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Painted Sin #1

A Touch of Dark

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Sheltered socialite Juliana Thorne is drawn to the mysterious billionaire Damien Villa. But is his interest in her borne from desire? Or revenge?

IS HE HER HERO?

Juliana Thorne is falling apart beneath her perfect façade. Haunted by a monster from her childhood, the sheltered socialite is slowly losing her mind—while a mysterious stranger seems to lurk around every corner, relishing in her demise.

OR THE VILLAIN?

A blind artist with a penchant for portraying darkness, Damien Villa harbors his own sinister intentions toward Juliana, but is he motivated by lust…

Or a desire for revenge?

Either way…

This is no fairytale.

290 pages, Unknown Binding

First published October 22, 2019

135 people are currently reading
518 people want to read

About the author

Lana Sky

61 books1,328 followers
I am a quirky writer from the US who dabbles in dark, paranormal and contemporary romance. My stories aren't always typical, but contain a little something for everyone.

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5 stars
194 (52%)
4 stars
110 (29%)
3 stars
47 (12%)
2 stars
12 (3%)
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9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,060 reviews2,873 followers
October 21, 2019
description
description I enjoyed this one. It was a good start to Juliana and Damien's duet. I didn't find it as dark as the other books I've read by this author, but the potential is there for book two to be darker. As always, the writing was excellent. The plot was intriguing. It leaves us with a lot of unanswered questions and motivations, so I can't wait to get my hands on book two. 👍👍

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Profile Image for Syndi.
3,719 reviews1,043 followers
May 18, 2020
I want to like this book to 4 stars, but at the end I settle for 3 stars. It is not bad but not good either.

I do like the chemistry between Juliana and Damien. The narrator done a great job giving Damien sexy accent. The seduction banter also very seductive. I wish more. More darker. More twisted. I also want Damien's POV. More in depth of his character.

We get a glimpse of Juliane's past. But nothing on Damien's. Making it harder to connect with Damien.

Overall this is an OK read for me.

3 stars
Profile Image for Kelly_Reads_Books.
2,127 reviews192 followers
October 13, 2019
WOW Lana!! This book was heart wrenching. I held my breath every time Juliana revealed more of her childhood. And Damien, from the beginning he touched me like no other character. His own past seems just as devastating as Juliana's because of what he has revealed about himself.
And the ending answers some questions but asks so many more.
I cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Melluvsbooks.
1,570 reviews
dnf
August 19, 2021
DNF - blind hero who creates incredibly detailed art… somehow knows exactly what the h looks like after talking to her for a few minutes. 🙄🙄🙄…. Also, It’s CLEAN. 😱😱😱😅 #next

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for TheBookPlatypus.
1,243 reviews265 followers
September 19, 2021
Damien and Juliana!!

Wow! So much happened in book one, my mind is going nuts! This is a full on twisty suspense with an enemies to lovers trope.. only the two main characters aren’t in love yet. Lol.

Damien. A very talented artist and head of a crime syndicate- who happens to be blind.

Juliana has her… issues. Her and her friend from childhood were abducted, the friend being murdered and Juliana was found found days later, barely alive…. And she’s got a stalker named Simon that leaves her “presents” every year on her birthday that’s left her full of anxiety and internal distress. The suspect to her childhood trauma was never caught…
Not to mention, her father, a judge, who’s in quite some trouble for messing with a case of his, accused of racial bias and manipulating the system.

When you start to gather all the information as the story unravels, I couldn’t stop reading. It’s a race to the finish line on what’s going on with Juliana.. you know she’s not safe.
Damien figures that out too. He’s a really hard and cold character. He really has no desire to be with or to even be around Juliana yet he decides to humor her and paint her… she desperately wants to, being a new fan of his work and all.

What price would you pay in exchange for your body?
“Just pretend that you actually give a damn… Pretend you want to keep me.”

I have a feel book two is going to give all all the action and answers I’m dying for!
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,017 reviews432 followers
October 22, 2019
Wow I’ve just finished this and I’m blown away. I’m even more gobsmacked after realising this author has so many other books released and this is my first read.

So where do I start? I really don’t know as I’m speechless. I’m not gonna rehash the blurb or write a long review telling ya most of the story.

Juliana and Damien are both living in darkness, although different kind of darkness. I absolutely love both these characters. I couldn’t pick which one I favourite most.

If you follow my reviews go into this blind. It’s an intense read that had me on the edge of my seat. I seriously didn’t know what way it was gonna go.

It was only when I got to the end I realised we are gonna get more. It doesn’t end on a big wtf but more like thank f**k I can breath now for a little while..book two will be out pretty soon.

I’m so looking forward to book two. It promises to be an amazing read and after reading this my expectations are quite high.

This will most certainly be one of my top reads this year.
Profile Image for Misha.
667 reviews27 followers
April 6, 2022
DNF 49%

Not buying the blind artist thing. How does he know how to put his pencil down after he comes back to it? How do you get an accurate representation of the subject - just by feel? And why do you need to drug them to be immobile while you do it? His guesses about her color of dress, etc is too out there to be believable.

Juliana annoys me. She’s kind of a mess and makes weird, bizarre decisions. She goes to see Damien right after something bad happens after one meeting? And his doorman let’s her in? There’s no connection so I don’t know why he’d do that. I know she has a painful past but I’m lost about what happened and what this game is that she plays with Simon, her stalker. Also- Simon is taking too long to come into the picture. He’s the most interesting part of the story.

Normally love LS’s books but tried this one and Moth and couldn’t get into either.

Second book in a row where the female main character acts kind of like a spoiled brat. Can’t stand it. I just want to like the person I’m reading about. Is that too much to ask!?

Sigh. Moving on….
Profile Image for Paula D.
1,580 reviews55 followers
October 14, 2019
Wow completely blown away. Very intense so much I have no finger nails left because I didn’t know what to expect with every page I turned. Juliana lives her life in darkness with no hope for light from her past. Every year she’s reminded. Damien is a very intriguing man who himself has secrets and you never know what he’s gonna do or say next. I’ve never had a book keep me in suspense so much and I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait for book 2! 5/5 stars
Profile Image for Charity Chimni.
Author 2 books9 followers
October 4, 2019
Wow! Lana does it again! A Touch of Dark is full of mystery and suspense. Who haunts Juliana Thorne? Who is Damien Villa? What is going to happen with this crazy connection they have? I love the characters. Damien is ruthless, except where Juliana is concerned. She brings out another side of him. Can't wait for the conclusion of their story!
Profile Image for Amanda Anderson (Beauty.and.the.bookies).
1,465 reviews71 followers
July 7, 2020
I am absolutely in LOVE with this book and this author. Wow this was my first Lana Sky and now I want ALL her books! I was addicted to Damien from the start and was on the edge of my seat during the entire duration of the book. Juliana was a force even though she was always terrified of her stalker. I mean, she WAS being stalked. The chemistry and angst was palpable and I just wanted them to freaking angry kiss already so many times. So happy I have the next audiobook to jump into! 5 stars!
1,397 reviews9 followers
November 15, 2021
Wow! I love the writing of Lana Sky. In this book she portrays two damaged characters who have definitely had their share of tragedy in their lives. I loved the two characters even though you don't fully understand them. The chemistry between the two characters is amazing and with how Lana ended this book, I got some answers but was left with so many more. I am reading the duet so I was able to move on the the second book immediately but if I had to wait for the next book to come out I would have been eaten up by the anticipation. Definitely recommend this book to dark and suspenseful romance lovers. I recieved a review copy of this story and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,410 reviews24 followers
October 21, 2019
Lana Sky has done it again! A Touch of Dark is not only aptly named but man oh man does it have the trademark psychological thriller/dark romance that fans of Lana not only crave but freaking love, myself included. This book is not a fairy tale romance, but it might be exactly what two characters need.

Juliana Thorne and Damien Villa are two people that essentially should never meet, but when they do, it is interesting to say the least. The cold daughter of a judge cannot fool the arrogant blind painter and they interactions are utterly captivating in their disdain for the other. When secrets from Juliana's past are unraveling, will Damien be the one to step up and help?

Oh my gosh, again this book kept my attention from the very beginning entranced with the web that Lana weaved. It is almost like following along a dark corridor not know what is about to jump out at you, but you cannot help but keep reading.... I had no clue the bombs dropped were going to me. All in all the only thing I dislike about this book is waiting to be able to read the next book yet. If you like your romances with darkness but also psychological- this is a must read for you!!

PS: I received this book as an ARC for me to voluntarily read and review the book honestly.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews189 followers
October 22, 2019
OH MY EVERLOVIN' HELL, Lana Sky is next level with the new start to the Painted Sin series, and she just about melted my brain down! I'm not sure who actually reads my reviews, but seriously, I'm for real encouraging you to go in blind, as you'll NEVER EVER be the same. This story surrounds Juliana & Damien, who both have issues living in the dark, but with differences. I LOVED them both so much, which isn't always the way lately, as most of the heroes I've read lately have had my back up. Needless to say, Damien didn't. The twists were crazy turned out, while the turns were completely twisted up, and I started out dropping f-bombs, but it didn't last that long, as I was rendered speechless. There's no such thing as A Touch of Dark, nope, and this story fed my inner dark & twisty self to overflowing. And that takes me to talking about the ending. It's not an ending, it's more of a OMG I ABSOLUTELY NEED MORE MORE MORE, but also, was relieved to get a chance to breathe, since it was rare to do that throughout. I CANNOT WAIT for Book 2, as I'm positive it may finally melt my brain down to mush, so get on this awesome crazy train ride with me by one clicking on A Touch of Dark IMMEDIATELY! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews162 followers
October 18, 2019
Man, what a read!! This book is filled with exquisite tension, powerful characters, raw emotions, heat, intrigue, mystery, secrets, looming darkness, suspense and stunning twists. Juliana and Damien are both compelling characters that will engage your mind and tug at your heartstrings. Be prepared to lose sleep or put off doing things that need to get done because once this book sinks it's claws into you, you will be it's prisoner until the last page is read. I need book two Right away! Of my own accord I am posting a sincere review.
3,242 reviews27 followers
October 18, 2019
What a mysterious dark story and this is only book one as we follow Damien Villa and Julianna Thorne who are tortured every day in their own way by their past still haunting them as they are drawn towards each other playing their own game and wanting answers.
This had my head spinning I devored it once I started, these characters demand your complete attention until your heart is racing wild with not knowing what's coming next. The writing is amazing and very descriptive as if your right there . I am so excited for book two.
Profile Image for Gizel Alvarez.
581 reviews77 followers
October 22, 2019
When you take the dive in the blind

I had been recomended this author by my friends and so I decided to see, what I found was a seductive detailing of a woman and her Madman.

What begins as ennemies fighting a battle of wills slowly takes a turn into slipping off pretences and finding that even monsters can feign an indifference but nothing can be held in shadows forever. With an ending that can be treated as a warning I await to continue this duet to know what the end will unmask.
Profile Image for Reckless Readers.
1,707 reviews89 followers
October 20, 2019
When you take the dive in the blind

I had been recomended this author by my friends and so I decided to see, what I found was a seductive detailing of a woman and her Madman.

What begins as ennemies fighting a battle of wills slowly takes a turn into slipping off pretences and finding that even monsters can feign an indifference but nothing can be held in shadows forever. With an ending that can be treated as a warning I await to continue this duet to know what the end will unmask.
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
October 23, 2019
Talk about fantastic! I eat up dark, twisted and sinister books and I devoured this one. Julianna has been protected and sheltered beyond belief due to a tragic event from her past but when she means Damien and he is other level mysterious what transpires will have your head spin. This does end on a cliffhanger but book 2 is not a long wait and for one am counting the seconds!!

I voluntarily reviewed a advanced readers copy of this book
Profile Image for Madeleine.
4,321 reviews10 followers
October 20, 2019
A touch of yumminess mixed with dark, intense, suspense, page turning goodness is what this book is. Lana does it again with another great series starter. Can't wait for the next book.
1,065 reviews34 followers
March 14, 2021
This is the first book of Juliana's and Damien's story. It's a very dark read with heavy graphic material and triggers for those who have been ever been abused, raped or stalked by a killer or psychopath.

The story is a bit off-putting in book one at times due to the graphic nature of the story but is one that draws the reader in so much that for some can become a "binge read". It's a story that encompasses the reader from the first page to the last. The writing is excellent as the author tries to delve into these characters twisted histories and bring it all forward to the present. The love story is nothing close to traditional and is one that isn't truly defined until the latter part of book 2.

Book one provides Juliana's twisted backstory and introduces her to Damien a blind artist who has many secrets of his own. The two are drawn to each other's twisted nature and the secrets, lies and deceptions. There is a hidden pull between the characters that is defined much later in the duet. None of what happens in book one is just coincidence which is addressed in Book 2. I love authors that give the reader the ability to read the complete story by having both novels of the duet available to read without a several month gap between releases.

It's a delicious dark read. Enjoy
Profile Image for Patty.
5,131 reviews55 followers
May 19, 2020
Lana Sky is fast moving to the top as one of my favorite dark listens. She can bring a story to life, at times make me cringe but I just love it! This story is not only thrilling, but its extremely sensual. Julianne has had a tough life, and now things are coming to a head. Wandering into an art show, she is taken with some horrific yet beautiful art. And when she meets Damien, the artist she finds she is unsure of whether to like him or run! This story had me from the first line. Julianne is broken, and as we get to know her, things only get worse. Damien is charismatic, alluring and dangerous and the chemistry between these two is palpable. The offer he makes is almost impossible to resist! But the secrets and the uncertainty are so think and the revelations unbelievable. Leaving us with a cliffhanger, make sure to have book 2 ready and queued to find out what happens next!

Amber Bray gives an incredible performance. It's passionate, and her inflections bring out the brokenness of Julianne. She pulls in the feeling of suspense with ease, giving Damien an accent with that dangerous feeling. It's a wonderful listen!
Profile Image for J.
4,075 reviews21 followers
May 8, 2020
Lana Sky thrills in this dark and twisted read. I felt thrown into the deep end without regard and yet found myself eager to submerge myself again. I can't wait for more on Juliana Thorne and Damien Villa. These characters provide both strength and weakness at once and I am riveted in who will come out of this healed, because I believe that both are already beyond being unscathed. Well written in a way that very few can do well and Sky has seemingly mastered the darkness in her writing in a way that will make you seek more time and time again. The narration was superb with it's ease and flow - I couldn't image anyone doing better.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read.
1,250 reviews4 followers
July 13, 2020
This story is gripping, mysterious, intriguing, and dark. Damien is dangerous, plays psychological games with Juliana Thorne. What does he want from her?
Who is this Simon who always leaves a present on her birthday. And what secrets is her father hiding? Juliana has flashbacks to her tormented, troubled childhood that the repercussions still plague her as an adult. Yeah it's that good. I'm on the edge if my seat listening to this awesome story. Whats going to happen in the next story.
Amber Bray is phenomenal in her narration. She brings all emotions, voices, intensity that are needed to portray everyone in this story. I wish I could give her 10 stars for her performance. Yeah It's that good!. Thank you for a great listen.
🎧audiobookobsessionreview🎧
Profile Image for Little Blue Butterfly.
509 reviews9 followers
March 13, 2021
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review

This book is another fantastic gem 💎 by Lana Sky!! The mysterious characters and intriguing mysteries surrounding this story are phenomenal!! This page turner really leaves you guessing, as you try to figure out the mysteries of the past!! Juliana has a troubled past. She is left scarred by a traumatic event. She has been adopted by a judge. Judge Thorne also has skeletons in his closet. Some of his enemies may be after Juliana. Or could it be someone from her past?? Juliana meets a mysterious blind artist named, Damien. Could this broody, possessive alpha be Juliana’s hero or something else?? I very highly recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Darcy.
2,152 reviews23 followers
June 6, 2020
oh goodness this story was addictive. Once started I couldn't stop listening to it. I had to find out were the story was you and how it was going to end. Amber Bray was excellent in her narrative of the story. she was clear and well spoken. She added so much to the story whith her character transitions. I loved Damien and Juliana together with their sharp banter. Juliana at times was lost in her back and forth but she is quickly growing on me throughout the story. This story is so full of suspense and mystery. It has twists and turns that add to the story and keep you glued to the edge of your seat. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book.
Profile Image for Maria (Ri).
5,144 reviews15 followers
December 26, 2020
This is one of those books that, even with an amazing blurb, still manages to knock your socks off in an unexpected way. There is just something about this author and the way that she writes that hypnotizes me. The suspense and mystery in this one are in a league all their own and had me almost biting my nails.

Damian and his uncanny ability to "see" things gave me all the feels. I was in awe at how the author was able to articulate his reasoning. I have a mad crush on him. I am not sure where this is going to go next but I am here for it. I am disappointed in myself that I hadn't read this sooner, especially, since everything this author writes is gold.
Profile Image for HopelessRomantic.
6 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2023
A well written, intriguing page turner of a book, I loved every second of it and read it all in one day literally couldn't put it down. Onto the next book!! :)

I recommend going in blind and enjoying the ride.

Have been searching so long for a book I can connect to the mcs, where they felt real and not like written words and those type of books are once in a blue moon for me so this was a breath of fresh air(even though this book is quite dark/ gloomy)and couldn't have come at a better time as I was losing hope in finding a book that can do that.
Profile Image for Adalle.
1,612 reviews8 followers
July 2, 2021
Surprise!

A Touch of Dark, needs a warning label. This is how you spend your staycation, and since it’s JUST the beginning of the series. You will definitely need to take some time off to recoup.

Lana Sky has crafted an awesome and sensual experience within these pages.

Any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review. I originally voluntarily and excitedly received an advanced copy of this book via bsprout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews

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