struggling with the truth, he finally confronts her. Even though it KILLS him to know the truth, what she does can’t keep him away. All he wants is her.
Skylina is mortified and devastated that Ryder knows her secret. She also knows that her choices will either make or break their budding relationship. He is everything she never knew she could want.
I was so happy to see how much Skylina opens up to Ryder. It was nice to see her go for what she wants and find her backbone to achieve it, although it is baby steps, it is still a step in the right direction.
Ryder remains a bit closed but gives a little here and there. He is obviously still struggling with his demons. I loved how much he supports her and her dreams and how he helps with the not so fun aspects of her life
.
Aaannnd of course, we have a bit of suspense, some angst and a beautifully SMEXY reunion which of course leaves us wanting and needing more.
Together again, Ryder and Skylina slowly figure things out and they are on the right track.
Ryder knows everything about Skylina but he still keeps his past guarded.
My 4 Star review for Dirty Nights Part Three:
“Every day is a blessing. Count it as one. Life is a challenge. Live it as one. Cheat death, not yourself. Think of others, not yourself. Care enough to learn to love.”
Things seem to be looking up for Skylina and Ryder. Then tragedy strikes and someone from Skylina’s past pays her a visit.
With her emotions all over the place, she takes Ryder’s advice and seeks help.
Ryder is beyond happy to have Skylina back. With her finally telling him all about her past, he is looking forward to moving onto their future. The thing is, he hasn’t been completely honest and open about his past.
“I had this done when I started to see the light again. After I met Case. I tried hating life but I couldn’t. I tried dying but I didn’t. From this day forward, I’ll accept what I did wrong and strive to do what’s right.”
When his past collides with the present, he is certain that he will lose Skylina for good but fate usually has other plans.
I loved how this ended. Questions were answered and dreams came true. Two damaged people working hard to overcome their pasts to make a better future, not only for themselves but for each other.
A.M Hargrove did a fantastic job with this erotic novella. You can’t help but fall head over heels in love with Ryder and completely cheer for Skylina. They make such a great couple.
If you are looking for a Hot read.. Ryder will have you feeling flirty and dirty in no time.. *fansselfoff*
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1jtteDk
May 19, 2014
Note: I was given this book to read and review in 3 parts.
My 4 Star Review for Dirty Nights Part One:
Ryder was at the top of his dancing career. After a night of celebration he is mugged and left for dead. With his dreams shattered he turns to the things that make him feel good and make him forget; Alcohol, drugs and women. No longer able to sit back and watch their son destroy his life, Ryder is given an ultimatum; Get help, get healthy, go back to school or get cut off. You know what they say, once you have hit rock bottom, the only way is up from there and another incident make Ryder see what his life has become, and he doesn’t like it one bit. With the help from a man named Case, he is able to get his life back on track
.
Skylina grew up feeling unworthy, unloved and undeserving. Abandoned by the one man that was supposed to love and protect her, all she had was an abusive drug addicted mother who forced her into a life of prostitution. Hating what she has become she has learned to cope and survive. Her dreams of becoming a professional dancer slip further and further away. Her friend Cara and Jimmy believe in her and see her potential. They do what they can to help her and try to convince her to leave her mother to pursue her dreams.
Fate is a funny thing. When their paths cross, the attraction they feel for each other is so explosive. For the first time in her life, Skylina feels safe and cared for when she is with Ryder but she tries to keep her distance from him.
Ryder is taken by the petite blond. She is beautiful but she is also a mystery. The thoughts he has about her when she’s around are flat out wrong, but he can’t help it. He wants her.
Both have secrets they will do anything to keep hidden. Both wanting each other like it is their last breath and both unsure of what the future will hold for them
Ryder is a rich boy, a former dancer and now a student. He is GORGOUES, strong and smart. Did I mention that when it comes to sex, he is controlling in the best ways possible. *fansselfoff*
Skylina is beautiful and plays her part well. I love that she is strong and weak at the same time. I love how innocent she is even though she isn’t. She honestly doesn’t know what it feels like to be loved and it is heart breaking. When Ryder comes into her life she is happy, scared and confused, she has never had normal.
Although their chemistry together is off the charts, they slowly learn to open up about their past. I loved that even though they have only known each other a short time, their connection and feelings for each other are rock solid.
My 4 Star Review for Dirty Nights Part Two:
Ryder learns some things about Skylina. He isn’t sure how to handle things so he does a little investigating of his own.
Struggling with the truth, he finally confronts her. Even though it KILLS him to know the truth, what she does can’t keep him away. All he wants is her.
Skylina is mortified and devastated that Ryder knows her secret. She also knows that her choices will either make or break their budding relationship. He is everything she never knew she could want.
I was so happy to see how much Skylina opens up to Ryder. It was nice to see her go for what she wants and find her backbone to achieve it, although it is baby steps, it is still a step in the right direction.
Ryder remains a bit closed but gives a little here and there. He is obviously still struggling with his demons. I loved how much he supports her and her dreams and how he helps with the not so fun aspects of her life
.
Aaannnd of course, we have a bit of suspense, some angst and a beautifully SMEXY reunion which of course leaves us wanting and needing more.
Together again, Ryder and Skylina slowly figure things out and they are on the right track.
Ryder knows everything about Skylina but he still keeps his past guarded.
My 4 Star review for Dirty Nights Part Three:
“Every day is a blessing. Count it as one. Life is a challenge. Live it as one. Cheat death, not yourself. Think of others, not yourself. Care enough to learn to love.”
Things seem to be looking up for Skylina and Ryder. Then tragedy strikes and someone from Skylina’s past pays her a visit.
With her emotions all over the place, she takes Ryder’s advice and seeks help.
Ryder is beyond happy to have Skylina back. With her finally telling him all about her past, he is looking forward to moving onto their future. The thing is, he hasn’t been completely honest and open about his past.
“I had this done when I started to see the light again. After I met Case. I tried hating life but I couldn’t. I tried dying but I didn’t. From this day forward, I’ll accept what I did wrong and strive to do what’s right.”
When his past collides with the present, he is certain that he will lose Skylina for good but fate usually has other plans.
I loved how this ended. Questions were answered and dreams came true. Two damaged people working hard to overcome their pasts to make a better future, not only for themselves but for each other.
A.M Hargrove did a fantastic job with this erotic novella. You can’t help but fall head over heels in love with Ryder and completely cheer for Skylina. They make such a great couple.
If you are looking for a Hot read.. Ryder will have you feeling flirty and dirty in no time.. *fansselfoff*
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1jtteDk
My 4 Star Review for Dirty Nights Part One:
Ryder was at the top of his dancing career. After a night of celebration he is mugged and left for dead. With his dreams shattered he turns to the things that make him feel good and make him forget; Alcohol, drugs and women. No longer able to sit back and watch their son destroy his life, Ryder is given an ultimatum; Get help, get healthy, go back to school or get cut off. You know what they say, once you have hit rock bottom, the only way is up from there and another incident make Ryder see what his life has become, and he doesn’t like it one bit. With the help from a man named Case, he is able to get his life back on track
.
Skylina grew up feeling unworthy, unloved and undeserving. Abandoned by the one man that was supposed to love and protect her, all she had was an abusive drug addicted mother who forced her into a life of prostitution. Hating what she has become she has learned to cope and survive. Her dreams of becoming a professional dancer slip further and further away. Her friend Cara and Jimmy believe in her and see her potential. They do what they can to help her and try to convince her to leave her mother to pursue her dreams.
Fate is a funny thing. When their paths cross, the attraction they feel for each other is so explosive. For the first time in her life, Skylina feels safe and cared for when she is with Ryder but she tries to keep her distance from him.
Ryder is taken by the petite blond. She is beautiful but she is also a mystery. The thoughts he has about her when she’s around are flat out wrong, but he can’t help it. He wants her.
Both have secrets they will do anything to keep hidden. Both wanting each other like it is their last breath and both unsure of what the future will hold for them
Ryder is a rich boy, a former dancer and now a student. He is GORGOUES, strong and smart. Did I mention that when it comes to sex, he is controlling in the best ways possible. *fansselfoff*
Skylina is beautiful and plays her part well. I love that she is strong and weak at the same time. I love how innocent she is even though she isn’t. She honestly doesn’t know what it feels like to be loved and it is heart breaking. When Ryder comes into her life she is happy, scared and confused, she has never had normal.
Although their chemistry together is off the charts, they slowly learn to open up about their past. I loved that even though they have only known each other a short time, their connection and feelings for each other are rock solid.
My 4 Star Review for Dirty Nights Part Two:
Ryder learns some things about Skylina. He isn’t sure how to handle things so he does a little investigating of his own.
Struggling with the truth, he finally confronts her. Even though it KILLS him to know the truth, what she does can’t keep him away. All he wants is her.
Skylina is mortified and devastated that Ryder knows her secret. She also knows that her choices will either make or break their budding relationship. He is everything she never knew she could want.
I was so happy to see how much Skylina opens up to Ryder. It was nice to see her go for what she wants and find her backbone to achieve it, although it is baby steps, it is still a step in the right direction.
Ryder remains a bit closed but gives a little here and there. He is obviously still struggling with his demons. I loved how much he supports her and her dreams and how he helps with the not so fun aspects of her life
.
Aaannnd of course, we have a bit of suspense, some angst and a beautifully SMEXY reunion which of course leaves us wanting and needing more.
Together again, Ryder and Skylina slowly figure things out and they are on the right track.
Ryder knows everything about Skylina but he still keeps his past guarded.
My 4 Star review for Dirty Nights Part Three:
“Every day is a blessing. Count it as one. Life is a challenge. Live it as one. Cheat death, not yourself. Think of others, not yourself. Care enough to learn to love.”
Things seem to be looking up for Skylina and Ryder. Then tragedy strikes and someone from Skylina’s past pays her a visit.
With her emotions all over the place, she takes Ryder’s advice and seeks help.
Ryder is beyond happy to have Skylina back. With her finally telling him all about her past, he is looking forward to moving onto their future. The thing is, he hasn’t been completely honest and open about his past.
“I had this done when I started to see the light again. After I met Case. I tried hating life but I couldn’t. I tried dying but I didn’t. From this day forward, I’ll accept what I did wrong and strive to do what’s right.”
When his past collides with the present, he is certain that he will lose Skylina for good but fate usually has other plans.
I loved how this ended. Questions were answered and dreams came true. Two damaged people working hard to overcome their pasts to make a better future, not only for themselves but for each other.
A.M Hargrove did a fantastic job with this erotic novella. You can’t help but fall head over heels in love with Ryder and completely cheer for Skylina. They make such a great couple.
If you are looking for a Hot read.. Ryder will have you feeling flirty and dirty in no time.. *fansselfoff*
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1jtteDk
October 26, 2023
Hot n steamy 🔥🔥🔥
May 23, 2014
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Dirty Nights by A.M. Hargrove is a dark and gritty book and isn't for those that don't like their reads dirty. Dirty Nights was originally published as a novella series under Hargrove's pen name Emerson St. Clair. I am really glad that I read this as the novel though, because I am so impatient when it comes to serials and I really hate waiting. Dirty Nights had some things that I really liked, but there was also quite a bit that I had mixed feelings about.
Skylina has had a really rough life. Her parents split when she was young and she went to live with her dad. Her dad got remarried and her step-mom was horrible to her. She ended up being sent back to her drug addict mother who sold her to her pimp in order to get her next fix. She continues to work as a stripper and prostitute in order to not only survive, but continue to provide for her mother. She had dreams of becoming a dancer when she was a child, and continues to practice when she is able to. She meets Ryder at a coffee shop and is instantly drawn to him, but they leave without exchanging information only to run into him again when he saves her from being raped. Ryder and Skylina end up having sex, and from there they continue to see each other. But Skylina always leaves before he wakes up in the morning. When he hires his friend to find out about her, he never expected to find out that she is a prostitute. Even though he cares about Skylina, he can't continue to see her while she maintains her job. But Ryder is always there for her when she needs him, and does everything he can to show her that she deserves more. With both Ryder and Skylina being broken from their painful pasts, can they heal each other and find a future together?
I really liked Ryder. He was sweet and caring, and he took great care of Skylina even before he knew how much she needed his help. When he found out about her, he handled things badly at first but he quickly realized that he couldn't judge her and continued to support and help her. Besides being such a great guy though, he was sexy and a total alpha in the bedroom. He took control and was super hot with Skylina. I liked seeing the different sides to him, and his character was really complex. He had been through so much, and it was great to see him overcome so much after hitting such a low point because of what had happened to him. Skylina was strong and was a survivor, but she was also really loyal and caring. She continued to provide for her mother even after everything that her mother had forced her into. What I didn't like was the fact that while she was providing for her mother, she was also enabling her by providing her drugs. I felt like she should have tried harder to get her mother help, and that she should haven't continued that for so long. Everyone who cared about her tried to tell her, and she refused to listen. While I felt that Ryder and Skylina had a lot of chemistry and were really hot together, I thought that she continued with her job much longer than she should have. She was uncomfortable with it and knew that she was developing feelings for Ryder, and I thought that even though she had a lot of rules and didn't do everything it still felt like cheating to me. Ryder knew about her job, but to me it just didn't seem right that it continued to go on for so long.
I also felt like some of the dialogue and words that Skylina used were a bit annoying. She is a prostitute and stripper and yet instead of the F word, she repeatedly uses the word ferk. She explained at one point why she doesn't cuss, but I just found it completely unrealistic and frankly it was really distracting. Every time she would say ferk or use some other non-cuss word, it just seemed immature and out of place. I guess if she was younger and wasn't a hooker it would have been more understandable, but it really just drove me nuts. Ryder was definitely the highlight of this book though, and I was glad that he was such a likable character. He is what kept me reading this story, and I really loved watching him heal and get over his past. I think that if you like dark and raw stories with a gritty feel to them, that you might give this one a shot. It wasn't what I had been expecting or hoping for, but I think that a lot of people will enjoy this one especially if you are a fan of A.M. Hargrove.
**ARC Provided by Love N. Books Blog Tours**
Dirty Nights by A.M. Hargrove is a dark and gritty book and isn't for those that don't like their reads dirty. Dirty Nights was originally published as a novella series under Hargrove's pen name Emerson St. Clair. I am really glad that I read this as the novel though, because I am so impatient when it comes to serials and I really hate waiting. Dirty Nights had some things that I really liked, but there was also quite a bit that I had mixed feelings about.
Skylina has had a really rough life. Her parents split when she was young and she went to live with her dad. Her dad got remarried and her step-mom was horrible to her. She ended up being sent back to her drug addict mother who sold her to her pimp in order to get her next fix. She continues to work as a stripper and prostitute in order to not only survive, but continue to provide for her mother. She had dreams of becoming a dancer when she was a child, and continues to practice when she is able to. She meets Ryder at a coffee shop and is instantly drawn to him, but they leave without exchanging information only to run into him again when he saves her from being raped. Ryder and Skylina end up having sex, and from there they continue to see each other. But Skylina always leaves before he wakes up in the morning. When he hires his friend to find out about her, he never expected to find out that she is a prostitute. Even though he cares about Skylina, he can't continue to see her while she maintains her job. But Ryder is always there for her when she needs him, and does everything he can to show her that she deserves more. With both Ryder and Skylina being broken from their painful pasts, can they heal each other and find a future together?
I really liked Ryder. He was sweet and caring, and he took great care of Skylina even before he knew how much she needed his help. When he found out about her, he handled things badly at first but he quickly realized that he couldn't judge her and continued to support and help her. Besides being such a great guy though, he was sexy and a total alpha in the bedroom. He took control and was super hot with Skylina. I liked seeing the different sides to him, and his character was really complex. He had been through so much, and it was great to see him overcome so much after hitting such a low point because of what had happened to him. Skylina was strong and was a survivor, but she was also really loyal and caring. She continued to provide for her mother even after everything that her mother had forced her into. What I didn't like was the fact that while she was providing for her mother, she was also enabling her by providing her drugs. I felt like she should have tried harder to get her mother help, and that she should haven't continued that for so long. Everyone who cared about her tried to tell her, and she refused to listen. While I felt that Ryder and Skylina had a lot of chemistry and were really hot together, I thought that she continued with her job much longer than she should have. She was uncomfortable with it and knew that she was developing feelings for Ryder, and I thought that even though she had a lot of rules and didn't do everything it still felt like cheating to me. Ryder knew about her job, but to me it just didn't seem right that it continued to go on for so long.
I also felt like some of the dialogue and words that Skylina used were a bit annoying. She is a prostitute and stripper and yet instead of the F word, she repeatedly uses the word ferk. She explained at one point why she doesn't cuss, but I just found it completely unrealistic and frankly it was really distracting. Every time she would say ferk or use some other non-cuss word, it just seemed immature and out of place. I guess if she was younger and wasn't a hooker it would have been more understandable, but it really just drove me nuts. Ryder was definitely the highlight of this book though, and I was glad that he was such a likable character. He is what kept me reading this story, and I really loved watching him heal and get over his past. I think that if you like dark and raw stories with a gritty feel to them, that you might give this one a shot. It wasn't what I had been expecting or hoping for, but I think that a lot of people will enjoy this one especially if you are a fan of A.M. Hargrove.
**ARC Provided by Love N. Books Blog Tours**
May 13, 2014
4 stars
What happens when two troubled soul people meet in a chance encounter and feel an invisible pull toward each other even without knowing a thing about each other? This is exactly what happens Ryder and Skylina.
Ryder hopes to be a famous dancer when one night all of his dreams are shattered. He has to learn to deal with the fact that he will not able to dance again. Ryder turns to alcohol, drugs and women to numb the pain that he feels inside and out. You see Ryder had a very privileged life. He is a trust fund baby. He never wanted to anything material in his life. He only wanted to be truly loved. As his parents have decided he either cleans his act up or no more money. Ryder makes the decision to get clean.
Skylina only ever wanted to dance. She had dreams of going to the world famous Julliard Dance School. But life had other things in mind for her. Her mom goes to prison. She lives with her father until he dumps her back to her recently paroled mother. Then her innocence’s is taken from her. She quits school to help fund her mother’s drug habit and keep a roof over their heads. Skylina does unthinkable things to please her mother. Finally taken under the wings of JR, she is able to at least dance that is on a stripper pole. But the men that she has to deal with now tip well and don’t get to touch her unless she says so.
A chance encounter at a local coffee shop is all it takes for their lives to change then another encounter where Ryder is Skylina’s rescuer. They are consumed with each other even without knowing anything about each other. Sometimes love words in strange ways.
Both of them have deep dark secrets that must be revealed. As this is done, can Ryder deal with what he learns about Skylina? Can Skylina learn to trust Ryder even after his stalkery issues?
What happens when two troubled soul people meet in a chance encounter and feel an invisible pull toward each other even without knowing a thing about each other? This is exactly what happens Ryder and Skylina.
Ryder hopes to be a famous dancer when one night all of his dreams are shattered. He has to learn to deal with the fact that he will not able to dance again. Ryder turns to alcohol, drugs and women to numb the pain that he feels inside and out. You see Ryder had a very privileged life. He is a trust fund baby. He never wanted to anything material in his life. He only wanted to be truly loved. As his parents have decided he either cleans his act up or no more money. Ryder makes the decision to get clean.
Skylina only ever wanted to dance. She had dreams of going to the world famous Julliard Dance School. But life had other things in mind for her. Her mom goes to prison. She lives with her father until he dumps her back to her recently paroled mother. Then her innocence’s is taken from her. She quits school to help fund her mother’s drug habit and keep a roof over their heads. Skylina does unthinkable things to please her mother. Finally taken under the wings of JR, she is able to at least dance that is on a stripper pole. But the men that she has to deal with now tip well and don’t get to touch her unless she says so.
A chance encounter at a local coffee shop is all it takes for their lives to change then another encounter where Ryder is Skylina’s rescuer. They are consumed with each other even without knowing anything about each other. Sometimes love words in strange ways.
Both of them have deep dark secrets that must be revealed. As this is done, can Ryder deal with what he learns about Skylina? Can Skylina learn to trust Ryder even after his stalkery issues?
August 18, 2014
This didn't work for me at all. I didn't find it gritty, just nonsensical. The fake swearing (ferk! shiz! holy ravioli!) got on my last nerve! It started off interesting, Ryder's injuries and subsequent dive into drugs pulled me into the story. But over the course of the book his personality seemed to change, and not for the better. I couldn't relate to Skylina (a prostitute/stripper who happens to the most talented dancer ever) at all, most of her problems seemed to be her own doing. And the whole "pimp with a heart of gold"? Please, I can't buy that even in a fictional story.
The worst character was Gabby. She goes from psychiatrist to both Ryder and Skylina, to their BFF to have pizza and beer with, and then back to psychiatrist. What?
Ryder is a criminal justice student, but he also moonlights as a vigilante. So basically he's Batman. Skylina, in addition to her hooker/stripper duties, is also a professional damsel in distress. In the span of just a few weeks she's almost raped twice, stabbed and shot.
I can suspend my disbelief when I read if I can feel the emotions, connect with the characters or just get swept up in a well written story. But I just didn't feel any of that here.
The worst character was Gabby. She goes from psychiatrist to both Ryder and Skylina, to their BFF to have pizza and beer with, and then back to psychiatrist. What?
Ryder is a criminal justice student, but he also moonlights as a vigilante. So basically he's Batman. Skylina, in addition to her hooker/stripper duties, is also a professional damsel in distress. In the span of just a few weeks she's almost raped twice, stabbed and shot.
I can suspend my disbelief when I read if I can feel the emotions, connect with the characters or just get swept up in a well written story. But I just didn't feel any of that here.
November 9, 2015
Despite containing such heavy themes, this book is surprisingly sweet, and in a good way. One might argue that it is perhaps a tad too sweet, given the fact that the hero is a drug addict and the heroine a prostitute, with elements of abuse (both of oneself and of others), rape, violence, and the general shite-storm that is real life for most people. My real world is dark and bleary enough however, so a little bit of sweet goes a long way.
I was hooked from the first page. For someone with ADD tendencies who tends to delve in and out of several books at a time, this is not a simple feat to accomplish. But Ms. Hargrove spun an overwhelmingly good tale that steers away from simple moralistic overtures for the most part and provides a balance of sweet and sin that can be quite addictive, just like that coffee with a trickle too much rum or that extra cinnamon roll that you know is just going directly to your hips.
Best dollar I spent in a long while, and worthy of a hell of a lot more.
I was hooked from the first page. For someone with ADD tendencies who tends to delve in and out of several books at a time, this is not a simple feat to accomplish. But Ms. Hargrove spun an overwhelmingly good tale that steers away from simple moralistic overtures for the most part and provides a balance of sweet and sin that can be quite addictive, just like that coffee with a trickle too much rum or that extra cinnamon roll that you know is just going directly to your hips.
Best dollar I spent in a long while, and worthy of a hell of a lot more.
August 20, 2014
Wow! That is the only word that comes to mind right now. I picked this book up last night and decided I was going to read it. I did not put this book down until 3 a.m. Needless to say, I had a book hangover when I went into work today. :) This book had me running a gambit of emotions from the start. I really hated Sky's mom!! Skylina is a girl that is doing what she needs to to get by in the world. She's supporting her mom on her own, and then she meets Ryder. I won't give any spoilers, but there were times that I just wanted to get in the book and shake the crap out of these characters! Other times I would have to sit my kindle down and say "Really!!!!!!??????" to myself. I would and have recommended this book to others to read. Very happy I stumbled upon this last night. It will forever be a favorite.
August 19, 2014
I really enjoyed Dirty Nights. Both Skylina and Ryder have had hard pasts but they overcome them. I was floored when I found out who Aunt Emmy really was. So glad I gave this book a chance. So worth it!
October 15, 2014
The Ryder in the beginning is not the Ryder we get most of story it's like he did a 180 in not a good way. Skylina come on dude, the life style she lives and she can't swear "holy ravioli" "ferk" .. Got on my damn nerves.
August 25, 2014
Intense!
August 28, 2014
I do fill the end was rushed.
September 24, 2014
Mehhhaa. This book was ok. It was a good read, but nothing to run home about.
September 7, 2016
little too hard core for me
April 22, 2017
This was an enjoyable read for me , I wouldn't rave but it was good and I will definitely read more . I think the ending wrapped up rather quickly .
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