“Tempt Me with Darkness” is the first book in Shayla Black’s ‘Doomsday Brethren’ series. This is not a new series, as it was originally published in 2008. This publication is a revamped version of the original with more content added. I didn’t read the original, therefore I am not in a position to make any comparisons. However, after reading this version, I cannot wait to see where she plans to take the series.
I hate her as much as I can’t live without her. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: Tempt Me with Darkness
Author(s): Shayla Black
Series: Doomsday Brethren #1
on October 24, 2023
Pages: 472
Genre(s): Paranormal Romance
Source: Publicist
Format: eArc 
Purchase: Amazon
Rating: 
Series Rating:
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MarrokI’ve been cursed, and I’m out for revenge. I’ll do anything to end my damnation, including kidnap an innocent with telling violet eyes.
For a thousand years I’ve been an immortal recluse. Suddenly, I’m tortured by filthy dreams that leave me craving my captive. Worse, once I lay rough hands on her soft skin, I demand things from her I shouldn’t. I feel things beyond the hatred that has consumed me.
Protectiveness.Possessiveness.And a hunger more demanding than any vengeance.
***OliviaThe second I meet Marrok, my heart stutters. My world stops. I’m drawn to the brash stranger, until…
He abducts me.He vows to slake fifteen centuries of lust on me.He demands I uncurse him, or he’ll kill me.
We should never have met. We’re enemies. Fate makes us lovers. Magic decrees us mates, unlocking secrets and unleashing a dark, paranormal power determined to burn down the world. Unless we band together, we’re doomed.
The story introduces Marrock, a dark and sexy immortal who served as a knight in the time of King Arthur. Marrock learned the validity of the statement ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’ when the king’s half-sister, Morganna Le Fay, placed a curse on him for spurning her. A curse which not only rendered him immortal but prevented him from achieving an orgasm for the past 15 centuries. (Poor guy). 1500 years later, he faces a major change in his when he meets Olivia, the woman who first appeared in his dream.
Olivia came to London to open an art gallery whilst searching for her father. She never expects to meet the broody, and sexy Marrock. However, their initial meeting had a rocky start. Olivia bore an uncanny resemblance to the witch who cursed Marrock. Believing her to be Morganna in disguise, he kidnaps her, intending to force her to lift the curse. He never counted on his immense attraction to her, especially knowing he despised Morganna 1500 years ago. Then he learns she is not Morganna in disguise, but her descendant and also his mate.
Despite, learning she’s his fated mate, he doesn’t trust her. However, the attempts of a powerful, twisted and diabolical wizard, Matthias, to steal the very book used to curse Marrock placed them in a position of learning to trust each other. Having the help of Bram, a descendant of Merlin, aided in their fight.
Tempt Me with Darkness started out slow. It took a couple of chapters before the pace intensified. However, when it did, it proved difficult to put down. This was my first time reading Shayla Black’s work and it was a delightful experience. Tempt Me with Darkness possessed the perfect blend of spicy moments, humour, magic and action, all of which held me captive. The characters, despite the myriad of trust issues and animosity between them, united in the fight against the evil threatening the magic world. In addition to the POVs of the main characters, the story also provides readers with the POVs of some of the secondary characters. They played a vital role in the execution of the plot, and I look forward to reading their stories.
Readers who enjoy spicy paranormal romance featuring fated mates, enemies to lovers, a cursed and tortured hero and magic will get a treat from this new version of Tempt Me with Darkness.
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About Shayla Black
Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly ninety contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages. As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind. Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.
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