Thank you so much for participating in the awards. The entries all had something truly unique or special about them. However, there can only be one winner and just like a good steak, our judges must trim the fat.

Below, are the second round results for Dark Romance.

Good luck to those continuing and thank you for your efforts to those who didn't make it through.

Judged by HappyCoati

Books that didn't make it to the final round:

Poppy_Rusert  - A TWISTED LOVE - Tempted
Character/s Introduction: 5/10
Genre Fit: 8/10
Grammar/Mechanics: 4/10
Details: 5.5/10
Total: 22.5/40

Notes: First of all, you have a BEAUTIFUL writing style. There are many sentences in your book that left me in awe of their creativity and how well you chose the words. Show this off with more descriptions! You have your own unique, lyrical talent and I think you need to exploit that better. Paint a picture of the setting - don't waste your time explaining how many buildings there are in NYU, tell me what they look like and what it feels like to stand at their feet, how proud they make Mira feel for achieving this and living her dream.

Unfortunately, the grammar and mechanics take away some of the enjoyment. There are many choppy sentences, tense changes, and words that aren't used properly. These are things most editing softwares wouldn't catch, so I'd recommend getting a reader/friend to help you find those and fix them.

Another little grievance I have are the characters. They come off as a little one-dimensional. Nina is the spoiled brat, Kelly is the mean bitch... Mira, with her double identity, is by far the most interesting character so far, which is normal since she's the main one, but even villains deserve some depth, it makes them more realistic.

I would also suggest showing their behaviors instead of simply telling them through Mira's point of view. For example, if Mira tells us that Kelly is dressed in vulgar clothes and is an insufferable coworker, then Mira might come across as mean and judgemental. However, if you describe Kelly's clothes and how she uses them to flash her boobies to any man who walks by, and make her feel insufferable through the dialogue, then the reader will come to that conclusion on their own. And then they're the judgemental ones.
So far, the book seems more like erotica than a dark romance, but I see some space for that intrigue to grow. Good luck with your writing journey!

You are talented, and once you edit this book, it'll go far.

TheAlixDavenport  - Russian Roulette: Family secrets [2021 version]
Character/s Introduction: 5.5/10
Genre Fit: 10/10
Grammar/Mechanics: 7.5/10
Details: 7/10
Total: 30/40

Notes: DISCLAIMER: I read your book and wrote this review after a long, exhausting day at work. I realize now that I might come off a little cranky. Sorry :(

Your writing is beautiful, and I'm sure you know it, but this book is heavy. It's exposition-heavy, description-heavy, and probably also physically heavy once you print it out on paper and bind it into a real book. By that I mean, there are a lot of words in here. The chapters are very long -- I read the disclaimer and am aware that this was how you intended the book to be read, but reading for so long with no breaks made me lose my focus.

There's a lot of information to remember, and everything is so detailed it made me want to register every single detail, but my goldfish brain just didn't let me, so I had to keep scrolling back up to re-read details I had missed. Half of chapter 2 is dedicated to explaining Mackenzie's family dynamics, which are then summed up in one line of dialogue in the following chapters. It gets very hard to follow, and even though everything is explained, I still got lost.
By the end of chapter 4. we have met at least 25 named characters. That's a lot. I don't think I've spoken face-to-face with this many people this year, and we're already at the end of June.

Again, each one of them gets their own description that makes them feel important. As writers, we tend to want to explain everything so that the readers don't get lost, but as my boss once said about my PowerPoint presentations: when too many things look important, then nothing feels important.

I feel bad for giving you a harsh review because it's clear you've put a lot of effort into this book, but I feel like it might be too much effort. If you edit this book again in the future, I'd say treat it like you're studying it for a history exam. You have your notebook in front of you with every single detail about everything that ever happened, and you're highlighting the parts you need to remember. If you highlight every word, on every line, of every page, you won't remember anything and you'll probably fail the exam (I used to do this). However, if you pick and choose the key parts of information, you'll remember the most important stuff and fill in the details with your memory and/or imagination.

mafia_lover97  - A Flower Between the Thorns
Character/s Introduction: 7.5/10
Genre Fit: 10/10
Grammar/Mechanics: 7/10
Details: 7.5/10
Total: 32/40

Notes: This book has an interesting plot (which Wattpad readers will absolutely adore) and intriguing characters. You said in an author's note that you felt you needed to work on Filip's point of view, but at this point in the book, I actually see him as the most developed character. His emotions and his drive are easy to understand and come across really well through his dialogue and body language.

I'd love to see that same depth with Fleur. Even though she doesn't have much dialogue in the first part, I think her internal monologue could delve more into her feelings -- which must obviously be strong and plenty, given the horrible situation she's in. We get to know her better by chapter 2, although by that point she seems feisty and strong, which clashes a little with the poor, shy girl we met in the beginning, and I felt like I missed a step in her evolution. She's the main character, so give her as much depth and importance as you can.

Your writing style is really enjoyable, and you have some very beautiful descriptions, but there are some distracting punctuation errors such as missing commas in sentences and dialogue tags, as well as some words missing in several paragraphs. One example I caught was "Coal black was covering her face like a curtain"... I assume the coal black was referring to her hair, but the way it's written makes it sound like someone smeared ash on her face or something. Give it a good re-read to catch all these small mistakes.

Although your book didn't make it through to the last round of this award, you have a great story and lots of talent. If you add in a good edit, your story will surely make it really far on Wattpad.

jennypate5  - When I'm gone, I'm glad we met
Character/s Introduction: 8/10
Genre Fit: 9/10
Grammar/Mechanics: 8/10
Details: 7,5/10
Total: 32,5/40

Notes: This was a really enjoyable read. We quickly get to know the characters and each of their personalities stands out well. Aspen is super relatable (I too like smelling people's cosmetic products when I'm in their bathroom at a party) and her situation feels real. The two boys have very different personalities, and both have their appeal, although I do think that Aspen seems to fall in love a little too quickly with Cole. Still, it does make sense given her innocence and naivety.

I'd suggest diving into the action faster. Dark Romance is a genre that calls for a lot of drama, and things seem pretty quiet in the first chapters aside from the fight scene. Try to string the reader along with looming dangers, even if it doesn't happen -- she is, after all, in a potentially dangerous situation, hanging around alone with a stranger while she's drunk. For example, try to hook in the reader at the end of chapter 1 by insisting more on the fact that she's getting way too tipsy. I'd also suggest starting the first chapter with the girls in the car, right before they get to the bonfire, and skip the scene of Aspen getting ready.

There are a few punctuation mistakes and one or two switches between past and present tense, but nothing too distracting. Your story is interesting and well written, and I'm sure it'll be popular.

Spiceseeker  - Tracy Trouble
Character/s Introduction: 8/10
Genre Fit: 8/10
Grammar/Mechanics: 9/10
Details: 8/10
Total: 33/40

Notes: Mmm. There's so much sex in this book, sometimes it gets a little hard to find the plot between the porn. Still, background on Ray, his personality and his relationships are cleverly woven into the story. It feels like an interesting insight into a man's mind. It's all about the Tig Ol' Bitties.

You have great descriptions, and a talent to include tiny details that make them come alive, like the toothpaste-spotted bathroom mirror. I have the same one at home!! I'd love to see more of the setting, to help the reader dive more into the story's atmosphere, because aside from a few quick mentions, I kept forgetting that it was set in the 80s. I know it wasn't that long ago (only 40 years...) but I'm sure there's a different feel to it.

The characters are very real and weirdly likable given that they're all assholes. But then again, aren't we all assholes at heart? I certainly am. Ray is a sex-obsessed cheater who describes himself as awkward and nerdy (and a titty-scratching post), although he doesn't come across that way. Within seconds of meeting Tracy, he's fully determined to betray his beloved Alice, and every single woman who breathes the same air as him seems to immediately drop their panties.

Sometimes, people see themselves differently than they come across, but there are very few things that show that Ray might be awkward and nerdy (he is however a certified titty-scratching post).

So far, the book seems like it fits  more in the erotica genre than dark romance, although the whole cheating thing leaves space for some taboo love in the future. This is for sure a very intriguing story (and yes, Tracy's eyes still terrify me).

Books that made it to the final round:

Ibirockerchick  - Give All To Mafia
Character/s Introduction: 8.5/10
Genre Fit: 10/10
Grammar/Mechanics: 7.5/10
Details: 8.5/10
Total: 34.5/40

Notes: This was an easy and very enjoyable read, with a good plot and writing skills. Your descriptions in particular were beautifully unique!
The action comes fast and strong, and kept me hooked all throughout the first chapters. There's a little bit of exposition, but I don't think it's a problem. It's cleverly included in the storyline and gives me just enough information to know what's going on, without going overboard.

Mercedes is an amazing main character to follow. Her emotions come alive through the pages, her reactions are realistic and I already see some development in her. I feel like I'm by her side throughout the story, and I truly feel for her.

As for grammar and mechanics, I did spot some punctuation and capitalization mistakes, but it's nothing that can't be fixed with a good edit. I'm excited to see where this story goes!

sarahkatepotter  - Falling Into Insanity
Character/s Introduction: 8.5/10
Genre Fit: 10/10
Grammar/Mechanics: 9/10
Details: 7.510
Total: 35/40

Notes: I had instant shivers down my spine within the first few paragraphs. The quick switch from absolute madness to "I love my life" felt like I was watching a movie. I can picture it in my head --  the opening scene of violent murder and then Rosie happily playing with Baxter the pug.

Your story is action-filled, and fast-paced. Everything was clear and easy to understand, all I had to do was lay back and enjoy the wild ride. I could have complained about the exposition in the first chapter, but in the end, I feel like you were just distracting the reader to make the tension building that much more impactful. I was going to say you could have ended the first chapter with "I felt a burst of pain in the back of my head, then nothing" but. then I got to the end of the chapter and it says it's 1,5k-2k words long?? How did you fit so much in so little?? Teach me your ways. My first chapter is about twice as long and way less stuff happens.

Adaline feels too crazy to be real, but then again I don't think I've ever met a serial killer and it makes her very entertaining. Rosie's attitude switches so quickly, it scared me a little, but I think she's a great actor and just trying to keep Adaline happy. By chapter 3, her character development is clear, and even I felt indoctrinated by this psychotic killer. I'm grinning at her tactics, and the Pierce twist was so interesting and unexpected, even after reading the blurb.

There are a few issues with punctuation and capitalization, especially in dialogues, but overall this is such a fun story to read. It moves fast, it's thrilling, and I'm excited to read more of it.

donnaf1828  - BELL RINGER
Character/s Introduction: 8.25/10
Genre Fit: 9.5/10
Grammar/Mechanics: 8.75/10
Details: 9/10
Total: 35.5/40

Notes: This story puts the "dark" in "dark romance".
From the horrifying tales told by Snake Stoller the barman (by the way -- coolest character name ever), to the heartwrenching evolution of our cute little Fin who turns into a very sad and hurt young woman, it's one of those books that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let you breathe until it's over. Even when the plot slows down a little, the tension never stops.

This book gives off some very thriller/horror vibes. Not much is known about the characters, but feel that is intentional -- there are a few holes to fill in Fin's story, and Cody, who seemed the most normal guy around at first, is turning out to be far more mysterious and intriguing.
Side note, the varying chapter lengths caught me a little off guard. Some of them are very short, and I think it could be worth developing them a little and/or combining some chapters, even though they have different points of view, to make the chapter length more consistent.

clownceo  - Eat the Poor
Character/s Introduction: 9.5/10
Genre Fit: 8/10
Grammar/Mechanics: 10/10
Details: 9.5/10
Total: 37/40
Notes: This book made me dive into its world and it was amazing. The descriptions are very atmospheric, all the way down to the language used in dialogues. It feels realistic, yet easy to understand and the historical vocabulary and accents are immersive, and never distracting.

We quickly get a feel of the main character's personality without having the narrator spell it out for us. The same goes for his mother, brother, and even the goose at the beginning of chapter 2. The men living in the castle's bowels are absolutely terrifying and gross but, call me crazy, I still want to hang out with them. They're so fun to follow and this book promises some crazy adventures.

As for the genre fit, I think there are a few others that could be a better fit (mainly historical fiction) but see I see some space for a dark romance to burgeon, and by chapter 4, you still have time to develop it. Your writing is beautiful, engaging, your grammar is perfect and I love how you play with rhythm in your sentences.

The intrigue sets quickly. Reality hits, and my hopes and dreams crumble with Auden's. The pacing of the King's death scene is especially cinematic, I can feel Auden's eyes whipping from one side of the courtyard to the other as it's happening. Your chapter endings are all masterful. You don't use cheap cliffhangers, always something more engaging that manages to keep me wanting more. Your last lines are like teasers that ALWAYS deliver. When you promised insanity, I got insanity that made my eyes widen and my jaw drop. This is an amazing book.

LVann26  - The Love I Found
Character/s Introduction: 9/10
Genre Fit: 9/10
Grammar/Mechanics: 9.5/10
Details: 10/10
Total: 37.5/40

Notes: Let's start with the boring parts of the review. Genre fit: it's not a typical dark romance, but the romance is there and it has dark elements to it. I saw one typo, "makeup most of my days" and a few imperfect sentences, but nothing that breaks the flow of your story, especially when the story is told by a first-person narrator.

Now, onto the fun part: me endlessly raving on and on about how awesome this book is. Your narrator has a relatable voice, and you have a very "cost-effective" use of language where not a word is wasted and yet no detail is lacking. All the emotions are conveyed so beautifully through Emilia's internal thoughts, the interactions between the characters, and their body language.

It's immersive to the point where it warps my reality and makes me become the narrator. I fell in love with Cal Jones as Emilia did. My heart raced when hers did, tense alongside her in every awkward situation. I'm six feet tall but your writing made me feel small. If I had to give any negative feedback, I'd say you're a little heavy-handed on physical descriptions in the first two chapters, but the descriptions are so unique and beautiful that I don't even mind them and wouldn't change a thing.

The characters have so much personality in the subtext -- regarding the whole "everyone calls me Amelia" thing, you don't even have to say she's a wallflower, you just know it by the way she acts about it and doesn't bother to correct anyone. I already some character development by the end of chapter 4, when she tells Cal her name is Emilia and not Amelia.
There's tension, there's comedy -- this book has everything. I feel like the chapters are short but only because I never want to stop reading. Your characters are lovable, their story is engaging, and your writing is a delight to read. Congratulations!

Once again, congratulations to all who made it to the third round!

Good luck as you progress!