Dark Soul Vol. 1 (Dark Soul, #1) in Dangerous Hero Addict Support Group

Nov 13, 2011 Darien rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fave-books-of-2012, pants-off-reviews, fave-m-m-characters, 2012-reads, m-m-short-stories, tie-me-up-and-use-me, young-guy-get-poked-by-older-dude, my-m-m-lovin

More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS

I find it a lot harder to write a review for a book that I really love, an easier to write for those that I just like. I am in quite a predicament, because I have stronger feelings than love for this book (if that’s even possible). Counterpunch was my first book by the author and I thought ‘there is no way freaking way his stuff can get anymore awesmazing’. I can eat my freaking words, because Dark Soul is incredible, viciously sexy, and absol More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS

I find it a lot harder to write a review for a book that I really love, an easier to write for those that I just like. I am in quite a predicament, because I have stronger feelings than love for this book (if that’s even possible). Counterpunch was my first book by the author and I thought ‘there is no way freaking way his stuff can get anymore awesmazing’. I can eat my freaking words, because Dark Soul is incredible, viciously sexy, and absolutely mind blasting. Broken down into two stories, Dark Soul & Dark Secret I was left in complete awe and possibly ruined for other books.

In Dark Soul we meet Stefano Marino a west coast Mafioso who has travelled to the east coast to pay his respects to an old patriarch that’s about to die. It’s also where Stefano meets Silvio “the barracuda’’ for the first time. Stefano is unexpectedly drawn to the man with the cold eyes. It’s not exactly easy to ignore Silvio, when he exudes sex and danger. However, Stefano is struggling with the fact that he feels some desire for the man. When Silvio breaks into the room that Stefano is staying in and is caught. It pushes Stefano even further to the attraction he feels for the other man. To save face Stefano wants to humiliate and torture Silvio, but his plans back fires and leaves you with the question ‘Just why did Silvio break into his room?’.

Dark Secret picks up a few weeks after the first story and Stefano travels to Italy meet with Gianbattista Falchi, the man responsible for Silvio and how he lives. Seems Stefano is having some troubles with the Russians trying to take over his turf. He knows that he will be indebted to Falchi and he knows that the price will be high. He’s also guaranteed to run into Silvio again, and is still coming to terms with what happened between them in the room. Stefano also learns the true nature of Falchi's relationship with Silvio.

The stories are told through Stefano’s point of view. The married man who clearly loves his wife but is drawn to the sultriness that is Silvio, in a business where it’s not good business to be attracted to a man. The stories might seem like its all about Silvio, but I am very aware of Stefano. It would take a special man to attract Silvio and clearly, Mr Marino is that man.

The writing is gripping and leaves you either panting like a dog or hanging on the edge of your seat. The author captivates with every word and it’s not hard to picture what’s being described. The characters are complex, they might seem one dimensional on the surface but as the book progresses there is a mystery to both men, and you just can’t wait to have their complete story. Stefano refers to Silvio as ‘faggot’, but after awhile I wondered if that word wasn’t meant for himself, you understand his torment in that word. Silvio is sex on legs and he is the most unforgettable character you will ever read, love him or hate him he is extraordinary.

Overall, I have strong feelings for this book and I have Silvio on the brain. I am guessing I should warn about the gunplay, breath play, and serious kink found in this book. I really don’t like warnings, because in the end Dark Soul is so much more than that. Voinov pushes the boundaries of conventional genre writing and introduces the variety that can be found in sexuality *to each is own*. I will now wait impatiently for the rest of the volumes and I highly recommend this series.

SideNote- That cover is gorgeous and is absolutely perfect for this (think Silvio dripping wet). Crap! just lost my pants. ...more

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Jan 27, 2012 Lakeisha rated it really liked it

Shelves: m-m-romance, bdsm, short-read, cops-assassins, alpha-males, criminals, gay-series

Its really really good so far, my curiosity has definitely peaked! I really loved Silvio more than Stephano at this point, we'll see how it continues, but so far stellar characters!!! ...more

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Oct 21, 2011 ~♥*Marianna*♥~ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: m-m, five-stars

That cover turned out to be quite appropriate!

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Jul 29, 2012 Caroline The HEA Lover rated it it was amazing

Shelves: m-m, contemp, 2012

4.5 stars.
Wow this is very addictive. When I got to the last page all I wanted was to start volume 2 asap! I loved it. It's unconventional and hot and I love Silvio! I want more! ...more

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