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Audiobook Review – Dark Lessons by Julia Sykes

05/24/2018

Dark Lessons by Julia Sykes

Narrated by Fred Blogs and Lauren Sweet

Standalone BDSM Suspense Romance

I had no idea what to expect with Dark Needs by Julia Sykes. I was just going through the list of Wicked Book Weekend authors and seeing which ones had audiobooks available. Since she was the sponsor of our BDSM demonstration, I knew her books were BDSM romance, but that was all I knew.

When I started Dark Lessons, honestly, I was very “meh” about it. It seemed to traditional and almost old fashioned, if that makes sense, for a contemporary. It seemed like everything a traditionally published BDSM book was 6 years ago. It felt predictable; an amazing one night of sex and the handsome stranger turns out to be her instructor for Natalie’s first day at Quantico for FBI training. It also seemed like a beginner BDSM book, explaining the reasoning behind the submission a bit.

“Natalie’s submission was as addictive as the drugs I’d abused. Just as addictive and equally as dangerous.” 

Jason was an agent who had a bad case that left him with some major PTSD causing him to become an addict. Add to that his abusive father was a high ranking official, and Jason was sent to Quantico to be a trainer until he cleaned up. Meeting Natalie was a complication he didn’t need, but one that brought out all of his dominant and protective instincts.

“She might not need rescuing, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t going to protect her.” 

Still, it was a pretty tame book. The sex scenes were very beginner BDSM, and again, I was just feeling meh.

And then HOLY SHIT. Is this the same book?

DANGER. ACTION. SUSPENSE. Holy cow, this book totally turned around! It was almost like two completely different books! It had a dark turn to it, and a lot of twists and turns that were a little tough to follow on audio, but still kept me riveted.

Likes:

  • Well written.
  • A completely surprising turn.
  • The second half kept me riveted and my heart pounding.
  • Good sexy times.
  • Sometimes there was a well placed funny line that perfectly lightened an intense scene.
  • I love a kickass heroine.
  • The Jason Bourne type turn.

Dislikes:

  • The whole 1-night stand ends up being your teacher trope is so freaking overdone.
  • The BDSM and romantic relationship felt very BDSM 101. Like this should be your first foray into this genre.
  • He was a very gentle dominant and everything and the emotions behind it were explained a little too much.
  • The writing and terminology felt like a safe, traditionally published BDSM book from 2011 at first.
  • The second half where the suspense began was a little tough to follow.

The Narration:

I enjoyed both narrators. While neither are my hands-down favorite, I really have no complaints either. The voices fit the characters, and I think this story is just as good in audible as it would be if I read it.

The Down & Dirty:

Dark Lessons by Julia Sykes started as a 3 star read for me. There was nothing wrong, it just felt safe and traditional. Then it totally changed on me and I’m so glad I stuck it out through all the crazy twists, turns and excitement. It was like 2 books in one: a traditional beginning BDSM romance and an exciting, suspenseful, military romance.. Julia is in the lifestyle in real life, so I liked that the BDSM elements were realistic and informative, but if you have read other well-known authors in the genre, this will feel like BDSM 101. All in all it turned out to be a unique and exciting read.

Rating: 4 Stars, 4.5 Heat, 4 Narration

Purchase Dark Lessons by Julia Sykes

 

Related posts:

  • The Rom-Com Agenda by Jayne DenkerThe Rom-Com Agenda by Jayne Denker
  • The Back Nine by Rachel BlaufeldThe Back Nine by Rachel Blaufeld
  • The RSVP by Lauren Blakely | Audiobook ReviewThe RSVP by Lauren Blakely | Audiobook Review
  • A Long Time Coming by Meghan Quinn | Audiobook ReviewA Long Time Coming by Meghan Quinn | Audiobook Review
  • Beauty and the baller by Ilsa Madden-MillsBeauty and the Baller by Ilsa Madden-Mills | Audiobook Review
«
»

3-4 stars, 4 stars, audiobook, Audiobook 3.75 Stars, Audiobook 4 stars, BDSM Romance, Featured, Julia Sykes, Reviews 10

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Comments

  1. Bonnie Collins says

    05/26/2018 at 9:22 pm

    I love your review!! I like BDSM but they need to do it right to keep me interested.

    Reply
    • Ana's Attic says

      05/27/2018 at 11:42 am

      It was very light, but definitely done right. Julia is a sub in real life.

      Reply
  2. Cara Nicole says

    05/26/2018 at 9:44 pm

    Love BDSM and suspense, this sounds awesome!

    Reply
    • Ana's Attic says

      05/27/2018 at 11:43 am

      I hear the Impossible series is like that all the way through.

      Reply
  3. Tara says

    05/27/2018 at 12:44 am

    I don’t think I’ve ever read her so I’m totally hooked just by your review!!

    Reply
    • Ana's Attic says

      05/27/2018 at 11:43 am

      I want to read more!

      Reply
  4. Ashley Wands says

    05/27/2018 at 1:08 am

    Very straightforward review, I appreciate the honesty & would love to check this book out for myself!

    Reply
    • Ana's Attic says

      05/27/2018 at 11:43 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  5. Kristene Skaggs says

    05/27/2018 at 8:15 am

    Great review ❤️

    Reply
    • Ana's Attic says

      05/27/2018 at 11:43 am

      Thanks so much!

      Reply

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- @catherinecowlesauthor has been a favorite of mi - @catherinecowlesauthor has been a favorite of mine for the last few years. In 2022, the entire Tattered and Torn series released, and I loved every single one of them. I listened to them all on audio, and they each deserve a place on my Best of 2022 list, especially Fractured Sky, which I gave a rare 5+++ stars to.

They also have the most beautiful covers!

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The first two audiobooks in this unrelated series The first two audiobooks in this unrelated series were on my Best of 2021 List, and Seatmate by @carabastone has continued the streak for my Best of 2022 list. The full cast narration and the production of this “audioplay” is what made Seatmate a 5-star read for me. I really felt like I was eavesdropping on a real conversation. This was a quick and fun listening experience, and though it’s nothing epic, it stood out to me in 22.

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Another Top Pick of 2022! The Love Hypothesis by @ Another Top Pick of 2022! The Love Hypothesis by @alihazelwood lived up to all the hype. I absolutely loved the smart, slow-burn romance that subtly addressed a lot of issues without ever banging you over the head with them. This is one of those books you might be able to recommend to even the non-romance reader even though it’s very much a romance. It just has that “something special”. 

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I read the first book of the Night Huntress Series, Halfway to the Grave in 2009, and I can honestly say it’s still in my top 3 series ever, so when I saw she was writing the first book again from the male POV this time, I was a little nervous but also excited. Thankfully I had nothing to be nervous about! I absolutely LOVED it and I am so glad to hear she is continuing to do Bone’s POV for the 2nd book as well!

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Another 2022 Top Favorite is Carrie Soto is Back b Another 2022 Top Favorite is Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid.  I am still blown away by the fact that this non-tennis fan loved this all-tennis book so much. I loved that Carrie Soto is Back tackled so many issues women in sports face, especially women of color. This powerful story really illustrated the costs of greatness, and the sacrifices one needs to make in order to make it to the top. The narration made it even better, and the tennis had me on the edge of my seat! (I don’t even like tennis!)

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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See how all the TJR books cross over: https://anasattic.com/taylor-jenkins-reid-book-crossovers/
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