Independent

I wasn't his type. I was his target.

but now you can know his name... and hear his song. Now you can know his name... and hear his song.

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The Novel

Independent

She built her life on discipline.

He built his on getting exactly what he wants.

When his attention lands on her, everything becomes a test: of control, of desire, and of the loyalties she thought were unbreakable. He doesn't chase; he acquires. And he has never lost anything he decided was his.

The most dangerous part isn't his obsession.

It's the way she's starting to respond.

Independent is a dark romance novel by Lark Elwood. It doesn't promise a safe journey, but it promises an unforgettable one.

Dark Romance Morally Grey Hero Obsessive Romance Spicy Romance Possessive Hero Adult Fiction Forbidden Romance Enemies to Lovers
The Reader

This book is for you if…

  • You love a hero who takes what he wants, and you're rooting for him anyway
  • You read for the tension as much as the resolution
  • Morally complex characters feel more interesting to you than safe ones
  • Obsession, possessiveness, and power dynamics are your comfort zone
  • You've dog-eared half of every dark romance you've ever owned and felt zero guilt about it
  • You want a story that earns its ending instead of just handing one to you

Independent is intended for readers 18 and older. It contains explicit content, power imbalance, and emotionally intense themes. A full content warning list is available on request before applying for an ARC.

The Author

Lark Elwood

Lark Elwood is a dark romance author writing for readers who aren't afraid of the complicated parts: the power plays, the obsession, and the morally grey heroes who make choices you wouldn't but understand completely.

Independent is her debut novel. She believes every great dark romance has to earn its ending, and she spent a long time making sure this one does.

She writes for the readers who finish a book at 2am and lie awake thinking about it. This one is for you.

Questions

Common Questions

Independent is a dark romance novel for adult readers. It features a morally gray hero, explicit intimacy, obsessive tension, and an emotionally charged dynamic between the two main characters. If you enjoy dark romance authors like Ana Huang, Rina Kent, or Penelope Douglas, this book was written with you in mind.
Yes. Independent is a spicy romance with explicit sexual content. It is intended for readers 18 and older. If you prefer closed-door romance, this one is not for you. But if you're here, you probably already knew that.
Yes. Independent contains mature themes including power imbalance, obsessive and possessive behavior, morally gray dynamics, and emotionally intense situations. A detailed content warning list is available to readers: join the reader list or reach out directly to request it before applying for an ARC.
A release date will be announced to the reader list first. Join using the form at the top of this page to be notified as soon as a date is confirmed, along with cover reveals, bonus content, and early access details.
An ARC (advance reader copy) is a pre-release version of the book given to approved readers in exchange for an honest review posted around or after release. The ARC team for Independent is small and selective. Apply using the form in the ARC section. All applicants will be contacted, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Lark Elwood is a dark romance author. She writes adult romance with morally grey heroes, obsessive tension, and spicy explicit content for readers who love high stakes. Her debut dark romance novel is Independent. This official site (larkelwood.com) is where readers join her list for release news and read her dark romance journal.
Yes. Lark Elwood is a dark romance author specializing in morally grey heroes, obsessive and possessive dynamics, and adult explicit romance. Readers searching for contemporary dark romance authors in that vein discover her debut Independent here and on Goodreads.
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Advance Readers

Read it before anyone else

The ARC team for Independent is a small group of approved readers who receive an advance copy before release in exchange for an honest review.

Independent contains explicit content, mature themes, and emotionally intense dynamics. Please apply only if you enjoy dark romance and are comfortable reviewing stories with adult content.

If selected, you'll receive your copy along with all the information you need ahead of the release window.