“Blue Ribbon Rating 4.5!...Containing a fascinating plot, a mysterious Lord, and a girl that is not afraid to face The Dark Lord in his lair, this is a story that is sure to capture your curiosity and keep you reading until the very end. Katarina isn’t your typical timid girl, which is the main reason I adore her. Sebestyen is in so much pain, both physically and
mentally, it’s impossible not to love him. Rumors have caused him much heartache and practically destroy any chance he would have of finding love. I admit to being stumped as to what part the cook plays in the misfortune befalling Sebestyen and thoroughly enjoyed how that part of the story turned out.”—Chrissy Dionne, Romance Junkies Reviewer
“5 Unicorns!...Superb!...A superb gothic story of a tortured hero and an innocent, strong-willed woman...Kept me interested from the very first sentence. I enjoyed the sinister surroundings of this story along with the sweet love that blossoms between the main characters. This is definitely a story to add to your immediate reading list.”—Anita, Enchanted in Romance
“8.5 Rating and a Recommended Read!... Kelli A. Wilkins has a talent for writing the intriguing short fantasy, I've enjoyed every one of her stories to date and The Dark Lord is no exception. I really enjoyed her story twist; it made me wonder how she would resolve it. I would recommend anything by Kelli A. Wilkins including this short.”—Aline de Chevigny, In
the Library Reviews
“5 Stars!...A historical romance with a slight twist of intrigue to display a bit of suspense and just a drop of horror in the works to make the story flow along smoothly and keep the reader interested. Author Kelli A. Wilkins has woven together a wonderful story with characters who try to move both earth and sky to make their dreams come true.”—Wanda
Maynard, Simegen.com
“4 Stars!...Excellent...A wonderful story. Ms. Wilkins has developed a wonderful
character in Lord Adrik. The storyline is intriguing with a dash of mystery. The flow is smooth, the sex is imaginative and the characters are well described. I will be looking for more historical stories by this writer.”—Kim, MayReviews.com
“4 Beacons!...The author paints a vivid gothic scene with a gloomy castle, a grumpy servant who leaves at night, and a very handsome Lord with a dark secret. Sebestyn is the perfect tortured hero...This short story is definitely a keeper.”—Moe811, Lighthouse Literary Reviews
“3 Hearts!...Has a very Gothic style feel to it. Kelli A. Wilkins manages to bring these two very different characters together despite the odds stacked against them, despite their different pasts and different social statuses...A charming tale that will please most
readers.”—Sarah W, The Romance Studio
…Sebestyen opened the music box, then turned and coiled his left arm around Katarina’s back.
“Rock back and forth, from side to side. Like this.” He swayed to the side and started to fall. She wrapped her arms around his ribs and steadied him until he regained his balance.
“Careful, Sebestyen. Do not hurt yourself.”
“I won’t. I haven’t danced with someone in so long. Please, indulge me,” he begged.
“I’m honored to have you teach me.” She quivered as he pulled her closer. The feel of his muscular arms enveloping her made her heart beat faster. A pulsing heat spread into her lower belly. She wasn’t sure how to dance, but she loved the way Sebestyen held her.
She rested her head against his broad chest and took a deep breath. Sebestyen smelled like a combination of musk and spices. The exotic scent invited her to get closer.
“It’s not about the dancing as much as holding a beautiful woman in my arms,” he whispered, then bent his head and kissed the side of her neck.
She gasped and looked up at him.
“I hope you’re not angry with me.”
“No, not at all,” she replied, her chest heaving against his. She was far from angry; she wanted him to do it again. “I’m surprised. No one’s ever kissed me before…anywhere…”
“Then this shall be a night of many firsts for you.” He cupped her chin and tilted her head upward. “Let me teach you.”