1001 Dark Nights: Signature Editions, Vol. 1

Sins Duet #1 included

by Shayla Black, Laura Kaye, Lara Adrian

PURE WICKED by Shayla Black
During his decade as an international pop star, Jesse McCall has lived every day in the fast lane. A committed hedonist reveling in amazing highs, globetrotting, and nameless encounters, he refuses to think about his loneliness or empty future. Then tragedy strikes. Shocked and grieving, he sheds his identity and walks away, searching for peace. Instead, he finds Bristol Reese, a no-nonsense beauty scraping to keep her business afloat while struggling with her own demons. He s intent on seducing her, but other than a pleasure-filled night, she s not interested in a player, especially after her boyfriend recently proposed to her sister. In order to claim Bristol, Jesse has to prove he s not the kind of man he s always been. But when she learns his identity and his past comes back to haunt him, how will he convince her that he s a changed man who wants nothing more than to make her his forever?
ALL HALLOWS EVE by Heather Graham
Salem was a place near and dear to Jenna Duffy and Samuel Hall it was where they d met on a strange and sinister case. They never dreamed that they d be called back. That history could repeat itself in a most macabre and terrifying fashion. But, then again, it was Salem at Halloween. Seasoned Krewe members, they still find themselves facing the unspeakable horrors in a desperate race to save each other-and perhaps even their very souls. HARD AS STEEL by Laura Kaye
After identifying her employer's dangerous enemies, Jessica Jakes takes refuge at the compound of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. Fellow Hard Ink tattooist and Raven leader Ike Young promises to keep Jess safe for as long as it takes, which would be perfect if his close, personal, round-the-clock protection didn't make it so hard to hide just how much she wants him--and always has. Ike Young loved and lost a woman in trouble once before. The last thing he needs is alone time with the sexiest and feistiest woman he's ever known, one he's purposely kept at a distance for years. Now, Ike's not sure he can keep his hands or his heart to himself--or that he even wants to anymore. And that means he has to do whatever it takes to hold on to Jess forever.
STROKE OF MIDNIGHT by Lara Adrian
Born to a noble Breed lineage steeped in exotic ritual and familial duty, vampire warrior Jehan walked away from the luxurious trappings of his upbringing in Morocco to join the Order s command center in Rome. But when a generations-old obligation calls Jehan home, the reluctant desert prince finds himself thrust into an unwanted handfasting with Seraphina, an unwilling beauty who s as determined as he is to resist the antiquated pact between their families. Yet as intent as they are to prove their incompatibility, neither can deny the attraction that ignites between them. And as Jehan and Seraphina fight to resist the calling of their blood, a deadly enemy seeks to end their uneasy truce before it even begins ."

Genres: Romance, Erotica, Paranormal Romance, Anthologies

747 pages, Paperback

First published November 16, 2016

About the author

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.

As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Follow me on Facebook: http://shayla.link/FBPage

Join me in my Book Beauties group for weekly LIVE chats: http://shayla.link/FBChat

Reviews

[Heather C · Rating 4 out of 5]

~3.5 Stars ~

I went into this bundle series with no knowledge. Sure, I read the blurb or blurbs in this case, but I’m not sure if I really understood just how diverse each story would be. I also hadn’t read 5 out of the 6 authors. I know. I know. You don’t have to tell me what you are thinking right now. I’m embarrassed enough on my own. Needless to say, I was super excited to try new things with new authors.

First of all, this bundle has just about everything. We get a pop star, bikers, vampires, witches, movie stars and the messed up world of the rich and famous that only C.D. Reiss can deliver. It was kind of fun to jump all over the place when reading these. It was like a crash course and overload into some of my favorite genres.

I thought that collectively, everything was well written and easily captured and retained my attention. I actually read these in a couple of days but that’s only because work got in the way. I could have easily taken an entire day and just sat down and read them back to back if time were on my side.

Overall, I really felt like this was a eclectic, well balanced bundle set that will bring you just about all kinds of emotions. No matter what you are in the mood for, there’s something in here for you at the right time and in the right moment. It’s also a great stepping stone into some of the works of authors you may not have read before, if you are like me. I say pick this up and go for it. It will be a fun ride.

*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*

[Chelsea Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pure Wicked by Shayla Black 2.75 Stars!

I think my main issue with this is that it was super short. There wasn't really any time to get to actually know Jesse or Brooke. There were also a couple things that happened that I was just NO about (Brooke's snooping on the cell phone, his assistant, etc). I did like the fact that Jesse jumped in so quickly and how he handled Hayden.

Hard as Steel by Laura Kaye 3.5 Stars!

I actually really liked this one. I did have some issues with the timelines/continuity because there were a lot of references to events in the rest of the overall series and a lot of it was done in a way where you really had to be in the know to keep up (of course I'm also interested enough that I'm planning on reading those books but that's besides the point). I did like the way Ike was so protective of Jessica even though there were several times I wanted someone to smack him. I did like how Jessica went after him, especially after he told her his secret and why he thought he didn't deserve her.

Stroke of Midnight by Lara Adrian 3.5 Stars!

It was interesting getting to see more of Jehan. I liked him when I read Tempted by Midnight in a previous 1001 Dark Nights bundle. It was interesting seeing him try to resist the whole bond thing, and also seeing his reasons behind it. Although I'll admit that I'd like to see the original story that brought the need for the bond/truce into being. I did wish things had been a little longer, especially since both Jehan and Seraphina were both on the "I don't want this" train. I did like how Jehan helped out when they went to the border and his way of getting to stay with the Order but also keeping Seraphina. I did kind of laugh/roll my eyes when she eavesdropped because that's how that always goes.

All Hallows Eve by Heather Graham 3 Stars!

I seem to have a hit/miss relationship with this series. The novellas that I've read through the various 1001 Dark Nights anthologies have been pretty decent but I haven't been all that impressed with the main novels. Not sure why. That being said, I did have a few issues with this one. Even acknowledging that this is a novella and supposed to be shorter, it felt like things went from 0 to case closed really fast. And I'll admit that the reasons behind the murders were just...based on the summary I was expecting something a lot different. There were also a few grammatical and spelling errors (Jenna's aunt is referred to as Myna and Mina for example) that made me do a double take. Like I mentioned, things went really fast. It felt like it was going okay, Sam and Jenna were doing their respective investigations and suddenly Sam's getting the ransom call with the threats against Jenna. The threats felt like they came out of nowhere; I mean, why not threaten Sam too if it was a matter of just not wanting to have things exposed?

Rendezvous by Skye Jordan 2.75 Stars!

The overall premise of this one was interesting but I just couldn't quite get behind it. I liked the initial reconnect between Brooke and Keaton, but then things were revealed and I almost lost interest in the book. I knew that Jillian was going to throw a wrench into things because a)that's the way these things work and b)the author tried to make things all mysterious about Brooke's job so you just had to know that something was coming. That being said, I feel like Jillian's bitchiness was dialed up to 11 and I just hated it. I feel like there's a difference between the ex who the hero/heroine realized wasn't right for them but the ex doesn't get it and "witch who wants to ruin everyone's life because she can". I felt like half the crap she pulled was the author trying to give you a reason to be sympathetic to Brooke and cheer for her and Keaton. Then the way that things blew up because Jillian was the witch from hell, I just wanted to throw something. Especially because Brooke had so many chances to explain to Keaton; there were ways she could have gotten around Jillian's supposed threats. Overall, it was okay but I don't know if I'm going to be exploring the rest of the series.

Secret Sins by CD Reiss 2.5 Stars

I had trouble with this one. Overall, the premise was interesting but I just couldn't really get behind the author's writing style. The way everything jumped timeline-wise wasn't executed all that well because I felt like Margie didn't really grow as a character. In the past, she's lying about her age and trying to hide her family and must never experience a feeling. We get to the present and she's still basically lying about her age (you never really find out and I'm not sure what the point in that particular mystery is besides the author using it as wiggle room to get around statutory rape), she's not quite hiding her family but it also feels like there was supposed to be more there but it was dropped in a quest to go back to the past again and feelings are still forbidden. When the secret was revealed, I felt like it was this big thing that then got swept under the rug. Like, all that happened with that (even though you only get the bare bones on the fact that it happened and there was the extra piece about keeping family around) and it doesn't warrant anything more than "I'll sew my lips shut before I tell this secret"? I also had an issue with the whole Strat/Margie/Indy thing at the house. Not so much the act itself (although again, we get back to the whole age thing where I'm pretty sure Margie was a lot younger than she said) but the fact that all three of them went "hey this is the best idea in the world!" I mean, she was forced to take a drug in an attempt to rape her by one person. A drug that all of them seem to be aware of the fact that it heightens libido and seems to do away with inhibitions. And I know that Margie initiated and Indy was at least high as well but Strat didn't seem to be high and the fact that all three of them were like "this is amazing" was just a little bit squicky to me.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pure Wicked by Shayla Black
During his decade as an international pop star, Jesse McCall has lived every day in the fast lane. When tragedy strikes, he sheds his identity and walks away, searching for peace. Instead, he finds Bristol Reese, a no-nonsense beauty scraping to keep her business. He’s intent on seducing her, but she’s not interested in a player. How will he convince her that he’s a changed man who wants nothing more than to make her his forever?
Hard As Steel by Laura Kaye
After identifying her employer's dangerous enemies, Jessica Jakes takes refuge at the compound of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. Fellow Hard Ink tattooist and Raven leader Ike Young promises to keep Jess safe for as long as it takes, which would be perfect if his close, personal, round-the-clock protection didn't make it so hard to hide just how much she wants him--and always has.
Stroke of Midnight by Lara Adrian
Born to a noble Breed lineage steeped in exotic ritual and familial duty, vampire warrior Jehan walked away from the luxurious trappings of his upbringing in Morocco to join the Order’s command center in Rome. But when a generations-old obligation calls Jehan home, the reluctant desert prince finds himself thrust into an unwanted handfasting with Seraphina, an unwilling beauty who’s as determined as he is to resist the antiquated pact between their families.
All Hallows Eve by Heather Graham
Salem was a place near and dear to Jenna Duffy and Samuel Hall -- it was where they'd met on a strange and sinister case. They never dreamed that they'd be called back. That history could repeat itself in a most macabre and terrifying fashion. But, then again, it was Salem at Halloween. Seasoned Krewe members, they still find themselves facing the unspeakable horrors in a desperate race to save each other-and perhaps even their very souls.
Rendezvous by Skye Jordan
Keaton Holt knows all about the badass throwdown—on the movie set and in the bedroom. As the only sixth-degree black belt stuntman for Renegades, he’s made a career of translating those fighting skills to the big screen. He’s sown his oats and is ready for hometown and apple pie. When he gets a second chance with the stunning personal assistant Brooke, he knows she’s exactly what he needs—and he’s ready to use all his best moves to keep her this time.
Secret Sins by CD Reiss
She’s too young. Too smart. Too rich. She’s a virgin and knee-deep in rock-and-roll gods.
But life as she knows it is about to end. She’s going to get ripped apart, and the only thing she can do to keep it together is to keep her secrets.
She has no idea how many secrets are being kept from her, and when they come to light, her life will blow up all over again. Can she take it?
She’s Margie Drazen. She can take anything.
I liked most of these stories. In fact several of them are connected to series I have read or am reading. Some of them were out of order as I am not as far in the series as the story was (shhh...don't tell). I will be looking into the Skye Jordan series which I don't already read. Her story was the one I liked the most.

[Kendall Mayo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay so maybe it's just me, after all, this is my first time reading a book filled with novellas. But it was hard for me to grip the main concepts of these short stories. Even though you can read these stories without having read the book series that belongs to them, doesn't mean you should. I admittedly hadn't read any of the book series mentioned beforehand. That left me with thoughts like, "What is the context behind all these character relationships?" Or "What the heck is a Krewe?" Or "Renegades? What is the significance of that being mentioned over and over?" I was quite lost on most of these novellas. And to be honest, laughing on others. In the romances, the cheese factor began to escalate from the first story to the last. Of course, with most romances there will be a little bit of corniness involved. But with these novellas, it was too much for me personally. I picked this book up for the Heather Graham story, but even that one felt like it was cheaply written. It felt like all the characters were thrown together. Not to mention if you hadn't read previous novels, the bit where the agents can talk to ghosts left me scratching my head in confusion. The last two stories were really the worst. I found myself laughing at the sheer absurdity in those romance stories. The lack of reality factor made the characters sound more like circus clowns performing than an actual living character. Overall, it was a total miss for me. There are better romances out there to read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a great anthology. I had not read anything from Shayla Black before, so getting a chance to look at her Wicket Lovers series was enjoyed.

Laura Kaye was another author, that although I’ve read before – I sort let her books get piled up in my TBR list and this book seriously made we want to dive back in.

Rendezvous by Skye Jordan was another excellent read. I am a huge fan of her books and loved Keaton’s story.

Secret Sins by CD Reiss was the IT book for me of the set. I am huge fan of her Drazen world and this book was EVERYTHING. Although it can be a standalone, the reason why I loved the story so much was because I was so invested into these characters.

I didn’t read the two other stories just because they aren’t my type of read. But maybe one day I’ll pop back over to this book to give them a shot.

[Kristy Roebuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a few short stories that were very good,4-4.5 stars. My favorites were by Lara Adrian and Shayla Black and CD Reiss. Then there were a few that were just “meh”. I would give the total collection a 3.75. A fun read to pass the time. I look forward to reading other 1001 Night Collections.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked 4 out of 6 stories, so real rate 3.8

[Kolya Koleva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked almost all the stories inside this bundle

[Ann]

Loved this book all these authors are great loved each story each of these authors I love to read

[lisa jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark nights

I must confess I did ship around reading and read my favorite authors first . Love the Breed and Shadow book the best but the others were also great.

[Azzie Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from the different authors. HAPPY READING EVERYONE. And keep up the good work.

[Trish Goodgame · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this bundle purely for the Krewe of Hunters novella (#17.5. All Hallows Eve) by Heather Graham. As always, I really enjoy books in this series.

I did read all of the stories in this book but it was a while ago, so presumably, I liked some stories better than others, hence giving 4 stars.

This bundle contains the following stories:
Six Dark Tales. Six Sensual Stories. Six Page Turners.

Pure Wicked by Shayla Black
During his decade as an international pop star, Jesse McCall has lived every day in the fast lane. When tragedy strikes, he sheds his identity and walks away, searching for peace. Instead, he finds Bristol Reese, a no-nonsense beauty scraping to keep her business. He’s intent on seducing her, but she’s not interested in a player. How will he convince her that he’s a changed man who wants nothing more than to make her his forever?

Hard As Steel by Laura Kaye
After identifying her employer's dangerous enemies, Jessica Jakes takes refuge at the compound of the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. Fellow Hard Ink tattooist and Raven leader Ike Young promises to keep Jess safe for as long as it takes, which would be perfect if his close, personal, round-the-clock protection didn't make it so hard to hide just how much she wants him--and always has.

Stroke of Midnight by Lara Adrian
Born to a noble Breed lineage steeped in exotic ritual and familial duty, vampire warrior Jehan walked away from the luxurious trappings of his upbringing in Morocco to join the Order’s command center in Rome. But when a generations-old obligation calls Jehan home, the reluctant desert prince finds himself thrust into an unwanted handfasting with Seraphina, an unwilling beauty who’s as determined as he is to resist the antiquated pact between their families.

All Hallows Eve by Heather Graham
Salem was a place near and dear to Jenna Duffy and Samuel Hall -- it was where they'd met on a strange and sinister case. They never dreamed that they'd be called back. That history could repeat itself in a most macabre and terrifying fashion. But, then again, it was Salem at Halloween. Seasoned Krewe members, they still find themselves facing the unspeakable horrors in a desperate race to save each other-and perhaps even their very souls.

Rendezvous by Skye Jordan
Keaton Holt knows all about the badass throwdown—on the movie set and in the bedroom. As the only sixth-degree black belt stuntman for Renegades, he’s made a career of translating those fighting skills to the big screen. He’s sown his oats and is ready for hometown and apple pie. When he gets a second chance with the stunning personal assistant Brooke, he knows she’s exactly what he needs—and he’s ready to use all his best moves to keep her this time.

Secret Sins by CD Reiss
She’s too young. Too smart. Too rich. She’s a virgin and knee-deep in rock-and-roll gods.
But life as she knows it is about to end. She’s going to get ripped apart, and the only thing she can do to keep it together is to keep her secrets.
She has no idea how many secrets are being kept from her, and when they come to light, her life will blow up all over again. Can she take it?
She’s Margie Drazen. She can take anything.

"Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic."

[Cassidy London · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved all but one short story in the bundle. Overall good experience and a great way to discover authors previously unknown to me. Some super hot and sexy scenes in here!

[Camita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading each novella by the different authors. Each story stood on its on. I got a chance to read stories by authors I have heard about, but hadn't gotten a chance to read their books. I look forward to reading the other 1001 Dark Nights bundles. I will be adding more authors to my list of books to read.