“Dark, visceral, and perversely romantic!” Anna Zaires, NYT Bestselling author He’s a man with no conscience. A man hopelessly in love.Bastard-born gentleman, Gregory Harrow, has decided that the Baroness of Iliffe will be his and his alone. It matters not what the young widow is hiding from, who he must kill, or what lies he shall weave to have his way. He will crush all in his path to love.… his way.
He will crush all in his path to love.
DARK SIDE OF THE SUN is a standalone regency era dark romance from USA Today bestselling author Addison Cain about depravity, desire, obsession, and lust.
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This book I found a little unusual. It’s definitely not your everyday story but I found that to be a good thing. It sets itself aside from the rest of the books in its category. The main character is definitely head-strong and knows what he wants, bordering a little on the arrogant side. This is fine but this book may not be for the faint-hearted. As it was it was dark and twisted which personally I love. The characters were relatable and the storyline was really gripping. Would definitely be interested in reading their other work.
Gregory Harrow was the perfect anti-hero…a delightful rogue and a ruthless cad, with a soft spot for the Imp, his new tenant at Cresent Barrows, Arabella, Baroness of Iliffe. But, alas he would never let it show until the beguiling widow captures his heart with her true nature. And there you have my weak attempt at regency romance….hey, I couldn’t help myself !
I confess this is the most enjoyment I’ve had in weeks. Addison Cain is one of my very favorites and Dark Side of the Sun is a perfect example of why. Master of the dark side of romance, she has found a way to enthrall us no matter which sub-genre she chooses to tackle.
Secrecy, lies, depravity and a huge helping of vigilante justice and this dark, regency romance really delivers. Oh yeah, and that final carriage ride *huge smile*
I recommend that you do not dally and one-click post haste!
I really like the book. It has a dark, broody, beguiling Hero (well, sort of a hero) who isn’t a nice guy and a heroine who isn’t cookie cutter either. She doesn’t fit into the standard historical romance tropes- wallflower, minx, tomboy, bluestocking, etc. She feels like a real person who is a little bit of everything. The supporting characters are just as intriguing and are just as important.
In a few parts, the writing is a little confusing or unclear but not enough to interfere with the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
As usual Addison Cain jerks me into the pages of her story and I can’t break free until I’ve read it to the last. Sensual and angsty with the perfect brooding hero that you probably should hate but just when you think you will, he sucks you back in. You suddenly realize you are willing the heroine to throw caution to the wind and toss her skirts up. I read it straight through my day off, laundry and dishes be damned.
Dark Side of the Sun is one of those rare books that will forever take up real-estate in my mind without paying rent and I don’t regret it one bit. If you like dark romance and historical romance then you’ll love this.
A wonderful dark romance that gives me Wuthering Heights.
Incredible read.
There are the books you can barely get through, the ones you only read once, and then there are your favorites that you just read over and over and over like visiting with an old friend on a rainy day over tea. This is the oft re-read favorite. A dark Victorian erotic romance, this is an amazing read. Again, Addison demonstrates her ability to master complex characterizations, fabulous natural feeling conversations all on top of amazing, deliciously hot sex scenes. This book flows by so fast, but oh, so wonderful. Tons of twists and turns, excellent descriptions that draw you in for a heck of a emotional roller-coaster. Filled with some horrific things, but it just adds to a most happy of endings (for the main characters anyway).
However! Trigger Warning: This book does deal with themes of rape and sexual slavery, so if you are not into that, do not read this book!
TL;DR: If you like dark romances that do deal in convoluted, antagonistic romances with bad boys and crazy hot sex scenes, this is for you!
Arabella’s journey is not a pleasant one. She holds onto friends like family and is very slow to trust. I don’t blame her one bit. This is truly a dark tale, but there are bits of light, bits of humor and an ending you won’t see coming. I do believe this is my favorite Addison Cain book yet!
The intrigue of a dark mystery, the soul wrenching terror of a girl being purposely sold into a deranged marriage, and the vengence of a boy turned man, born on the wrong side of a nobleman’s sheets. This was an intense, thrilling story that kept me intensely turning pages until it was completed. I realize all the talk right now is about Addison Cain’s newest series, but if you haven’t read this one, you’ve done yourself a disservice. I absolutely loved every thrilling word.
This book was out of this world good. Addison is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I feel in love with Gregory. Oh so good.
Totally amazing story we need more historical stuff from this brilliant author
“Arabella lay upon the heather, caught in the arms of the devil, and smiled.”
I seriously need to read more “historical romance”. This one is a passable example of the unique art that is the sweeping romance set in a bygone era.
The hero of our saga is an astute and wiley operator who takes his revenge on those who had demeaned him as a [bashard] before he became a wealthy man. Of course, he is appropriately dashingly handsome.
The object of his interest/desire is a red-haired “imp” who has him beguiled with her wild ways and at times, her broken spirit. Her past is not a happy one. She is a widowed Baroness hunted for money by her brother-in-law and his despicable crew of nobility.
There is a rather good plot line and the story is indeed entertaining. Where the book falls short for me is in the character development. Most especially, Gregory Harrow the hero. I so wanted to swoon over him. I wasn’t given enough to swoon about. Yes, I get he was “pretty”…and clever….and strong…even sexy sometimes but he was just a “meh” for me.
The key to an outstanding “bodice-ripper” is connecting with the hero and the heroine for that matter. I just did not connect with Mr. Harrow. “Le Swoon” was missing.
“Unless you have ridden a dangerous beast with nothing but your hands tangled in his hair, you could never feel the glorious triumph of the moment. The act ties the brute to you to a point that you would never be thrown… to the point you are one—unrestrained and beautiful.”
In the quote above Arabella, our heroine, speaks passionately about her horse. This is the type of writing needed in the mouths of our main characters about each other and their love. Too little passion-talk, sex-talk, pillow-talk and too little love-talk.
As far as being dark…oblique references are made to the abysmal abuse Arabella suffered at the hands of her deceased husband and his depraved friends. The storyline involves mainly learning to thrive after surviving such harrowing hell.
Reassuringly enough, the “Dark Side of the Sun” does not leave one completely in the dark. There is still light from the sun.
Hands down my favorite author. She is so versatile in her storylines and after reading A Taste of Shine (aka The Trick of the Light), I just HAD to read another historical romance. Historical?Contemporary? Ugh whatever genre these fall under. I was not disappointed.
The plots are incredible and the way stubborn and loving Arabella goes back and forth with the manipulative and evil Gregory was amazing. His dark sense of loving her.. the coldness even at his warmest moments.. the personality and actions of the people writtin in this book was just SO in character. I don’t know how this author comes up with all that she does. Im in love with this book
4.0 stars
Historical romance is not my favorite genre. However, I had to read this because I am addicted to this author. While this wasn’t my favorite by this author I still found myself in awe of her world building skills.
I must confess I had a bit of trouble at first, but I soon adjusted to the author’s style of writing and so glad I gave it time. The period was captured beautifully, ugly bits and all.
I loved the leading lady having such a good heart, yet such a venomous tongue. Harrow’s presence dripped from the page, darkening the room… The man was nearly stepping out of the book. I could not stop reading. I had to know. Needed the same questions answered as she did. Wishing I could read his mind. Addison Caine delivered a thrilling dark romance, keeping you in suspense to the end.
Dark Side of the Sun by Addison Cain
Four Stars
Dark Side of the Sun is a Regency Dark Romance by Addison Cain. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Cain And I’m hooked, she will be permanently added to my TBR list. It’s been quite a while since I have read a historical romance, and a dark one at that, and I enjoyed it so much I couldn’t put it down until I read the very last page. This is Arabella and Gregory’s story, and although I have mixed feelings about Gregory’s character, he sure make this story memorable. I don’t want to give an spoilers on this book, so I will just say, if you like a dark romance this book is for you! I highly recommend and look forward to read more from Ms. Cain’s backlog.
Dark Side of the Sun by Addison Cain is not only the first book I’ve read by this author but also the first historical dark romance I’ve read. I am not typically one to read historical romances but I’ve found myself reading more dark stories lately and the synopsis grabbed my attention.
The book read at a slower pace than I am used to, possibly because it isn’t as dark as some of my recent reads. Overall I think Dark Side of the Sun is a strong story, the setting and genre are just new to me. I would venture to say many would call this a five star read. I felt like the characters were strong, even if frustrating, love to hate type characters at times and the chemistry was well illustrated. The epilogue was very short but to the point but I felt it wrapped the book up well. I’d give Dark Side of the Sun 3 stars personally but I plan on reading more of Addison Cain’s work in the future.
Dark Side of the Sun is a historical romance. It is not a cliffhanger, which I appreciated. I will admit that it took me a little bit of time to get into this story as I am not usually a fan of historical romance. The further I got into the story, however, the more it grew on me. It is somewhat of a slow burn, but it picks up in the last half.
I love that the female lead displays both fearful and fierce feminine qualities. It makes her more relatable as she struggles with the ghosts from her past but is still determined to fight them. I also loved that, ultimately, she is not afraid to do what she believes is right, no matter what other people will think. The relationships that develop between her and several of the other characters are multi-faceted and it lends to an engaging read, especially the ones where she is engaged in clever word-play and subtle insults. The male lead is definitely a character that you both love and hate. He is pompous, devious, manipulative, and also passionate in his dedication to those he chooses to love.
Even though this story is wrapped up at the end, there are pieces of it that carry a bit of mystery and would make great companion stories if the author ever chose to pursue them.
* Swoon*
Five deep and satisfied swoons for Dark Side of the Sun
Gregory is the devil incarnate – manipulative and cunning with the heart of a blackguard. I found myself both drawn to and repulsed by his actions, though I have to concede he definitely got my heart pumping
He has clawed his way out of the pits of hell to reign supreme in his own corner of the world -Crescent Barrows – He makes no secret of who he is or what he wants and what he wants is the Baroness of Iliffe
Arabella – how can you not love her strength, her sacrifice her will to be free? Her character is so alive and vibrant. My heart broke for her but I also could feel her determination and grit bleeding from the pages. Perfect heroine – strong and shielded driven by a heart of purity.
She was born a bastard child – a gypsy. Hated by her father she was sold to the highest bidder to become nothing more than a toy to sate the darker needs of the most un-noble of the aristocrats. Saved by a twist of fate she flees to Crescent Barrows
This is such an emotional and engaging read
– The antagonists were dynamic and meaningful- easily riling my feathers
-strong secondary and supporting characters
– a smooth plotline that flowed effortlessly from the opening to the closing scene
– A definite must-read for Cain fans and for those who enjoy a bit darker male lead
Yes this ends with an HEA – who’s I am not telling
Dark Side of the Sun (A Regency Dark Romance) by Addison Cain is an historical style dark romance that surprised me from start to finish.
Gregory Harrow, doesn’t care what he does to hurt or humiliate those beneath him. He’s an arrogant man and he knows it.
When he meets Arabella, he will do everything he has to do to make sure that she is his – lie, manipulate, punish those who have hurt her. Could she be the one who changes him?
Arabella, Baroness of Iliffe, is a fiery resilient woman who has ran from her past life and wants to stay hidden from the world, not owning up to who she really is. Will she be able to let her guard down and trust Gregory to help her?
This is an intensely, suspenseful dark read that had me gripped once I got into the storyline. At first, I wasnt keen on Gregory’s character, but the more I read, the more I warmed to him. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading as this genre isn’t my normal go to, but it drew my in from the first few pages. The writing style and old period language were easy to read. I would recommend to anyone that likes historical romance and dark romance.