Beyond the Darkness

Offspring #5

by Jaime Rush

“I’m hooked on Jaime Rush’s exciting, sexy paranormal series!”
—New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich

Paranormal romance fans who have yet to discover Jaime Rush’s extraordinary Offsprings series should do so immediately—otherwise they’ll be missing out on the hottest, coolest, sexiest genetically altered “super heroes” in the world of sensuous fantasy fiction. Beyond the Darkness delivers the heat with a breathtaking tale of passionate desire. It is the story of a beautiful, psychic, half-human offspring attempting to move on after being abandoned by the magnificent shapeshifter who won her heart—unaware that her vanished lover hides in the nearby shadows, determined to protect his adored one from her gathering enemies…and from his own inner darkness. This is steamy supernatural fiction in the dark, delicious vein of Jeaniene Frost and Vicki Pettersson—a must for fans of Heroes, Supernatural, and Torchwood.

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Shapeshifters, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Aliens

366 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 25, 2011

About the author

Things that go bump in the night have always intrigued me. Sometimes those things are human; other times, not so much. I really played with this in my Hidden series, that reveals humans with the essence of gods who walk the knife's edge between Miami and a magical world of passion and danger. Part dragon, angel, or sorcerer, they must fight their own kind, demons, and the lure of their darkest nature.

If you’re familiar with my Tina Wainscott books, you know I'm fascinated with all things psychic. In my award-winning Offspring series, I throw a group of strangers with inexplicable psychic abilities together in a fight for their lives. As Tina, I write romantic suspense with magical realism elements (Love & Light series), The Justiss Alliance series (military romantic suspense), romantic drama in the Falling Series, and psychological suspense. Altogether I’ve published thirty-four novels and five novellas. See more www.JaimeRush.com and www.TinaWainscott.com

https://books2read.com/jaimerush

amazon.com/author/jaimerush

Reviews

[Carla-Everything Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review - (reviewed by Carla)

"Beyond the Darkness" is the fifth book in the Offspring series and the long awaited story of Cheveyo and Petra. I know I have been dying for Cheveyo and Petra's story and Jaime did not disappoint with their story. This book has it all. Action, adventure, a sexy tortured hero, a pampered princess turned warrior, an amazing romance story, smokin' hot love scenes and some really terrible bad guys.

At the end of the last book, "Burning Darkness", book 4 - the Offspring are finally free. They don't have to run from Darkwell anymore and they can try to live "normal" lives again. "Beyond the Darkness" starts off with Petra working a normal job and trying to keep her mind off Cheveyo. She gets a call from Pope, asking her to meet him and she goes. Pope needs Petra to contact Cheveyo, and Petra is his only hope of contacting Cheveyo with the psychic connection they share. Petra agrees and the story just explodes from there into a total adrenaline rush.

If you've read the prior books in the series, you know Cheveyo is a man of mystery. He is an Offspring but stays away from the rest of them. He is a loner and only comes around when he knows Petra is in danger. The only things we've learned about him throughout the series is that he has visions of the future (that's how he knows Petra is in danger), he has a psychic connection with Petra and he can shape shift into a blank panther. Cheveyo knows that Petra is his other half but has made it clear that he can have nothing to do with her. In this book we learn everything there is to know about Cheveyo and exactly why he stays away from Petra. I really liked him the few times we got to see him throughout the series, but now.. I LOVE him!! We got to see many different sides of him - a warrior, a protector, a loving and romantic man who longs to be with the woman he loves and a……. Ooops! I'm not telling you anymore! You'll have to read the book to find out. :-p

Petra is the older sister of Eric, the hero from the fourth book. Although Petra is older, Eric always looked after her and bossed her around trying to take care of her. Out of all the Offspring, Petra is the one that wanted to find love and the one man she wants, she can't have. She is at a point where she is feeling out of sorts and alone because all of her friends have found love. Petra is also the pampered princess of the group. She's the girly-girl, a beautiful woman who likes to dress nice and always likes to wear make-up. She has a very gentle nature and the only Offspring that has the power to heal. But when it comes down to Cheveyo, Petra will do anything, even become a warrior princess that will do anything to protect the man she loves.

We also get to learn so much more about Pope and get to see another side of him, other than the emotionless Callorian we all know from the series. I am totally loving the vulnerabilities we see in Pope as he lives in the human world and feels the emotions of those around him. I am hoping that Pope will get his own book. He's been through so much to help and protect the Offspring that he deserves to have a HEA.

This is my favorite book in the series. It’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions and there were quite a few scenes that had me crying from sorrow, pain and joy. I could not put the book down and finished it in half a day. This book can be read as a stand-alone but I definitely recommend that you read the rest of the series as well. This is the kind of series that you fall in love with all of the characters and you won't want to miss any of it. Jaime…..you totally rock my world!! That's why the Offspring is one of my top favorite series, because every book blows me away!

I give "Beyond the Darkness" 5 out of 5 Stars

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so pleased to receive an early galley of this book. When I first opened it on my kindle, I just sat and looked at the cover page for a few minutes. Sometimes, when you are waiting for a specific book in a series to finally come, a small part of you doesn't want to read it because you are afraid that it won't live up to your expectations.

I definitely had some serious expectation's for Cheveyo and Petra's story, which I have been waiting patiently for ever since Cheveyo rode into the series with Zoe attached to his bike (the lucky broad!) This book lived up to and exceeded every expectation I had for it and it very quickly stamped itself as my favorite in the series:hands down!

For those who have not yet read the series: Please go read it if you enjoy para/romance, sci-fi/fantasy, mystery/conspiracy/ action . . . super hot dudes with snarky one liners and endearing personalities. This series is really great because it keeps you guessing and is different than any other series that is out there on the shelves right now!

For those who have read the series: I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! The three main character's in the book are Cheveyo, Petra, and Pope--and the development and dialogue between these three is so much fun to read, especially Pope. I was really happy to see where she takes the character that we were so weary of when he first came aboard. I won't give a bunch of details or spoilers, but rest assured you will be very happy after reading this. As always, Jaime throws a few curve balls and slingshots the series into a direction no one could have guessed (one of the best things about the Offspring series.)

Yeah, I gave it five stars! I know that is a stellar rating and it should be reserved for only the most awesome books you read--and i gave it to Beyond the darkness for that very reason.

First Star--the dialogue cracked me up something fierce!

Second Star--Cheveyo is dreamy, and I love me a good fixer upper hero *waggles eyebrows*.

Third Star--The character development is good stuff; I love the way Petra sticks to her guns and refuses to give in even to her own detriment.I hate novels that make the heroine a doormat with no spine . . .Petra's may act like a princess, but she's no doormat! :)

Fourth Star--Jaime mentions the "One Ton Tomato" song ("Guantanamera."), and I used to sing that ALL the time when I was younger, I still do occasionally! Also-clever use of the word "under-pretties."

Five Star--I wasn't disappointed! I have been waiting for this book ever since we first met Cheveyo, and not only do we get the goods (hehehe) on that enigma, but we really get some great Pope insight as well!

Jaime--thank you so much for giving this couple the story they deserved!

[Christina Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After all the running and fighting for survival the rogues are finally settling back into normal lives. Free of the "tomb" (or bomb shelter) that they'd been hiding in Petra has no interest in revisiting the chaos of the past. She is tired of running, tired of fighting, and tired of being afraid. The only problem is that you can't ever really put the past behind you, and you can never forget. A visit from an old ally proves that to her. Confronted with a friend in need, Petra must reach out to the one man she's longed for but sworn to forget, Cheveyo.
Cheveyo is a hunter, living a life of solitude to do what must be done to protect innocent lives. He only has one weakness in life, one factor that steals his breath and weakens his mind. Petra. So when she suddenly calls out for him about a life or death situation he has no choice but to go to her. But the meeting proves to be nothing he has ever expected and suddenly Petra is in danger all over again. Faced with a powerful enemy and trying to save the woman he loves Cheveyo has no choice but to keep her close. But being near her, getting to know her, and having to deny his love for her proves to be more of a challenge than ever.
An overall good read. Lots of action, very fast paced, and a good follow up to the other offspring books. My main complaint is that the other rogues aren't really in this novel at all, and I missed Eric Aruda ;) Also, there isn't much as far as romance goes, just a lot of suppressed emotions and denied feelings.
I got an ARC so I was lucky enough to get to read it early. I highly recommend giving it a shot if you like sci-fi, paranormal, and suspenseful novels. But remember that this is book 5 in the series, so if you haven't already you should go back and start with a Perfect Darkness (book 1).

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have much to add, that hasn't already been posted here.

I DO want to say, I love this series. If you haven't read it from the beginning, run out to the bookstore and get them all! The Offspring series is one of the most original I've read in a long time. In this book, both the plot lines and characters are evolving in very unexpected ways.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Darkness is the fifth book in Jaime Rush's Offspring series. Though the story arc of prior books was wrapped up and this book goes in another direction I feel that in order to understand the scope of Petra and Cheveyo's relationship you need to read the series from the beginning. This is the type of story I've found that I love. It's the buildup of prior books; the anticipation that makes waiting for certain characters to realize that they are destined for one another no matter what they do or how hard they try to fight it. In this series, this is the story I've been waiting for and it did not disappoint. It's my favorite in the series so far.

Beyond the Darkness tells the story of Petra, healer and last of the original group of Offspring. Now that the Darkwell story arc is over the Rogues have been living normal lives. They are no longer on the run and Petra is going to school and volunteering at a woman's shelter. After Cheveyo saved her life and made her aware of their connection, he hasn't made contact with her in months. She is doing her damnedest to put thoughts of him behind her but she can't. She loves him and doesn't understand why he rejected her.

Cheveyo is the mysterious feline shifter that has gone out of his way to protect Petra and the rest of the Offspring from afar. He knows that Petra is his but he lives a very dangerous life and will do anything to keep from bringing that danger to her door. Something horrible happened to him years ago and he has put every bit of his energy into fighting the enemy (with the help of his creepy, dead Obi-Wan Kenobi like father) and avoiding any emotional ties. He was willing to give up his own happiness if it meant keeping the woman he loves safe. If he has to be cruel to push her away and make her not want him he will do it even though it kills him inside.

My favorite quote from the book… "Human emotions are our devils," Cheveyo said. "They tease us with things we can't have, torture us with feelings we can't act on. They cause physical pain." I think that quote sums up the dynamic of this book and the relationship between Cheveyo and Petra.

Pope is a Callorian and has a biological tie to Petra and the other Offspring. He escaped the Collaborate but has lost his special abilities and is in desperate need of help. He contacted Petra to ask for her assistance in locating Cheveyo. It's the last thing Petra wants to do but to help Pope, she sets up a meeting. Little did any of them know that a meeting would put Petra and Pope both in the cross hairs of a Callorian sent to capture Pope and scan him for information. If captured and scanned, the knowledge of the Offspring will come to light and others will be sent to capture and/or eliminate them. Now Cheveyo must protect the woman he loves and a man he's never met. Their journey is dangerous and there are lots of twists-and-turns along the way. As with all of the Offspring books, Beyond the Darkness is action packed, funny, sexy and will suck you right in.

I wasn't a big fan of Petra going into this book because she seemed really shallow but I gotta say that the development of her character throughout Beyond the Darkness really made me root for her. Cheveyo was always dark and mysterious. We knew very little about him going into this book and that's part of what made this book great; getting to know this sexy, dark stranger. Cheveyo is everything you could want in a hero. He's willing to give up his own happiness in order to protect those he cares about, he's fiercely protective, emotionally and physically scarred, sexy as hell, dangerous and has bad boy written all over him.

What I liked most about this book was that their relationship didn't come easily. They knew they loved each other, knew they were destined for each other but both were willing to give it up if they had to. They fought it tooth-and-nail and when Cheveyo and Petra FINALLY took the next step in their relationship it was beautiful. The scene, which showed a different side to Cheveyo and included one of my all time favorite songs, is one of the most romantic, swoon worthy moments I've ever read.

I can't wait to see what is in store for the Offspring next and hope that we get lots more of the Callorian in future books. It would be nice to know more about Pope and where he came from. In Beyond the Darkness Pope was funny and it will be cool to watch his character grow as he tries to understand human emotions and fit in in the world he will now have to call home.

[Dinjolina · Rating 2 out of 5]

The gooey lala ending to the story about the heroes child rubbed me wrong. If the author made me read trough all the drama of his son being dead, then have some balls Mrs. Writer and do not resurrect the child at the very end!
Also, his wife died form cancer a split second before he realized her and his son were not killed? Really? How clean! Heaven forbid he would have to share custody now that he finally hooked up with the heroine!
But then again, the wife had to be killed off! She was the one that got pregnant on purpose even thou he kept dreaming about his one fated mate- the heroine.
Still, even thou she was semi-evil, the man should have not stuck his penis in her. It’s a total no-no. Evil OW get preggers like that all the time. It’s a must have.

This whole shebang killed for me the pretty cool adventure and the very sweet bond the heroine and hero had since birth. :/
Very sad.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Petra Aruda only one of the Offspring that isn't paired, likes to shop, feels a bit of a coward (but she's not), a healer (but has to cautious as her strength is low) ... psychically connected to Cheveyo, a Warrior who has watched over, and dreamed of her since, a Warrior trained by father (from alternate universe) to fight the things of other universes to protect the innocent... Pope, Petra's father, of the alternate universe, who saved the Offspring, but now his powers are weak;

Pope target of the alternate universe, who ruled him a traitor... Petra and Cheveyo join to protect him...

move across country in his Winnebego, fighting against the Hound Dog and the C - sent to retrieve Pope...

and the love Cheveyo feels for Petra loosens from his tight control - and she blossoms, and finds her Warrior... she discovers his son is not dead, and in the end, the bad guys have new memories of killing the three of them (so they'll be safe)... his son needs a dad, they become a family...

[Scooper Speaks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favorite Lines: "I find it interesting how humans use these odd words to describe the act of reproduction or the parts used therein. And yet, they use those words to describe each other and situations, too, mostly in a derogatory way. Once, in traffic, someone called me a 'dick.' I explained that my name was Pope, not Dick, and that seemed to stymie him. Later I found out that 'dick' is another word for a man's penis , though I don't' understand the meaning of calling someone a penis. It serves two vital functions in life, after all. By the same token, you also use words related to religion. God, Jesus Christ, and hell are used as exclamations, and yet humans are extraordinarily sensitive to the nature of religion. It's baffling." (p. 132, egalley)

I first learned about Jaime Rush when I read the first book in her Offspring series, A Perfect Darkness. While I didn't continue reading the series, Beyond the Darkness sounded too good to pass by. It is book five in the Offspring series.

It didn't take long for me to realize that I missed quite a few stories as characters and events were mentioned. However, I quickly caught on to what was happening and was able to run with the story.

What you need to know: The paranormal aspects of the story stem from alien roots. Callorians (the aliens) look like humans but are less dense than humans. They have higher energy vibrations which allow them to change form or give them "abilities." Their emotions are suppressed similar to the Psy in Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling series.

The heroine: She is TSTL at times and immature. I didn't like her for 75 percent of the story. Let me show you why...

After the hero tells the heroine to stay in the restroom while he fights a villain the heroine decides she can help. So she leaves safety and

"Baal looked at her, its pointed ears flicking. Cheveyo took a second to look back, and that's when Baal moved. It flew past Cheveyo in a dark gray blur--right at her."--p. 33

Yep, she places herself in a mortally dangerous position. Not only is she in danger, but now she's a distraction to her hero. Another reason I disliked Petra was that she seemed childish. She's a woman in her twenties and at one point she

"She used the bathroom, washed her face with the plain soap he had on the counter, and applied the powder and blush she kept in her purse. She pulled a brush through her tangled hair, reviving faint memories of a mother who used to brush her hair every night. She took the stuffed Toto from her bag and sat down again, catching Cheveyo's tug of a smile when he saw the dog on her lap."--p. 44

What grown woman carries around a stuffed animal? At first I took Petra's need to wear makeup and use hairspray as her being shallow. I couldn't think of a reason why a woman running for her life would focus on physical beauty. It wasn't until later in the story that I understood her need to control something as being separate from shallow. The realization helped me overlook some of Petra's flaws.

The hero: He is a practical warrior. He has suffered and has hidden depths. He is also capable of a strong passion . His need to do the right thing consumes his life and he knows he will never be able to provide a secure home for the only woman he wants.

The passion: It's hot. Petra and Cheveyo feel its burn all the time. Cool, right? Well most of the time I can handle it, but I really thought it was stupid when they almost succumbed to a fit of lust while on the run for their lives. What I mean is that at one point they have just lost the trail of the villains when they're consumed with a need to make out. They haven't reached a safe zone and have a small lead on the creatures/people out to get them. They even remark upon the inappropriate timing of their passion, "Not only should I not be doing this at all, I sure as hell shouldn't be doing it now."

The romance: As the couple begin to have tender moments I allowed myself to be swept away with them into a quiet type of love. And why have I never thought of shaving as romantic. There are a couple of scenes involving leg shaving that really pushed my buttons in a positive way. Jaime Rush did a spectacular job transforming an everyday ritual into a sensual experience. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed that one action.

The action: The story moved at a rapid pace from the beginning of the story to the end. Constant motion is the easiest way to describe the story. The pace kept the story interesting and the conversation prevented it from becoming stale.

Conclusion: Beyond the Darkness is a standard paranormal romance. You can safely pick it up knowing the hero and heroine will overcome all hurdles to find a life together. As a reader I found it difficult to care about the heroine's happiness because she didn't seem worthy of the hero. As the book raced to its conclusion, Petra proved me wrong and I was glad I read the book. I won't be re-reading it, but it was a nice distraction.
Scooper Speaks

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Rebekah Gwyn]

DNF, I could not get into the book. Disappointed.

[Stephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Petra finally thought things were safe for her and her fellow Offspring until a man from another dimension sets his sights on eliminating her, her fellow Offspring, children born from a experiment who have special abilities, and their alley. Before he's able to get his murderous hands on Petra, the mysterious Cheveyo comes to her rescue. Cheveyo has been staying away from Petra to protect her from his dangerous world but now he'll need to keep the woman he wants most, but must resist, close in order to keep her safe. As they race to stay one step ahead of the enemy, Petra and Cheveyo will try and resist their growing desires in order survive and save their friends.

After spending months in hiding from a Rogue CIA agent who was hunting her and her friends that have, thanks to a classified scientific experiment, psychic abilities, Petra Aruda thought she could finally have a normal life. One that she'd have to have without the man she wants more than any other. Cheveyo too fills the connection between he and Petra and always has. But he's been trained by his father to hunt dangerous creatures that cross the barrier separating our world from another and doesn't want Petra around to get caught in the crossfire.

Like Cheveyo, I didn't believe Petra was really capable of surviving in his world. She's more of a lover than a fighter who has a beauty regimen and a slight shopping addiction. Though I admired her willingness to help her friends by using her ability to heal them, I could never really connect to her character. I tend to lean more towards the rough around the edges heroines but Petra really stepped up when it counted and could hold her own if the situation absolutely called for it. I can't say that I could see myself being friends with someone like Petra but by the end of the book I definitely had a more favorable opinion of her.

Cheveyo couldn't be more opposite. He's been trained to fight monsters and to not get too close to anyone. He's felt the connection between he and Petra for a long time but has managed to stay away. When a Offspring needed his help, he saved her and brought her to the place Petra and the others were hiding where he finally met her face to face. He knows from personal experience how bad it can get if he allows someone to get close to him so he continues to keep his distance from Petra. I loved that Cheveyo was different from the rest of the heroes in this series. He's always understood his powers and why he could shape shift but with that knowledge came the responsibility to fight. He's had to live away from others like him and any real emotional contact. I really felt for him and I think I ended up wanting him and Petra together more than Petra did. The romance between them is there from the start and builds as the story goes on and Cheveyo becomes less and less willing to let Petra go. I thought it was a sweeter and more romantic than something that was hot and heavy and it really worked for them.

In Beyond the Darkness, Pope, who we met in the last book is from the other dimension and an alley to the Offspring, is being hunted by one of his own kind and he looks to Petra and Cheveyo for help. Also on their trail is a beast like creature who eats humans. With all the other dimension talk and new creature introduced, I thought this book had the most sci-fi feel to it when compared to the other books which was great because it added something new to the series. I like when an authors changes things up and I thought the author did a good job of adding something new to the series while keeping everything that makes this series what it is. Petra and Cheveyo's book has been a long time coming and I think fans of the series will be happy with how their story was told.
-Stephanie G

[AnnaBanana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petra is finally getting her life back and able to actually live now that they have eliminated the threat to their group, the Offspring, but she's approached by Pope who needs her help to get in touch with Cheveyo. Cheveyo is the only person who has enough power to help Pope escape being captured by a hunter who has come to earth to take Pope home to face punishment for abandoning his duty and using his powers on earth to help some of the Offspring who were in terrible danger, which is forbidden. She and Cheveyo have always had a connection but Cheveyo has never allowed himself to be with Petra for fear of her life. So Petra had started to come to terms with only loving him from afar. But now that she's in danger from that same hunter Cheveyo has no choice but to take her with him so he can take care of the hunter for Pope and protect Petra too. He intends to keep his distance from her for as long as their together but the undeniable connection between them makes that virtually impossible because they are so drawn to each other. Yet he still plans to send her back to her ordinary life so he can continue his dangerous one. Together along with Pope they fight for theirs lives and the lives of the other Offspring and during that they all learn things about themselves they never knew before and Petra and Cheveyo fight their own personal battle along the way!

Beyond the Darkness takes us back into the world of the Offspring, a group of young adults who inherited special abilities from their parents because of a government experiment. This is the 5th book in this series and in my opinion the best so far! Cheveyo has only been a tiny part of the Offspring's lives and a very mysterious one at that so it was awesome to FINALLY be able to learn about him and see him and Petra come together and so worth the wait!!!

Petra has always been one of my favorite characters in this series. She's very spunky when she wants to be but she also very very vulnerable not just because of all of the awful things the Offspring have been put through but because of her life before, as a child, and now because she's so desperate for love. In my opinion she's the one who deserves a love of her own the most! Her abilities, being able to hear really really well and being a healer, are very cool! I've always though that to be a healer you have been touched by God, you have the ability to not just give back a life but to almost make in better because of being saved. And Cheveyo, he is just so YUMMY! He has it all if you ask me! He's a sexy native american, he can change into a black jaguar and has other awesome powers, and he's super mysterious! Now if that's not good romance material I don't know what is! Petra is one lucky chick! But he's so conflicted from events throughout his life that have done nothing but hold him back from being who he truly wants to be. I just wanted to hug him through the whole book! I can't imagine being so alone, yet never alone at all thanks to his crazy father!

All in all this is a fantastic read. It has action, adventure, drama and best of all hot steamy romance! And without saying too much, that hotel scene...damn that was the sweetest romance scene from any book I've ever read....EVER!!! I give this book 5 Stars....I almost wish I could give it more. That's how much I loved it! I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read but if you haven't read any of the other Offspring books yet, read those first. You don't really have to to follow this book but I think it would be more fulfilling if you did just so you get the full impact of how special Petra and Cheveyo really are!

[Jen Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are two different kind of series out there: the kind where you can jump in at any point, and the kind you really need to read the early installments to appreciate the later ones. This book falls in the second category. Beyond the Darkness is my first foray into the Offspring series. It's book 5. And I was lost for a long time. In many ways, this book is clearly a continuation of an ongoing arc. Our hero and heroine met in a previous book; he saved her life, told her they has a psychic connection, and then left her.

As this book begins, Petra is still pining for Cheveyo, but is resolved to move on with her life. But then Pope comes to her, saying he needs Cheveyo's help and only she can find him. It seems Pope also saved her life (in one of the previous books) and the lives of her group of... friends(?). Petra and the others are descendants of people enhanced by the essence of a being from a parallel universe. They've all got some kind of special gifts. Petra is a healer.

If you've read this series before, I'm sure all of that made perfect sense, but I had a hard time following along.

Anyway, Petra contacts Cheveyo, but the bad guy sees her with Pope, so now she is stuck with the two men until they can eradicate the threat. Cheveyo and Petra are soul mates, but he believes he cannot be with her. His life's mission is to police the otherworld/ supernatural beings that make their way over from the other side. And having her in his life would constantly put her in danger. So he pushes her away. Then gives in a little. Then pushes her away again. And again. And again. It was really frustrating. He is just so rigid and single-mindedly focused on his mission. It took a really long time before these two get together, and when they do, it's actually quite good. Unfortunately, we lose ground every time we gain it.

I know that this book would have been a lot better for me if I was up to speed on the series when I started. I don't know if I would have loved it. But it would have been better. Even still, I would have had to contend with the frustration brought on by Cheveyo's martyrdom and Petra's character as a whole. Did I mention she is a beautiful cosmetologist & masseuse in training, whose inner self is an orphan princess?

This one just great for me. It just doesn't work as a standalone. A little less than 3 stars.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

[All Things Urban Fantasy]

In BEYOND THE DARKNESS, Rush gives a fresh twist on familiar romance tropes. Her characters deal with danger and an alien threat on the run, all the while dodging gracefully around the “drop everything to sleep with your soul-mate” plot device. Rush's story is at its finest when deftly quipping and prat-falling through what could have been overwrought romantic or suspenseful scenes in the hands of a less original author.

While I intellectually applauded Petra and Cheveyo's story, however, my emotions were largely untouched untouched by the characters themselves. For me, there was some essential spark missing that could elevate them from technically well-crafted to genuinely interesting. That disconnect knocked this particular story down a bat for me, but in no way stunted my interest in reading more offerings from Rush. I loved how when Cheveyo resists his attraction to Petra so as not to put her in danger, she misses him but moves on. Sure she daydreams about the smoking hot kiss they shared, but she still says, “Yes,” when a cute guy asks her out. Over the course of the story, both characters resist opportunities to fall into bed and letting chemistry work things out. They truly try to address the hang ups and dangers that keep them apart. While I wasn’t thrilled with some of the plot devices used to resolve those snags in the end, I really enjoyed the middle portion of the story where they wrestled with them.

While I had no difficulty picking up plot points from earlier books as the story went along, maybe I would have found the resolution of this book more emotionally satisfying if I had started this series with A PERFECT DARKNESS. As it stands, I am interested in reading more books by Rush in the hopes of finding more of those magic scenes where she gives a new spin on a familiar plot device.

Sexual Content: Several sex scenes and an attempted rape scene.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will get the one negative out of the way quickly. I was a little dissapointed that we didn't get to see more of the Offspring gang.
I know we got an update on each couple in the form of one sentence but that wasn't really enough for me.

Anyhoo, on to the good stuff.
Rush did a great job of keeping Cheveyo dark and mysterious. Even though he has been in the last few books, we still knew nothing about him other than he can turn into a panther and he's a pretty damn good kisser. Yes, you're right. He's smokin hot and could totally kiss you're knickers off. He's perfect right?
Pretty much! But there are underlying problems. Cheveyo was a fantastic hero but his determination to push Petra away really started to get on my nerves. About 70% in I just wanted to smack him and say 'Ok, we all get it, you want to keep her safe. But she's pretty tough, atleast let her have a choice in the matter.'

I thought that Petra would be the one to drive me crazy but I was pleasently surprised. I loved her attitude to certain situations. She hated what was happening but decided that she would not be a burden, would not slow him down and she succeeded. She learned how to defend herself and kick some ass if she had to. So much so that Cheveyo started to enjoy that side of her, he admired her spirit and fight.
They were a great couple, even if not my favourite.

Now onto Pope, who played a huge part in this book.
Almost every scene he was in he would make me laugh. It was just the way he was learning emotions and the way he saw the world, it was hilarious.
"A date: A social interaction with sexual motivation."

"Once, in traffic, someone called me a 'dick'."
I might have wet myself a little when I read this one LOL

I loved how Pope tried to assess the emotions between Petra and Cheveyo. And every single time managed to embarrass them.

I really enjoyed the storyline and can't wait to read the next book.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this book with mixed feelings. On one hand, Rush has given a fresh twist on tired romance tropes, but on the other, the characters in this story fell just short of that essential spark that elevates them from technically well crafted to genuinely interesting. While I intellectually applauded Petra and Cheveyo's choices, my emotions were largely untouched.

Those choices really were worth a standing ovation, however. Cheveyo is a stoic warrior who has dedicated himself to killing the alien creatures that prey on humans. Petra is the nurturing, nesting healer who longs for love. When Cheveyo resists his physical attraction to Petra, she misses him but moves on. Sure she daydreams about the smoking hot kiss they shared, but she still makes a date with the cute guy from she met at college. Rush's story is at its finest when deftly quipping and pratfalling through what could have been overwrought romantic or suspenseful scenes. Pope, in particular, cracked me up with his attempts to puzzle out human emotion. While I loved how Cheveyo and Petra decide to be together (rather than throwing all other concerns under the irresistible bus of soul mate passion), at times that interplay weakened Petra as a like able character. Cheveyo's development also hinged on some far fetched plot elements that didn't endear him to me either.

While i had no difficulty picking up plot points from earlier books as the story went along, maybe I would have found the resolution of this book more emotionally satisfying if I had started this series with book one. As it stands, I am interested in reading any other book written by Rush, in the hopes of finding more of those magic scenes where she gives a new spin on an old, familiar plot device.

Full review to follow.

Sexual content: Several sex scenes, an attempted rape scene.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book touches more on the bomb of the last book, that the reason the Offspring are the way they are is that their parents absorbed some essence from a person of a different planet. I am glad that the author addresses this because it came out of left field in the last book. I was also glad to see that Petra and Cheveyo were the couple in this book. They haven't had many encounters before now, but those that they did were very memorable. One thing that I didn't care for was that the other Offspring weren't in this book other than a few calls, the group together was the main attraction for me.

I loved learning more about Cheveyo and even Pope, by doing so we learned more where they came from. It is hard not to like Pope and you really want him to be able to integrate himself within the group. I have wanted to learn about Cheveyo from the start and when we did, I found myself feeling sorry for him. He held himself apart for everyone because of his father and his teachings. After we learn more I was pissed at the father and his actions. I can't believe what he did.

I really liked that Petra was herself and with her everyday actions she slowly chipped away at the wall that Cheveyo built around himself. It was even better when she did more than chip, when she flat out asked him why they couldn't be together again and again. It was great to see that Petra changed along the way, not in a major way, but just grew more into herself and took control of the way her life was going.

The ending was great! I liked the choice that Cheveyo made and the way he laid it out to those that were involved.

Pope seemed to bring up some new potential characters. It will be interesting to see how these new people will interact with the existing ones.

[Shiran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petra is happy to finally have a normal life again, after running and hiding with the other Rouges she is finally able to get back to her normal life now that Darkwell is gone. But it seems her normal life won't last long, Pope has asked her to contact the one person in the world that Petra has been dreaming of seeing. Cheveyo has a connection with Petra that he has been trying to deny, he's been keeping her at arms length but when the two of them are thrown together, neither will be able to resist their connection for long.

It's been a year since I read the last Offspring book and I have to say I really missed this series. I had forgotten how amazing it is and how the characters make you dream about special powers and being on the run with a HOT man. I think this book is my best in the series though. I loved the new concept behind it and the almost forbidden love between Petra and Cheveyo. I really enjoyed every minute of this book and my only complaint is that it ended... I wish there was more of it! The ending was a bit rushed but it was so well thought out I can't really complain.

The sex scenes in this book were mind-blowing and I loved the heat between the two main characters. I also loved the involvement of Pope. His endless need to tell everyone what they are feeling and most especially telling Cheveyo what Petra was feeling. It really made for some funny scenes and it makes me wish I had someone like that in the room when I am with a guy... well sometimes.

I really do love this series and reading this one made me have an intense need to reread the others in the series... I'm very interested to see what/who the next book is going to be about and I hope it comes out soon!!!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was bittersweet for me... I was so looking forward to Cheveyo and Petra getting together; that I was disappointed with this book.. The story itself was good and I fell in love with Pope. I so hopes he gets a story!! I got very mad and frustrated with Cheveyo and his reluctance at giving into his love for Petra. I could understand it at first, but towards the end when he is still backing off, that just aggravated me. I felt like Petra wasn't important enough to him.. Supposedly he has this timeless love for her and yet he is constantly pushing her away . This happened the whole book and then abruptly at the end he all of a sudden changes out of the blue.. I so expected more for the "epic" love..
I will still read the next book in the series because I love " the Offspring series". I hope the romance will be better in next book!

[Jennifer Mackintosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sensual, thrilling adventure. A little confusing at first since I suspect it's not the first in the series but once you're past the confusing nomenclature the plot carries you on almost nonstop. I liked the universe Rush created with its hints of multiple dimensions and alternate histories.

It took me a little bit to warm up to the heroine. I've never been overly fond of Princess-types but watching her discover her inner warrior was interesting. But other than that, I loved the other characters, especially the hero and the third-wheel, Pope.

As a mother of an autistic child, I wondered if Rush is also familiar with the autism world. A race of people who look human but don't understand social customs and language and who have difficulty interpreting emotional reactions. It's a really cool idea. I wish I'd thought of it.

[Mae Hanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I wanted Cheveyo's story and I got it. I'm not sure it measured up to what I was expecting but it was very enjoyable.

Not only did we get to learn about the mysterious 'non' offpring, but we learned more about Pope and Surfacia (although I find that an extremely weird name for a parallel dimension).

Petra's growth from cowering lily to warrior princess was welcomed. I never like my heroines to be the week link in a story and she definately wasn't.

I will admit though - I think the series is beginning to wane for me. It took my well over a week to finish this, which is highly unusually for me, and not because I wasn't enjoying the story. I think it's just played out for me. I'm going to give The Darkness Within a shot before I decide if I'll finish the series, even if the titles do suggest there are only two more full length books to go.

[Lenna Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since reading the second book in the Offspring series I couldnt wait to read Petra's story and I got to say I was not disappointed in it. It will blow you mind what she has to deal with and how she changes from a scared woman that fills her life with makeup and shopping to a warrior woman that can scare off a alpha male into hiding in himself, that what Petra did to Cheveyo for most of this story. Petra wanted to know who and why she felt things for a man she only met twice but hearing and/or see if life she has a new change of heart about the sexy man that she dreams about but seeing what he does and how his mind is set on to denies his heart what he wants and be the warrior that is father made him into. Petra will have to break all his guards to see the real man behind the jaguar that Cheveyo hinds behind.

[Vicki Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaime Rush has had me hooked on The Offspring series from day one!! She is an intelligent, funny and dynamic writer who truly knows how to put together a shockingly clever story with just the right amounts of danger, drama, intrigue, romance, and excitement, adding in the perfect amount of the unknown.. She has brought us her sexy, seductive, mysterious Offspring, who tend to make all of our hearts race just a little bit faster! Beyond The Darkness is an another amazing book in this series & Ms. Rush has me anxiously looking forward to the next tale involving her mysteriously sexy & wonderfully exciting Offspring!
~Vicki Rose
Bitten By Love Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. I enjoyed reading it, but it has a lot of tropes, the suspense part was pretty 'meh', the world was made to fit the needs of the suspense (deus ex machina out the wazoo), and it wasn't very accessible despite the series being connected but not reliant on a major overall story arc. The romance was strong, though, and the hero is fabulous, sexy (and has chest hair - which I am weak for in a hot romance hero), and part-Native American. So, good and bad kind of even out to 'meh'. I'd be willing to read the other books in the series and see how they stack up, but this wouldn't be something I would push at people who want to read the best of the best in paranormal romance.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond the Darkness (Offspring #5) by Jaime Rush
When reading a series like this you sometimes get attached to certain characters and anxiously await their chance at a HEA. For me, for this series, those characters have been Petra and Cheveyo so I was thrilled when this book finally came out. The author still didn’t make it easy on them. Petra had to grow some and Cheveyo needed to become less self-sacrificing. There are some nice twists and turns and I look forward to the next book. Hey, Ms. Rush when does Pope get his HEA?

[Lindsay Chamberlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is where in the series I started to feel a bit lost. I absolutely love the Offspring, and I loved Petra and Cheveyo's story, but this whole parallel universe has me a bit confused. In the previous book Pope goes all alien and comes back in this one somewhat different, but I just feel like I am missing something. Maybe it wasn't enough focus on Pope's other dimension or maybe because I thought he was the bad guy in the previous books, I don't know, but I am so glad Petra and Cheveyo are together!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, Cheveyo and Petra get their story. It was good and the romance was very hot and conflicted.

Sets up a new story arc, including several Offspring who came from a sperm bank which disappoints me as I was looking forward to the scietist's sons getting stories and it looks like this is moving away from that.

[Hbeebti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow what a surprise this book was. I think its my favorite so far. The bathtub scene in Vegas made me cry , when Chevyo sang " Aint no sunshine when shes gone",... he was breaking my heart. I cried with Petra.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! My heart was in to these two sense he appeared in Zoe's book and have had a hard time waiting for it. I was not disappoint. I as always wanted more at the end. Hope their is a novella that gives me the answers to some questions on their futures lol.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think was my favorite story in the series...It wasn't bad, but I'm not sure. Petra could drive me crazy with her makeup routine. And the bathroom scene with Cheveyo? YUM. I want a man who does that to me!