Some fairytales begin with a kiss…CarsonMy secret to happiness is to be completely upfront with what I want and, trust me, it has nothing to do with Laney’s heart. Her lips? Hell yeah. A few other parts of her body? You better fcking believe it. But her heart? Nope. Not even a little. Until it does…a lot.Forget I said that. I don’t have feelings for anyone. They were all ripped out of me when I … I don’t have feelings for anyone. They were all ripped out of me when I was a kid.
This thing between Laney and me could be great. But we have to follow certain rules. We have a good time—no dates, no sleepovers, no expectations. When one of us is ready for something new or if she starts getting too attached, we move on with no hard feelings. Win-win, and everybody’s happy.
I came into this thinking it would be the same thing as it had always been and that she was like any other woman.
It isn’t. She isn’t.
But how do I tell her she deserves someone better – someone who can love her, someone who’s not broken – if I can’t seem to let her go?
Laney
I finally get it. And to think, it only took my heart being pried out of my chest and stomped on five separate times by men who claimed they loved me. That’s got to be a record, right?
Let me put it as simply as I can.
Fairy tales aren’t real. Love is a lie. And, at least in my experience, sex never comes with a happy ending.
Fortunately, I still have a battery-operated boyfriend who’ll never fall out of love with me. I won’t walk in on him in bed with another woman either. Nope. As long as I keep supplying him with fresh batteries, B.O.B’s only purpose in life is to make me happy.
And, damn it, I deserve to be happy. I’m a nice person. I work hard. And, most importantly, I’ve learned an important lesson: To never, ever let a man near my heart again.
Unfortunately, some people never learn.
Be ready for a lot of laughs, a bunch of swoons, and a few tears from this standalone romantic comedy.
“I finished DARKER WATER last night. I loved it. I can’t wait to read the next one!” – Katy Regnery, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
“Perfect spontaneous combustion material. I was all smiles and giggles, until suddenly – bam – tears started flowing and the sob-fest commenced.” – The Book Enthusiast Book Blog
“This officially sits on my Favorites list for Romantic Comedy” – The Book Bee
DARKER WATER is a standalone contemporary fairytale retelling inspired by The Frog Prince*
Now available…
VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE (Once and Forever #2)
DEEPER WATER (Once and Forever #3)
IMMATERIAL DEFENSE (Once and Forever #4)
Once and Forever, the series… began as a dare from a friend who believed I would never be able to write a standalone novel with a happy ending. To prove her wrong, this seven-plus-book contemporary romance series came to be, each with its very own happy ending. Along with a lot of snark, some angst, and a very hot, very alpha hero. All the books will take the theme or symbol from a different fairytale and then quickly go in another direction. And it ain’t towards Disneyland, folks.
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When I read this book, I was totally blown away. An update on “Sleeping Beauty” Lauren knocks it out of the park.
Darker Water is a standalone contemporary romance inspired by the Frog Prince. Once I started reading, it caught my interest from page one. I would have read it in one day, but at 86% my eyes would not stay open. So I got up early to finish. I ran all emotions while reading, from laughing, smiling, to sad with tears running down my face. Plus I …
Different storyline but still very good!
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK!!!!! Please excuse my screaming, but when a book makes me lose sleep, increases my heart rate, keeps me from sleeping, makes me laugh out loud and causes me to cry . . . it is a must read! Definitely one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. This is one of those books which keep you from moving on to the next one, …
I loved Carson’s quick wit and the way in which both Laney and Carson come full circle in their understanding of past relationships. I was hooked from the first page.
I don’t normally right review after I rate them but I really loved this book! It wa funny and I found myself laughing out loud at the exchanges between Carson and Laney — both characters I loved. Thank you, Lauren Stewart, for a well written, entertaining book!
Absolutely loved this
I LOVED this book so much and could not put it down! The dialogue between Carson and Laney had me grinning and often laughing out loud. Their chemistry was ! Do not be fooled though; this is not just another eye roll worthy romcom. There is drama and a bit of heartbreak too. However, there is an HE.
I enjoyed this book because it was funny to read but it also had deep emotions that stopped me from putting it down. The main characters are very interesting with issues that could only be solved by the love and acceptance for one another.
I learned something with this book, so I’m sure a part of it will always stay with me.
The cover drew me in and not knowing anything about what I was going to read I dived in. Discovering the H name was Laney the same as mine (just spelt differently) was a sign and I was excited to read what journey I was going to be taken on…
What starts as harmless flirting and a hot quick one night stand takes a quick turn into Something a …
Laney finally finds love with Carson, a long twisted journey.
I enjoyed the relationship building of Carson and Laney. Carson was so broken and did not realize what he was missing until Laney helped him heal.
Loved the angst
All I could think after I read “Darker Water” (nook) was WOW. This book was intense in its drama as well as love. Ms. Stewart has an amazing insight into the human psyche and portrays it excellently.
I really loved Carson & Lane’s story! I especially loved their banter. There were many laugh out loud moments as I found Carson’s quick wit so endearing. This is one of those books that I just couldn’t help but fall in love along with the two main characters.
It was frustrating at times and wanted more at the end.