This was an ok story. Everything was predictable. No real surprises. However, I did like the characters. I’ll probably try this author again.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Loved this deliciously dark romance, but wish it was a tad darker! I love my dark romances to be really dark, but even though I wouldn’t consider it this to be that dark and disturbing I still found it unputdownable! Lots of steam, suspense, and of course a bit of love! Well written, with characters developed flawlessly! Loved the multiple pov, found it to be a very layered read and more than you might expect from this genre! Overall, I think those who enjoy these types of books will absolutely find this one to be completely unputdownable! Will definitely be looking for more by this author!

Dark Descent into Desire by J J Sorel is the story of Blake Sinclair and Penelope 'Penny' Green.
Blake didn't grow up very well and one of the issues was Dylan Fox. But now Blake is an adult who doesn't do love but only does instant gratification with sex and never the two shall meet. But then he meets Penelope who catches his eye. But her art also catches his attention too. When he does get to take her he finds that he can't seem to just walk away. Then something happens that he has to fight against when his past starts to try to ruin his future. Enjoyed this book.

I’m struggling to remember the details of this book a week after reading a I can’t - never a good sign.

This novel would do better to categorize itself as erotica bc the plot existed solely to lead to sex scenes, and they were quite repetitive. He storyline was meh - I appreciated the inclusion of the lead’s life in housing estates and surrounded by gritty drug scene and I wish that had been explored more, but it added some depth and care to her character. The male lead had some promise but it fell short for me and felt a bit contrite.

I’m a big opponent of using gay characters as cheap supports to bolster the confidence of female leads. The bubbly 2-D “gay friend” trope is overdone and frankly offensive at this point and publishers should be quick to catch it and either cut out these characters entirely or demand they be given a backstory and a meaningful part in the plot.

Not really all that dark or romantic or impressive.

What I love – a bit dark, very sexy with off the charts heat, full figured female love interest

What I did not – Penelope, towards the end due to her lack of growth and maturity

This story is told from 2 perspectives – Blake a 30 year old billionaire bachelor, who does not believe in love or marriage, does not want any sort of relationship and likes alternative sexual actives, and Penelope “Penny”, a very poor but super talented voluptuous and curvy 23 year old virgin art student, who does not have time for a boyfriend but when she does, she wants love and commitment. As the book begins, James, Blake’s friend, suggest they go to a private club, Cherry Orchard, where mostly poor “legal age” women sell their virginity. Blake is not interested but agrees to accompany James. Penny, lives in a slum with a heroine addicted mother and trying to complete her last year of art school. Lilly, her best friend and neighbor, advises that she submitted her application to sell her virginity in order to obtain enough funds open a beauty salon and asks Penny to accompany her for moral support. Although Penny does not support what Lilly is doing, she agrees to go with Lilly. At the club, while Penny and Lily are waiting to be taken back for Lilly to prepared for her showing, Blake and James enters the club where Blake and Penny are instantly besotted with each other, however they do not speak. Penny is not able to wait for Lilly and is asked to leave. Once Blake realizes Penny is not among the participants he leaves as he was never interested in participating and some of the girls look underage. However, James to tried to bid on Lilly but was outbid. Lilly did not have a good experience and does not recovery quickly. Meanwhile, Penny has an art showing with a school mate Sheldon “Shelly”, which Blake and James end up attending. Penny calls Lilly to advise James and Blake are at the showing and Lilly decides to attend and subsequently Lilly and James get together. Blake purchases Penny’s triptych and their conversation does not go well. Partly because she thinks he was at the club to purchase some poor girls’ virginity and partly due to misunderstandings, and thus begins their voyage towards their HEA.

I like dark, flawed, and messed up characters because I like a good redemption arc. What can I say, I like my knights dark with a bit of grit and that is Blake. I also like it when a character matures and grows over the course of the story, which Penny does not and that was disappointing as it took away from the story a wee bit. Because Penny has never had a boyfriend, some of her naivety is understandable in the beginning but by halfway point and beyond I expected a bit more growth and maturity. Do not get me wrong, Blake was not always correct in his actions, especially when it came to dealing with things from his past, but he was the one doing most, if not all, of the compromising when it came to his relationship with Penny. It just seemed no matter how much Blake did, each time there was a moment for Penny to provide love, support and loyalty to Blake she ran without giving give him a chance to explain and if it was not for him going to her, they would not have ended up together. With that said, I absolutely adored the ending, perfection!

I was provided an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my truthful review and the above is my honest opinion of said book.

A darkly rich storyline that captures you at the first and will not let go until the final page. I found the story quite fascinating with hot steamy scenes between Penelope and Blake. Excellent job!

A big thank you to NetGalley and IN Sorel for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a stand alone book. It is a little dark, and has lots of drama. I didn't love this but I didn't hate it. It talks about some sensitive issues. I couldn't connect totally with the main characters. I really disliked Blake's friend James. He was a creep. I did enjoy Sheldon! Always great to have such a good friend. 3.5 stars

Penelope is an artist; Blake is a billionaire who always gets what he wants. The chemistry is intense and steamy. The story is fast-paced with loads of twists and turns. The characters have lots of depth and they really draw you into the story. I liked it.

3 stars

I could not connect with the characters and that made it hard to engage with the story.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

The characters lacked chemistry for me, which was a significant issue when trying to read a romance. It was an interesting premise, there is a definite illusion to Jeffrey Epstein in the criminal aspects of the plot, this part of the book I enjoyed. it's set up was well devised, but it got messy when the romance was introduced, and some of the secondary characters were a detraction to the story. 

It had potential, but there was more to dislike this book than to recommend, so it was a miss for me. 

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Penelope: “I’ve always used art as an escape, as an expression of my inner world while giving me a break from the real world”
Blake: “But isn’t your inner world a mirror of the real world, given that that’s all you’ve ever known?”

Penelope is an art student with an addict for a mother. She is kind, naive, and self-conscious. She is a relatable character to most young women. She’s always late. Blake is a layered character with an endearing boyish appeal. They communicate without saying anything. The cover gave ‘The Vampire Diaries’ vibes. The red and black palette specifically.

The best thing about this book is its unique diction and profound phrases. The transition statements between chapters described the setting adeptly and set the tone for the preceding sentences. The way the author conveyed Blake’s past details and his trauma, as well as the revenge subplot, is thoughtful. Steamy scenes felt unnecessary and did not tie into the plot. There was no tension between Penelope and Blake. This book is too typical and predictable.

NOTE: Explicit content and mature themes are discussed in this book, recommended for readers older than 16. ARC provided by NetGalley. Thank you.

I was not a fan of this. I found there to be a lack of chemistry between the love interests and the sex scenes were cringy. I can see how others may enjoy it but it’s just not for me.