Dark Soul #4 by Aleksandr Voinov

Dark Soul Vol.4 by Aleksandr Voinov
Riptide Publishing

Short Novella: 68pgs

Rating: 4.5/5

Blurb:
In “Dark Rival I,” the noose tightens around Stefano Marino’s neck. While Silvio and Franco are off taking care of the Russian problem, mutiny brews in Stefano’s crime family. It soon becomes clear he can trust only one man in his life, but whether he can hold on to Silvio—and what it might cost his marriage—are questions for which he has no answers.

In “Dark Rival II,” Silvio returns from his mission. Job done, threat gone, Stefano knows Silvio has no reason to stay. Or so he thought, anyway, until Silvio makes his move. It seems Silvio wants only sex, but Stefano is well aware there’s much, much more on the line. Including Donata, whose suspicions of a mistress in Stefano’s life are uncomfortably close to an even more uncomfortable truth.

Hopeless and helpless as his life crumbles down around his head, Stefano gives in to his desires in “Dark Temptation.” He isn’t any closer to understanding Silvio—and he’s farther from Donata than he’s ever been—but at least he’s come to understand his own needs. Now if only he could figure out how to be himself without hurting the ones he loves the most.

Review:
I am once again unable to write a review that will give another book in the DS series justice. So you know what? I wont! I am just going to gush all my feelings out, rave about Stefano&Silvio, and contemplate why the ménage I wanted between the Spadaro brothers and Stefano didn’t happen. I am looking at you Aleks =_=.

So three stories in this one, once again triple the power in pants losing. Stefano is at a crossroads, and all the intersections are leading to Silvio. The relationship between him and his wife is getting strained, family crime values is looking dire, and Stefano feels like his whole world is out of control.

While reading I felt somehow dissatisfied with something, unable to pin point exactly what I wasn’t happy with. It’s like all these emotions and feelings are coming out, things need to be said but all I am getting is thoughts in Stefano’s head, but his mouth doesn’t freaking move. This overwhelming need for a praecipe, because someone needs a push or an order for things to get done. All the fill in the blanks dialogue, was irking me until I realized that Stefano is just unable to deal with exactly what he is feeling, and you can fill in all the blanks with any random ole shit but what is left unsaid is more powerful than anything.

In all this I feel for Stefano’s wife, because if it was just fucking that Stefano had to do he would just be that cheating bastard, but its more and as much as he loves his wife ‘sometimes love is not enough’. Yes very sad for Donata, but happy in my pants when Silvio and Stefano finally come together. Shower scenes, hotel queens, and drugstores. My pants burst into flames, but the flame wasn’t enough to engulf them (did Mr Voinov keep it slightly tame for a reason?) I believe so my friends because you can’t give your all when you’re not completely on board with what you are feeling. My men were holding back, and DS4 left me once gain with more questions than answers. Will it work? What choices will Stefano make? Will I crack the code that is Silvio (like Davinci code)? Will my men find happiness?

Overall, really liked this one and can’t wait to dive into Dark Soul #5 where it all ends. This series continues to be extraordinaire, and its one you are likely never to forget. The characters are superb, the writing captivating, and the Dark Soul world powerful. For all that is sweet and holy, I love me some Silvio and Stefano and I won’t be able to let them go.

4 1/2 Pants Off