Dark Soul Vol. 2 (Dark Soul, #2) in Riptide Publishing

Nov 13, 2011 Darien rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-m-m-lovin, spicy-shorts, m-m-short-stories, m-m-crime-mystery-and-dead-people, tie-me-up-and-use-me, 2012-reads, pants-off-reviews

More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS

This series picks up right after Silvio is sent away from his lover Gianbattista to help Stefano handle the Russian being on his turf. Silvio is not pleased with the decision but he knows his time with Gianbattista has ended.

Once again, we have two shorts in this book. The first being Dark Whisper which is all about Silvio and a phone call. Silvio gets a call from Battista, and although its hurts to hear from the man who sent him away Silvio a More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS

This series picks up right after Silvio is sent away from his lover Gianbattista to help Stefano handle the Russian being on his turf. Silvio is not pleased with the decision but he knows his time with Gianbattista has ended.

Once again, we have two shorts in this book. The first being Dark Whisper which is all about Silvio and a phone call. Silvio gets a call from Battista, and although its hurts to hear from the man who sent him away Silvio appreciates the call. When Battatista brings up some purchases made on his credit card from a place called the Pleasure Dom, the phone call leads to Battastist and Silvio playing Dom and boy for the last time. It becomes and intensely erotic telephone call.

This story is all about the phone call and Silvio, though I have yet to know about this deeply sexual man. I enjoyed that it was hot but I cannot bring myself to love it. I feel that Battista is in the past though his impact on Silvio cannot replaced, its over and I wanted it to stay that way. I can’t complain because I got me some Silvio, and that man knows how to play. Whether it’s over the phone or in a hot tub, he plays hard.

In Dark Night, it picks up with Stefano. He is on the town with his wife, sharing a meal and just enjoying life. While he might be boning for Silvio, Stefano actually cares very deeply for his wife and wants her happy. While on their way home, their car is hit, the driver is killed, and Stefano’s guard injured. It’s the Russians and they want Stefano to give up his territory.

He is threatened and beaten up badly, and it that moment you realize he isn’t invincible. Just a man with a hard job, and works with hard people. Left broken and beaten, Stefano finds his way to a hotel and is found by Silvio.

The second story really came through for me; it was a glimpse into the softer side of both men. Stefano is clearly suffering and I think that with Silvio he can show his pain. Though my man Silv has carnal delights on the brain Stefano is just in too much pain to deliver. If the tables were turned, I believe Silv would be enjoying it, Stefano not so much.

Overall, I enjoyed the second volume in this tumultuous series of pain and mafia lifestyle. Though we got to see different sides of the men, I feel like we are a far cry from truly knowing them. Mr Voinov writes like no other, hard-hitting and unapologetic. I believe this whole series will be death of me (get ready for my obituary).

...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 20, 2012 BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme rated it liked it

Shelves: m-m, purchased, short-story, challenge-erotic-sexy-series

The voyeur in me is happily dancing as I read this second installment of Dark Soul. I'm angry at Battista and find him to be an asshole. He broke Silvio's heart. I rage at this yet I'm still very turned on by their phone sex. That was hot. This is another 3.5 star story and I'm hooked. I'm devouring this story as we learn more about the relationship between Battista and Silvio. This Dorian Grey reference is pretty messed up in my opinion. It's rather creepy yet makes so much sense. I like it!

Thi ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Dec 28, 2011 Trish rated it liked it

Shelves: m-m

well damn.... i'm very attached to these MC's....

its a well written story. the scene with silvio and battista.... :(

and then what happens to stephano..... :(

yep, still loving this rollercoaster.... onto #3 ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Feb 12, 2012 Cecile rated it it was amazing

For those of you that know me... and those that don't this is my little statement about short books.... I do not judge short stories on the rush of their relationships, because they are just that - short stories. So, yes the relationships always could have been drawn out more, yea it seems like they fall in love to fast and of course the story could have been made longer... but it is a short story. So with that said.... here is my review...

Also, I will leave you with the warning that this is a m For those of you that know me... and those that don't this is my little statement about short books.... I do not judge short stories on the rush of their relationships, because they are just that - short stories. So, yes the relationships always could have been drawn out more, yea it seems like they fall in love to fast and of course the story could have been made longer... but it is a short story. So with that said.... here is my review...

Also, I will leave you with the warning that this is a m/m book/review. If m/m is not your cup of tea... or if you are not sure this fits in your comfort zone, you will not offend me if you if you just stop by to say Hi and maybe say Hi to Aleksandr! Now... let's get started!

This is Volume 2 and Aleksandr has not disappointed me. I quickly became a fan of Alek's writing style. Although one scene sticks out in my mind the most from book one and I get reminded about it in book two, this is a great series. Alek's voice is strong and not to be messed with. There is no mincing at the words that flow on the paper... The characters are strong, the men are even stronger, the action gets more intense, the drama get thicker and the emotions... well... let's just say that things get really hot. Alek is an author that when I read... I devour the story. My only problem.... I can't get enough of this story.

The first part of this story is about Silvio and a lover from the past.... Or one that wants to stay in the past. And I do have to say that phone sex has never sounded hotter.... You will want to get in on that phone conversation! But this story tore at my heart because Silvio is still in love with his old lover... and knows that there a job to do and a man that needs him just a little more. He is good at what he does and has been hired to do what he does....

Then the second part kicked some freaking ass. Well, actually... Stefano got his ass kicked. But I can't tell you to much because I really want you to read this book. But I will say the leading up that moment and the after effects will make you wonder what is to come next! And believe me........... I want to know what happens next! This series just keeps getting better and better... Hotter and hotter.... Dirtier and darker... I WANT MORE!!!!! ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jan 19, 2012 Jody rated it really liked it

Vol. 2 of Dark Soul picks up right where we left off previously in a seamless manner that immediately throws you back into the intense world of the mafia. Silvio has been sent away by his lover Gianbattista because he's gotten too old and he's not handling it well. Being with Gianbattista made him feel loved and needed and now he's feeling lost. As if those feelings aren't bad enough Silvio's showing signs of PTSD caused by the killing that made him famous. The only way he can drown out these fe Vol. 2 of Dark Soul picks up right where we left off previously in a seamless manner that immediately throws you back into the intense world of the mafia. Silvio has been sent away by his lover Gianbattista because he's gotten too old and he's not handling it well. Being with Gianbattista made him feel loved and needed and now he's feeling lost. As if those feelings aren't bad enough Silvio's showing signs of PTSD caused by the killing that made him famous. The only way he can drown out these feelings is through sex, the more meaningless the better. I hated seeing Silvio going through this but was happy to be given a more in-depth glimpse of his life and thoughts.

Things are getting more dangerous for Stefano in this story. The Russians go after him in full force and he ends up bloody and beaten with his most trusted men dead or badly injured. Knowing this event was going to happen and seeing it are two different things. This was an intense scene with vivid imagery and I could feel each punch myself. I felt sad for such a strong man like Stefano being brought so low and weakened so badly.

It spoke volumes though that the first person he called to help him was Silvio. The tenderness by which Silvio aided him gave a glimpse into how strongly he feels for Stefano. After such a horrific scene their sexual interlude was both sweet and intensely sexy. I can't wait to see them together again and watching the sparks fly again whenever they're in the same room.

Dark Soul has been an exciting series from the very first word. The action is intense and the characters multi-layered. I love seeing the different sides to Silvio and Stefano considering the circumstances and with them teaming up they'll be a formidable force. The sensuality between them is getting stronger and I'm enjoying the evolution of their relationship and look forward to seeing them together again. Aleks Voinov has created characters that will long be remembered so here's hoping for many more installments of this intensely intriguing series! ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Sep 21, 2011 CAS rated it it was amazing

Shelves: riptide, want-it-yesterday, pre-ordered

Review in progress.

1 like · Like · see review

Feb 13, 2012 Kris rated it liked it

A 3-2 read for me. A solid follow-up to the first of the series. Looking forward to seeing how the relationship between Silvio and Stefano develops.

1 like · Like · see review

Sep 09, 2013 Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ rated it really liked it

Shelves: short-or-novella, m-m, criminals-mobsters-or-assassins, part-of-series-or-serial

Overall review at Vol. 5.

2 likes · Like · see review

Feb 01, 2016 Molli B. rated it really liked it

Shelves: genre-m-m, part-of-a-series, length-short-story, anthology-or-collection, format-ibooks, 2016-shelved, 2016-read, genre-queer-fiction

I enjoyed learning more about Silvio, and I liked his POV. There is obviously nothing traditionally romantic about this collection of stories, which I'm glad I knew, because I might have otherwise been annoyed by the Silvio and Battista action. But I'm sorta just letting this all play out as it does, with no expectations.

I liked the second story, "Dark Night," better. There's nothing like some good hurt/comfort. :) ...more

Like · see review