Category Archives: Dark Humor

Anti-Hero, Audio Book, Dark Humor, Demons, Fantasy, found family, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Suspense, Urban Fantasy/Urban Fiction

#Review #Audiobook – New Dominion: A Snarky Urban Fantasy (The Judas Files Book 2) by C.G. Harris

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Ghostly brawls, voodoo magic and a manhunt for a power-hungry dead guy.

Underworld double agent Gabe Gantry can’t stop screwing up. And why can’t he have a cool Topside superpower like his partner Alex?

Trying to commit covert good deeds from inside Hell is a devilishly tricky balancing act and the scales have just tipped.

Being a secret agent in the Underworld is never simple, but a gig that doesn’t involve preventing the next apocalypse is suspiciously non-Satanic. But Gabe knows better. There has to be a catch.

All he has to do is uncover the truth, fend off murderous ghosts, save a young genius and do it all without colossal screw ups or giving away his secret. No problem!

If you like snarky characters, and dark humor, then you’ll love New Dominion, the second book in the action-packed Judas Files urban fantasy series by C.G. Harris.

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

Chirp Books

 

Twinsie Kelly’s Review

I highly recommend listening to this via audio! The narrator is absolutely fantastic and is the cherry on top for these stories. Seriously, when I think of Gabe and his crew, everyone in The Nine and Topside, I hear this narrator. BRAVO!

The Judas Files is becoming one of my favorite series! Gabe and I are essentially one in the same. He went to Hell but still has a good heart. How is that even possible? Well, it is, LOL! He finds himself in some of the wonkiest situations. The world building is unique and not one that you find and is definitely not overplayed. I found myself doing the smallest of mundane tasks just to pop my earbuds in to listen some more. The side characters, and Gabe, all have their own demons (no pun intended) to deal with as everyone ended up in Hell for one reason or another but everything isn’t always as it seems.

This story, even when it gets deep, because it does, keeps being fun, witty, snarky and most of all captivating. I can’t wait to continue with the third book!

 

C. G. Harris profile image

Hold onto your warp drives and wizard hats. Chuck Harrelson and Kerrie Flanagan are C.G. Harris, the award-winning coauthor team responsible for some of the most thrilling escapades in the multiverse.

Together, they write fast-paced science fiction and fantasy with snark, action, and plenty of chaos. Their books include the humorous urban fantasy series The Judas Files, the young adult alien invasion series The Rax, the YA cyberpunk thriller series The Cyber Conspiracies, and the humorous space opera series Viraquin Voyage.

When they are not busy crafting the next great American novel or penning a haiku about the existential dread of Mondays, you can find them in the throes of a culinary Cold War. Kerrie fiercely defends New York’s big, floppy, fold-it-like-a-newspaper slice, while Chuck argues for Chicago’s deep-dish cheese casserole with a crust.

To this day, the debate remains unresolved. But in the heated exchange of doughy discourse, one thing is clear: when it comes to pizza, the only real winner is whoever gets the last slice.

The Nine, the first book in The Judas Files, won the Indie Author Project regional book award for adult fiction in Colorado and was a finalist for the 2021 Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award.

Comedy, Dark Humor, Demons, Fantasy, Review, Urban Fantasy/Urban Fiction

#Review #Audiobook – The Nine: The Judas Files, Book 1 by C.G. Harris

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Book 1 of the 5-Part Series: The Judas Files

It’s not what you think…

Hell is bone-chilling.

Meet Gabe: a good guy making the best of eternity in a place not known for its hospitality. That is, until he’s recruited by Judas Iscariot (yes, that Judas) to join a covert team of double agents dedicated to thwarting the chaos unleashed on Earth.

Gabe, armed only with his quick wit and zero knowledge of the modern world, must navigate his new role alongside a beautiful, tough-as-nails partner. Together, they must prevent disaster without blowing their cover or revealing Gabe’s true identity.

If this unlikely hero can’t figure it out, facing Hell’s wrath will be the least of his worries…

Dive into The Nine, the first book in the action-packed, supernatural Judas Files urban fantasy series. If you love snarky characters, dark humor, and thrilling adventures (think Dresden Files meets the underworld), then you’ll be hooked. Winner of the Colorado Indie Author Project award for Adult Fiction!

Complete series available in Audio!

 

GOODREADS

 

AMAZON

CHIRP

 

Twinsie Kelly’s Review

I picked this book up on a whim and I am so happy I did! Gabe and I are a lot alike. We joke about all the wrong things at all the wrong times. For that, I connected with him right away. Right from the very beginning, I was sucked in. It was exciting and gritty and dirty and disturbing and humorous and just overall fan-freaking-tastic! Gabe runs a sort of store in Hell trading items for information. Similar to black market types of items/information. Due to his resourcefulness, he has been chosen to work for the Judas Agency as a double agent. The jobs that he and his new partner get into are quite sketchy. Gabe and his partner get closer by sharing some of their past secrets. However, this brings a whole new set of shenanigans with lots of action to the story. If something can happen here, it will. I wasn’t sure about the story, but I absolutely loved it and am looking forward to continuing the series. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was pretty awesome! Highly recommend it!

 

C. G. Harris profile image

Hold onto your warp drives and wizard hats. Chuck Harrelson and Kerrie Flanagan are C.G. Harris, the award-winning coauthor team responsible for some of the most thrilling escapades in the multiverse.

Together, they write fast-paced science fiction and fantasy with snark, action, and plenty of chaos. Their books include the humorous urban fantasy series The Judas Files, the young adult alien invasion series The Rax, the YA cyberpunk thriller series The Cyber Conspiracies, and the humorous space opera series Viraquin Voyage.

When they are not busy crafting the next great American novel or penning a haiku about the existential dread of Mondays, you can find them in the throes of a culinary Cold War. Kerrie fiercely defends New York’s big, floppy, fold-it-like-a-newspaper slice, while Chuck argues for Chicago’s deep-dish cheese casserole with a crust.

To this day, the debate remains unresolved. But in the heated exchange of doughy discourse, one thing is clear: when it comes to pizza, the only real winner is whoever gets the last slice.

The Nine, the first book in The Judas Files, won the Indie Author Project regional book award for adult fiction in Colorado and was a finalist for the 2021 Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award.

Aliens, Dark Humor, Demons, Dragons, Fae, Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Sci Fi, Shifters, Suspense, Thriller, Urban Fantasy/Urban Fiction, Vampire, Werewolf

#Review #Audiobook – One Foot in the Fade (The Fetch Phillips Novels Book 3) by Luke Arnold

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Welcome back to the streets of Sunder City, a darkly imagined world perfect for readers of Ben Aaronovitch and Jim Butcher.

In a city that lost its magic, an angel falls in a downtown street. His wings are feathered, whole—undeniably magical—the man clearly flew, because he left one hell of a mess when he plummeted into the sidewalk.

But what sent him up? What brought him down? And will the answers help Fetch bring the magic back for good?

Working alongside necromancers, genies, and shadowy secret societies, through the wildest forests and dingiest dive bars, this case will leave its mark on Fetch’s body, his soul, and the fate of the world.

Praise for the Fetch Phillips novels:

“Superb… With a lead who would be at home in the pages of a Raymond Chandler or James Ellory novel and a nicely twisty plot, this installment makes a strong case for Arnold’s series to enjoy a long run.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Arnold’s universe has everything, including the angst of being human. The perfect story for adult fantasy fans—a tough PI and a murder mystery wrapped around the mysticism of Hogwarts, sprinkled with faerie dust.” ―Library Journal (starred review)

Fetch Phillips Novels
The Last Smile in Sunder City
Dead Man in a Ditch
One Foot in the Fade

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

Chirp

 

Twinsie Kelly’s Review

I cannot recommend this series/book enough. And if you do pick it up, I recommend it even more to listen to it via audiobook. My personal opinion is that the audio really puts the cherry on top. Fetch is not a super complicated character; he is just trying to find his place. He has for so long believed that the magic disappearing is his fault and has been holding this weight on his shoulders alone, but there have been sparks of the possibility that there may actually be some magic out there.

Fetch is put on a new “case.” This gives us quite a few new characters and a few that we get to see a deeper side of. True to past books, we get Fetch’s same dry humor and him constantly battling himself. But this book…this book really gave me some feels. Fetch and the others were put in some difficult situations that were difficult for me to process, let alone the characters. I mean, I felt like they were REAL. These characters have become a part of me. Earlier I said that I recommend listening to this if you have the chance, I really do because there are parts where the emotion is so intense that I was literally breathless and had tears in my eyes. And folks, I am not a crier. I AM NOT A CRIER! Fetch has evolved so much. I cannot wait to continue his journey and I am hoping to catch up with some of the others on the way. This is hands down one of my favorite books!

 

Luke Arnold

Luke Arnold was born in Australia and has spent the last decade acting his way around the world, playing iconic roles such as Long John Silver in the Emmy-winning Black Sails and his award-winning turn as Michael Hutchence in the INXS mini-series Never Tear Us Apart. When he isn’t performing, Luke is a screenwriter, director, novelist, and ambassador for Save the Children Australia.

Angels, Dark Humor, Demons, Dragons, Fae, Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal, Review, Sci Fi, Suspense, Vampire, Werewolf

#Review #Audiobook – Dead Man in a Ditch (The Fetch Phillips Novels Book 2) by Luke Arnold

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In this brilliant sequel to actor Luke Arnold’s debut The Last Smile in Sunder City, a former soldier turned PI solves crime in a world that’s lost its magic. The name’s Fetch Phillips — what do you need? Cover a Gnome with a crossbow while he does a dodgy deal? Sure. Find out who killed Lance Niles, the big-shot businessman who just arrived in town? I’ll give it shot. Help an old-lady Elf track down her husband’s murderer? That’s right up my alley. What I don’t do, because it’s impossible, is search for a way to bring the goddamn magic back. Rumors got out about what happened with the Professor, so now people keep asking me to fix the world. But there’s no magic in this story. Just dead friends, twisted miracles, and a secret machine made to deliver a single shot of murder. Welcome back to the streets of Sunder City, a darkly imagined world perfect for readers of Ben Aaronovitch and Jim Butcher. Praise for Dead Man in a Ditch: “Superb… With a lead who would be at home in the pages of a Raymond Chandler or James Ellory novel and a nicely twisty plot, this installment makes a strong case for Arnold’s series to enjoy a long run.” ―Publishers Weekly “Arnold’s universe has everything, including the angst of being human. The perfect story for adult fantasy fans—a tough PI and a murder mystery wrapped around the mysticism of Hogwarts, sprinkled with faerie dust.” ―Library Journal (starred review) Fetch Phillips Novels The Last Smile in Sunder City Dead Man in a Ditch One Foot in the Fade

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

Chirp

 

Twinsie Kelly’s Review

I cannot get enough of this series. I highly recommend listening to it via audiobook. The author/narrator is phenomenal! Every gritty corner, unsavory character, questionable moral, is felt as if you are right in the story. I love the wittiness and how irritatingly twisted up it makes you feel while reading/listening to it. Fetch just can’t catch a break and just when he thinks he has things figured out, he is pulled into something else just as chaotic and crazy and going down another rabbit hole….or dragon hole. There is never a slow moment. All the characters bring something to the table. Every. Single. One. Fetch and the police department are getting along now (kind of), he has “friends,” some people from his past pop back up in his life (and seriously gave me some kind of feels!), but most importantly Fetch started trying to figure out exactly what he is doing. He has switched sides and shared secrets he shouldn’t have. He was a huge part of the problem and just wants to do the right thing. But, like most people (religions, politics, etc.), they all can justify their cause. Fetch needs to dig down deep and figure out what his cause really is.  I am extremely impressed with this series and NEED more!  I am on my way to list to the next in the series! Stay tuned for another review! Bravo, Luke Arnold, on a fantastic job!

Luke Arnold

Luke Arnold was born in Australia and has spent the last decade acting his way around the world, playing iconic roles such as Long John Silver in the Emmy-winning Black Sails and his award-winning turn as Michael Hutchence in the INXS mini-series Never Tear Us Apart. When he isn’t performing, Luke is a screenwriter, director, novelist, and ambassador for Save the Children Australia.

 

Audio Book, Comedy, Dark Humor, Mystery, Review, Satire

#Review #Audio – Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen

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Chaz Perrone might be the only marine scientist in the world who doesn’t know which way the Gulf Stream runs. He might also be the only one who went into biology just to make a killing, and now he’s found a way–doctoring water samples so that a ruthless agribusiness tycoon can continue illegally dumping fertilizer into the endangered Everglades. When Chaz suspects that his wife, Joey, has figured out his scam, he pushes her overboard from a cruise liner into the night-dark Atlantic. Unfortunately for Chaz, his wife doesn’t die in the fall.

Clinging blindly to a bale of Jamaican pot, Joey Perrone is plucked from the ocean by former cop and current loner Mick Stranahan. Instead of rushing to the police and reporting her husband’s crime, Joey decides to stay dead and (with Mick’s help) screw with Chaz until he screws himself.

As Joey haunts and taunts her homicidal husband, as Chaz’s cold-blooded cohorts in pollution grow uneasy about his ineptitude and increasingly erratic behavior, as Mick Stranahan discovers that six failed marriages and years of island solitude haven’t killed the reckless romantic in him, we’re taken on a hilarious, full-throttle, pure Hiaasen ride through the warped politics and mayhem of the human environment, and the human heart.

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

Chirp

 

Twinsie Kelly’s Review

Skinny Dip is hilariously incredible! There is never a dull moment during this story. There are so many characters, all well developed, and each one plays a very important part with the story. Every decision, twist, turn, haunting, cheating, discovery….all of everything, I was hooked. What am I saying? I am hooked! This is the second book I have read by this author and Carl Hiaasen is in my top ten favorite! On more than one occasion I sat here with my mouth open, shaking my head in disbelief at what just happened then laughed my butt off at the response! It is hilarious if you have a twisted sense of humor….like me! I love the hijinks and craziness. Skinny Dip is one of those stories that is a train wreck that you just can’t stop watching. You just know something bad is going to happen, but you can’t look away. OOOOOHHHHH, and poor Chaz. How this comes full circle for him in the end had me in stitches. Literally, I was laughing out loud. Let me tell you that it was the absolute perfect ending.

 

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Carl Hiaasen was born and raised in Florida, where he still lives. He is a prize-winning journalist with a regular column in the Miami Herald and many articles in varied magazines. He started writing crime fiction in the early 1980s and has recently branched out into children’s books; he has also had several works of non-fiction published.

Dark Humor, Dark Romance, Serial Killer

#DarkRomance #SerialUnaliver #NewRelease- Sirens & Stilettos, Serial Killer Book Club Book 2 by D.L. Darby

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Love hurts, even when the pain isn’t intentional.

Bunny Jones has a secret life…

By day, she’s an investigative assistant who blends into the background. By night, she’s the Shadow Siren—a ruthless vigilante delivering brutal justice to men who hurt women.

The only person she can’t seem to hide from is the detective who knows her better than anyone, because he’s already helped her cover up a murder—her husband’s.

Hunter Remington has always wanted all of Bunny—her heart, her trust, her darkness. But after surviving an abusive marriage, she’s hesitant to open herself up to love again.

When a reckless night leads to an unplanned pregnancy, Bunny must choose between the violent life that gives her power and the man who sees every broken part of her—and still wants more.

As anonymous threats surface and old enemies rise from the dead, Bunny is forced to confront the truth: Hunter’s obsession might be the only thing keeping her alive.

Obsession cuts both ways, though, and when her secret identity is exposed, love might not be enough to save her.

 

Dark Humor, Dark Romance, Serial Killer

#Review #DarkRomance #serialinalivers -Dolls & Daggers, Serial Killer Book Club Book 1 by D.L. Darby

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“Sometimes monsters are just broken people, hiding their scars from a world that has hurt them.”

Dove Carroway has two lives…

By day, she’s the bubbly, pink-clad media journalist who writes sensational stories about a vigilante serial killer. By night, she becomes the Baby Doll Killer, an avenger with a flair for punishing the worst of humanity—men who prey on children. But her most formidable challenge isn’t a criminal; it’s her insufferably charming work rival.

Wrenley Campbell is the perfect gentleman to everyone but Dove, the one person who grates on his nerves with her sunshine act. But Wrenley’s secrets are darker than the articles they write, and when Dove unburies the truths he’s hiding, she finds herself drawn to him in ways she never expected.

When their battle of wits escalates into something that hits too close to home, Dove steps into his world as her deadly alter ego, intending to terrify him into backing off. As Wrenley pieces together who she really is, their rivalry turns into a fiery connection that neither can deny.

Secrets this dark have a way of coming to light, and soon, they will have to decide whether their love is strong enough to survive the shadows or shatter under the weight of their haunted pasts.

Perfect for fans of dark humor, sizzling tension, and morally gray characters, Dolls & Daggers is a wickedly dark romantic comedy that’ll have you laughing, gasping, and swooning in equal measure.

Tropes
Rivals to Lovers
Workplace
Revenge
Forced Proximity
Touch Him/Her and Die
Feminine Rage
Morally Gray FMC
She’s the Masked One
Pink Obsessed
Height Difference (she’s 5’ he’s 6’2)

 

Here

 

Amazon

 

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this audiobook.

I am sold on a good trigger warning and one with serial killers to boot.  This book had me laughing at the sexual chemistry between Dove and Wren.  Wren knows he is the hottest thing this side of the Mississippi, and he figures he can get Dove’s job no problem.  Little does he know she is all rainbows and sunshine until she finds out what you’re a bad person…AKA Pedophile.  Then making you her dog’s favorite flavor of jerky is only the beginning.

This book had me laughing and dry-heaving a few times, but all in all, if you loved Butch and Blackbird or Sinners Retreat, you will love Turtle Dove and Song Birds’ love story.

D.L. Darby lives in Anchorage, Alaska with her husband, dog, and cat. When she’s not working at her salon, she enjoys reading, hiking (when the weather is nice), and watching silly reality t.v. shows. She loves to travel and one day hopes to be able to attend all of the bookish conventions in one year.

You can find her on TikTok @d.l.darby_author

Or join her reader group on FB at D.L. Darby’s Darlings

 

Dark, Dark Humor, Dark Romance, M/M, Mystery, Part of a Series, Psychological Thriller, Review, Suspense, Thriller, Trigger Warnings, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR26 #Review – Unhinged (Necessary Evils Book 1) by Onley James

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Adam Mulvaney lives a double life. By day, he’s the spoiled youngest son of an eccentric billionaire. By night, he’s an unrepentant killer, one of seven psychopaths raised to right the wrongs of a justice system that keeps failing.

Noah Holt has spent years dreaming of vengeance for the death of his father, but when faced with his killer, he learns a daunting truth he can’t escape. His father was a monster.

Unable to ignore his own surfacing memories, Noah embarks on a quest to find the truth about his childhood with the help of an unlikely ally: the very person who murdered his father. Since their confrontation, Adam is obsessed with Noah, and he wants to help him uncover the answers he seeks, however dark they may be.

The two share a mutual attraction, but, deep down, Noah knows Adam’s not like other boys. Adam can’t love. He wasn’t born that way. But he refuses to let Noah go, and Noah’s not sure he wants him to.

Can Adam prove to Noah that passion, power, and protection are just as good as love?

Unhinged is a fast-paced, roller coaster ride of a romance with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features a dirty-talking, possessive psychopath and a sweet cinnamon roll of a boy with Daddy issues and a core of steel. There’s gratuitous violence, very dark humor, enough steam to fog up a hundred car windows, and something a lot like love. This is book one in the Necessary Evils series. Each book follows a different couple.

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon 

 

Kelly’s Review

I have no idea why this book had me hooked, but Adam’s father says never ask a question if you can’t handle the answer. So, we aren’t even going to examine that. This story is absolutely intense! I picked this book up because a friend of mine who is a MM fanatic kept talking about how great the writing is and how sick and twisted the story was. Full disclosure, MM is not my jam, but I was so intrigued about the story itself. Then, I started reading….and reading….and then my heart is racing…then I am biting my nails, then I am flipping past some pages…then get back to the crazy plot. I couldn’t stop myself! I went into this downward spiral of page turning and reading.

Adam and Noah are basically an instant attraction or instant love but on a much deeper, almost scary level. However, their trauma explains some of their actions and decisions in their lives. The fact that Adam’s father trained Adam and his brothers to be assassins will run deep within the story. There is literally never a dull moment, clear up to the very end of the book. When you read this, it will stay with you. You must love all things twisted to get through this book. Go ahead, try it! You know you want to!

 

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Onley James lives in North Carolina with her daughter, her daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and a menagerie of animals, both good and evil. James splits her time between writing m/m romance and mainlining dangerous levels of caffeine and attempting to maintain her ever-slipping sanity.

When not at her desk you can find her whining about how much writing she has to do while avoiding said writing by binge-watching unhealthy amounts of television and doom scrolling on social media. She loves true crime documentaries, anti-heroes, and writing kinky, snarky books about morally gray men who fall in love with other men.

Stay up to date: www.onleyjames.com/newsletter

Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OnleysOubliette

Want more: linktr.ee/OnleyJames

Dark, Dark Dark and more Dark, Dark Humor, Dark Romance

#NewRelease #Dark – Love & Other Killers by Brynn Weaver

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Serial killers versus serial killer in a hot and twisted novella about family games, true love, and competitive carnage by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Ruinous Love Trilogy.

It’s the annual hunt for Sloane and her vigilante family of serial killers. Track the most cold-blooded psychos imaginable and take them down. This summer’s prey is Allan Munster, a churchgoing chicken farmer who slaughters more than fowl. The rules of the game: Divide into teams, devise a strategy, and make a move—the more cutthroat the better. May the best team win. The players are closing in. All eyes are on Munster. But there’s a hitch in the family sport this year. Someone might be watching them.

Amazon

Brynne is a fan of velociraptors, the Alien movies (well, most of them), red wine, and wild adventures. She can relate nearly anything you say to a line from the movie Hot Fuzz. She has been trying unsuccessfully for years to convince her husband that they should acquire a pet mink to add to their menagerie of animals (what could possibly go wrong with that plan?!). When not busy writing, Brynne can be found with her husband and son on their family farm in NS, Canada, or enjoying her other passions which include riding horses, reading, motorcycling, and spending time with family and friends around a raclette and a bottle of wine.

Dark, Dark Dark and more Dark, Dark Humor, Dark Romance

#NewRelease #Dark – Ship Happens, Slaycation book 3 by Lauren Biel

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Love hurts, but I like the pain

Maverick

The second I board the Bruise Cruise, I’m ready to indulge—top-shelf liquor, five-star meals, and maybe a little pain to round out the night.

What I don’t expect? Falling for the one woman guaranteed to ruin everything.

A federal agent.

She’s here to sink us, and I’m stuck sharing a suite—and a bed—with the enemy.

Frankie

Get in. Take down Jim and his crew. Get out. That’s the mission.

But nothing about the Bruise Cruise goes according to plan.

Especially not Maverick—handsome, odd, aggravating . . . and weirdly charming.

Which is a problem.

And then he tells me his secrets, leaving me with two options: jump ship or go down with him.

Ship Happens is book three in the dark romantic comedy series rocking the TikTok charts—and this time, all aboard means no one is safe. Expect savage banter, killer humor, and a romance that’s anything but smooth sailing.

Pack your bags, grab your life vest, and book your ticket—Ship Happens is your next slaycation! One click today!

Tropes:

  • Reverse age-gap
  • Serial unaliver x detective
  • Enemies-to-lovers
  • Forced proximity
  • One bed
  • Banter
  • Dark humor

Although this dark rom-com is “DIET” Lauren Biel, it still has adult themes. Full list of content warnings on my website. Please read responsibly!

Amazon

Lauren Biel is an Amazon Best Selling dark romance author who loves to write angsty emotional romances, Traumances if you will. When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but normal.