This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher for the copy. What a fantastic book! The author has a great gift for characterisation - nuanced, interesting, believable people!Thanks to a great author we have warmth, wisdom and emotional intelligence, this book was a huge pleasure to read!

After reading the first book in this series, I was hoping to enjoy this one more. And to be honest, I did. I thought it was a better and more enjoyable read. If you enjoyed the first book, then I'm sure you'll be more than happy with this one too. It fulfills that same paranormal romance/mystery itch.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Loved Lisa and Randy’s story! Hard to describe how good these books are. Where’s, Vampires Demons and humans all in 1 action packed book. Yes there’s some sizzling romance to!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Torture Me Gently by Kira James.
Dark Alliance Book 1.
Some call me a monster, equal parts beautiful and deadly. But I just do what it takes to survive. Especially now that my unique skills are all that stand between me and total ruin. As a succubus, I can bend any man to my will… except Vincent Rand, the very man I’ve been ordered to seduce … and to betray. An enigmatic werewolf soldier whose secrets cut deep.
Even though I’m drawn to him, I must resist. Because my blackmailers have made one thing very clear—it’s him or me. And I’m not going down without a fight.
I really enjoyed this book. Loved the story. 4*.

Very interesting tale involving the shadow world. A succubus, a werewolf, some vampires and a mystery all coming together to weave an intriguing tale that kept my interest

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this arc. I loved this story and I look forward to reading other works by this author.

Another winner from Kira James! First vampires, now werewolves?! This series is really growing on me, can’t wait for more from her!

An urban fantasy crime drama with a side of steamy, steamy romance? Yes, please!!

Human murders are piling up - it looks like a vampire on a killing spree but the vampires think it’s a frame job by the werewolves. Former soldier turned werewolf, Rand, has been sent to investigate on behalf of his boss. He, however, is also being investigated by CI Lissa - a succubus with the unusual ability to take a person’s thoughts when she feeds on their soul during s*x.

This book is non-stop action! From moment one we’re following Rand while he hunts a demon and when we’re not actively involved with the case, we’re following Lissa as she tries to get out from between a rock and a hard place of neither wanting to go to jail nor wanting to betray Rand. Their chemistry is electric - touch her and die vibes but Rand makes good on that threat!

There are a few other POVs that help flesh out the story and while they felt important, they were also a little confusing for me since I haven’t read the first book yet. I still think this can be read as a standalone though!

Thank you Netgalley & Kira James for the ARC - all opinions are my own.

I received this as an eARC from NetGalley and Martini & Olive in exchange for an honest review. Thank you both for this opportunity! <b>My reviews are extensive, but fear not, there are no ending spoilers in this review.</b>

This landed at <b>4.5⭐</b> for me on Storygraph (once it's imported there) but rounded up on Goodreads as they don't allow partial stars.

I did not realize until starting this that there was a book 1 and novella prior to it so off the break I was excited because I love a series binge (which I haven't done yet, I started with this book) and a succubus as one of the main characters, yes please!

<b>+1⭐ Writing:</b>
Modern language and it flows well. A great job showing instead of telling throughout.

<b>+1⭐World Building:</b>

Top tier world building! I did not read the first in the series yet and this was so well done I can follow the story, understand the world, the nuances of it and not be distracted trying to figure pieces of their universe out.
🤌 Chef's kiss.

<b>+1⭐ Spicy Scale:</b>
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The spice was on point. *fans self*

<b>Trope Talk:</b>
We have a few here and I wasn't mad about any of them. Won't spoil them.

<b>+1⭐ Plot:</b>

Supernatural XRated Law & Order very vibes. Well woven story, no shocking plot twists but they weren't necessary, it was a solid mystery.

<b>+1⭐ Character Development:</b>

Multiple POV's here allowed for us to get to know the cast here quickly and in a way I could connect with them. I preferred some of them more than others but none of them make me want to skip their chapter.

<b> -.5⭐Representation:</b>

Good mix of representation here in terms of race but lacking in the LGBTQIA opportunities which could have added so much extra heat to this. I did not care for the section when a female tells a male she should go with the succubus because he's male. I couldn't tell if it was inferring succubi are only into men or if it was a dig at men for being incapable of controlling themselves. I'd love to see that clarified. Later in the book it does refer to women being affected but there's no real rainbow representation here.

<b>+.5⭐Pace:</b>

This takes off like it was shot out of a cannon and in the best way possible and continues at a steady pace that makes it hard to put down.

<b>Ending:</b>

I was more than happy with the ending.

<b>Overall:</b>

I loved this book and look forward to binging the others in the series. I would buy this for my shelf, and recommend/re-read. I could see this series becoming a Netflix or Hulu show.
<i>(As always, I am extremely picky about purchasing books for my limited shelf space and choose 4-5 stars from my personal ratings and only if I love it, want my children to read some day, or want to re-read.) </i>

<b>Trigger Warnings:</b>
Sexual Assault
Sex Trafficking
Violence


<b>EDITING FEEDBACK:</b> <i> Does not affect my rating as this is an eARC that clearly states it is still in the copyedit process. Now that I know how, that feedback is sent directly to the publisher so I will not be sharing publicly.</i>

I love this phenomenal series! Kira James Thank you for these stories!
I've had the best time.

Embrace Me Darkly Book 1 was also great! If you haven't read it you can get it now on KU.
Torture Me Gently is book 2 in the Dark Alliance Series by Kira James and I have to say I'm loving this set.

I was completely sucked in, "literally" from the very beginning!
Kira James does such a good job with her characters and their stories.
She has a magical way of writing that entraps you instantly
Fantastic writing. Compelling plot line. Remarkable world-building. And the characters/romance/spice was on damn point!
This book had it all from the many epic scenes, details that are beyond amazing, strong female lead, spicy scenes that’ll leave you breathless, and an amazing plot line that’ll make your jaw drop.
I couldn't stop.. hell I didn't even want to stop reading Torture Me Gently!
James knows how write an adult contemporary, erotic, paranormal romance story that absolutely took me by surprise!
I can't wait for the rest of these to hit because I need them in my life!
Tempt Me Deadly I'm so ready for ya.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Martini & Olive,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this eARC!