“Raw, dark, yet achingly tender, Dark Notes is a scorching-hot masterpiece as beautifully written as the music within.” ~ Anna Zaires, NY Times Bestselling Author
They call me a slut.Maybe I am.Sometimes I do things I despise.Sometimes men take without asking.But I have a musical gift, only a year left of high school, and a plan.With one obstacle.Emeric Marceaux doesn’t just take.He seizes my … plan.
With one obstacle.
Emeric Marceaux doesn’t just take.
He seizes my will power and bangs it like a dark note.
When he commands me to play, I want to give him everything.
I kneel for his punishments, tremble for his touch, and risk it all for our stolen moments.
He’s my obsession, my master, my music.
And my teacher.
more
I read Dark Notes when it first came out (in fact have the paperback!) This is a GREAT dark read. If you enjoy the dark hero who rescues poverty-striken heroine from a bad situation trope, this one is for you. She’s a talented musician and he’s her teacher. There is kink. This one is also available in audiobook with excellent narration for those who prefer to be read to! (Ava Erickson and Tad Branson)
This novel checked every box for me. Thrilling. Deliciously taboo, just enough to make me feel the “oh my” sensation. An original love story I couldn’t put dow. Oh, and the writing was insane. Yeah, all the stars.
´¨)
¸.•´¸.•´¨) ¸.•’¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`
~~5 Masterful Stars!~~
“This brutal man is my home. His hell is my heaven. I’m his Ivory, and he’s my darkest note.”
DARK NOTES, a stunning Masterpiece of EPIC proportions, is hands down one of the most brilliant, eloquent and electrifying dark romances I have EVER read!
This tour de force novel by romance goddess extraordinaire Pam Godwin is so much more than a taboo professor/protégé romance, so much deeper and more profound than a scintillating bdsm tale…. It’s a spellbinding concerto that resonates deeply, a sweeping, resplendent story of pleasure and pain, of hope and healing, and at its epicenter is a soul-consuming love that burns impossibly bright, penetrating the most suffocating darkness!
This mega talented romance scribe’s prose is pure poetry…her glorious imagery and metaphorical, lyrical language seduces and enthralls, ensnaring you in her hypnotic web of sheer majestic splendor! And the way she fuses music into the fabric of the story, like a wildly throbbing heartbeat was utterly mesmerizing
Ivory and Emeric’s forbidden romance broke me and healed me and made my soul sing with rapturous joy! Their chemistry is explosive, their bond seismic and the raw, unbridled intensity of their red-hot passion stole my breath, punched me in the gut and brought me to my knees!
I have never seen the dom/sub dynamic explored with such ravishing beauty, exquisite, brutal tenderness or stunning emotional intimacy. There are hot, torrid, deliciously kinky power exchanges, for sure, but it’s the powerfully alluring psychological connection between Ivory and Emeric that’s so incredibly sublime!
Emeric is 100% pure PRIMAL Alpha Dom! And he left me completely transfixed!! Dark and commanding, feral and FEROCIOUSLY protective, he demands full obedience and metes out some pretty stern, sadistic punishments when his precious Ivory falls out of line. But everything he does is with her best interests at heart! Each kiss of the belt is calculated and applied with the utmost precision and care. And omfg the way that he cherishes and dotes on her, lavishing her with his fierce brand of love and affection is utterly enthralling! He truly sees to her EVERY need, taps into the scared, lost little girl inside of her and miraculously fuses her broken pieces together again!
And Ivory may be his sweet, obedient sub but ultimately she holds as much power over Emeric as he does her. And her unflinching courage and valor is unparalleled! She has had a very rough life, which caused her to make some desperate choices to take care of her family and pursue her lifelong musical ambitions. But even though she’s has been through hell and back she is a true warrior! Her courage and grit, brilliant musical talent and beautiful pure heart were truly bewitching, and I loved her from the depth of my soul.
The journey that Ms. Godwin takes these characters on is so heartbreaking at times it left me shattered but this is a couple that goes the distance and slay their dragons side by side. There is no unnecessary drama or contrived plot twists that keep them apart. For once they claim each other and surrender to their forbidden temptation there is no going back for either of them. They fight valiantly for their love and while there is bloodshed ultimately they emerge victorious! And talk about the ULTIMATE PAYOFF! The HEA ending was so breathtaking and freaking perfect big fat tears gushed from my eyes and my heart leapt with pure, unabashed joy!
A MUST READ!!!
At first, I was wondering why I waited so long to read this book. Who am I kidding? My own assumptions of what the book entailed had me putting it off. The book was absolutely nothing like I had assumed.
I am not a fan of BDSM. For some reason, I had assumed this would have a heavy BDSM presence. But it didn’t. And the pieces of it did have not only fit the story and characters, but it was done completely with taste. If only other authors took Godwin’s example of how to weave something so personal and “taboo” into a romantic, yet haunting story, I might read more of them.
Then there was the student-teacher theme. I always cringe. I have read some that were done well and tastefully, others not so much. I am leery of picking up these books because I never know what I will get. This one is not only tastefully done, but it is done perfectly. Godwin kept Ivory’s innocence and maturity at the perfect balance. Every side of Ivory worked and was so realistic. Emeric was no different. She held his character from start to finish. I instantly fell for both characters, student and teacher and all.
This book isn’t just about a forbidden romance. It’s about growth and learning to heal and let go. I was enthralled with this book from start to finish. I couldn’t stop reading it. I didn’t want to stop reading it. Page after page, I couldn’t wait for more. Needless to say, there was no skimming scenes or covering my eyes in this one. I relished every last word in this book.
Ivory was leaving in a nightmare.. her life was a mess, her father died leaving her with something that will cause so much hate and trouble for her.. she was only 17, a survivor of a rough life.. she was only 13 when her life started to crash and fall apart.. her dreams are, to be the best pianist in the world.. to study in one of the best Music schools in New York but a lot people are against that dream .. until she meets him.. her Teacher a handsome talented but “ruthless” men .. he was rough and tender she wanted to meet more of him.. she was scared but at the same time intrigued.. he was the only one that has touched her soul.. he was the only one who held her trust ..
what i loved about Ivory was that we get to see the evolution of her characters.. in the beginning she was like a wild cat, defending herself, her life at all cost.. she was some how innocent despiste her circumstances.. but then as the months go by her transformation is slowly and beautifully shown ..
Emeric a very handsome Talented Piano teacher.. he was an Alpha, Dominant male with a reputation that he didn’t care.. he was careless but at the same time always in control.. he was supposed to harm her not to fall for her.. but he couldn’t deny anymore his needs and his nature.. she was everything he ever needed, she was a dream come true.. young, delicate and feminine a true submissive.. he was starving for her tears and her tending.. but his past can destroy everything, his deal with someone to break Ivory’s dreams can destroy this beautiful love. and lets not forget how sexy and hot he was specially that he is a mega dirty talker ..
This was my first book by Pam Godwin, a good friend kept recommending this book and it was amazing. I really love the way she touches D.s and BDSM she really portraits the life style as it is.. you can see how the Dominant mind of Emeric operated, always possessive, controlling but with so much love and wanting to protect her with all his love… Ivory pleading to serve him and needing him .. it was beautiful to see their relationship as a true Dom and Sub..
I’m looking forward to read more books by Pam Godwin
Ivory Westbrook only had one way out. That is to be the best, get a scholarship at her dream college after high school, Leopold the highest ranking college for the gifted musicians. Especially since Ivory’s father sold everything to put her into the prestige high school before he died. Her mother & brother has hated her every since. So now Ivory had to pay her way with her body since the age of 13 years old not by choice either.
Ivory was the best pianist in her school and the Dean hate her and wanted her out of her school, but there was nothing she could really do. Ivory high school was paid up for the 4 years she was to attend. The Dean brought in a new music teacher for Ivory senior year with a shady past but has deep connections to Leopold to ensure her son had the best advantage to the school. What the Dean didn’t bank on was Emeric Marceaux was smart and kept a few tricks up his sleeve. The first day of school Emeric made the mistake thinking Ivory was a teacher, she looked more mature than her other students and had many more curves. The boys drooled over her and the girls hated her and once he met her sight he could not take his eyes off her. The connection was undeniable, however, because of her age and the fact he is her teacher could mean the lost of his career as a teacher. So Mr Marceaux would avoid her as much as he could, that was until he hears the boys arguing who would have her and at that moment he decided he would protect his student at any cost.
Pam Godwin’s Dark Notes was another dark and delicious story. I loved the taboo, aspect and how dominant Emeric was. His connection with Ivory was electrifying and so so sexy. I enjoyed this story immensely as it was not just another student teacher story. It was unique, centered around music. I loved that it was emotional and showcased amazing Emeric and Ivory’s strong chemistry, sexual tension and heartfelt connection!
When Ivory Westbrook met Emeric Marceaux she could never have expected that she would have such an amazing connection to her new music teacher. But through his dominance and her submission they realize the bond they share and how determined Emeric is to keep Ivory. This story was amazing and hot af. Furthermore, Godwin was also able to showcase the painful and traumatic experiences Ivory lived through in order to make ends meet and just how far Emeric would go to protect her. I was consumed from the very first page! Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
Two of my favorite things in the world are books and music. Music has always soothed me and books consistently take me away to another world.
Pam Goodwin was suggested to me by another author that I trust and adore. I had never read Pam before, wasn’t quite sure what she wrote, but I am always open to new and exciting reads. Well let me assure you I was mesmerized by her words. I was so caught up in this story, I did not leave my house that day, because I could not put that book down.
Dark Notes was amazing!!!
The circumstances surrounding Emeric and Ivory could have, should have broken them. Everything about them was forbidden. Her lifestyle, his job and the tragedies they are both living with. But the strength and determination she gains through her circumstances prevents her from playing the victim. The honesty, and compassion (yes, even dark can be compassionate) of Emeric allows him to see beyond Emeric’s dilemma. The forbidden became the desired and the desired became the love. The darkest time is just before dawn.
This book was so well penned, so touching, so loving . . . I felt as though I were listening to the crescendo of a masterpiece. As I read the words, I felt the music. As I felt the music, I found the love.
Some would say this story was dark, some would say it was painful, and some may even say it was unrealistic . . . I say it was a five-star read, and I was utterly sad when it ended.
This book …
This book …
Wow!!! Just Wow!!!
I don’t know how Pam Godwin comes up with her material to make a book so unlike anything that’s been published but DAYUM!!!! The Woman can write a wicked story!
Emeric the Young, Hot Music Teacher
Ivory the 17 year old Senior in High School who has had a crappy life….
Woven together in such a way that I can still hear the piano playing…
Fantastic 5 Star Book that once you pick it up…You can not put it down!!!
I’ve always said that the true test of an author is whether or not they can make you feel the emotions they are trying to convey, Pam Godwin has not only made me feel with Dark Notes, but her ability to elevate the feelings into visualization is phenomenal.
There were so many times during the reading of this book that I felt transported…the first time Ivory plays the piano for Emeric…I was there. When Ivory tells Emeric, “Mr. Marceaux…You’re sharing your notes.” He says, “What?” and she touches her breastbone and says “I feel your notes. Here. They’re dark and hypnotic, like your breaths and your heartbeats.” I could barely breathe and got goosebumps all over. And when Emeric realizes she’s worth it the author writes his thoughts…That’s when I hear it. The tempo of our breaths. The drum of our heartbeats. The crackle in the air…awakening sensations I’ve never felt, composing a melody I’ve never heard. Our hypnotic, dark notes. At this point, I couldn’t help how my hand caressed my breastbone.
I could go on, but I think you see where I’m going with this, quite honestly there were several times throughout the story I was completely breathless.
That said, I won’t lie, I was a little apprehensive with the premise of this book, the whole teacher/student thing borders on creepy for me, but a book buddy and I chose to read it together and I’m so glad I took a chance. And since music is my second favorite hobby this was a total win/win for me.
Ivory is young and naive in some ways, but so strong and resilient, something that makes her far more attractive and mature than most her age. Emeric is honest and forthright from the onset and a caring and protective alpha, making no bones about his need for her to “trust” that all he does is about her and for her. Totally swoon-worthy…when he tells her “that’s the luckiest dress on the planet” I wanted to fall at his feet and worship.
“Mesmerized by the lyrical language of our heartbeats” Can’t you feel it? Wouldn’t you want that?
As I said, in my opinion, the true test of an author is the way a book makes you feel…Dark Notes demonstrates a talent not all authors can achieve….thank you Pam Godwin, I will treasure this book.
It has taken me an absolute age to get round to reading this; I have had in on my kindle for a couple of years and always been put off because I thought it was going to be a sex fest. How misguided I was…. don’t get me wrong, a steamy sex scene between two characters that just click is great but I like there to be a story, progression and development as well. Too many authors use sex scene after sex scene as filler to mask the weak storyline. This book ticked all my boxes so I’m glad I finally took the plunge!
Born on opposites sides of the track; Ivory had just about the worst living situation you could ever imagine yourself in. Emerick the gifted, beyond wealthy, male alpha dominant was her teacher. In the end it wasn’t just piano lessons he was teaching…This guy was the man on the white horse that charges in and saves the damsel. He certainly gave my skin goosebumps and tingles down my spine in the most delicious of ways.
Great characters, secondary characters and plot development. This definitely has become my favourite Pam Godwin book!
Emeric & Ivory’s Story
I recently read Pam Godwin’s “Lessons in Sin” and knew I needed more of this talented author’s words! Dark Notes was incredible and had me hooked instantly! This dark and sexy read grabbed me right form the start. Emeric, ultra rich, sexy as sin music teacher had extreme talents both in the classroom and out! Student Ivory comes from a poor background filled with abuse and heartache. Ivory is determined to fulfill her father’s dream, even against all odds. Her talent and commitment far exceed any Emeric has ever experienced and he sets out to become more than her teacher! I am blown away by Pam Godwin’s talent and Dark Note’s will remain a top pick!! Loved it!!!
: &
I’ve read this about 2 years ago as well as my first book of , it’s a student-teacher forbidden romance. The tone of the book is dark and alluring. It’s very atmospheric and I remember liking so much our main characters primarily Ivory. Despite her circumstance, she’s strong and determined. Also, the sexual tension between these two is on fire.
Anyways if you haven’t read yet, it’s never too late to pick this up.
:
Would I recommend this series:
Would I re-read this book:
Would I read future books by this author:
: dark, TW, and forbidden romance.
Dark Notes is soooooo good! Many readers have described this as a dark romance novel and yes, there are scenes that I found difficult to read due to the situations Ivory found herself in, but I personally didn’t find it too dark. I absolutely loved seeing Emeric and Ivory together – especially when their relationship overstepped teacher-student boundaries.
After everything that Ivory has been through all I wanted for her was to live a happy and successful life. I loved her strength and determination. She truly is an incredible and talented young lady.
I quickly fell under Emeric’s spell as I can imagine everyone does. I absolutely adore that man. I loved how he helped and cared for Ivory – showing her what a loving relationship is, even when being his dominant and kinky self. The acceptance and support that his parents gave him were wonderful to witness too.
As well as Dark Notes having a great storyline and fabulous characters, a highlight for me was the twists and turns throughout the book. I was unable to determine how Emeric and Ivory’s story would unfold as they continuously found themselves in situations which could have seen them facing the consequences of their actions. This added tension and angst, and made it a real page-turner of a story. The sexual chemistry between the couple is palpable and I loved how the author penned the physical side of their relationship. There are reasons why they shouldn’t be together but I could see how perfect they are for each other, and was rooting for them from the moment they met.
Dark Notes is a story that I highly recommend to you to read.
Dark notes is Pam Godwin at her best, writing about themes that are complicated and that only a brilliant and brave mind could pick it up and make it it’s own. Every time I hear or think myself that someone looks like a slut, I will remember Ivory’s story and mentally slap myself for my unrequited assumptions. Every time I hear a piano playing, I will remember Ivory and Emeric’s song, one that I have never heard before, made of breaths and heartbeats that sound in synchrony, that create their hypnotic dark notes.
This is a journey through the world of piano musicians, where Ivory is the student, a brilliant one by the way, and Emeric is her new teacher. But like every other book from this amazing author, you can never wait for it to be just the story of love between a teacher and a student. No, her books are always intricate, deep, very real, basically a true masterpiece with multiple layers to uncover through the pages.
So, Ivory has to act like a slut and perform as one to survive her prestigious school, her wrecked home and to finally be free to attend the university of her dreams. She has to endure years of man taking more than she wants to give, of always making a once over every time they see her, without realizing, or maybe not even caring, that it generates a true discomfort within women. In a society where our looks seem to value more than our soul or brains, this is a topic that speaks for itself.
Emeric is a piano musician that has a brilliant career and plays in a non-conservative way, one that already shows his mind is ahead of our times, or maybe some of us can’t just move forward and let go of the strictness that marked the previous centuries. He loves as he plays, embracing his dominant character (that suits him so well) and demanding true trust upon him and his methods.
When this two meet, there is true chemistry and intrigue for each other, and it seems odd how a man who needs submission and a woman who has only counted on herself for years and despises the opposite gender’s touch can connect and fit so perfectly, deeply and entirely.
Ivory surprises us all on how head on she faces every challenge and demand from Emeric, and he reveals how tenderly and completely he is able to care for her. It is a true lesson to see them both risking it all to be together, finding solutions and not more problems.
This couple have their hearing so accurate, they pay attention to simple breaths, heartbeats, the pounding of blood through their veins, the clicking of a clock, the moans and groans, the tears, the sting of a punishing belt, the sound of true love. In the end, I could also hear their ultimate love song!
I would highly recommend Dark notes to every lover of dark romance and erotica, but be aware that you are in for a hell of a ride. And if you haven’t read a book from Pam Godwin, starting with this one will already show you what all the worldwide awe with her is about! However, as she recreates scenes of rape and abuse, not only physical but psychological, and explores the relationship between a Dominant and a Submissive, be careful for they may trigger traumatic memories or upset you.
This book deserves the best 5 stars, for it’s a true gem. The writing is flawless, the characters are complicated and so damn beautiful, and you will be hooked to the pages trying to find fast enough what will happen next. And as we are already used to, you will never see coming how the story will end.
This is a stand alone book from Pam Godwin, and although I enjoyed the series Trails of Sin a little bit better than Dark notes, I can´t wait to read more stand alone books from her!
I love teacher/student and age gap romances and Dark Notes is an absolute favourite of mine. I love that Emeric is fiercely protective of Ivory and that their bond is unbreakable. It’s a brilliant, sometimes emotional, and oftentimes intense, steamy romance that you won’t want to miss.
Forbidden love at it’s finest!
I grabbed this book while it was free on Amazon. It was my first read by Pam Godwin and I guarantee it will not be my last. This author has a way to paint the story as if you’re watching a movie. Every single detail, from the music, to the decor, to the way the characters are dressed… everything is meticulously chosen to understand and feel as if you are right there with her characters. The emotions flow through her words flawlessly making it impossible not to relate to their pain, love and lust.
Five beautiful and spicy stars
A little racy, student teacher thing, but I liked the story.
This was such a brilliantly written masterpiece! Pam Godwin is an amazing writer, and this story excellently showcases her talent.
Emeric and Ivory had amazing chemistry from the moment they met, and nothing was going to stand in Emeric’s way of being with her. He was so intense, knew what he wanted, and went after it. Ivory, on the other hand, had been dealing with abuse since her father died four years earlier. She was such an amazingly strong person, and I absolutely loved that she finally got her happily ever after, after all that she had been through.
If you love a totally alpha, jealous/possessive, intense hero, and a tough, street-smart heroine, this is a must read!
IMPORTANT: This book has trigger safety content warnings and rape scene.
Dark Notes, by Pam Godwin. I was apprehensive in the beginning of reading this wild erotic love story, but as I read to the halfway point of the book my mind has changed drastically. I absolutely freaking loved this book. Yes, their were things that I had to adjust my mom cap to. With this style of writing, I find that I absolutely loved it.
In future books from the author, maybe there could be another version of this love story. Perhaps a couple in their twenty to mid thirties age range. The plot doesn’t need to be the same, but the outline of this story would be amazing for the more adult age couple. I don’t mind age gaps in certain scenarios, but I have lines that are drawn in certain situations. I mean no disrespect to the writer, so please do not hate me for my honest review.
Nothing will change my opinions of this authors writing of being one of the best that I have come by so far. I still say that she sits at the table with the Legendary James Patterson. While reading this book, I needed to have an open mind and dive into my review mode as a reader who loves reading a damn good book. And this is a damn good book. Pam’s writing was flawless.
Clearly, the author has the talent. The skills sets and the knowledge of writing something so riveting, so heart clutching, and emotional on every level of the minds psyche. I mean Whoa! This story wasn’t about sex between Emeric and Ivory, or the wrongs and rights of what transpires between them. The entertainment between the intimate, erotic love making and subversive battles that takes place in the book, I was hooked deep into.
I didn’t want to climb out. Page after page the dialogue was pure liquid to my mind. I almost thought Emeric was speaking to me. “In my mind I was the other woman”! With that said, for me the book was very easy to read, making the book more enjoyable for me.
There are some gut wrenching moments that had my heart pounding at triple the normal speed hence me clutching at my kindle yelling, “No! That can’t be! The steamy side of the book is like a sauna in a world of endless climatic pleasure. Emeric strong, dominant ways shows Ivory a world where she controls the keys to her future and happiness. The subplot and the plot is strong, raw and very powerful.
I have so much sympathy for Ivory. She doesn’t come off as the damsel in distress, which is good. Most readers don’t like that in today’s world of strong independent woman. In this story Ivory needs to find her power over her own self, her needs. With her love of music and playing the piano, Ivory needs to break free from the heavy burdens in her life.
The same burdens that are enabling her into a dark world of bitter betrayal and the ending consequence of life. Undoubtedly hers. My fellow readers, I recommend this book. Until next time… read on! I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.