He was her captor.
He became her lover.
Then he took everything.
“If this is the last time I get to have her, I want to drown in it.”
— Pitch, Locked
Locked is a dark, slow-burn romantic thriller, packed with betrayal, obsession, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that was never meant to survive.
For seven years, Pearl Ross has been locked inside Blackfield Prison, convicted of the brutal murder of her parents. Once the heiress to a prison legacy, she was meant to inherit it—not be condemned for its darkest crime. But the bars aren’t the real prison. The worst part is knowing she destroyed the people who loved her most.
Then James Pitch arrives.
The new prison captain is ruthless, feared—and utterly mesmerising. From the moment he arrives, he watches her like she’s a puzzle he’s determined to solve. He taunts her, provokes her, pulls her apart piece by piece. He holds all the power, yet with every stolen glance and unspoken threat, he unravels something inside her. Their connection is toxic, electric—a slow burn of fury, desire, and everything they’re terrified to feel.
Until the night they shatter.
But love was never meant to survive Blackfield. And when the truth behind Pearl’s past begins to surface, she is left with a choice—trust the man who has the power to ruin her, or lose him forever.
Because some cages aren’t made of steel. Some are made of the people we cannot let go.
“He looked at me like he wanted to break me… and maybe I wanted to let him. Just to see what happens.”
— Pearl, Locked
About the author
Hi, my name is S. A. Dare, I write dark romance—the kind that’s intense, all-consuming, and filled with obsession, betrayal, and the fine line between love and destruction.
I’ve always been an avid reader, and there’s nothing I love more than a morally grey arsehole who makes you question everything. Naturally, that led me to writing my own stories—ones where love isn’t easy, but it’s worth the fight.
When I’m not writing, you’ll find me devouring dark romance books, running on caffeine, and making questionable book playlists—all while juggling life with my husband, daughter, two dogs, and a cat. I also have an unhealthy obsession with true crime, which definitely fuels my love for morally complex characters and high-stakes tension.
Stick around for sneak peeks, exclusive content, and all things dark romance. Follow me on Insta & let’s talk morally grey men!
Library
Standalone Novels
Locked
Publication date: September 2025
He was her captor.
He became her lover.
Then he took everything.
A dark romance about power, survival, and twisted love.
If you like feral men, emotionally sharp heroines, and tension that burns slow and explodes hard — this one’s for you.
New Trilogy - coming soon
A decadent, dangerous trilogy set in the glittering playgrounds of the rich—from Monaco to Courchevel, and beyond.
"Project Monaco"
Coming Spring 2026
Currently drafting, deep into Act 3 (approx. 85,000 words)
If you like reckless billionaires, runaway heroines, and dangerous secrets on a super-yacht… get ready.
2
"Project Courchevel"
Coming Autumn 2026
Now in early development, outlining & deep character exploration.
Expect a heroine who’s done being perfect…and a man who dares her to surrender.
TBC
Coming 2027
Stay tuned...