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Darkest Faerie Tale #1

Tempest in Disguise

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Born the only hybrid between two warring factions, Mya's life is all smoke and mirrors. For twenty four years her true identity has been kept a secret inside the virtuous Seelie Court of the ancient Fae. But that time has come to an end. In one sudden blow, her perception of reality is irrevocably altered and her livelihood is stripped away. A dark and mysterious stranger has set his sights on her to possess, consume and claim her for himself. Mya must keep her wits about her to survive…or surrender to her darkest desires.

As one of the leaders in the infamous Unseelie Court, Cole is determined to seize the powerful and magickal hybrid from the enemy’s court on behalf of his people. A battle is looming and they’re ready to end the war at any cost, but for Cole it’s personal. The scar on his face is a daily reminder of the cuts marring his darkened soul and when he goes after the hybrid, a burning need to dominate and master her is far too great. Despite the consequences he faces for touching her, Cole's dark and twisted hunger is unable to resist her allure. He craves her full submission, but in order to do that, he must take everything away from her first.

Welcome to their twisted Faerie Tale.


Dark, Erotic Paranormal Romance with BDSM Elements…packed with a scorching heat. Warning- this tale is 18 years + and is dark erotica. First novella in a four part series. The second book in this series will be out December 2014

87 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2014

9 people are currently reading
125 people want to read

About the author

Riley Bancroft

6 books34 followers
Riley Bancroft grew up in the heart of Dallas. Ever since she was little she favored stories on the darker side, not only supernatural, but psychological. The pursuit of her writing career began when she wrote a short story based on an intimate scene to share with her friends. They encouraged her to write. And so, she did.

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5 stars
32 (49%)
4 stars
16 (24%)
3 stars
11 (16%)
2 stars
4 (6%)
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2 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Lauren Smith.
Author 143 books2,188 followers
November 5, 2014
More Mya and Cole please!!! I cannot say enough how much I loved this book! It's the debut novel of Author Riley Bancroft and I know I can't wait for more from her!

This is a paranormal romance book full of action, adventure and steamy love scenes. I couldn’t get enough of the heroine Mya and her feistiness and the hero Cole’s seductive brooding. He was a swoonworthy hero and I’m so glad that this is a series because I’m in love with him already! Mya isn’t just one of those heroines who is “kick butt” without a purpose, you get a sense of her character and her backstory from the first page, so her loveable snarkiness and attitude are endearing rather than grating.

Now I have to warn you, this book is not for the faint of heart. It’s a DARK ROMANCE, in the vein of authors like Anna Zaires and her Twist Me series. So be prepared for edgy erotic scenes, questionable consent and a bad boy with good intentions, doing all the deliciously wrong things. Tempest in Disguise is addictive and a total page turner, but what I think makes me love this book the most is the writing itself. Anyone can write a romance where you enjoy the story and like the characters, but Bancroft’s style is artistic, poetic, not full of purple prose. I savored each sentence and devoured each paragraph, hungrily re-reading my favorite parts way late into the night. Bancroft has set a high standard for anyone else out there writing dark fae books and I can’t wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Roses Book Blog.
226 reviews73 followers
November 6, 2014
Mya is special and she's known this her entire life, she just doesn't realize how special she truly is. As the only hybrid, she's one of a kind and she's about to be in the middle of a war between the Seelie and Unseelie court who will battle to take control of her and the other side wants to destroy her.

This story picks up with a bang, in the first few pages her friend's brother dies and a stranger enters her home in the dead of night. Cole is supposed to be there on a mission but the second he gets near Mya he is drawn to her. Their attraction to one another is instant and takes hold not just of him but her as well causing her to feel something she's never felt before. He's a member of the enemy court, but her Unseelie side is drawn to him and she submits to him.

That is the night before all hell breaks loose. The next morning she awakens to find her house is burning down and she's left with only a few items she was able to grab from when her parents were alive. Her life is turning on its axis at every single possible moment. She goes from grieving over a friend, to being in the arms of a stranger, to her house burning down, to finding out the sexy stranger is the fire inspector, and finally to being accused of burning her own house down.

Can Mya figure out what is really going on and who she truly is before it is too late? Can she learn to trust Cole or is it too late for their bond to be saved?

While this was a novella and there is another part coming out next month, it still managed to capture my attention within the first three pages. I wasn't expecting the story to take off the way it did, but it sure did and was full of twists and turns that left me wanting more and more until the very end of this novella which has me waiting anxiously for the next part to come out. I'm normally not into these types of books that have paranormal elements but this one surprisingly was really good and I cannot wait to see where Mya and Cole end up in all of this and what role Gavin really plays in all of this. Easily a 5 star book.

***Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for a honest review***
Profile Image for Kristin & Sue Ellen ~ GirlyGirlBookReviews.
215 reviews27 followers
November 22, 2014
If you are ready to dive into a Pandora Box that will have you hanging by a thread, this is one for you to grab. The cover is beautifully designed and grabbed my attention. I loved how the author started off by giving us a back story to understand what we are going to be reading about and how everything became divided. However, she didn’t give you all of the information so your mind is still open for the plot as it unfolds throughout. I enjoyed the whole interaction that went on between Cole and Mya. Cole came in strong alpha male type but he shows some of his feelings throughout. You slowly find out why he turned out the way he is. Mya, has always known she was different and a bit of a loner. While some see her as weak I saw her as a survivor because of everything she has to go through in the story. All the characters i loved and are written with their own purpose in this story and thats to draw the readers into falling in love with this book. I know I did. The only thing is that this is a cliffhanger however you don’t have to wait long to read the next installment. I know I am more than ready to continue on this journey! With this being a new author to me she has won herself a fan already by this little magical story.

Profile Image for T.L. Rossati.
5 reviews45 followers
November 4, 2014
Welcome to the dark world of the Seelie Courts! As an erotica reader, I'm rather picky. I want a strong and emotionally driven storyline, one that keeps me engaged, tormented and rooting for the couple. Without ruining this addictive, sexually charged, and psychological journey for future readers, I will say that Ms. Bancroft hooks the reader on page one with her heroine's unique paradoxical heritage—she's both Seelie and Unseelie. The chemistry between the hero and heroine is immediate and disturbingly hot (in a deliciously good way) from the second they're on the page together. Bancroft's hero, Cole, is one of most haunted and tormented heroes I've read and I couldn't get enough of him, couldn’t stop reading. He pushes Mya's boundaries and the reader’s right along with her. I found myself wanting to know more about Cole, pulling for him and hurting for him. Mya’s strength and vulnerability are an excellent compliment to Cole’s personal pain and need to dominate. Bancroft has created a dark and intriguing world where darkest desires are fulfilled and life altering destinies revealed.
Profile Image for Samaris Creech.
376 reviews7 followers
November 22, 2014
Mya has a secret. A secret that if others found out could mean her death. She was born of both races of the Fae courts. Something that had never been heard of before and that could mean her death if discovered. Cole is an Elder of the Unseelie Court has been tasked with the mission of bringing Mya over to the Unseelie side. Seems she is the only one who will be able to not only join the two courts together as one again but also restore the Fae to what they once were. What Cole didn’t anticipate was his reaction to Mya and the complications that would arise from it. Gavin is a part of the Seelie court where Mya has been raised and he wants her all to himself no matter what the cost. When strange things start to happen Mya is tested. Will Gavin be her Savior or will Cole? Who really has her best interests at heart? Who will gain Mya’s loyalty? When the truth is discovered will she survive or break once and for all?
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews64 followers
June 26, 2015
5 Big flying faerie stars
I absolutely bloody loved this box set - make sure your kindle is fully charged, you wont want to stop reading!

Mya is half seelie and half unseelie meaning she is half good and half bad. She has strong magick powers that she isn't fully aware of yet. I wasn't expecting such a hot faerie book, WOW ! Give me much more Cole and Mya please !

This one took me a few chapters to get into and fully understand but once I was in I was totally captivated. The chemistry that can be felt is so hot and the mix of erotica and paranormal is brilliant. I loved how their world is entangled into our normal world - including facebook ! This is a short read and I'm looking forward to starting on Book 2/Deep into the Abyss.
Profile Image for Margaret.
609 reviews14 followers
November 29, 2014
4.5 Stars

From the introduction that set the stage for the world that was built, right through to the last chapter, Tempest In Disguise drew me in and won me over. I just loved the lore that was presented as the backdrop to this series, and am thoroughly impressed with this debut story from Riley Bancroft. I loved how the author didn't reveal everything in one shot, but rather gave you insight into the backstory and characters as the story progressed – and while you knew there was more to the story, you never felt that you were missing too much so that you didn't know what was going on.

I loved watching Mya come into her own and develop that inner strength that she needed to face off with Cole as well as her “friends” in the Seelie Court. As her world was turned upside down now that her hybrid status has made her a prized possession for both Courts – but for very different reasons – she begins to understand the truth of her reality and the fact that she needs to take control of her life and figure out just what might keep her alive…and whether or not she can deny the attraction to Cole and the submissive world he has opened up to her.

Cole…now there was a man who had a dark side and put the capital “D” in Dominant.

“I think you heard me.” He tightened his hold on her. “You wanted to play, you wanted control – well, I want your surrender.” A dangerous hunger danced across his face.

He carries his own scars – literally & figuratively – from his past and is tasked with bringing Mya in to the Unseelie Court. Of course one look at Mya and he can’t help but want to possess her, but will he push her too far and put his Unseelie Court mission in jeopardy?

This was a great first installment to this series and I can’t wait to see where the author takes us with the next installment. A great new series and new author that I look forward to reading more of!

I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Toula.
2,504 reviews
December 25, 2016
Love how the story plays with our human desires. This is not for the faint of heart.
Maya is a fai. She is the first if her kind to have blood of both sides (the dark and light fai) she sees on her cell that her best friends brother is killed and then the news disappears . She dosnt know why. She calls her friend and finds out its true. She promises to pick her up from the airport tomorrow from her tv room. Meanwhile she hears a noise upstairs in her bedroom she plays dumb and continues talking to her friend while she slowly creeps upstairs. She goes into her room. And wham that is where we meet Cole. And boy I would love to meet him. Cole is sent on a mission but doesn't tell Mya right of the bat. His body strongly reacts to her he tells her to only speak when he asks her a question and always with a sir at the end. Unbelievable BSMN. They have a night of unbelievable erotica in her bed. He leaves before she wakes up not even doing his mission.
When she wakes up her house is on fire. And when she is ting to leave she spies a figure running from upstairs. The smoke is getting real thick and she keeps on going in to save some of her belongings. Once she's outside the house just crumbles. She calls her friend that she knows she will be safe with * no attraction there* Gavin
She calls 911 and help arrives. Cole shows up. Gavin takes her away and Cole is out of his mind. Meanwhile at Gavin place Gavin gets ideas and they have a kiss but Mya feels no spark like she did with Cole.
She has to go to the fai court and that is where everything happens. Someone is killing their own kind and making it look like the other side of the fai. Cole kidnaps her.
Get the story and find out where he takes her. What the verdict is at court about Mya. Does he tell her why she's special. Does she continue to be submissive . Does she get back at Cole for treating her bad. You'll simply love it and scream for more . Can't wait for part 2
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews28 followers
December 8, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I really love fantasy set in the framework of todays time period. This one was no exception. The attraction between Cole and Mya is palpable, however I had a bit of difficulty with the BDSM elements that were out of order. The trust and consent has to be there first and not just implied. Otherwise, this is a great book.

I love the introduction to the two faerie courts and Mya unwillingly being a part of both instead of the one chosen for her to follow by her parents.

A favorite passage of mine is between Cole and Mya near the beginning of the book:

“I was not in your house this morning. I left last night after we…” A sexy smirk made his scar look dangerous and his eyes heated with a dark hunger when his gaze lowered to her chest.

She tried to ignore the roiling inferno stirring inside of her. “Do you know who did this?”

“No, I don’t know who set your house on fire. But, if you let me do my job wildflower, I will.”

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. Why did this man unsettle her so much? He showed up out of nowhere and her world literally turned upside down. “Why do you keep calling me that?”

“What?” he asked as if he had no clue about the nickname he’d given her.

“Wildflower.”

He brushed her jawline with the back of his fingers. “You’re wild and unruly—but beautiful and strong—exotic, willing to survive any type of element thrown your way.”

Goosebumps tickled along her flesh. Damn, his way with words made her feel so exposed to him.



The sex is hot, and the story intense and enthralling. I will definitely get the next in this series.
Profile Image for April.
1,843 reviews70 followers
May 31, 2015
#1 in a four part Novella, "Darkest Faerie" series. Written in third person. A steady paced tale, lust filled, magical and a bit climatic at times. I really didn't like the dominance scenes, but understand they were necessary to the storyline. I felt the heroine was a bit whiney, not very strong for a would-be Princess, but she grows on you as the story progresses.
The hero is definitely an alpha, dominating, and demanding.

The reader is taken on a lust filled journey to the land of Fae, the faeries tale of a Princess, a war between Seelie and Unseelie and passionate embraces. A quick read. The story is told rather quickly, a lot packed in a few pages. "Tempest in Disguise" is unique in it's concept, interesting and entertaining. Fans of Fantasy, Erotic Romance, Fae, and Faerie land tales are sure to enjoy this tale. Dark and erotic! A wild ride to be sure! While, not necessarily a cliffhanger, the reader is left with many questions. A Serial like tale. As series story progresses, I feel the reader will see more substance to the characters and relate more to them. Another Novella coming soon. Interesting read!

*Received for an honest review from the author*

**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction Reviews**

Rating: 3
Heat rating: Wild Ride
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Profile Image for Amy ~ Love At 1st Read.
542 reviews37 followers
February 24, 2016
There are two warring factions- Seelie and Unseelie- living among humans. Mya, though possessing both qualities has always been a Seelie. But now changes are happening. Infighting is occurring between the groups. Seelies are being mysteriously killed. When Mya confronts a stranger in her home, she is mesmerized by him even though her mind tells her not to trust him.
Cole is a powerful elder in the Unseelie court and intends on capturing Myra for the good of his people. When he encounters Mya though, his need to touch and dominate her is stronger than his fear of breaking Unseelie law.
If you’re a fan of paranormal eroticl romance, Tempest In Disguise has all the elements you need. It’s an original story that creates solid mythology. The hero and heroine are both strong characters who are faced with conflict and, at times, violence. And hopefully there’s an HEA. You’ll just have to read the rest of the Darkest Faerie Tale Series to find out.
Profile Image for Jodi  *ALEBB BLOG *.
217 reviews36 followers
November 3, 2015
This is one of the hottest twisted book sets I've ever read! With that being said I Loved it!!! The author did a phenomenal job at keeping my heart pounding, hands sweating , and not able to put the books down!! Mya is born different from any other and must remain a secret . If anyone or thing finds out disaster will strike and so will everything known..Cole needs her he feels her he lives to take her his appetite is like no other..so dark..so evil..She can resort to magic , but the prices are higher then anyone ever expected! This fantastic fantasy dark and bold will keep u up all night wondering what will happen when the two collide ..Will things change? Must read this it's a definite 5++++++ blog promo done at Alpha Loving Erotic Book Beauty in association with Book Partners In Crime Promotions
Profile Image for Carmen Falcone.
Author 67 books517 followers
November 15, 2014
I loved Tempest in Disguise!

When Mya found Cole in her house, I bet she had no idea how the rest of her night would unfold.

As a reader, neither did I! The world building aspect blew me away; I was so impressed by the author's creativity. There is a lot packed in this book -- fabulous smexy, romance, friendship, mystery. Mya is a great heroine -- feisty, smart, compelling. She's always trying to balance her two sides (seelie and unseelie), the rational side versus the wild, spontaneous side. I think this is something a lot of women can relate to. I know I can! :)

Cole is a fantastic hero. Hot, with bow shaped lips I'm still thinking about. Lol. Great characterization.

If you're into a fast-paced paranormal with tons of smexy, this book is for you! :)
Profile Image for Corrine Pickering.
603 reviews8 followers
November 18, 2015
*** Reviewed for Hooked on Books ***

Tempest in Disquise Book 1 of 4 - Brilliant start to the series !

Mya is half seelie and half unseelie meaning she is half good and half bad. She has strong magick powers that she isn't fully aware of yet. I wasn't expecting such a hot faerie book, WOW ! Give me much more Cole and Mya please !

This one took me a few chapters to get into and fully understand but once I was in I was totally captivated. The chemistry that can be felt is so hot and the mix of erotica and paranormal is brilliant. I loved how their world is entangled into our normal world - including facebook ! This is a short read and I'm looking forward to starting on Book 2/Deep into the Abyss.
Profile Image for Raj.
1,514 reviews8 followers
February 24, 2015
3.75 stars

It had an interesting start, it was... short, I thought it was a full length novel.

Mya was... attracted, or should I say, she got horny without seeing Cole's face. I don't even know what to say about that. She's got powers so probably it's his aura that she liked?

Anyways, this novella's written in third Person! Yes! third person, and still it's interesting and I didn't feel detached to the characters so that's a big deal for me.

It started with sex, Mya and Cole did it the first time they saw each other and it was quite long so...for a short story, I didn't feel like the story was enough... but the story was interesting enough and it ain't boring.
Profile Image for Jodi Linton.
Author 21 books973 followers
November 6, 2014
Get ready to be tempted.

First off... I normally do not read paranormal romances, so going in I wasn't entirely sure what I'd get. Yet, what I got was one richly, seductive tale of lust, love, and greed. Truly entertaining.
Profile Image for Tia.
Author 27 books142 followers
November 7, 2014
New series, too damn short but I really really like this one. It had some fucked up moments but it's sure to be one to follow. I love that it has a teenage feel to the novel but most definitely is an adult or 18+ novel. Well written.
Profile Image for Karen Brewer.
4 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2014
Dark and sensual romance... I love Mya and Cole. You are hooked from the beginning. HOT!!! I am looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Cozen.
634 reviews32 followers
May 14, 2018
The main problem with story is that it should have never been shortened into parts. The elements in it are too complex and need better in depth explanations. Also, with interruptions or breaks in the story, it does take away from the charms and interest of the story. I also felt at times that a scene between characters didn't follow through well. An instance of this would be where Mya and Cole have their first encounter. It seems, I am not sure the best way to describe it, but there body position doesn't make sense all the time.

The writer does have the skills to write a story and articulate more personal and intimate scenes, but should invest in the long haul instead of the quick fix.
Profile Image for Alisa.
1,079 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2014
2.5 stars. Wow insta-lust much? Plot was a bit all over the place and it's a novella so not a fan. Hopefully the next books will be longer and focus a bit more on the plot.... and character development.
Profile Image for  Thea™.
3,763 reviews11 followers
7-tbr-ooit
July 12, 2016
Let op!! Is een serie van 4!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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