Dare Darker

by Pepper North

Number one bestselling erotic author, Pepper North, dares to go darker in the Leave Me Breathless Black Rose Collection...

Do you want your fantasies to come true?

When this simple question appears on her computer, Mia Daniels dares to answer 'Yes'. One honest response sends the willowy brunette on a collision course with her every forbidden desire.

Domineering and magnetic, Rafael Montalvo selects Mia to be his at first sight. Soon, she is ensnared in his shadowy world, unable to resist the new life that he controls completely. Rafael's darkness just might be everything Mia has ever needed. And so much more.

*** TRIGGER WARNING: The stories in the Black Rose Collection are considered dark romance. Some aspects may be sensitive for some readers. ***

Genres: Dark Romance, Erotica, Dark, Romance, Audiobook, BDSM, Contemporary Romance

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2021

About the author

Ever just gone for it? That's what USA Today Bestselling Author Pepper North did in 2017 when she posted a book for sale on Amazon without telling anyone. Thanks to her amazing fans, the support of the writing community, Mr. North, and a killer schedule, she has now written more than 150 books!

Enjoy contemporary, paranormal, dark, and erotic romances that are both sweet and steamy? Pepper will convert you into one of her loyal readers. What's coming in the future? A Daddypalooza!

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a pure joy to read in a dark sort of way. Full disclosure…I enjoy total submission journeys and this story teased all my little fantasies. So if you like a well-written capture story with a total power exchange theme, then pour your favorite beverage and enjoy. (I think submission can be empowering, but if you struggle with a woman choosing this lifestyle, it is best to take a pass.)

[Christine Stutzke · Rating 1 out of 5]

The more I read this book the more pissed off I became. I am usually careful of what kind of "dark romance" I read. Some things I just can't take. I automatically trusted this author since I have read nearly all of her other books, loved them. There should be a far stricter warning. I took in the kidnapping, etc because that's what she wanted. But the more it went on the more mad I got. If she did something very innocent "wrong" he strip her of her clothes. Okay, I got through that. But when I was about half way done and they were at a dinner party. F that. She had to be seen and not heard. Couldn't talk and when she looked around he made her lick her soup up with her face. THEN in front of over 30 people said that if she didn't stop simply looking around the room he would strip her of her clothes and make her sit at dinner naked... in front of everyone. Wtf? She wasn't "trained" enough. Some major effed up stuff. So pissed I couldn't read anymore of the poor women being humiliated.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed 'Dare Darker' when the shorter version was published in the "Leave Me Breathless - Black Rose Collection". This is an expanded version with more details within the story! Mia originally meets Rafael online where they begin talking about a multitude of things, including her darkest fantasies, over a period of months. She has no idea he's the one who supplied her with a larger apartment for the price she had currently been paying. Then one day she sees the question, "Do you want your fantasies to come true?" on her computer, her heart starts palpitating but refusing to let her fears take over, she decides to be brave and answer "Yes". Shortly after that, she woke to darkness. Her training was about to begin. Mia had a choice: stay or walk away." I don't have any but if anyone reading the reviews that might have triggers, know this is considered a dark romance so please keep that in mind. That being said, the chemistry between them sizzles, the scenario was intriguing, and the scenes within the book were HOT. I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline.

[Lois Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars.

An interesting blend of dark romance, BDSM and dominance. It's not only one type of romance story, which is why it works. I am hoping for a sequel/follow up to this book by the same author. I enjoyed it that much.

This book is part of a series written by different popular authors of the romance genre.

[Michelle Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Mia clicks 'YES', on her computer screen, her world is changed. Darkness and shadows become her normality, where she has to earn bursts of light.

This book is incredible! Darkness and dominance entwine with submission and love. I really loved this book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bergströms Bookshelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Verkligen inte bra - helt mysko o inte på ett bra eller roligt sätt. Dåligt skriven o saknar djup o backstory.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Rafael sees Mia, he knows that she will be his. When she tells him her darkest fantasies, he plans to make them reality has he trains her to be his. Fast-paced D/s read with loads of drama, steam and intense chemistry. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it!

[Shedevilreads Bookstagram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dare Darker by Pepper North is a dark romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Chloe Ryan and Gregory Salinas.

The book does come with a "warning: The stories in the Black Rose Collection are considered dark romance. Some aspects may be sensitive for some listeners."

This is the first book of Pepper's that I have read and it definitely won't be my last. Rafael and Mia's relationship is a bit twisted but they are fulfilling each others fantasies within their relationship.

I really enjoyed that the book gave both Mia and Rafael's point of view. It really bring the story to life. However, some portions the characters were referenced more as of a third person observation that threw me off a bit.

Chloe and Gregory did a great job on the narration. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.


Audiobook Obsession Reviewer

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an expanded version of Dare Dark, that was originally published in an anthology. Mia meets Rafael online and they start to talk and discuss over the next months. When she sees the question "Do you want your fantasies to come true?" on her computer, she decides to be brave and says yes. That is the start of Mia's introduction to Rafael's world. He trains her, but then lets Mia make the decision of whether she wants his world or not. I enjoyed this story and I look forward to more books by Pepper that explore the darkness.

[Dana McKee NOLA504NERDS · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOLA504NERDS
Do you want your fantasies to come true? When Mia Daniels answers "yes", she's sent on a collision course with her every forbidden desire. The domineering Rafael Montalvo ensnares Mia into his shadowy world. Is Rafael's darkness everything Mia has ever needed?

When I saw that Gregory Salinas was one of the narrators, I just had to ALC it. As always, Gregory expertly portrays the dark and dominant Rafael. I don't think there's anything Gregory can't narrate perfectly. This was my first audio experience wtih Chloe Ryan. I thought she was excellent at portraying Mia. Her pitch and flow were spot on. These 2 narrators were perfectly cast for this story and made it a great listen. I highly recommend the audio version of this book.

So, this is a hard story for me to review. I enjoy reading/listening to genre’s that push my limits and allow me to (safely) experience new things. For me personally, this was way out of my comfort zone. The Dom/Sub life is a very unique one. It can be very dark, and for me this was too dark. What I mean by that is the dom/sub world can involve a lot of different things. There is a lot in this world that can push limits too far and can be [seen as] demeaning towards woman. For me, I get angered by certain demeaning behaviors. But for many people it’s thrilling. People have different desires and comfort levels. I’ve read before that women in high power positions in life where they are in control often enjoy the sub life because they like being able to relax and let go of control. I can appreciate that. It’s just for me personally the sub levels went too. This isn’t a reflection on the book itself or the writing at all, though. Pepper North did an amazing job building this world. Her storytelling ability is stellar. For me personally, I think I need to stay away from this dark of the dom/sub world. But based on the writing and story itself, this is a 5-star read/listen for sure. Honestly, I would read/listen to other books by Pepper in a heartbeat if it’s not this dark. She is definitely an expert writer. If you’re more like me and sensitive to certain sub lifestyles and requirements, you may want to heed the trigger warning. But if you like dark dom/sub books, I highly recommend you grab this one. Even though this wasn’t an audiobook I cared for, that feeling is based on personal preference and has no bearings on the storytelling or narration. Therefore, I am giving this book a well-deserved 5-stars .
NOLA504NERDS

[FS Meurinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark romance is about Mia and Rafael's story, an expanded version from the anthology. This erotica story will give you a good roller-coaster of emotions, I love Rafael, such an interesting character that I just had to simply uncover. It has a refreshing interesting way of meeting and that got me hooked. The audiobook was quite interesting, short but enjoyable. It is narrated by the talented Gregory Salinas and Chloe Ryan, they did a terrific job. Need a quick steamy audiobook get this one.




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[Christi Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Dare Darker
Author: Pepper North
Format: Audio
Narrators: Gregory Salinas, Chloe Ryan
Genre: Dark Romance, BDSM, D/s, Age Gap, Secret Society
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Part of the Leave Me Breathless world
POV: Rafael, Mia
Steam Level: Steamy
3.5/5

Dare Darker is (I think) the first book I've read by Pepper North. It was well-written and intense. However, total submission isn't really my k ink so I found myself getting restless, a bit bored, and sometimes frustrated when Mia was punished for misbehaving, even if Rafael didn't really explain what said rules were. What made this book for me was the narration. Gregory Salinas' voice is spectacular, deep, sexy and soothing. Chloe Ryan did a fabulous job with Mia. The slow pacing, especially during Mia's training really intensified the tension and build up. The ending came a bit quick but it didn't feel rushed. Overall Dare Darker was a great story that didn't really keep my interest.

I received this audiobook for free from Pink Flamingo Productions and Audiobook Obsession. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Reading to Escape · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.75 Stars**

Dare Darker was my first book by this author and I went in blind so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I knew Gregory Salinas was narrating it and I really enjoy his voice and I love darker books so I was really hoping to love it. I enjoyed the darker feel of the story line and the narration of both narrators as they both did a great job, and overall the story line kept me intrigued and wanting more. However, I wasn't quite sold on the connection between Rafael and Mia as I feel like maybe more of the backstory needed to be given to help build their relationship, or maybe more of their time spent together could have been spent nurturing their connection, but I feel like that portion of the story missed the mark, at least for me a little. I did enjoy Rafael's alpha and domineering personality at times though. I would definitely like to read more from the author to see how her other books compare to this one.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leave Me Breathless is one of my favourite dark romance series, the collection of different authors and narrators, making the series refreshing in so many ways. Dare Darker, the second book in the series is, thrilling, sensual, hot, and brutal. The dark elements include abduction, punishment, dominance, and control. Rafael and Mia's characters are phenomenally developed and compelling, with complex personalities and realistic emotional responses. Mia is pulled into Rafael's world, and she has to learn to swim with the tide or drown in his dark desires. Their connection is one of ardent passion with undeniable cravings.

The narration is spectacular! Chloe Ryan and Gregory Salinas embodied the characters, breathing life into them and making the story even more engaging. Dare Darker was deliciously dark listen, one I'll wholeheartedly recommend.

🎧 AudiobookObsession, TheFlock, PinkFlamingo 🎧

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written, beautifully narrated dark submission romance read. I have to say that while I like some light BDSM and darker type romance reads this one was almost boarder line too far for me in that in most dom/sub reads talk about the strength the sub actually has but that didn't seem the case in this read with Mia. I was also confused as to why she was drawn to this type of lifestyle - there was no real background for either of the main characters. Overall I thought the storyline flowed well, the training of Mia was well written and descriptive. I loved the dual narration and I love how there was a HEA and a lead at the end for more in this dark brotherhood of doms...looking forward to seeing if other reads delve deeper into this seemingly dark society.

I received a free copy of this read at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read

[Linda Bonanno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pepper North has been on my top 10 must read author list for some time now and this book only solidifies that decision. Ms. North knows how to grab onto her readers from the 1st page to the last with her amazing storytelling and world building. Her characters are so delightful that you can't help cheer for their happily ever after. Rafael and Mia's story is one of knowing what you soul mate needs and knowing just how to provide that need in order for her to be happy This book is definitely darker than her usual but even if you don't like dominance/submission (even in your fantasies) stories this one is a wild roller coaster ride. You will definitely need a tall glass of ice tea and maybe even a fan while reading this one. Please give this wild ride a spin and you won't be disappointed!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very dark and erotic read by Pepper North. I fell in love with the male lead, Rafael, who is a very intense and mysterious man who does not give anything away about himself. When he sees Mia, he does everything in his power to make her his. Mia is brought into his world of The Kings of Darkness and is thrust into a world of punishment and pleasure that she had not encountered before. I was not able to stop reading this book and I was drawn into the vortex of their relationship with every page I read. A very hot and steamy read with explicit detail in the scenes between Mia and Rafael. If the darkness calls to you then this is the 5 star erotic book that you must read. I can only hope that there will be more books about The Kings of Darkness.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafael knew that Mia was meant to be his before they even met, and their online conversations only reinforced that belief. One question is all it takes for him to put his plan in place and now he just needs to convince her that his lifestyle is meant to be their lifestyle.

Mia thought she was going on vacation but instead she finds herself abducted and unable to leave. Although she had reservations initially she begins to crave every act that they share together but will it be enough to convince her to stay?

There is no denying that they belong together as Rafael and Mia find what they crave in each other. I listed to an audio copy of this story and thought that the narrators were a perfect choice for the dark and domineering Rafael and the sweet and demure Mia. 🎧 Audiobook Obsession

[Samm Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two reviews -

3 star -personal preferences
I like this author but this dark book is dark. I found no finer feelings from either character. Rafael chooses Mia as his possible "one" and prceeds to train her. Mia seems weak compared to Pepper's other heroines. Mia accepts everything Rafael does. A couple of pats on the head does not equate to love and cherishing. But the story is well written. Overall, I like my darks to show some emotion and this one didn't. Just not my cup of tea.

4 star - as a dark story
If you are into dark with no redeeming qualities in the "hero", you may really enjoy this story. Rafael has been looking for his "one" and he thinks he has found her. So after arranging to aquire Mia, he sets about trainine her to his specifications = total control of her. It does not take long and soon Mia and Rafael inner voices say they are in love with the other. Besides his controlling her and her acceptance of his control, I saw no deep emotion between the two. As a dark story with a fairly happy ending, those who don't require softer emotions/actions will enjoy this book.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark, sexy read

I read this via my kindle unlimited subscription and am leaving my review voluntarily. It is part of the multi author Leave Me Breathless Series. This story involves a consensual master/slave relationship.

Triggers:
kidnapping, forced drugging, bdsm elements

Spoilers:
Mia, a young woman alone who is befriended by an older man online. She confesses all her dark fantasies to him.

Rafael, rich, successful businessman, much older than Mia. He has been searching for the perfect slave for years and finally thinks Mia could be the one. Rafael and his friends all are part of the same "community".

This is a much darker storyline than the author usually writes. I wasn't a fan of Rafael not giving Mia a safe word (but perhaps in a M/S relationship the slave doesn't get one?) Otherwise I thought the story was interesting.

[lf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was not for me but will be for others

Dare Darker by Pepper North is part of the multi-author Leave Me Breathless series. I have read several of this author's books and also the first book in this series, Forbidden Love. This book is the story of Mia and Raphel. While I liked the concept of this book I just did not like the details of the story. I think it was just not for me in the end, which disappointed me as I do love some darker stories. This is only my opinion so take it for as much as it is worth, which some days is not a lot. I know that other readers will love this book and I say all the more power to them as that is what makes the world such a great place....we all have our own opinions.

[Tasha Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was one steamy listen. Raphael knows what he wants. He wants Mia. Mia wants the safety, and passion that Raphael's particular tastes provide.
This is a well written NSFW tale that quickly immerse the listener into the hot relationship between Mia and Raphael.
Their beginning is a dark one, but it is one that they both want. I don't want to give any spoilers but I really liked the stories development. The writing is crisp and the story is moreish.
Chloe Ryan and Gregory Salinas do an excellent job with the narration and their performance is just the right amount of hot. Their voices compliment each other and their narration was very well acted and drew me into the story.
🎧 Audiobook Obsession Reviewer 🎧

[Karen Komarinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you on the edge

Mia had no clue that the man she spoke to every night & shared her Darkest Fantasies with was responsible for her obtaining the larger apartment for the same amount of the smaller rental. The morning that she was to leave for vacation she felt a presence and smelt the calming scent of sandal wood; is it possible that Rafael was in her home once she answered that popped up on her computer screen, her world went dark and she woke to Darkness. Her training begins....only question when given the choice will Mia stay or walk away. *Note this very dark and may have triggers for some Readers.

[Berit Busch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafael has it all: the good looks, the money & girls falling to his feet but he hasn't found his light until Mia steps into his view. Mia is normal and just looking for a new apartment when she is hit with a bit of luck. She doesn't know she is going into a trap without having a clue until it's too late. Mia has dark fantasies and doesn't know how and with whom to fulfill them. Rafael also has some dark fantasies and Mia is the chosen one. This is book is dark and I can see that it hits some triggers. This book shows us a different way how to love and damn it's hot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really not sure how to review this book. I really didn't find either character really likeable. This book brings us Raphel and Mia. Raphel is an older man and Mia is quite young. They meet online and Mia talks about all the deviant ways she thinks about sex. Raphel is convinced that he has found "his" one. Raphel locks up Mia until he decides that she is "his", and Mia just accepts that and literally falls in love with him. I just didn't feel like there was any real connection between the two characters, there was really no background information on either to explain their ways. I did, however, finish the book. I did receive an arc for an honest review.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Of course, I do love dark romance. It is one of my favorite genres in romance. Rafael has been looking for his one for a long time. When he sees Mia looking to rent an apartment in his building, he knows she is his. Mia has been talking online to Rafael and telling him her deepest and darkest fantasies. When she clicks yes, everything changes. Watch what happens between Rafael and Mia. Will Mia be able to submit to Rafael and all he has to offer her? Read this dark and a little twisted story. If you like the dark, you will definitely like this.
I loved this quote,
“May you escape
to the freedom that
darkness offers.”

[Trisha c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia is secretly drawn into the dark erotIc world of Raphael Montalvo. Meeting online, she has told him her secret desires. He is the one that can make them come true. He gives her a choice, does she want to explore her fascination of the dark with him?
This erotic story by Pepper North is different and interesting. She delves into the fears that Mia goes thru as she conquers her dark fantasies.
Chloe Ryan and Gregory Salinas are excellent narrators portraying all the emotions, angst and feelings of each character . I really enjoyed listening to this story.
🎧audiobookobsessionreviewer🎧 #PinkFlamingoProductions

[Lenora Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will not be for everyone, but for those who enjoy dark romance, I highly recommend this one. Much different than Ms. North's other stories, this is tale of dominance and submission on a wholly different level. Rafael sees Mia and believes she might be the one he has been looking for. Told with dark dominance, searing heat and sweet submission, this was a very enjoyable read.

This is an honest review of an ARC.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. Mia is looking at apartments in his building. Rafael knows as soon as he sees her that he will claim her. She ends up telling him her dark fantasies. He manipulates things and sets up her tests. When her reply is yes, it all begins immediately. Their story is dark, erotic and not for everyone. Their D/s dynamic comes about in the most unusual way, but it works for them. There is a perfect someone for everyone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Moose's Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Pepper North and this was a bit of a change for me in her books. Mia and Rafael are hot... but wow Rafael is definitely dark to Mia's light. There's some mental manipulation that goes on and Mia has ot think quickly on her feet as to what she is going to do and respond. The book has great heat and I will be hoping for a second in the series with Rafael's brother and the apartment and what exactly was in the letter from Rafael's dad to lead him to do this..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.