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Love in the Dark

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In the shadows, love is a dangerous game. No one sees them two hired killers who move through the darkness like ghosts, leaving chaos in their wake.

Cherrie is cold, calculating, and utterly unflinching—trained to wield seduction as skillfully as a blade.

Azazel is ruthless, his past as bloodstained as his hands. Together, they are an unstoppable partners in crime and in passion.

But in their line of work, love is a fatal weakness.
The bodies are stacking up, and someone’s watching. As their blood-soaked romance draws them closer than ever, Cherrie and Azazel must decide whether love can truly conquer all—or if some hearts are doomed to shatter under the weight of their unrelenting darkness.

Gritty, provocative, and achingly tender, Love in the Dark will have you questioning how far you’d go for love… and what you’d be willing to destroy in its name.

165 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2025

26 people are currently reading
149 people want to read

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Hazel Banks

1 book15 followers

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5 stars
19 (38%)
4 stars
17 (34%)
3 stars
7 (14%)
2 stars
4 (8%)
1 star
2 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for PlotTwist&Tea.
173 reviews25 followers
April 7, 2025
If “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” did five tabs of LSD, raw-dogged in a blood-stained warehouse, and then adopted a demon baby with a knife fetish—that baby would be this book.

“Love in the Dark” is unhinged, unapologetically violent, and hornier than a goat in mating season. It’s a high-speed car crash between a depraved dark romance and a Tarantino film—with kink. And not like… vanilla kink. We’re talking “I slit his throat after sucking your soul out with my p*ssy” kink.

Let’s talk about Cherrie and Azazel, the Bonnie and Clyde of your worst nightmares and your most deranged fantasies. She’s a blue-eyed ebony goddess with a bloodlust that rivals her libido, and he’s a green-eyed psychopath with daddy issues so severe Freud would’ve just walked away and whispered “damn.” Their love language? Stabbing, choking, and mutually agreed-upon emotional terrorism. And you’ll love every deranged, filthy second of it.

The sex scenes? Graphic doesn’t even cut it (pun very much intended). These are marathon sessions of depravity, dripping with violence and sin. I blushed. I screamed. I needed a priest and a therapist. The scene where they fu*k in front of a gagged victim? I aged. I died. I transcended.

And can we talk about the humor? Because yes, it’s dark, but these two are funny. The banter is whip-smart, filthy, sarcastic, and just unhinged enough to feel like you’re watching two sociopaths flirt at a murder mixer. Think “21 Questions” but every answer is trauma-laced horniness with a side of “do you want to be choked or stabbed first?”

Best Line That Made Me Cackle Through the Madness:

“May the one with the biggest d*ck win.”
Iconic. Revolutionary. Should be engraved on a plaque.

This is not a romance for the faint of heart. There’s no hand-holding, no soft fade-to-black. There’s murder, kidnapping, pegging, forced oral, asphyxiation, and the kind of blood-streaked sex scene that makes your Kindle sweat. But if you like your books dark, nasty, clever, and sexually feral, this duet will absolutely ruin you—in the best way.

Final Thoughts:
This isn’t a “happily ever after.” It’s a happily ever slaughter.
And somehow… I ship it.

Would I recommend it?
Yes. To my therapist. With a note: “This is why I am the way I am.”
Also, to you. If you’ve got a strong stomach and no moral compass, go in. Full speed. No brakes. No mercy.
Profile Image for Shelby Anderson.
3 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2025
"Love in the Dark" is a plunge into the abyss. From the first page, you're thrust into a world where morality is a hazy concept and love is a weapon wielded by two beautifully twisted souls: Azazel and Cherrie. Their relationship isn't a fairytale; it's a pact forged in shadows, bound by obsession, and ruled by a singular, chilling principle: their love is law.
This book revels in its darkness. Azazel and Cherrie are unapologetically unhinged, and the author doesn't shy away from portraying their madness in all its raw, unsettling glory. They're characters you simultaneously fear and are morbidly drawn to, their warped perspectives coloring every interaction and decision.
The pacing mirrored the chaotic energy of the protagonists. This is a quick read, perfect for devouring in a single sitting
However, be warned, this isn't a book for the faint of heart. "Love in the Dark" tackles complex and often disturbing themes. If you're looking for a sweet romance with sunshine and rainbows, look elsewhere.
That cliffhanger! Just when you think you've reached the bottom, the author pulls the floor out from under you. My jaw literally dropped. I'm left desperately clawing for the next book, needing to know what twisted fate awaits Azazel and Cherrie.
Profile Image for WhippedStitchReads (J.A.Y).
341 reviews5 followers
June 13, 2025
DNF at 44%

I give it A for effort in the interesting spicy scenarios, but other than that, the writing was....pretty cringe. Being in both Azazel and Cherries POV at the same time was hard to understand.

Also, the repetition of certain things was eh. It was weird seeing that they were going to a motel as a "temporary haven" then they go into the city to then stay at a hotel....which confuses me. They were already in the city so why would they stay at another hotel?
1 review
March 25, 2025
"Love in the Dark" isn't a gentle romance; it's a plunge. A breathless, exhilarating, and frankly unhinged dive into a love born from the shadows. This novella sacrifices subtlety for breakneck pacing and raw emotional honesty, leaving the reader scrambling to keep up with its darkly compelling narrative.
From the very first page, we're thrown into the vortex of Azazel and Cherrie’s world, a world teetering on the edge of chaos. Their connection isn't a slow burn; it's an explosive combustion, fueled by shared vulnerabilities and a mutual understanding of the hidden corners of the self.
The brilliance of "Love in the Dark" lies in its unapologetic embrace of the unconventional.
The authors masterfully weaves together elements of dark romance,& psychological thriller,creating a unique and intoxicating blend.
Cherrie and Azazel are, without a doubt, the heart of this novella. I found myself completely enthralled by their twisted dynamic. They're flawed, damaged, and undeniably compelling.
While the rapid pace might not be for everyone, it perfectly complements the story's frantic energy. There's no time to breathe, no time to question the unfolding events – you're simply swept away by the current of their intense connection. The novella might leave you feeling a little breathless and perhaps slightly disturbed, but it will also leave you with a lingering sense of fascination.
"Love in the Dark" is not a comfortable read. It's a challenging, provocative, and utterly captivating journey into the heart of darkness and the surprising beauty that can bloom even in the deepest shadows. If you're looking for a romance that pushes boundaries and embraces the unconventional, then prepare to be consumed by the magnetic pull of Cherrie and Azazel's darkly irresistible love. I loved every unhinged bit of it.
Profile Image for Stormy Shadows.
553 reviews14 followers
March 24, 2025
4 stars
Pub Date: April 30th, 2025
Format: Kindle
Genre: Dark Romance/Psychological Thriller/Erotica

This is a novella that follows Azazel and Cherrie. The love between these twisted characters isn’t dark but the circumstances in which they do love each other is. They are both killers and it isn’t really plot heavy. Just a lot of smut and killing but I loved it and it was so fun and a quick read. Very dark and twisted things so please look up the trigger warnings for this. It ends on a cliffhanger too which I felt kinda ended too abruptly and it was a lot of telling and less showing and I personally feel like if it was told in first person with both POV’s it would have been a deeper and better story but nonetheless I still enjoyed this a lot. I recommend if this is your thing!
Profile Image for Tiffany(Nightshadowitch).
274 reviews15 followers
April 1, 2025
I’m so in love with this cover … ok to the book lol. This is a morally dark dark story I just was addicted to. A&C set of twisted obsessed love birds. This is trigger filled so read that list. Fast paced spicy ride into madness then hits you with the dead stop cliffhanger. That was a doozy kinda sat there for a bit like ahhh but I need more and now to wait impatiently lol. So enjoyed reading this and relaxing today it was a start to finish one sit read!
618 reviews16 followers
April 9, 2025
Azazel and Cherrie are killers. So in tune with each other. I absolutely loved this psychological dark romance thriller with lots of spicy scenes. That cliffhanger is something else. Can’t wait for book 2!!!
2 reviews
March 22, 2025
This is a dark, unhinged read, perfect for those who crave a story that pushes boundaries and throws morality out the window. The author doesn't shy away from the shadows, painting a vivid picture of a love built on shared darkness.
Profile Image for Sasha K.
148 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2025
From the start of this book i thought it was going to be mostly smut with no plot, but boy was i wrong. Don’t get me wrong I’m here for all of the smut. The ending of the book killed me, I hope we get more books and it doesn’t end just like.
Profile Image for Angela L.
219 reviews12 followers
April 9, 2025
This was such fun, dark, and twisted novella. Our MCs are serial killers, so it's lotsa killing and smut. Definitely no complaints here. It does end on a cliffhanger that made me want more now. Check the TW if you need to, but if this is your thing, strap in and enjoy!
Profile Image for Spooks Reads it.
368 reviews29 followers
April 6, 2025
this book is very dark if your into killing. smut, twisted yet real love then keep reading my review!

Azazel & Cherrie are the ultimate dynamic their love is pure but the world's they live are chaotic. twisted and relentless!
if you want spicy smut scenes then go on and get your copy today you ferral baddies ! Hazel I'd be happy to read more books of yours I loved this twisted unhinged novella !
Profile Image for Kristina Brutsch.
58 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2025
"Azazel and Cherrie have forged an even deeper bond, their love and lust an unbreakable chain that will lead them on a path of danger, ecstasy, and everything in between."

From the beginning, Cherrie and Azazel express their passion towards one another in a variety of ways. What appears lust-fueled has more of a sinister development throughout their killing sprees. They are completely unhinged and have a way of expressing their love towards one another in dark and twisted ways.

They work for an organization that sends them on assignments that require ridding people from their evil doings. They get off on the thrill of it, but along the way, they make enemies. The tables are turned, and they are being hunted by an unknown person. They decide to go in hiding, trying to evade the unknown but also trying to figure out who they are.

Could it be the Organization after them? Will they ever live a normal life? Or will this twisted lifestyle be their nightmare of an ending?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
505 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars

If you want a dark and uncomfortable read that is full of kink, this is the one. It's unhinged in like a Joker/Harley type of way. Gritty yet comic book? I'm not sure if that was the intent - but that's how I read it!

I read dark books on the regular, but this was darker than even I anticipated, and I loved every second of it. Azazel and Cherrie are both killers - their love may be real, but their jobs are gritty and bloody. in fact, their jobs are their love language to each other, and it works for them. Truly, a love like no other.

It's bloody, explicit, and disturbed, yet you won't be able to look away. Why? Because the love between Azazel and Cherrie really does shine through in genuine and tender way, despite the blood gore.

So read your triggers warnings, and if you can handle the darkness, jump on in.
Profile Image for Jomy.
118 reviews
June 9, 2025
Just finished "Love in the Dark" by Hazel Banks & Raja Savage, and wow, it's a gripping journey! 🌑 This dark romance dives deep into the complexities of love and desire, wrapped in a captivating and mysterious storyline. The characters are beautifully flawed, adding layers of depth to their passionate journey. If you're a fan of narratives that explore the darker side of romance, this book is definitely for you!

The authors do an incredible job of balancing tension and emotion, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. 📚✨ I found myself lost in the world they created, and I couldn't put it down! Have you read any stories that tread the line between love and darkness? I'd love to hear your recommendations!
Profile Image for Ileana Weynberg.
33 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2025
An interesting story. Great characters with lots and lots of dark romance and spice. I felt the story took a bit too long to get into. The build up to the twist and the actual twist was good. The ending was a great cliffhanger. I was expecting more from the extracts I read before the book. However determined I was to finish the book, there were a couple of times where I didn't think I would complete it. Not sure if I would read another book by these authors. But I would definitely give them another try.
Profile Image for Novo's nook of novels .
59 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2025
Love in the dark is a dark romance novella, although it is a much longer book than most novellas I have read. A lot of smut, I felt like maybe a bit too much of the shmexy time, it took a while for the actual story line to get going apart from killing and shmexy time but once the story got going it was a pleasurable read.

The cliff hanger at the end will leave you wanting the next installment instantly, like noooo dont end here!

I do feel like the last half of the book was kind of all rushed and almost squeezed in.
Profile Image for DMesser.
131 reviews5 followers
April 7, 2025
This book is a little more than 3 stars but not quite 4 stars only because I struggled to get through the first half of the book. I enjoyed the ending, the plot twist was really good and I’m excited to read the next book because this one ended on an interesting cliffhanger. I think the writing was a little inconsistent for my taste but it was still a good read overall.
Profile Image for Nikki.
49 reviews
April 11, 2025
arc read!
rating 3.5
love the concept
the book was probably 80% smut, 20% plot and there is no complaints about that lol

the third person writing took me a few chapters to acclimate and i feel like i would have been more engaged if it was first person.

there were a few discrepancies that took me out of it but over all was an immersive read.

the “five second rule” part had me dying.
Profile Image for Nita.
715 reviews10 followers
April 23, 2025
Chaos

The best way I can describe this book would be erotic chaos. Spice and plot were weaved together in such a way that you couldn't have one without the other. Cherrir and Azazel match each other's crazy. If you love the Harley Quinn and joker vibe but you want bipoc characters this is what your looking for.
Profile Image for 2livebtwnpages.
9 reviews
April 24, 2025
Holy smokes!

If you’re looking for pitch black, I can’t see two feet in front of me dark romance, then this book is for you!

Follow Cherrie and Azazel’s journey through passion, lust, love, and devastation with wild left turns.

This story is told in the eyes of the morally void, so tread with caution but if you’re in need to feel something, ANYTHING, then read now!!
Profile Image for Kayleigh Lynne.
21 reviews
July 14, 2025
Love in the Dark was a wild, steamy ride I didn’t want to end.
I got this through a self-rec and WOW—if you're looking for S P I C E with a side of danger, look no further. A & C gave serious Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibes (but unhinged... in the best way).

Hazel brought the heat, the thrill, and the emotion—and I’m here for it. Hoping there’s more to come! 🖤📖
Profile Image for Aussie.
1,429 reviews36 followers
August 10, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐.75 stars

"For those who find beauty in the shadows and solace in the chaos. May you always embrace the darkness within "

this was unhinged but im here for it ! I adore Cherrie and Azazel but they are like Bonnie and Clyde but way worst more unhinged. I love the banter as i couldnt get enough of the characters and i cant wait till i read more from Hazel and Raja
Profile Image for Candis.
178 reviews
August 13, 2025
Everything

This book had everything from action, dark romance, over-the-top love between the main characters, revenge, and just about everything else you could think of. The authors did a very good job of allowing the storyline to flow wonderfully. I look forward to finding more books by them.
9 reviews
April 6, 2025
This is a novella that focuses on Azazel and Cherrie. Two series killers that love the thrill of killing and having sex. No real plot outside of that. It does end on a cliffhanger where it seems the two MCs are enjoying a nice quiet life. It's a fun, short read that is entertaining.
Profile Image for Jamie Williams.
503 reviews9 followers
April 7, 2025
This book was an interesting read for me. I honestly almost stopped reading it a couple of times, but I pushed through and I’m glad I did. The story really got interesting and that ending left me wanting to know what happens next. It is very dark, so be sure to check the TW before reading.
31 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2026
Intense romance within dark settings.

Trigger Warnings! Lots of action, dark romance, revenge, murder, very spicy. As a survivor the intensity and details made me need to put it down for moments to regroup, but the story drew me in to finish it. It left me curious for more.
931 reviews22 followers
April 26, 2025
This book is exactly what the title says! From page one you are thrown head first into the darkness. It's unhinged and every bit crazy as I expected it to be! I enjoyed every minute of it!
Profile Image for idkcatz.
89 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2025
idk honestly this is like super well written but it’s straight smut and not really any plot. good if you wanna have 5 wanks and have a daddy kink i guess
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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