Hunted by a murderer who has terrorized her since childhood, Juliana Thorne is forced to seek protection from a powerful enemy.But Damien Villa is a far cry from an ideal savior.The mysterious billionaire harbors his own sinister plans for revenge, and if Juliana isn’t careful, she may just find herself playing right into his hands.
LS isn’t the type of author that dips her toes into a taboo subject or a dark theme. She jumps and plunging in with eyes wide open so her readers get to experience all the nitty-gritty that may come with it. She isn’t afraid to peel back layers on relationships or emotions that some find uncomfortable or only want experience in the dark. She shows the dark and ugly that is hidden under a beautiful mask or the deadly and twisted beneath a smooth veneer.
This story was different than her other stories in that it focused a lot on the backstory of the main character, Juliana and the psychological effects that it had on her present. A black cloud, a smudge that constantly weighs on her. The events that occurred when she was 8yo shaped the broken woman she becomes.
This book doesn’t even have the truly dark elements that LS’s other books usually have, but it is still so compelling in the beautiful brokenness of the characters. Their emotions bleed off the pages and grip your heart.
It will leave you aching for more.
Oh. My. Gosh! Lana Sky does it again with the start of a new series. Juliana and Damien’s story was filled with secrets, lies, betrayals, mystery, and twists and turns galore. It was a page turner and I didn’t want to put it down. I had to see what was going to happen next and often found myself holding my breath. The storyline had a dark and twisted plot and was oh so good. Book one does end on a cliffhanger. I am so glad there’s only a few weeks in between books because I don’t think I could wait much longer. Needless to say, I would definitely recommend reading this one.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*
Wow, this book was a real page turner and the well written storyline and the well developed characters made this a great read that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end!
Another amazing book by Lana Sky
Damien Villa is a talented blind artist who is looking for revenge. Juliana Thorne the women who is still being haunted by her childhood nightmare, and the daughter of the famous judge who wrongfully convicted Damien’s brother.
Damien wants revenge, but when he is with Juliana things are unexpected. While Juliana wants to hate Damien she can’t because he is the only thing that makes sense in her life.
I loved this book but I like the first draft much better.
Lana has a way with words, that make you finish reading in record time. With realistic characters, and mystery, sex, and corruption she makes it hard, not to get pulled in and leaves you with goosebumps anticipating the next page.
Once again Sky has left me in the dark blindly sifting through the subtle clues and shocking twists with no solid answers. Oh, I have all kinds of plausible’s – especially with that little unveiling at the end.
Sky has a gift for leading her readers in one direction, stringing us on a taunt line of suspense then suddenly dropping us into a twisted conclusion that we never saw coming.
Juliana is a mess. I am not sure if I want to hug her or have her committed. How she has functioned this long is beyond me. Though I guess the true carnage only lasts a week out of the year. Her character is a blend of strengths and weaknesses, just small acts that are nothing more than a brave facade to hide her guilt, her pain, her loneliness. She functions. She shines. She succeeds in hiding the truth behind designer outfits and false smiles.
Damien is a whole different dose of ducked up. If what he alluded to is true WHY? What happened in his past that would drive him to want the darkness? He is such a dichotomy of emotions. For a man who ensures that his muses go on to better things, I question his motives for Juliana. I know his feelings towards Juliana are not friendly but why the sudden change-up? She is already broken does he intend to shatter her further ensuring not even the smallest pieces survive. If so what is the end game? Is she part of a bargain? A promise?
Also, I do not think he is the vilest of the monsters stalking Juliana’s life. If the scenario with his brother is even a glimpse at what might be she has bigger problems than the monster who likes his art ‘suspended in time’.
I am impatiently awaiting the next in this series. I know there is so much more than what I am seeing.
Oh and Dad … WTH are you hiding?
The copy I read was provided by C. Chimni
“This is not a fairytale” – that’s given with Lana’s writing and plotting skills!
As in the other books Lana Sky didn’t disappoint this time, neither with the writing nor with the fantastic plot. In her own fashion and staying true to the title this book brings touch of dark. For once because of the events and circumstances and secondly because of the main hero’s blindness.
Entering this world you need to be ready to question everyone and everything you knew, to be ready for deception, for pain, for truths and lies. It’s twisted, it’s dark, it’s sinful and dangerous. Author plays with simple, raw emotions and builds perfectly dark story that kept me reading way into the late night hours. You cannot say for sure who’s good who’s bad and what are their motives. Certain actions doesn’t have explanations yet but added to the mystery and brought up the suspense by a notch… or two.
I loved how the tension was build, how the connection and blooming feelings between main characters come up to the light slowly. Nothing is rushed, everything is measured and delivered precisely in time.
Would they have chance for their relationship to blossom? Will they find happiness and heal their broken souls? Is he only into her for lust, revenge, experience? So many unanswered questions and now I can’t wait for the next book in this duet. I need it!
Juliana Thorne has always wanted a quiet life but as a child she captured the media’s spotlight and then her adoption by Judge Heyworth Thorne made her well known. But her father’s fall from grace and his desire to return to his previous position has her life back in the forefront and possibly in danger from her father’s enemies.
When Juliana meets blind artist Damien Villa, she wonders if he could be behind her falling apart or if he is the hero who will come in and save her from everything she is going through and finally make her feel safe again?
This was a really interesting book and I am really looking forward to the conclusion.
Juliana’s past is dark and she went through a traumatic event yet not everyone believed she was innocent and maybe she was responsible for what happened. Yet every birthday Simon leaves a present for her and makes her relive the past and reminds her that someone is still watching her. I found her relationship with her dad interesting as it was clear that he had done something wrong but I feel like there is more coming with the threats on his life and in turn the danger that Juliana is now in because of it.
Damien Villa was definitely an interesting character as he was dark and broody but he seemed to be aware of so much even without being able to see. I couldn’t figure out how he could sense so much but I have never been in his position so I can’t judge fairly. Damien was strong and an alpha male yet at the same time he had a soft spot for Juliana and it’s clear that he isn’t supposed to because of who her dad is.
There was so much mystery in this book pertaining to Juliana’s past and also the past of her father and how it overlapped with Damien’s life. There is still a lot of questions that need to be answered but towards the very end of the book there are some huge revelations that really make me wonder what is going to happen next!
I can’t wait for the next book!
By Rebecca
I’ve just finished reading and I don’t have words to describe it. I remember I was so curious about the story line, where it will lead, but I never imagined this. The plot it’s so good!!! In the first chapters I thought that Damien may actually be Simon, but it would have been to easy.
The writing is amazing! I was holding my breath more than half of the book.
Damien is such a complex character, I’ve read the whole book and I still can’t figure him out.
And Juliana… I never tought I could have such conflicting feelings about someone at the same time. When I read what she thinks I am right there with her wishing to comfort her, but when she opens her mouth the only thing that I can think is “spoiled brat”. I know it’s her way of copping with things, but when she speaks she is so infuriating. Damien deserves a medal:)) The author did a great job with her. I love her and at the same time I want to strangle her.
Thank you for this book, it was absolutely delicious and with the right amount of psychological mind-fucking. I think this series it’s right there with the Savage Fall in terms of twisted. I absolutely loved it!!! It’s a really good book and it exceeded all my expectations.
A touch of yumminess mixed with dark, intense, suspense, page turning goodness is what this book is. Lana does it again with another great series starter. Can’t wait for the next book.
Such a different kind of dark twisted story I couldn’t put it down there were things that didn’t really add up but I’m holding hope the author figures out a way to explain/adjust the hiccups but even with those issues the story is still fantastic I’m not a reader that goes for books where the main characters have some form of physical disadvantage especially the Alpha in fact I avoid them at all costs however Damien has me reevaluating my norms I just wish this author wrote dual POVs I’m not just talking about a chapter here and there because those are just frustrating but alternating chapters and such in this book there are a few points where it would add so much to hear from Damien but I get it just reading the story through Juliana’s eyes makes it so much more dramatic and mysterious the second book I hope we gets Damien’s if just to explain things that were left up in the air and/or didn’t add up either way I can wait for the next book
When you take the dive in the blind
I had been recomended this author by my friends and so I decided to see, what I found was a seductive detailing of a woman and her Madman.
What begins as ennemies fighting a battle of wills slowly takes a turn into slipping off pretences and finding that even monsters can feign an indifference but nothing can be held in shadows forever. With an ending that can be treated as a warning I await to continue this duet to know what the end will unmask.
Man, what a read!! This book is filled with exquisite tension, powerful characters, raw emotions, heat, intrigue, mystery, secrets, looming darkness, suspense and stunning twists. Juliana and Damien are both compelling characters that will engage your mind and tug at your heartstrings. Be prepared to lose sleep or put off doing things that need to get done because once this book sinks it’s claws into you, you will be it’s prisoner until the last page is read. I need book two Right away!
What a mysterious dark story and this is only book one as we follow Damien Villa and Julianna Thorne who are tortured every day in their own way by their past still haunting them as they are drawn towards each other playing their own game and wanting answers.
This had my head spinning I devored it once I started, these characters demand your complete attention until your heart is racing wild with not knowing what’s coming next. The writing is amazing and very descriptive as if your right there . I am so excited for book two.
A Touch of Dark is book 1 in the Painted Sins series by Lana Sky! Let me tell you I anxiously wait for this authors new releases. Juliana and Damien’s story was definitely worth it. Lana Sky has a way of creating very real characters that you just can’t get out of your head.
Juliana Thorne is a very sheltered socialite who is most haunted by her past. Damien Villa is a very intriguing blind artist. Stumbling into his gallery Juliana is mesmerized by one of his art pieces and decides that she will buy herself a birthday present. When she meets Damien he forces her to see her true self as she asks him to paint her they both start to learn about each other. But it seems like there is so much we don’t know about Damien’s intentions and the suspense is killing me! And who is this Simon from Juliana past!?? So much mystery and suspence. These characters are beautifully flawed and I loved watching their characters come to life. There is so many things I need answers to but I’m positive Lana Sky will have it perfectly plotted out in book 2. Definitely another 5 star 1 click buy. Lana Sky is hands down my favorite author. I will anxiously await book 2. Thank you Lana!
Trust and security is an important thing for Juliana. She survived a horrific kidnapping as a child and was adopted by the man who was involved in the case. Daddy Thorne (who was a judge) has created a bubble around Juliana to protect her from her past horrors and constant looming threat that happens around the anniversary of the kidnapping. Enter the mysterious and blind painter Damien Villa and it throws Juliana out of her comfort zone. Despite being scared, she is drawn in by him and his lifestyle.
A Touch of Dark is the first book in the Painted Sins series and the way that it ended was heart stopping! I am looking forward to the continuation of Juliana and Damien’s budding relationship.
You think they are destined to be enemies but gradually they find solace in one another despite the dangerous people that orbit their lives. Bring it on Lana Sky!
It’s more than a touch dark.
It’s a suspenseful read.
Juliana has a ghost. Damien is very intriguing.
An artist. Blind. A villain?
Recommend.
I loved this read! Juliana and Damien are both amazing characters, the kind where you are thinking about them, trying to figure more out about them, even when you aren’t reading. The story has a lot of mystery and intrigue. Juliana does her best to put on a brave face for everyone but inside she can barely hold things together as Simon continues to play games with her. Damien is blind but can see more than most, he has his reasons to hate Juliana but he can’t seem to, will he help free her instead? Fast-paced read with lots of twists and turn and lots of drama and suspense. I was hooked from beginning to end, I can’t wait for more!
I swear I was so sad when I finished this book cuz I wanted to read more IT’S THAT GOOD. I like the way Lana makes her personnages so dammaged but yet their storyline makes you understand why they are that way and I.LOVE.IT can’t wait to read more
Oh my word, Lana Sky! You have done it again! You sucked me into this book from the very beginning. It has wonderful characters I wanted to get to know and learn everything about.
The book was riveting. I had no idea what would happen next. I was surprised over and over throughout; and, you did not disappoint! As always, you left me hanging on the edge of a cliff, waiting not so patiently for the next book!