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Dark Things #1
Dark Rings
Hana, Mathias and Connor meet to do one thing – play. But when a twisted organization buries its claws into each of them, how far are they willing to go to protect their dynamic?
Hana
Sedated women. Disappearing clients. I need to know what’s going on.
Luckily, I got gangster friends.
Mathias
I’m finally back working in a hospital, but not as a doctor—as a spy.
And I’m a terrible spy.
But patients are going missing—something’s horribly wrong here.
Connor
I’m just your regular IT guy but I got the shadiest client in the universe—a hospital that wants to erase patients’ records.
I ain’t doing that.
Dark Rings is a dark romantic suspense novel featuring polyamory. It has a HEA, no cliffhanger, no cheating. It has sizzling hot steamy scenes and comes with a warning for strong language, descriptions of psychological trauma and medical malpractice themes
Cozy up with Dark Rings now to discover a dark Chicago underworld like you’ve never seen before.
Dark Rings is part of the Lavender world. It can be read as a standalone, but if you enjoy Easter eggs and crossover characters you may enjoy reading the Club Lavender Duet first.
Hana
Sedated women. Disappearing clients. I need to know what’s going on.
Luckily, I got gangster friends.
Mathias
I’m finally back working in a hospital, but not as a doctor—as a spy.
And I’m a terrible spy.
But patients are going missing—something’s horribly wrong here.
Connor
I’m just your regular IT guy but I got the shadiest client in the universe—a hospital that wants to erase patients’ records.
I ain’t doing that.
Dark Rings is a dark romantic suspense novel featuring polyamory. It has a HEA, no cliffhanger, no cheating. It has sizzling hot steamy scenes and comes with a warning for strong language, descriptions of psychological trauma and medical malpractice themes
Cozy up with Dark Rings now to discover a dark Chicago underworld like you’ve never seen before.
Dark Rings is part of the Lavender world. It can be read as a standalone, but if you enjoy Easter eggs and crossover characters you may enjoy reading the Club Lavender Duet first.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2022
About the author
Lainey Delaroque
10 books242 followersIndulge your hidden side with Lainey's books: packed with action, danger, and sizzling romance.
Lainey Delaroque started writing at eleven and studied Journalism only to rediscover her love for fiction. She writes stories packed with action, danger, and sizzling romance. She loves dangerous, fantastical worlds and morally grey characters. Lainey’s books are a mashup of her lived experience as a kinky pansexual immigrant and her relentless imagination. They are a refuge for those looking to indulge their deepest, darkest parts. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, watching, or gaming, because there are too many great stories in the world and too little time.
Lainey Delaroque started writing at eleven and studied Journalism only to rediscover her love for fiction. She writes stories packed with action, danger, and sizzling romance. She loves dangerous, fantastical worlds and morally grey characters. Lainey’s books are a mashup of her lived experience as a kinky pansexual immigrant and her relentless imagination. They are a refuge for those looking to indulge their deepest, darkest parts. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, watching, or gaming, because there are too many great stories in the world and too little time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 29, 2022
5 Himawari stars!
P.s. I ain't know why i didn't upadte it to read lmao. But, review hopefully coming soon as my exams are nearing the end!
P.s. I ain't know why i didn't upadte it to read lmao. But, review hopefully coming soon as my exams are nearing the end!
March 19, 2022
As I say each time, we all have different opinions so my review may or may not be the same as yours and that’s completely okay.
I really liked this book!
I liked that it was honest, informative and accepting. By all this, I mean this book was multicultural, it went against relationship stigmas that—if applicable to them—people face. I had the absolute pleasure of reading Lainey's book as an ARC and I couldn't be more satisfied with it, satisfied may be an understatement but stay with me because that's just for lack of better words.
Don't get me wrong, I really liked the book, I just dislike how it really reveals society and people's behavior to others and it's just atrocious. Lainey didn't miss with the points she brought across whether cultural, relationship based, or personal based on others. This book was an insight to cultures I never knew much about and I loved that!
I will also address the warnings because I understand that people may or may not have triggers and I'd prefer if you ensure you avoid possible triggers prior to reading.
⚠️ Book Warnings: ⚠️
• Themes of consensual kink (rope bondage, masochism and impact play). • Discussions of racial fetishization throughout the story, from the point of view of a main character
• Descriptions of domestic abuse, not main character
• Descriptions and discussions of medical malpractice throughout the story, from the point of view of main and side characters
• A few of graphic sex scenes
• Occasional bad language
I will do a full review on Instagram (@paradisepages_) so there's that to look into if you'd like my opinions on the book!
If you've made it this far, ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 | 🌶🌶🌶/5.
Thanks for coming to my Tedtalk♥︎
I really liked this book!
I liked that it was honest, informative and accepting. By all this, I mean this book was multicultural, it went against relationship stigmas that—if applicable to them—people face. I had the absolute pleasure of reading Lainey's book as an ARC and I couldn't be more satisfied with it, satisfied may be an understatement but stay with me because that's just for lack of better words.
Don't get me wrong, I really liked the book, I just dislike how it really reveals society and people's behavior to others and it's just atrocious. Lainey didn't miss with the points she brought across whether cultural, relationship based, or personal based on others. This book was an insight to cultures I never knew much about and I loved that!
I will also address the warnings because I understand that people may or may not have triggers and I'd prefer if you ensure you avoid possible triggers prior to reading.
⚠️ Book Warnings: ⚠️
• Themes of consensual kink (rope bondage, masochism and impact play). • Discussions of racial fetishization throughout the story, from the point of view of a main character
• Descriptions of domestic abuse, not main character
• Descriptions and discussions of medical malpractice throughout the story, from the point of view of main and side characters
• A few of graphic sex scenes
• Occasional bad language
I will do a full review on Instagram (@paradisepages_) so there's that to look into if you'd like my opinions on the book!
If you've made it this far, ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 | 🌶🌶🌶/5.
Thanks for coming to my Tedtalk♥︎
March 29, 2022
Since this was a beta read,and i re-read that copy for fun,this is not going to be a review as i usually write them.
Lainey introduced me to this world with the beta,and later the ARC, of her debut,the Lavender duet.
That was a delicious story,and if you’re curious,here are my reviews:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It made me want more of that world,made me want to hear what happened with Hana and Mathias. If he would get his doctor’s license back,and how. And yes,i wanted to hear more of Connor too….if the three of them got closer,and if so,would it work?
How Sophie and Damien were doing….
So,when Lainey told me she was writing Dark Rings,and that it was indeed their story,i was hoping she’d share this beta,too…
Color me honored when she did,and i don’t know if she changed anything in the final version,but imho this beta was already a story that was just as good as the duet!
Hana,Mathias and Connor all got time in the spotlights equally,their thoughts and actions clear throughout the story.
The twists,turns and surprises were coming at a regular pace,keeping me on my toes constantly.
And the heat….i really enjoyed those delicious moments!
The end came with it’s own surprises and,yes,i still am not done with this group of friends….
So,i’m secretly hoping Lainey will remember me when she returns to this véry interesting,dark and wonderful world….
Lainey introduced me to this world with the beta,and later the ARC, of her debut,the Lavender duet.
That was a delicious story,and if you’re curious,here are my reviews:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It made me want more of that world,made me want to hear what happened with Hana and Mathias. If he would get his doctor’s license back,and how. And yes,i wanted to hear more of Connor too….if the three of them got closer,and if so,would it work?
How Sophie and Damien were doing….
So,when Lainey told me she was writing Dark Rings,and that it was indeed their story,i was hoping she’d share this beta,too…
Color me honored when she did,and i don’t know if she changed anything in the final version,but imho this beta was already a story that was just as good as the duet!
Hana,Mathias and Connor all got time in the spotlights equally,their thoughts and actions clear throughout the story.
The twists,turns and surprises were coming at a regular pace,keeping me on my toes constantly.
And the heat….i really enjoyed those delicious moments!
The end came with it’s own surprises and,yes,i still am not done with this group of friends….
So,i’m secretly hoping Lainey will remember me when she returns to this véry interesting,dark and wonderful world….
March 24, 2022
This is my first read from Lainey and I really enjoyed it. I loved the way that others opinions on the MC's relationships and culture were explored especially as it's something I haven't had to deal with myself. I felt like I got a real look into some of those challenges without ever feeling like I was being schooled or reading a textbook.
The relationship between Hana, Mathis and Connor had me intrigued from the start. The fact that they know and trust each other enough to play but don't actually know each other at all makes for an interesting dynamic and once you throw in some side characters really brings the story to life. I really enjoyed the way their relationships developed and Hana's confidence when it came to explaining what she wanted to her mum.
The underlying story of corruption in a local hospital and the way all the pieces come together had me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing.
This is a really well executed book and deff won't be the last I read from Lainey
The relationship between Hana, Mathis and Connor had me intrigued from the start. The fact that they know and trust each other enough to play but don't actually know each other at all makes for an interesting dynamic and once you throw in some side characters really brings the story to life. I really enjoyed the way their relationships developed and Hana's confidence when it came to explaining what she wanted to her mum.
The underlying story of corruption in a local hospital and the way all the pieces come together had me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing.
This is a really well executed book and deff won't be the last I read from Lainey
March 27, 2022
All of my reviews can be found at Glowstars.net
If it takes ovaries of steel to write the first four chapters of your book as a graphic CNC (consensual non-consent) scene, then that’s what Lainey Delaroque has. But she’s not just gone for the unusual kink, she’s used it as a tool to explore the emotions of her three main characters, both around the scene and in the wider context of non-consensual situations faced by others in the outside world. Not only that, but she’ takes the concept of CNC and, through Mathias, explains it in a way that a regular, non-kinky person can understand.
Delaroque could have easily taken this one concept and, running alongside the storyline, made it the cornerstone of her book. But she didn’t. The story is thematically rich, with each premise balanced carefully between both action and kink. It’s one of the things that distinguishes her writing from others in both genre and trope.
There is so much pain and hope built up in the story. It explores cultural and generational divides, grief, and issues of consent (both in sexual and non-sexual contexts). There’s debate over when taking non-conventional action can be appropriate, and where the dividing line between heroism and villainy lies. I saw the three main characters growing far beyond what I could have hoped for them at the start of the book. Amidst all the hurt that swirls around the characters, there are some incredibly beautiful moments of emotion and love.
The book can be tough reading at times and the best relief from those difficult moments comes in the form of Mrs Yagi, Hanako’s mother. She’s the family member who comes to stay unexpectedly and manages to cause all manner of embarrassment and humour without realising she’s doing so. I think she needs her own novella. Lainey? Please?
There’s so much more I could say about Dark Rings; I could easily write an essay. I’m trying hard not to though because I don’t want to inadvertently drop spoilers. Instead, I’ll leave you with this: it’s an epic, emotionally charged story where the action never stops. I suspect this will end up being one of the greatest books I read this year.
If it takes ovaries of steel to write the first four chapters of your book as a graphic CNC (consensual non-consent) scene, then that’s what Lainey Delaroque has. But she’s not just gone for the unusual kink, she’s used it as a tool to explore the emotions of her three main characters, both around the scene and in the wider context of non-consensual situations faced by others in the outside world. Not only that, but she’ takes the concept of CNC and, through Mathias, explains it in a way that a regular, non-kinky person can understand.
Delaroque could have easily taken this one concept and, running alongside the storyline, made it the cornerstone of her book. But she didn’t. The story is thematically rich, with each premise balanced carefully between both action and kink. It’s one of the things that distinguishes her writing from others in both genre and trope.
There is so much pain and hope built up in the story. It explores cultural and generational divides, grief, and issues of consent (both in sexual and non-sexual contexts). There’s debate over when taking non-conventional action can be appropriate, and where the dividing line between heroism and villainy lies. I saw the three main characters growing far beyond what I could have hoped for them at the start of the book. Amidst all the hurt that swirls around the characters, there are some incredibly beautiful moments of emotion and love.
The book can be tough reading at times and the best relief from those difficult moments comes in the form of Mrs Yagi, Hanako’s mother. She’s the family member who comes to stay unexpectedly and manages to cause all manner of embarrassment and humour without realising she’s doing so. I think she needs her own novella. Lainey? Please?
There’s so much more I could say about Dark Rings; I could easily write an essay. I’m trying hard not to though because I don’t want to inadvertently drop spoilers. Instead, I’ll leave you with this: it’s an epic, emotionally charged story where the action never stops. I suspect this will end up being one of the greatest books I read this year.
March 28, 2022
Dark Rings, the first book in the Dark Things series by Lainey Delaroque was a riveting wild ride! This story instantly drops you right into the middle of a mystery and doesn’t let go as it takes you on a captivating ride. Delaroque did a phenomenal job of creating captivating characters and an intriguing plot about three characters and their journey of finding answers and possibly something a little bit more.
This is a story of trust, friendship, culture differences, corruption, evil corporations/entities and ultimately love. The relationship between all three of our characters, Hanako, Mathias and Connor was intriguing from the start as this story literally drops you right in to the middle of their “agreement”. Watching their relationship develop throughout the book as they all each individually fight against evil in the form of corruption at a hospital all three have connections to made for a captivating read. I loved how the storyline flowed and how it all came together effortlessly in the end.
This is my first read from Lainey and I really enjoyed it. And while you don’t have to read her other series to follow along with this one, I highly recommend it as there are multiple appearances and references back to that series which would have made this reading more fun I think. I loved the mystery and intrigue of the whole corruption plot and also loved how this story also touched on the characters heritage and family relationships making this a well rounded story.
Overall this book was a fun read and I definitely want to find out more of these characters—especially as the possibility of adding more potential interests seems very likely! And definitely check the triggers in case you have any concerns. While it was not dark, there was some play and past trauma of our heroine that may impact some readers so proceed with caution.
This is a story of trust, friendship, culture differences, corruption, evil corporations/entities and ultimately love. The relationship between all three of our characters, Hanako, Mathias and Connor was intriguing from the start as this story literally drops you right in to the middle of their “agreement”. Watching their relationship develop throughout the book as they all each individually fight against evil in the form of corruption at a hospital all three have connections to made for a captivating read. I loved how the storyline flowed and how it all came together effortlessly in the end.
This is my first read from Lainey and I really enjoyed it. And while you don’t have to read her other series to follow along with this one, I highly recommend it as there are multiple appearances and references back to that series which would have made this reading more fun I think. I loved the mystery and intrigue of the whole corruption plot and also loved how this story also touched on the characters heritage and family relationships making this a well rounded story.
Overall this book was a fun read and I definitely want to find out more of these characters—especially as the possibility of adding more potential interests seems very likely! And definitely check the triggers in case you have any concerns. While it was not dark, there was some play and past trauma of our heroine that may impact some readers so proceed with caution.
March 28, 2022
Dark Rings was a good book. We meet Hana who is a social worker and she is truly a special one in the business. She sees the horrors that the women have to deal with in their lives and often see them going back to the abuse. we follow her on the way she uses play time with Connor and Mathis to basically reset her mind and body for the new week of work. We see certain things not allowed during play time and I liked how she finally opened up as to why. All three of them seem to keep eachother at a distance until some things change in their lives to make some interesting twists and turns. I loved her relationship and how it developed with Mathis. I also liked how Connor eventually opened up about his past and it was definitely heartbreaking. They all have their own issues and this book is a wild ride. The characters go through a lot between dealing with shady things and how their lives all intertwined by the end.
I have not read any of Laineys other books but I know from looking at them that we know some of these characters from those books. she did a great job of us understanding who these characters were even when we did not read her other books. I also liked that this book showed you about Hana's heritage and while her mother drove me insane for a while there she redeemed herself in the end.
I have not read any of Laineys other books but I know from looking at them that we know some of these characters from those books. she did a great job of us understanding who these characters were even when we did not read her other books. I also liked that this book showed you about Hana's heritage and while her mother drove me insane for a while there she redeemed herself in the end.
March 20, 2022
This book was good! I definitely wasn't expecting some of the things to happen that did happen in this book. Hana, Connor and Mathias regularly play together on weekends after Hana's long week as a social worker. This helps her decompress for the week after hearing case after case of abused and battered women that she is trying to help. The dynamic between these three was super spicy in their scenes and even outside the bedroom the sexual tension was there. We learned a lot about the characters backgrounds and why they are the way they are, learning Connor's was heart wrenching but I loved that he opened up to them in that way. I really wish it ended a little differently but I am hoping there will be a novel that will expand upon this more. I received this as an ARC and am leaving an honest review.
March 21, 2022
Dark Rings brough back characters from the Club Lavendar Duet. I loved getting to see Hanna and Mathias in their own story. There were so many twists in this story that I just didn't see coming. I loved how Hanna and Mathias came together to help each other get through the very difficult challenges they were both facing. If you like romantic suspense, self-acceptance, and working to create a better world, even if it means living in a morally gray area, this book is for you!
I received an ARC copy of this book, and I am choosing to leave my honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book, and I am choosing to leave my honest review.
March 23, 2022
That was wild ride. This story wasn’t anything that I had in my mind by the blurb and it blew my mind it was so much more than just a story and okay partners. No it was love it was trust it was over coming and working through your fears excepting who you are and understanding that not everything will be sunshine and rainbows but being open and honest and working through your issues. I absolutely loved every moment. It was beautiful.
March 28, 2022
Well this book is DARK. In the best ways.
Positive BDSM and kink representation, positive cultural representations, and it doesn't dwarf the cool AF plot. Who doesn't love a social worker trying to do good, an innocent IT nerd, and a former doctor trying to save innocent people from really (really) messed up stuff?
The spice is well-written, detailed, and long. There's aftercare and everything.
I couldn't be happier.
Positive BDSM and kink representation, positive cultural representations, and it doesn't dwarf the cool AF plot. Who doesn't love a social worker trying to do good, an innocent IT nerd, and a former doctor trying to save innocent people from really (really) messed up stuff?
The spice is well-written, detailed, and long. There's aftercare and everything.
I couldn't be happier.
March 20, 2022
This book was amazeballs! From the sex play to get all aggravations out to Hana being a caring diligent social worker. I was surprised how everything came together from the dodgy hospital to a territory gang even Hana’s mom, even having Connor and Mathias in the mix. This book again was super awesome and well written.
March 22, 2022
This book was a wild ride from start to finish. Hana, Mathias and Connor are fabulous together, they experience BDSM and all ways sexual. I love how the characters all came together with one common goal but ended up finding so much more. This is a book once you start you have to finish.
Love it from page 1 to the final page.
Love it from page 1 to the final page.
Want to read
November 27, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/27/2022)! 🎁
April 6, 2022
There is so much I want to say about this book that's kind of left my brain feeling like mush, rendering me speechless... Anyone else get like that when they've enjoyed a book so much that they no longer know how to form words for a review? Well that's me. But I'll try.
This was a deliciously dark romance laced with chilling suspense that had me on edge throughout. I will admit there was a CNC sex scene at the very beginning that had me nearly quitting because it was too much for me and I couldn't understand why Hana wanted to do it, considering her line of work as a social worker, but as you read on you get more of an understanding. There was so many facets to this story that made it about so much more than just a sexy dark romance, and there was a couple of twists to keep you on your toes too.
It's told from the perspective of Hanna, Mathias and Connor who, as well as being BDSM playmates, all end up being intertwined in some shady goings on (unbeknownst to each other at first) in an effort to take down a dodgy hospital. I loved the development of their characters, finding out about their past. My heart hurt for Hanako and what she had been through with her ex who saw her as a Japanese girl stereotype and he believed she should be submissive. It was awful what she went through. Hanako's mum, Mrs Yagi, makes an appearance in the book too. She also expects Hanako to be more "Japanese" in her ways but in time she accepts Hanako the way that she is, including her polygamous lifestyle. I loved Mrs. Yagi. She was a fantastic character who brought a lot of humour into the story. All in all, it was a fantastic read that reeled me in and kept me gripped in its claws until the very end. It is also part of the same world as the Lavender Duet which I now must rush and add it to my TBR list!
This was a deliciously dark romance laced with chilling suspense that had me on edge throughout. I will admit there was a CNC sex scene at the very beginning that had me nearly quitting because it was too much for me and I couldn't understand why Hana wanted to do it, considering her line of work as a social worker, but as you read on you get more of an understanding. There was so many facets to this story that made it about so much more than just a sexy dark romance, and there was a couple of twists to keep you on your toes too.
It's told from the perspective of Hanna, Mathias and Connor who, as well as being BDSM playmates, all end up being intertwined in some shady goings on (unbeknownst to each other at first) in an effort to take down a dodgy hospital. I loved the development of their characters, finding out about their past. My heart hurt for Hanako and what she had been through with her ex who saw her as a Japanese girl stereotype and he believed she should be submissive. It was awful what she went through. Hanako's mum, Mrs Yagi, makes an appearance in the book too. She also expects Hanako to be more "Japanese" in her ways but in time she accepts Hanako the way that she is, including her polygamous lifestyle. I loved Mrs. Yagi. She was a fantastic character who brought a lot of humour into the story. All in all, it was a fantastic read that reeled me in and kept me gripped in its claws until the very end. It is also part of the same world as the Lavender Duet which I now must rush and add it to my TBR list!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2022
Dive into the dark underworld where anything goes. The twisted things people will do for the right amount of money.
Hana, Mathias, and Connor are play partners who use each other to release their daily stresses. But what happens when those lines get blurred? Will they all find their HEA?
Hana struggles with her moral compass to do right by her clients but realizes that sometimes trusting in laws and the justice system doesn't always work out. Will she trust the cops to do their job or will she take matters into her own hands?
Mathias gets stuck in a position where his professional limits are pushed too far. Can he keep up the fake facade without breaking the oath he took when he became a doctor?
Connor can't let go of his past and his darkness is seeping out. Can he figure out a way to face what he's shoved down deep for years? Or will he let it destroy him?
Follow this twisted journey where 3 play partners are woven into a crime organization where morals and limits will be tested and decisions will have to be made to ensure everyone's safety. Question is...can they pull it off?
Plot was very interesting and loved how all of the characters were interwoven in ways I hadn't expected....especially Hana's mom. I wished for more of Connor though, felt like he was left out part of the book while there was a lot of focus on Hana & Mathias building their relationship.
Hana, Mathias, and Connor are play partners who use each other to release their daily stresses. But what happens when those lines get blurred? Will they all find their HEA?
Hana struggles with her moral compass to do right by her clients but realizes that sometimes trusting in laws and the justice system doesn't always work out. Will she trust the cops to do their job or will she take matters into her own hands?
Mathias gets stuck in a position where his professional limits are pushed too far. Can he keep up the fake facade without breaking the oath he took when he became a doctor?
Connor can't let go of his past and his darkness is seeping out. Can he figure out a way to face what he's shoved down deep for years? Or will he let it destroy him?
Follow this twisted journey where 3 play partners are woven into a crime organization where morals and limits will be tested and decisions will have to be made to ensure everyone's safety. Question is...can they pull it off?
Plot was very interesting and loved how all of the characters were interwoven in ways I hadn't expected....especially Hana's mom. I wished for more of Connor though, felt like he was left out part of the book while there was a lot of focus on Hana & Mathias building their relationship.
March 31, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
-Dark topics
-Japanese and pansexual main character
-Threesome/polygamy
-Gang
-Check trigger warnings!!
A social worker who just wants to help. An undercover person posing as a doctor in a shady hospital. An IT guy caught in some evil things. This book had so much that I think it’s hard to simply state a summary in one sentence, which is not a bad thing. The complexity of everything, the way the three storylines intertwine is fascinating. All three people know each other and it’s amazing that everything they are working on meets together. While striking no similarities to Stranger Things, I’m reminded still of the dynamic they had—3 teams of people working on different problems that lead to one big issue, which is so intriguing to me.
I absolutely loved seeing the progression of Hanako and Mathias’s relationship. They have a piece of my heart. Reading Hanako rediscovering her Japanese roots was also amazing. My grandmother was Japanese so I was able to connect with that a little bit!
-Dark topics
-Japanese and pansexual main character
-Threesome/polygamy
-Gang
-Check trigger warnings!!
A social worker who just wants to help. An undercover person posing as a doctor in a shady hospital. An IT guy caught in some evil things. This book had so much that I think it’s hard to simply state a summary in one sentence, which is not a bad thing. The complexity of everything, the way the three storylines intertwine is fascinating. All three people know each other and it’s amazing that everything they are working on meets together. While striking no similarities to Stranger Things, I’m reminded still of the dynamic they had—3 teams of people working on different problems that lead to one big issue, which is so intriguing to me.
I absolutely loved seeing the progression of Hanako and Mathias’s relationship. They have a piece of my heart. Reading Hanako rediscovering her Japanese roots was also amazing. My grandmother was Japanese so I was able to connect with that a little bit!
April 2, 2022
This story wasn’t anything that I had in my mind by the blurb and it blew my mind it was so much more than just a story. This is by a new arthur for me and I'll be checking out her other book's
Hana, Mathias, and Connor are play partners who meet in a bdsm club for fun and to use each other to release their daily stresses when thing's get to be too much.
This book starts out all kinds of spiciness in the first chapter and by the second chapter you're thrown into some very spicy scenes with her play partners.
But what happens when those lines get blurred?
Watching their relationship develop throughout the book as they all each individually fight against evil in the form of corruption at a hospital all three have connections to.
This story instantly drops you right into the middle of a mystery and doesn’t let go as it takes you on a wild ride there were so many twists in this story that I just didn't see coming.
Hana, Mathias, and Connor are play partners who meet in a bdsm club for fun and to use each other to release their daily stresses when thing's get to be too much.
This book starts out all kinds of spiciness in the first chapter and by the second chapter you're thrown into some very spicy scenes with her play partners.
But what happens when those lines get blurred?
Watching their relationship develop throughout the book as they all each individually fight against evil in the form of corruption at a hospital all three have connections to.
This story instantly drops you right into the middle of a mystery and doesn’t let go as it takes you on a wild ride there were so many twists in this story that I just didn't see coming.
April 1, 2022
Kink, sex, threesomes! Call me cliché but I absolutely love all three tropes entwined together.
I thought Dark Rings was a very different read from what I normally do. Don't get me wrong, I love anything distorted, degrading, kinky, psychological, and/or a thriller and boy did I get what I was looking for. I felt like was sort of in a slump and I was struggling with reading but I would end up finishing my reads, but when Dark Rings hit my kindle I was all in.
In this book, I found myself immersed in the story of these three characters, it was very well written and I enjoyed it to the fullest. I can't wait to keep reading more from this author as this was my first read from her. I think she's going to become one of those authors that I one-click right away because I know she will give me what I like.
4.5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
I thought Dark Rings was a very different read from what I normally do. Don't get me wrong, I love anything distorted, degrading, kinky, psychological, and/or a thriller and boy did I get what I was looking for. I felt like was sort of in a slump and I was struggling with reading but I would end up finishing my reads, but when Dark Rings hit my kindle I was all in.
In this book, I found myself immersed in the story of these three characters, it was very well written and I enjoyed it to the fullest. I can't wait to keep reading more from this author as this was my first read from her. I think she's going to become one of those authors that I one-click right away because I know she will give me what I like.
4.5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
March 28, 2022
You would think three people who “play” together at a BDSM club would know each other better. But readers will
learn that’s not the case when it comes to Hana, Mathias, and Connor.
Well pretty soon they’ll need to get to know one another better when some truly despicable people want to hurt people including them.
Love the medical vibe with the thriller edge to it. Something you don’t see often. These three together just blew me away with their steamy scenes. Page burning I tell you. The things that truly stood out were their backstories. Especially Connor’s whose was truly heartbreaking. Another was how Hana’s heritage was played out and that like I said before isn’t truly represented in books that often.
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
learn that’s not the case when it comes to Hana, Mathias, and Connor.
Well pretty soon they’ll need to get to know one another better when some truly despicable people want to hurt people including them.
Love the medical vibe with the thriller edge to it. Something you don’t see often. These three together just blew me away with their steamy scenes. Page burning I tell you. The things that truly stood out were their backstories. Especially Connor’s whose was truly heartbreaking. Another was how Hana’s heritage was played out and that like I said before isn’t truly represented in books that often.
* I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
March 28, 2022
Well this book starts out all kinds of spicy 🥵 We meet the FMC, Hanna, in the first chapter and by the second chapter you're thrown into some very spicy scenes with her play partners Mathias and Connor.
Always a great way to start off a book lol
I enjoyed the multiple POV for getting to know each of their backgrounds. Mathias definitely caught my heart ❤️ It was nice to see Hanna connect with her mom and her Japanese roots.
This is a suspenseful, keep you at the edge of your seat until the end kind of book. The characters are also trying to navigate their personal lives and figure out the next step for them all.
Now available on Kindle Unlimited!
*Check the trigger warnings
Thank you for the ARC to review!
Always a great way to start off a book lol
I enjoyed the multiple POV for getting to know each of their backgrounds. Mathias definitely caught my heart ❤️ It was nice to see Hanna connect with her mom and her Japanese roots.
This is a suspenseful, keep you at the edge of your seat until the end kind of book. The characters are also trying to navigate their personal lives and figure out the next step for them all.
Now available on Kindle Unlimited!
*Check the trigger warnings
Thank you for the ARC to review!
April 5, 2022
Hanako, a social worker, witnesses recounts of awful situations all week long at her job. Needing a weekly reset, Mathias and Connor have committed to taking her out of her mind and cleansing her body for the new week. Playing out premeditated fantasies and setting hard limits, the three of them get the release that they need.
All seemingly living different lives until a series of events brings them to a common goal and closer than they ever were.
I've been really liking mfm/mmf lately and Dark Rings definitely delivered that with some twists. I would have liked some things to be different, but I loved the relationship that grew between the three!
Overall, great book! My first I've read from Lainey but have definitely added her Lavender duet to my TBR!
All seemingly living different lives until a series of events brings them to a common goal and closer than they ever were.
I've been really liking mfm/mmf lately and Dark Rings definitely delivered that with some twists. I would have liked some things to be different, but I loved the relationship that grew between the three!
Overall, great book! My first I've read from Lainey but have definitely added her Lavender duet to my TBR!
March 29, 2022
Hana, Mathias and Connor meet in a BDSM club to have fun. But they will end up having more ties together than they expected when patients they know are going missing.
The characters were well written and worked well together. I loved their dynamic and the relationships they have together. Their scenes were steamy and fun, with several different kinks involved. The pacing was fast and kept the story interesting.
The problem I have is the plot itself was lackluster. The author did a great job with the steamy scenes and with developing their characters, but the story just fell flat for me.
The characters were well written and worked well together. I loved their dynamic and the relationships they have together. Their scenes were steamy and fun, with several different kinks involved. The pacing was fast and kept the story interesting.
The problem I have is the plot itself was lackluster. The author did a great job with the steamy scenes and with developing their characters, but the story just fell flat for me.
March 29, 2022
I didn’t really know what to expect going into this book. It was a slow romance with very dark elements of what happens in the real world and shows us cultural differences when our characters aren’t performing kink with each other. It’s different from what I’ve been reading, it kept me interested though and I did enjoy getting to know the characters and seeing how their relationship with each other developed throughout the book.
March 29, 2022
I loved the storyline, the kink and the characters. It's well written and evokes an emotional response to certain elements in the story.
The kink is well researched, showing an understanding of the lifestyle without over egging it for the sake of the story. I appreciated that a lot.
I enjoyed it so thoroughly that I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received this book as an ARC I am leaving this review happily and as if I had purchased it.
The kink is well researched, showing an understanding of the lifestyle without over egging it for the sake of the story. I appreciated that a lot.
I enjoyed it so thoroughly that I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received this book as an ARC I am leaving this review happily and as if I had purchased it.
April 1, 2022
So I received this book as an ARC.
This is a quick non spoiler review.
The boxes the book checked
cultural divides
generational divides
grief
consent (sexual and non-sexual)
It’s an epic, emotionally fulfilling story where the action is ongoing and never pausing. I hope that it becomes this year’s best read book for many people. The author takes the concept of CNC and, through Mathias, explains it in a way that a regular, non-kinky person can understand.
For more read the amazing book.
This is a quick non spoiler review.
The boxes the book checked
cultural divides
generational divides
grief
consent (sexual and non-sexual)
It’s an epic, emotionally fulfilling story where the action is ongoing and never pausing. I hope that it becomes this year’s best read book for many people. The author takes the concept of CNC and, through Mathias, explains it in a way that a regular, non-kinky person can understand.
For more read the amazing book.
April 4, 2022
Intriguing Story!
This was an intriguing story that kept me gripping my kindle tightly, guessing at every twisted turn of event and biting my nails with anticipation of what was going to happen nest.
The story is dark, emotional, tragic and steamy. It’s filled with suspense, corruption, drama, danger and edge of your seat intensity. From start to finish I never knew what was going to be thrown at me next.
Loved the characters, loved the intriguing storyline and loved the suspense.
This was an intriguing story that kept me gripping my kindle tightly, guessing at every twisted turn of event and biting my nails with anticipation of what was going to happen nest.
The story is dark, emotional, tragic and steamy. It’s filled with suspense, corruption, drama, danger and edge of your seat intensity. From start to finish I never knew what was going to be thrown at me next.
Loved the characters, loved the intriguing storyline and loved the suspense.
March 26, 2022
Unconventional Justice
This story has both an unconventional relationship for Hana, Matthias and Connor, and unconventional approach to dealing with the bad guys. I really enjoyed the suspense storyline - lots of built up tension and a great conclusion. An interesting world that I’m looking forward to returning to.
This story has both an unconventional relationship for Hana, Matthias and Connor, and unconventional approach to dealing with the bad guys. I really enjoyed the suspense storyline - lots of built up tension and a great conclusion. An interesting world that I’m looking forward to returning to.
March 29, 2022
Good read
Having 'met' Hana and Mattias in other books, I was eager for their story. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense regarding the hospital. I was surprised their weren't more group scenes but the main was steamy. I also was dissapointed the MM was very limited. I enjoyed the read and really hope Connor gets a book.
Having 'met' Hana and Mattias in other books, I was eager for their story. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense regarding the hospital. I was surprised their weren't more group scenes but the main was steamy. I also was dissapointed the MM was very limited. I enjoyed the read and really hope Connor gets a book.
April 18, 2022
What can I say? I'm a huge fan of Lainey's stuff and this was no different.
Everything from the backstories to the steam to the character development was just amazing. I loved the medical corruption aspect and the way their relationship unfolded. I was pulled in from the first page and devoured the book in one sitting.
Everything from the backstories to the steam to the character development was just amazing. I loved the medical corruption aspect and the way their relationship unfolded. I was pulled in from the first page and devoured the book in one sitting.
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