When the Dark Wins

by Jennifer Bene, Addison Cain, Cari Silverwood

Inside these pages lurks the stuff of nightmares, the inky blackness of our world captured by the top authors of dark romance. Except in these stories there is no romance. No heroes. No happy endings.

This is a book that has been crafted, twisted, and deformed to shred you, scare you, and possibly traumatize your mere mortal mind. Here is your last warning... no one is coming to save you if you choose to dive into the depravity.

In these stories, the dark wins.

Every. Single. Time.

*****

Breaking Beth by Jennifer Bene
It would take time. Time to destroy who she used to be... time for all her hope to die... time to break her... time to truly make her a thing. But he would.

Catacombs by Addison Cain
Every night he destroys her innocence. Each morning she awakes anew, memory clean —pure enough to be tainted, twisted, and adored for the devil’s sick pleasures.

Used by Cari Silverwood
Red’s on a mission to kill. When you’re violated and broken, sometimes the only way left is down.

My Name is Jane by Zoe Blake
There is no Escape. No Hope. I have nothing left. Only my name.

What Lies Beneath by Yolanda Olson
One too many nights working the streets can make the abused break, but when two become one, the price of sin can be much higher than expected.

Severed by Dani René
Monsters are real. He’s broken me, tortured me, and made me who I am. I’d accepted my fate.

A Sinner in Virtue by Eris Adderly
You will accept them on your knees. You will accept them on your back. You will open yourself in any way they ask, Sinner, because you are a servant now.

The Hunted by Michelle Brown
Hunted. Taken. Destroyed. When the nightmare never ends and there’s nowhere to run... What would you do to survive?

Genres: Dark, Anthologies, Horror, Dark Romance, Erotica, BDSM, Paranormal

697 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2018

About the author

Jennifer Bene is a USA Today bestselling author of dangerously sexy and deviously dark romance. From BDSM, to Suspense, Dark Romance, and Thrillers—she writes it all. Always delivering a twisty, spine-tingling journey with the promise of a happily-ever-after.

Don't miss a release! Sign up for the newsletter to get new book alerts (and a free welcome book) at http://jenniferbene.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Badh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Send wine and fluffy kitties, stat! Those are pretty much the only things that got me through this one.

I love the dark. I play in the dark a lot. I will read every dark thing I get and revel in it, and really, I think the darker the better. I'm perfectly happy to not have a happily ever after, a happy for now will work too. But in this book? Happy is a forbidden word. There are no happy endings. Period. There is no light, no happy, no nothing but dark, dark, dark, more dark, even darker, and black hole dark. I'm not really describing how dark it is, really.

Addison Cain-Catacombs

This story is honestly the most disturbing thing I've ever read, and considering that the last story I said that about was also an Addison Cain story, that's got to be saying something. It's an excellent story that drew me in, but holy frak, disturbing af.

Zoe Blake-My Name Is Jane

This one plays into a personal nightmare of mine, which meant it chilled me to the bone. It was fascinating though, and quite satisfying in places. I really enjoyed it.

Eris Adderly-A Sinner in Virtue

This one was really interesting. I don't think that it was quite as dark as the other stories. Of course, that doesn't mean that it wasn't dark. It appears that it's going to be the first part of a new series. I'm looking forward to seeing that. Eris Adderly always writes great stories, so I know it will be exciting.

Jennifer Bene-Breaking Beth

Having read and loved the Thalia series, I knew that there was a story about Beth. Well, this is her story. We know the end of Beth's story, but we don't know how she got to the end. Beth is tough and I've got to give her massive props for that. She goes through hell and still fights.

Yolanda Olson-What Lies Beneath

OK, this one was a total mindfrak. I had to go back and reread a few sections so that I could see if I read what I really thought I read. The answer was always yes, I read what I thought I did. Yolanda Olson has a way with words and fraking your head over and this story shows her mastery at it.

Cari Silverwood-Used

Oh, how I love this woman. I love reading her words. Used takes place in her Mesmer universe. You don't have to have read the other books to get the story because you will get enough of a backstory to get it. This is intense, and there are a lot of things that happen in it. I was completely blown away and the ending lingered in my head for a while.

Dani Rene-Severed

Severed looks like it could be the first story in a new series, but I don't know. That could just be Dani Rene messing with us. Not that authors ever do that to us, right? I would love to see more of this world, but considering what happened in it and how dark and vile it got, that may just mean that I'm completely and utterly wrong. But yeah, very twisted and vile in the best way.

Michelle Brown-Hunted

Michelle Brown is still a pretty new author, having just published her second book, but her story holds up quite well with the rest of the stories in this book. There is a lot of mind twisting going on in there and things that will boggle your brain. The end was just OMG.

[Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fuck....

The title of this bundle says it all...really...utterly...completely

It's dark
It's deprived
It's twisted
And there's NO hea😈

Enter at your own risk...

I was enthralled by all the stories but I got especially invested and intrigued by the stories of Zoe Blake My name is Jane, A Sinner in Virtue by Eris Adderly, and Hunted by Michelle Brown...

I have read Zoe Blake before but the other authors are new to me but I will certainly check out their work in the future...

[Ally Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning! If you can't handle the darkness, and stories that feel like they are ripping you out from the inside then steer clear. There is no fluff When The Dark Wins.

In no particular order here are my reviews for each instalment in this anthology. I will be adding the rest as I read them.

Breaking Beth by Jennifer Bene

I dont think its quite sunk in yet. I did take a deep breath at the end though. Anthony is a pure psychopath, I hated him in the Thalia series but in this for what he did to Beth I want him to burn in the depths of hell while demons take him over and over.

The psychological aspect of this book was brilliance, the slow breaking of Beth's will was excrutiating to read but so cleverly done.

This story pushed alot of boundaries and plunged straight into pitch black as soon as we knew Anthony was the main character, I couldnt help but wonder if there is anything human in him at all or if he is completely fucking empty?

The Hunted by Michelle Brown.

This one had a huge dose of eerie and an even big shot of holy crap that's dark. A horror romance with a touch of paranormal to throw the reader way off track. Little hints here and there that I picked up on, fleshing out the story in a subtle way. Mykael is dark, dangerous and strangely alluring in a big and twisted way, I found myself afraid and intrigued at the same time.

What Lies Beneath by Yolanda Olson

A dive into the darkness with this one, Yolanda lures you into a false sense of security, like a wark blanket, and just as you start to get cosy them BAM! Shit gets real and she drags you down to hell with the characters, it was sad, it was so fucking weird at times, totally unique and with a twist you can't possibly predict!

Used by Cari Silverwood

Dark, depraved and something else entirely. This was a real headspinner, and even though I know none of these stories hold a happy ending, I can't help but try to figure out how there could be. This one left me with a feeling of being sucked down the rabbit hole with no escape from the madness at the bottom. A psychologically frightening story that absolutely chilled me. Exactly what I would want and expect from an anthology such as this.

My Name Is Jane by Zoe Blake

Well, I think I've found the one of the scariest stoies in the anthology so far. I spent most of this one wide-eyed with my mouth open in horror. It felt so real, I felt trapped inside this story. Zoe Blake really sucks you into this closeted little world with Jane. There is no light, only darkness.

Catacombs by Addison Cain

I loved the setting for this one, I really felt like I'd stepped back in time. This one drags you into the depths of hell and leaves you floundering as it sucks the life and hope right out of you in a way I didnt expect. Devious and clever, luring you into a nightmare that is masked by dreams. Exquisitely dark.

Severed by Dani René

This one hell of a no holds barred twisted, deviant and totally black as pitch story. Dani René really goes all out in this one. As much as I may have been gaping in shock at the depths of evil I was totally hooked and actually disappointed when I ran out of story to read. I want more!

A Sinner In Virtue by Eris Adderly

Wow, that was something else. It was gritty, raw and unrelenting in its deviance and the pursuit of balancing sin and virtue in equal measures. It was a shock to read thats for sure, it was darkly erotic in places as well as disturbing. It was a different kind of dark this one. The writing was excellent and I was hooked on the story and the character Buckeye.

Ive finished this whole anthology and been totally blown away and mindfu**ed by the stories in this. Its absolutely awesome and I have loved reading all these stories. Its been weirdly refreshing not having any HEA's for a change. Now I need a drink. 😈😍

[M. Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is one I have been putting off for a while, if only because this has to be one of the more difficult reviews I’ve written about a novel I have read recently. When the Dark Wins is an anthology of short stories written by some very well recognized authors in the dark romance genre, which is one that I happen to particularly enjoy. That being said, much of what I have read in said genre still contains, in the end, an HEA – a Happily Ever After. That isn’t the case here. There are no HEA’s in this book. In a few cases there are even any Ever After’s. These stories are bleak, horrifying in many cases, disturbing, and some are just downright difficult to read. Much as this review is to write. I want to be fair, and supportive, and honest to the stories and the authors who wrote them. At the same time, to do so is to admit that there were portions of this anthology I just flat did not enjoy, and while I will recommend it, I do so with the caveat that there may be points where a reader will want to (and probably should) just skip through certain parts. Yeah, things are that dark here.

For the sake of not allowing this review to go on forever, I am going to group certain stories together and address them in that fashion, speaking to specifics for each one as outlined.

THE GOOD.
I found the following four stories to be the ones that stuck with me the most, and despite the bleakness in each of them, they left me satisfied nonetheless: Breaking Beth (Jennifer Bene); Catacombs (Addison Cain); Used (Cari Silverwood) & A Sinner in Virtue (Eris Adderly). These four stories were wonderful, if that can be said about any of the stories in this anthology. Each was well written, compelling, and while all were very dark, none were ever so much so that I felt that they were using things horrific for that sake alone. There were scenes which were terrifying / horrifying without actually relying on gore, which is something that I appreciate in stories like these.

The first story reviewed here is out of the chronological order of the stories as they appear in the book, but I address it first because out of all of the stories, it is the one I enjoyed the most. That one is A Sinner In Virtue . I’m not going to lie; as dark as this story is at points, I absolutely loved it. It made me smile (which, bear in mind, was really hard to do while reading this anthology), it was entertaining, it drew me into the world (which I really loved), and I felt drawn to the characters, and wanted to follow what happened to them all the way to the end. In fact, if there was any one story out of this entire anthology that I actually went “Aw, seriously!? That’s all!?” it was this story. It is so well written, tempers the dark with some light, a bit of wittiness, and the protagonist is just about as perfect a SFP (Strong Female Protagonist) as you could want in a story. Again, not to make this sound light and frothy; it’s not. The antagonists (there are more than one) are just all manner of bad, make no mistake. But the overall story is just so damn good, and the protagonist is just so tough, sassy, intelligent, aware of her mistakes without being a “please rescue me!” princess, that I absolutely loved her, even while the situation she finds herself in was just bleaker and bleaker as the story went on. On top of all this, the world-building the author provided was just absolutely top-notch. It was equal parts Mad Max meets A Boy and His Dog. . Everything about it made my verisimilitude complete, and I bought into the entire conceit of it with no reservations nor ‘raised eyebrows’. This is a story that I would (and will) re-read again, because it was just that good. Even if, after starting any of the other stories in this book, you decide not to continue, at least read this one. I think you will not be disappointed.

In Breaking Beth we have a story that is very, very intense, and though there are some very disturbing scenes within the story, the real impact here comes far more from the author’s descriptions of the mental aspects of what is taking place, than any of the physical descriptions of the acts related. For me, it is stories of this style that really get under my skin, and tend to stick with me for a good while. As in books, I tend to find this true in movies too, so bear with me as I describe some of what I am talking about by alluding to that medium. As way of an example, there is a scene of the main antagonist speaking to a store clerk that was eerily reminiscent of the Chigurh / gas station attendant scene in No Country For Old Men , or the Col. Landa with the French farmer in Inglorious Basterds . The implied threat to the innocent clerk at the counter taking place while the character talks with his brother over the phone is far more intense than anything that could have been conveyed by describing any actions he may have wished to perform in detail. The malevolence of the character is increased exponentially by the lack of gory details, rather than decreased by it. Bear in mind that the character the antagonist is engaging with in this scene is a minor, secondary character; this is only increased several-fold when actually dealing with the main protagonist character of the story! The protagonist is very much a SFP (Strong Female Protagonist), so much so that it becomes almost unbearable to read what she allows herself to endure. This is a woman of an iron will that you cannot help but admire, and at the same time, you want to scream at her to end this. To give in, if only to prevent what ultimately happens from occurring. In that light, by the end of the story you are left with the sketch of a mentally brutal, downright sadistically evil psychopath so vividly drawn, and one who embodies the concept of what Hannarh Arendt called “the banality of evil” so well, that your actual hatred for the antagonist character of the story is unrelenting. More so than few others in this anthology, you want to see the antagonist get his just due. Which makes what actually happens even more disturbing, powerful, and impacting.

Similarly, in Catacombs , the sheer beauty of the author’s wordsmithing makes the horror of what is taking place seem darker, more intense than any detailed physical descriptions of the horrifying acts would have. Stark beauty is the phrase comes to mind here. You are drawn into the mind of the main character, and when you realize that there appears to be some sort of twisted Groundhog’s Day-like scenario unfolding, you are completely captured up into the conceit of it. I had been warned by prior reviewers that this story was considered to be the darkest, the worst of the lot. To that I disagree; while it is without doubt a dark tale, the language of the story and the manner in which it is told are so beautifully written, and so engaging that you are completely drawn into the world created. Even though some aspects of it are cringe-inducing, you cannot stop from reading on to find out what happens next. Again, the protagonist is a strong woman, caught up in a situation of which she has little control over, but tries her best to deal with as she can. The antagonist in this story is so…. seductive, at times, that while one cannot ‘like’ him, one can easily see how the protagonist is entrapped in the web he weaves. For me, of all the stories, it was the author’s wordsmithing that made this one so compelling to read, and continue with, despite the truly bleak and dark nature of the tale. The language just pulled me along through the story, even in those sections where I blanched at what was taking place. Without giving too much away, this one ends in a manner which left me with teeth gritted; definitely not even a glimmer of a HEA.

Used I particularly enjoyed, because in some respects it combined both aspects of a spy novel with the dark romance / erotic romance portions throughout the rest of the story and book. As with the others, the theme was dark for certain, and yet the main antagonist still had a certain flair that kept him engaging as a character, and not simply falling into tropism and caricature of the ‘evil villain’. While I did not find him quite as seductive as I did the antagonist in Catacombs , I still found him to have enough redeeming qualities that I did not hate him with such loathing as I did some of the other antagonists in the other stories. The ‘tortured soul’ vibe for both the protagonist and antagonist playing off each other was very compelling, and drew me into the story to see just how it was going to play out at the end. The protagonist here is yet again an SFP, one with a painful past that is exploited by the antagonist. One thing I did really enjoy about this story – and something that has bothered me with other stories of this type where this writer’s tool has been used- is the conceit of the antagonist having a ‘special ability’ that allows him to do something extraordinary, giving him a leg up on the protagonist, and others around him. In this story, however, the author does not use that ability to advance the story in an unnatural way (for lack of a better phrase). Yes, it’s a ‘superpower’ that the antagonist has, but it isn’t used as a deus ex machina in an overpowering way, or one which stretches the readers credibility. It just works. All that being said, it’s not as if you can / will want to ‘root’ for the antagonist, but there is a certain draw that the author provides here that gives you enough impetus to want to see it through to the end. If for nothing else, just to find out if there might perhaps be a sliver of an HEA for the protagonist / antagonist to at least one of these stories. Whether there is? You’ll have to read it yourself to find out.

THE BAD.
There are no bad stories in this anthology. Difficult to read? Yes. Bad, poorly written, terribly plotted, etc.? No. Absolutely not.

THE UGLY.

OK. Now for the difficult part of this review. There are four final stories in this anthology that I just did not enjoy. As noted above, this is NOT to imply that they are bad. They aren’t. But for me, they just were either too dark, horrifying, and / or downright painful to read that at the end of each I just could not come away saying “Well, that was intense, but I ‘liked’ it.” The four stories are My Name is Jane (Zoe Blake); What Lies Beneath (Yolanda Olson); Severed (Dani Rene); and The Hunted (Michelle Brown).

Because I did not enjoy these four stories, I will not try and address each one individually. Suffice it to say, these were the stories that I found the darkest of the anthology, and in each case they left me feeling unsettled, queasy, and just outright uncomfortable. In some cases that was because of the scenarios that the stories related triggered something personal in me ( Severed being the best example of this), or the horrific portions of the story was so vividly described that I just found it too unsettling ( The Hunted being the prime example in this case). At the end, after a few days of reflection, I kept having a sense of déjà vu when thinking back on these stories. It finally occurred to me where I had sensed this same type of reaction before when experiencing this type of storytelling. It is anecdotal, but hopefully this will help in conveying what I came away from after reading these four, and why they just did not resonate with me as the others did.

In college, I had a friend who was a self-professed connoisseur of ‘horror’ movies. This pre-dates Eli Roth, so none of the Hostel franchise, or Saw , or even something like Silence of the Lambs . This was more old school horror movies. I have never been a great fan of the genre, but she was convinced that was only because I hadn’t seen the “right ones.” She took it upon herself to organize a ‘horror movie day’ to show me what she considered then to be the best of the best of horror movies. There were a range of movies, from the likes of Salo: 120 Days of Sodom , to Texas Chainsaw Massacre , to I Spit On Your Grave (1978 version), to even Last Orgy of the Third Reich (for which I will never forgive for being introduced to coprophagia long before Two Girls, One Cup). I sat through the entire day, and at the end I knew she was disappointed. I was neither convinced of the ‘beauty’ of horror as a genre, and as we talked about it, I told her that I felt that after this day, I knew a bit what Stockholm Syndrome was like. I just kept watching them because I felt like I needed to to win her approval, and at the same time as the day went on I became inured to the images I was being shown. They lost their impact as each new movie came along. Without doubt there were scenes which were visually powerful, and frightening, and definitely made an impact, for good or ill. But in the end I felt more as if I had ‘survived’ the day, than been introduced and converted to something. I had ‘seen the elephant’, and came out the other side, but I did not look back on it with fondness. In a sense, this is how I felt after reading the four stories mentioned above in the anthology. Make no mistake, there is some very powerful writing here. There are scenes written by these authors which are dynamic, forceful, bone-chilling at times, and definitely horrific. But, that’s the issue that I had with them personally. They were too horrifying. I wanted to turn my head away, but I didn’t, and with the next one I just sat and read through it, and then took a deep sigh and said “OK. I made it. Hopefully the next one will not be as gut-wrenching…” To be perfectly fair, in each of these stories that may have been EXACTLY the authors intention. In that regards, they succeeded admirably. And, for any reader that enjoys those types of stories, I guarantee you; you will NOT be disappointed. However, for this reader, it was a case of being too much. No matter how well-written, how artistically described, how impactful the manner of the story, I was not ‘happy’ at the end of each of these. So, I leave these four with this; read at your own peril. You have been warned.

In closing, while I would love to give this anthology five stars, I have dropped it to four because I feel it the fairest rating given my overall impression of the book. I still highly recommend it, and I think that no matter what your tastes you will find something/s in here to enjoy, but you should proceed with caution. Like written on the edges of maps of old, Here there be monsters. And some of them are very dark indeed.

[Am4u ❀ ~ AprilMarie4u ~ ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is on the story Used by Cari Silverwood.

Used:

Is set in the world of Mesmers from Cari Silverwood's Dark Hearts series. However, this story features different main characters than what was in the Dark Hearts series.

World Basics:

Mesmers are the men with the ability to mind control women. These men are often corrupted by this power, have an increase sex drive, and their sexual pleasure often leans towards the sadistic side. This & other nuances are explained during the story.

Main Genres:

Urban Fantasy/Paranormal, Dark Erotica

Characters:

Isak (main male character), it is implied he was once a man with good morals but by the time of this story, those are few and threadbare.

Red (main female character), once a strong independent woman that is now fighting to keep her sense of self, and free herself from the depraved Isak.

Overall:

A twisted story for fans of Dark Erotica.


~
(Review is on ARC version given for my honest opinion.)

[Cécile Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you,Cari! For giving my teddy bear nightmares. For making me sleep with the light on and checking behind every door.....For giving me this dark boxset!

This is a collection of really,really dark stories! Stories with absolutely no chance of a HEA. They each have their own version of dark and depraved. And they each stick with you,haunt your mind,make you jump at every sound. If you are into dark,pitch black,with no HEA,this is the collection for you. Just make sure you’re not alone,don’t read it after dark and surround yourself with everything you can find to defend yourself against the monsters lurking in the dark......I have trouble sleeping at night,but it was só worth it! I loved it!

[Gab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of disturbingly dark stories.
Do not read them when you're alone in the house at night!!
You need a sunlit reading place, with butterflies and fluffy bunnies, and a stiff drink.
You'll need all of it, believe me !!!

Breaking Beth by Jennifer Bene
Again Ms Bene paints an utterly chilling picture of the process of taking everything from a human being until nothing but an empty shell is left. And all that for the satisfaction of a soulless psychopath with a particular penchant for the screams of his victims!

Catacombs by Addison Caine
Do not visit the Catacombs!!! You might find a centuries old secret there!
Believe me when I tell you evil lurks there.
When I finished this story I slathered my whole body with lotion!
Desiccation will do that to you!

Used by Cari Silverwood
Imagine yourself unable to withstand the will of a man that has a more than wonky moral compass. He is in your head, in your body, you are not able to tell anybody who he is, what he is doing.
What if he goes completely off the rails? Goodbye sanity?

[Cari Silverwood]

[Up All Night With Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no happy endings here, there are no 'happy for nows'--there is no happy.

When the Dark Wins is a dark and depraved collection of stories that are meant to haunt your dreams. Each story is demented in its own way and I enjoyed all immensely. Say what you want, but I would love to have continuations of several of these stories, how messed up does that make me? Not to mention I also fell a little for more than one of these villains. Over all this anthology gets 4.5 stars from me, but I also want to give each story its due.

Breaking Beth by Jennifer Bene

5 stars

When Anthony made girls scream, he wanted them to beg him for mercy.
Even though it would never come.

I loved this story and my own darkness fell for Anthony. He is evil to the core but I found something intriguing in his character that had me yearning for more.

My Name is Jane by Zoe Blake

5 stars

I stare.
And stare.
Not believing my eyes.
It's me... but it's not me.

I finished this story and immediately ran to Zoe's FB group and asked her what the eff did I just read?? Her response was a evil smiling gif. This story is messed up in the best way.

Catacombs by Addison Cain

4 stars

This was not heaven and she was not to be judged by God...

This is one that I wish I could have read more of. I want to know what happened and what happens next. I wish this would have been in dual POV because I really wanted to know what was going through both main characters minds.

What Lies Beneath by Yolanda Olson

All the freaking stars!!!

I don't have a quote for this one because I was too entrenched in this story to stop and highlight anything. The ending was completely unexpected and I loved it! Super twisted and depraved, Yolanda, you just gained a new forever fan!

Used by Cari Silverwood

4 stars

"This isn't some typed contract, it's one written in spit, tears, and cum, and in blood. Blood is easier to read."

I really liked the concept of this story, but it lacked something and I just couldn't figure out what. I wanted more background and I didn't want the story to end where it did, I just plain wanted more. I feel this may be part of a series or expanded on from another story by Cari.

Severed by Dani Rene

5 stars

A dark journey.
A sordid road.
And there is no escape.
Unless...
We're severed.

It is no secret that I love Dani's writing and this story was no exception. But how could you do that to me, Dani?? That freaking ending... what? who? I need more!!!!

A Sinner in Virtue by Eris Adderly

4.5 stars

When all seven of the Vices avoided stepping on each other's toes, everyone had a good time.

Wow!! This was unbelievably debauched and I can't wait to get more. Elijah Mather is someone I would like to learn more about.

The Hunted by Michelle Brown

4.5 stars

"Run little girl, don't let the big bad wolf catch you."

I am crossing my fingers that Michelle extends this and/or makes this into a series, because I want to know exactly what is going on in those woods.

This anthology lived up to its title and made my dark and twisty mind very happy. Can't wait to read more from each of these authors.

**ARC provided by authors in exchange for honest review**
Review by Amy W., Late Night Reviewer for Up All Night w/ Books Blog

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only had the opportunity to read 2 of the stories in this anthology so far, so I will be adding to my review, but I need to try to put into words what you are getting when you dive into this.

This review is for Breaking Beth, by Jennifer Bene, and the only word I can use is WOW. I have had the pleasure of reading other books by this author, including her Thalia series, so I had an idea of what I was getting with this one. It was so much more than I was expecting, though. This is a beautiful, intense, tragic, gut-wrenching, make-you-lose-your-stomach kind of read. It is one that makes you never want to be alone, or in the dark, again. It will make you want to check and double check all of your surroundings all the time. It wormed its way into my soul and I don't know that I will ever be the same again. It disturbed me on a level so deeply I had a hard time even explaining what I had just read when asked about it. At the same time, I need to know more! I am not only curious about Beth, but I am also curious about what makes Anthony tick. I am more curious than ever about how deep this hole is going to go, and how, or if, there is anyway to find the light again. That, more than anything else, is why this has become a story I know I will read over and over.

Used, by Cari Silverwood, is a very different type of dark. It is no less beautiful, or intense, but the way the story played with my mind left me questioning what had just happened. I felt just as out of control as Red, and the mixture of fascination and dread she feels for Isak became my own. I felt myself questioning my own feelings toward the characters as the story progressed. Twisted up, without really knowing which direction to go, while I wondered what was real and what was imagined. Without giving any plot points away, I ended up questioning why I hadn't questioned things that were revealed as the story progressed. I know that the characters in this story are part of a larger series, and now I am desperate to read the rest of it. Just how twisted up can it become, and what will I discover? I'm not sure, but I'm excited to find out.

My favorite thing about this anthology, so far, is that the stories I have read are so different. I am curious to see what style, or level, of darkness the rest of this anthology takes, and I wonder how many more times my mind can be blown.

[Mary S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my review of three authors that are definitely becoming one of my favorites

Used by Cari Silverwood
Ok I don't know where to start with this review. But Mrs Silverwood took me for a ride with this one that I don't know what to think. It sure was something I don't know if I what to love Isak or what? But the only thing I can say is that I for sure don't what to cross him.

The Hunted by Michelle Brown
Wow I don't have words to describe this story but I was definitely in for a shock I never imagine in what way the story was heading I definitely didn't see that coming. It was a fantastic and mystery read until the end it totally shock me.

My Name is Jane by Zoe Blake
Oh my I have read a few books of Zoe Blake and the few books that I have read don't come with this kind of invents. But I can assure you that you will definitely get your mind all blow away when you start reading it at first I thought that it would be kind of like a stranger saving the heroine but oh man I was so wrong this just took me to a whole different place were I thought the story was heading for. It definitely blow my mind away it's dark your kind of dark that you might like or not so much. So the only thing I can say is read it with your mind and eyes well open because you sure are in for a surprise and the ending how cool was that?😉.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first story that I read of this book is Catacombs of Addison Cain.
This short story is tragic since the beginning.
The life of Pearl is not easy, she has suffer mental and physical abuse her entire live. She doesn’t know what is wrong with her. But she is fighting to survive and find her way to pass her life. She is content with her mini apartment and her tiny window.
One night in her way home a man try to rape her and she defends her self the only way she knows and that simple act condemned her.
She didn’t know that are people like her, she thought she was ill. When the found her is horrible.
They take her to the Master of the city for the crime she committed.
And that is when she knows what hell is.
The Master is obsessed with her and traps her for his own. She is his “treasure”
And night after night she knows what hell is about.
The things she has to live are not for the faint of heart. My heart was breaking for her.
The catacombs is a hell on are and a place you never want to go.

[Julianna K · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Dark Wins Anthology by Jennifer Bene, Addison Cain, Cari Silverwood, Zoe Blake, Yolanda Olson,Dani René, Eris Adderly and Michelle Brown. 



When the Dark Wins isn’t for the faint of heart. Right when this anthology hit my kindle, I jumped right into it without any concern that it was late at night. Even with the light on as I read, the dark and twisted stories certainly caused goosebumps to appear, but I loved every page. Everything is a mystery and I love that the endings weren’t at all what you expected.

If you don’t mind diving in the deep end, then I highly suggest reading this anthology! The authors and their story was gloriously bone chilling!

Tempting Sexy Thoughts
**ARC for an Honest Review**

[Tequila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my little black heart! This anthology is a wonderfully delicious collection of very dark novellas that kept me hanging on every word.

Before reading this, I was already fans of Cari Silverwood and Jennifer Bene, but I have found several new authors I need to check out. I'm thrilled. My debit card not so much.

If you really love dark erotica and plot twists that seeps into your skin and leaves you begging for more, do not miss out in this anthology. It is perfect!

[Elizabeth Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

The short story in this anthology by Yolanda Olson, What Lies Beneath, is yet another story she can add her to "wtf" shelf. This one pulls you in, drags you along, then drops you over the edge with a twist you won't see coming. I seriously cannot wait for the rest of this anthology. If her story is just a taste of what is in store, then I'm already hooked

[Brittany Reece · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the reasons I was interested in this anthology is because Yolanda Olson was involved, and so I knew the stories would be dark and twisty.
Yolanda's What Lies Beneath is the sheer definition of dark, twisty, and oh so messed up. You never know where her writing will take you but you can bet it's going to be deliciously disturbed and boy howdy it was. This was a page turning that had me whispering 'what the bleep' every few pages and the ending made me gasp. I may still be in shock over it.
If you need some good ole' happily never evers, this is the anthology for you.

[Jessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Look, y’all know I love dark and disturbing stories as much as the next person, but these are just overwrought snapshots of torture porn. That’s just not my idea of a good time.

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only book that I reviewed in this anthology was for Cari Silverwood. I do plan on reading more of these stories and when I finish I will edit this review at that time.

Used is a spin-off story from The Dark Hearts Trilogy and Wolfe. This novella is part of an anthology When the Dark Wins and won’t be published alone.

Wow “Used” is dark, very dark. Cari Silverwood says that this is the darkest story that she has written to date. And, since I have read most of what she has written I would agree. Used is not a romance and is closer to erotic horror.

I will admit this was my least favorite of Cari Silverwood’s books. I think due to the fact there was no romance. Oh, there was sex involved but then you can have sex and no romance and don’t expect an HEA because there isn’t one. I am still going to rate it 4 stars and the reason for that is. It is a psychological horror story and I think that Cari Silverwood achieved what she was going for with this book.

I think Cari Silverwood tests to see just how far she can go with the written word.

[Daria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cari Silverwood's - Used

If you've read anything of Cari's before then you won't be surprised she hits the mark dead on with "Used" she's created a world excitingly dark. One must wonder about the power of control are we really doing what we want? or is there some dark figure pulling our puppet strings.

The monster that is Isak who thinks his calm is Red one that he let go and is back. That monster hovers at the edges by a thread once lose the real terror begins. Psychologically warped, terrifying world and we loved being immersed in it.

Red spent her time away from the Mesmer miserable and her only thought was to get find and kill him. But she slipped up and now she's back and he's back in her head. A big train wreck on a fast track to insanity. Can Red control the Monster, or is she destined to submit not just her life but her very being?

[Bridgett Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this was 3.5 stars but I rounded up for the couple of stories I liked.
To start with this anthology is beyond Dark. Like seriously if you have a problem with rape, torture, and just brutality in general skip this one. My problem with the stories was I didn’t understand some. How did that even happen? Like no explanation. I personally have no problem reading the most messed up horrific books I can find. BUT they have to make sense and actually be good storytelling. Some were fantastic, some not so much. I’m sure there will be people who love the ones I didn’t. But me personally didn’t enjoy it. The saving grace for me was the reason I read the Anthology which was Yolanda Olson’s story. Just be prepared to read these dark stories. None have a happy ending. The good guys don’t win in these.
One of the stories in this book was What Lies Beneath by Yolanda Olson. Wow doesn't even begin to cover this story. A tale of love, lust and blood. What you do to yourself in the hopes it will make everything better. This is a messed up story that will make you wonder what you just read. And just when you think you have it figured out, The author slaps you in the face with the unexpected. A crazy colorful cast of characters that make you feel for them and then makes you sick to your stomach because you have feels for them. I love how this author messes with your mind. This books makes you feel dirty in the best way.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I have read 2 stories from the collection. And do heed the warnings of darkness! May not be suitable for some adults. But I, myself, loved it.
Breaking Beth by Jennifer Bene: This story put me through so many emotions. You really get to know the characters, very descriptive. Beth was taken to be trained as a sex slave. That didn't go over so well with her. Anthony (her trainer) was determined to break her. Beth doesn't go down easy either. Not a HEA!
Used by Cari Silverwood: The two main characters are Isak and Red. Isak is a Mesmer who it seems is able to influence and manipulate people. Rendering them basically helpless. Red is on a mission to kill Isak. All this came about because of their run in years ago. She is thwarted from her plans as Red is captured by him. The things she goes through. Wow! Again, not a HEA.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As of this moment I have read two of these deliciously dark reads and I must say these are REALLY dark reads so be prepared. Used by Cari Silverwood – Red wants to kill him but once he has her, she can’t help what she is doing she must comply. Once the monster is free there will be no one to save Red. Catacombs by Addison Cain - Pearl meets Darius anew every day. He does his best to make her prison a pleasant one until his need for her grows to strong. Will the clues she left behind reveal the dark truth? Dark stories, intense reads that capture you and take you for a ride you won’t soon forget. Looking forward to reading them all. Loved it!

[Ellie Midwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of stories is a definite must-read for everyone who loves a good dark read. And of course, as soon as I saw that one of my favorite authors Yolanda Olson wrote her story for the anthology, I just had to grab it. What is so cool about “What Lies Beneath” is that everything is definitely not what it seems and once you get to the end you will see the events that unfolded from a whole new perspective. The atmosphere is dark and ominous, and there’s seemingly no escape from the monster. But the question is, who is the real monster? I promise you’ll never see the ending coming, and that’s what I loved so much about it. Getting to the rest of the stories now - can’t wait!!

[Linda Cotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The idea for this book just pulled me in, and I had to devour Yolanda Olson's book right away.
When I tell you that this story is twisted, you'll have to believe me. This is starting one way, you know what's going on, suddenly all hell breaks loose and you're questioning everything you thought you knew. Everything I would expect, but nothing like what I expected. Well done!

[Karen Aguilera · Rating 5 out of 5]

My name is Jane by talented Zoe Blake with make you looking in your closets.

This books pulls you in from the start by saying WTF. You will go on an emotional rollercoaster with Jane as she tells you her story. It is beyond dark and twisted and then you are thrown for a loop.

If the rest of the series is as dark as anything like Zoe's I am hooked.

[Bea Brugge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read My Name is Jane by Zoe Blake. A brilliant story that’s dark, romantic (depends who you ask), and a slice of horror thrown in there.

It’s DARK and there you’ve been warned.

Zoe hit it out of the park. I love the darkness.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catacombs by Addison Cain - Wow, I think that may have been one of the darkest, most depressing books I've read! I felt so bad for poor Pearl! The Catacombs is definitely a place I never want to visit!

A Sinner in Virtue by Eris Adderly - This was actually the first book I've read by this author, but I can promise you it won't be the last! This is actually a prologue to a new series she's writing, and I can't wait to get my hands on it! This was dark and twisted and deliciously depraved! Poor "Buckeye" was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time in this futuristic, dystopian tale, and soon finds herself at the mercy of a really depraved priest with some unorthodox ideas! The scene in the baptistry was something else! I highly recommend this story, and series.

Breaking Beth by Jennifer Bene - This was a dark and chilling story. Anythony is a truly cruel and sadistic man, one I'd never want to meet. Beth finds herself in the worst position imaginable...just when you think it can't get worse, it does.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is reviews of two of the stories in this anthology. I’ll be reviewing as I keep reading. These are dark so be warned 🖤

Breaking Beth - Jennifer Bene

I haven’t read the Thalia series but I certainly will now as I need more Anthony. I need to know what’s going on in his head. Anthony is determined to break Beth but he doesn’t realise how strong willed she is.

This is a brilliant dark read. I absolutely loved it. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

The Hunted - Michelle Brown

This is one of the best short reads I’ve read in a while. From start to finish I was glued to the story. I didn’t realise until I’d finished reading it that I was biting the inside of my cheek.

I’m a great fan of this author. No matter what genre she decides to write she does a fantastic job. Although the main male character is a werewolf I’d love to read a longer version of this story (can’t believe I even said that lol )

[Raisa Greywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't read this if you're looking for a happy ever after. Because there isn't one. Every single story in this magnificent offering is so dark, so depraved, so.... Magnificent. Gorgeous.

Sins. We all have them, and so do the protagonists in all these novellas. Their sins start them on the path to unthinkable penance. But they welcome that servitude. It is hot, dirty, depraved, and perfectly delicious. And heart-wrenching. There is no escape. Sometimes the dark wins. And sometimes... Sometimes, you like it.

[Vellini · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for Catacombs by Addison Cain.

One word, Brilliant! This universe really deserves to be devlopped in a full lenght novel. She wrote a very dark Vampire novella (and I always hoped she'd try this genre someday), and she blew my mind.

I couldn't get enough of Pearl, my heart broke for her, she's in the vein of Addison's heroines, you can't help but fall for her. I really hope there will be a sequel!


3 stars for What Lies Beneath by Yolanda Olson

4 stars for The Hunted by Michelle Brown....... Really hope there'll be a sequel!