Darkyn's Mate

Rhyn Eternal #3

by Lizzy Ford

Caught between Fate and the Dark One ...

Stuck in Hell, human-Deidre struggles to hold onto her hope that she can change the course of events that landed her as the mate of Darkyn, the Dark One. The chances of her leaving Hell plummet when the Dark One takes a drastic step to ensure he never loses his latest possession and blood binds her in an ancient rite from the time-before-time. In doing so, he is forced to share his power with her. Rather than despair, she begins to see that she has unexpectedly found her place in the world: protecting innocent souls from the bloodlust of the demon she's forever bound to.

Rather than accept her place at his side docilely, she begins to use her newfound influence to help those she cares about, including Gabriel, the former lover she's not yet ready to let go of, even knowing she'll never leave Hell.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Demons, Supernatural, Ebooks

131 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 3, 2013

About the author

I breathe stories. I dream them. If it were possible, I'd eat them, too. (I'm pretty sure they'd taste like cotton candy.) I can't escape them - they're everywhere! Which is why I write! I was born to bring the crazy worlds and people in my mind to life, and I love sharing them with as many people as I can.

I'm also the bestselling, award winning, internationally acclaimed author of over sixty titles and counting. I write speculative fiction in multiple subgenres of romance and fantasy, contemporary fiction, books for both teens and adults, and just about anything else I feel like writing. If I can imagine it, I can write it!

I live in the desert of southern Arizona with a pack of spoiled dogs and Tubbs, the Godfather cat who rules them all.


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LizzyFordBooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/LizzyFord2010
Email: LizzyFord2010@gmail.com
Radish: LizzyFord
Wattpad: LizzyFord

Lizzy’s books include:

Lost Vegas – young adult post-apocalyptic
Aveline
Tiana
Arthur
Black Wolf

Spell Realm Series (coming summer 2017) – young adult fantasy
Water Spell (2017)
Dragon Spell (2018)
Moon Spell (2018)
Sword Spell (2019)

History Interrupted – time travel romance
West
East
North (2017)
South (2018)

Omega Beginnings Series
Alessandra
Mismatch
Phoibe
Lantos
Theodocia
Niko
Cleon
Herakles

Omega Series
Omega
Theta
Alpha (2017)

Theta Beginnings Miniseries (novelettes)
Silent Queen
Mercenary
Shadow Titan
People’s Champion

Non-Series – 2014 - 2017
Black Moon Draw (about a reader sucked into her book)
White Tree Sound (2017)
Highlander Enchanted
The Door
The Fall of Esme (2017)
Sons of War – contemporary military romance
Semper Mine
Soldier Mine
SEAL Mine (2017)

Super Villainess
It’s Not Easy Being Evil
It’s Not Easy Being Good

Starwalkers Serials (with Julia Crane) – new adult science fiction serial
Severed
Trapped
Exiled
Revealed
Escaped
Ascended
Starwalkers – complete (#1-6)

Heart of Fire – sexy dragon shifter
Charred Heart
Charred Tears
Charred Hope

Incubatti – Buffy meets 50 Shades
Zoey Rogue
Zoey Avenger

Rhyn Trilogy – new adult paranormal with demons
Katie’s Hellion
Katie’s Hope
Rhyn’s Redemption

Rhyn Eternal – Death finds love
Gabriel’s Hope
Deidre’s Death
Darkyn’s Mate
The Underworld
Twisted Fate
Twisted Karma (2017)

War of Gods – paranormal with gods, guardians and exceptional humans
Damian’s Oracle
Damian’s Assassin
Damian’s Immortal
The Grey God

Damian Eternal
Xander’s Chance
The Black God

Hidden Evil – paranormal with angels and four horsemen
Hear No
See No (TBD)
Speak No (TBD)

Unnamed Series
Unnatural (TBD)
Unmade (TBD)

Omega
Omega
Theta
Alpha (2017)

Anshan Saga – new adult science fiction romance
Kiera’s Moon
Kiera’s Sun

Santa’s Ninja Elves (short stories)
Natasha & Hunter

Non-series titles – 2011 - 2013
Star Kissed
A Demon’s Desire
The Warlord’s Secret
Maddy’s Oasis
Rebel Heart

Witchlings – young adult paranormal
Dark Summer
Autumn Storm
Winter Fire
Spring Rain

Broken Beauty Novellas – new adult dramatic fiction
Broken Beauty
Broken World

Voodoo Nights - young adult paranormal
Cursed

As SE Reign, erotica writer
101 Nights Box Set (Serials 1-7)

Reviews

[Zala · Rating 2 out of 5]

I still don't quite understand why I've read this book twice (trust me I wouldn't have if it wasn't so short, and I wanted to see if I would still like it) but have not managed to read the first two books in the series. It baffles me. Mostly because I didn't find this book to be very good.

Let's start with what we're all here for - Darkyn. The first time I read this novel I was hooked on the idea of a demon love interest, who was, and probably still is, the most convincing portrayal of how a romance with a demon would be like. He was cruel, could neither understand nor care for human emotions, and as the Dark One (basically the Devil in this book's wold) he tricked humans and Immortals alike into making a deal with him that would ultimately land them in Hell. He was a horrible being, and yet he was also the only one who never lied to our heroine (except that one time he lied by omission - caught red-handed, Darkyn). In the right book, he could have been a great villain.

However, while I do still appreciate his character, he's not a character that should be a love interest in a fantasy romance. Why? Well bleeding out 4 people a day to feed, sending his demon hordes to attack human children, and being known for going through women slaves like tissue paper (literally said this way by a side-character in the book) doesn't exactly scream boyfriend material. And the protagonist, Deidre, doesn't think so either, which is another thing I enjoyed about the book. Deidre does not, at any point in this book, fully accept him; she's manipulated into giving her consent to a blood bond, spell-tricked into pining for Darkyn and basically being unable to live without his blood. Unfortunately, due to this being pnr, she doesn't pull off an incredulous escape. Instead, she cries and settles for the fate of being bound to this horrible creature because hot times and eternal life, I guess.

I won't get into how p-p-p-problematic some of the things in this book are; the whole mate aspect (which is ridiculous), or how Deidre worries more about being bound for eternity to a demon who doesn't care for her than about being bound for eternity to a demon who has and continues to do horrible things, including tricking her into becoming his mate in the first place. But hey, what do I know.

That aside, there were a few things I really liked about this book and series in general (aka the two installments I've read). What I liked the most was the main character, Deidre. She's a normal girl dragged into the world of Immortals by one of their schemes; she's mistreated, lied to, and let down by the Immortal who was supposed to be her mate (and supposedly loved her, ahah). Despite all that, she wishes all the best to the friends and lover who let her down, and harbors no ill will towards the friend who lied to her and got her into this mess. Now, some might call that stupid. In another book, I might call it stupid too, but in this one it's written so genuinely that I read it as her simply being kind and gracious.

Another thing I liked was the surprisingly decent amount of lore. We are introduced to a world of deities and demons, featuring Death, Fate, a council of Immortals, and The Dark One. The idea that these titles exist outside of the entity who bears them and how they can be passed on were very interesting. My favorite side-character, Fate, who keeps popping up randomly in the series, also had a pretty unique concept behind his deity title. So the world-building and lore were interesting but nothing special because there was not enough of either. Maybe reading the first two books would fix that, but I somehow doubt it.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another thought occurred to her as she thought about Katie, the half-demon's mate she met when last at the fortress.
"Rhyn, is any of what you feel when you become a mate real?" she asked. "The bond I shared with Gabriel. I mean, as soon as Darkyn's name was on my back, it shifted, like none of the emotions I felt for Gabriel were real…and now with the blood bond…"
"Gods. I'm the last person to ask this touchy-feely stuff," Rhyn said and rubbed his jaw again. "The bond brings you together. You still have to…make a relationship. One is physical, the other mental. They're both real."
"Gabriel and I didn't get that far. He kept pushing me away," she said. "Darkyn's been relentless in pursuing me."
"There's another reason for that," Rhyn said slowly. "Deidre, you can't be around normal mortals or Immortals for long or even really demons outside of Hell."
"Why?" she asked, fear spiraling through her. "Does something happen to me?"
"How do I say this…" he sighed. "My mother was a sex-demon. It's a sub-class of demons. You are, too."
"Meaning…"
"Meaning you might be one of them. Every man you cross will do what it takes to fuck you."
She gasped. "What? Why?"
"Why?" he echoed. "Because you're a sex-demon."
She stared at him. Rhyn rose and motioned her up. He crossed to a mirror and pulled her in front of him. She saw the same woman here as she did in Hell: sultry and sweet, beautiful of face with a body enhanced by the dark dress.
"You don't see it?" he asked.
"No."
"I'm dealing with enough shit," he muttered. "Trust me. You've got that vibe."


So, first off, I'm a little surprised I liked this so much. I'm not sure why, I like this series and the characters, but I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did. I'm a little mad at myself for waiting so long to read it, too. I've probably owned this book since it was released, or close to it, at least. I really didn't think it was possible for me to root for both human-Deidre and Darkyn's relationship and deity-Deidre and Gabe's relationship, but that's exactly what's happening.
Second, this takes place in the same five-day time frame as the last book. And while I was slightly annoyed about having to wait to find out what happens next since the last book ended on a bit of a cliffy, I'm also really glad to have seen what happens between Deidre and the Darkyn in that week. You see some of the same scenes from Deidre's Death, but from the other perspective, and I actually really loved that.
I can't wait to see what happens next. Past-Death Deidre and Dark One's mate Deidre are stuck together and Gabe, Darkyn, and Rhyn will be going together to try to find them, which sounds like a wonderful cluster-fuck in the making. I'm also super curious to see how Darkyn and Deidre's relationship progresses, since I'm pretty sure he will never be the "redeemable demon" who stops being the Dark One for his mate, and I can't wait to see how that plays out.


She drank blood. She slept with the devil. Why wasn't she freaking out?
"I am very satisfied with you, my little human," Darkyn said, his lips moving against her temple.
"I get to live another day," she murmured.
"Maybe two, if you please me again."
"You're not funny."
"You have nothing to fear from me now."
"Is that true?" she asked. "Like, really true?"
"I have no need to lie to you."
Deidre was quiet. Physically at ease with him, she nonetheless had no idea how to talk to a lover who was neither one she chose nor human. She couldn't help thinking the creature whose job it was to trick people into Hell wasn't above lying to the human mate he took.
"You're not afraid I'll try to run away?" she asked.
"You need my blood and don't yet understand how to curb the hunger. If you leave, you won't stay away long or go far."
Her face warmed at how desperate she'd been for a single drop of him, to feel him inside her while his fangs sank into her neck.
"Insurance," she whispered, distraught. "You're serious about keeping me."
"I don't lose. I love a fight and an absolute victory even more," he replied.
Her eyes blurred with tears. She wiped them away. Darkyn was quiet and still, his body relaxed for the first time since she'd known him. He slid a pointed fingernail down her arm. Blood bubbled up. The scratch healed itself as fast as it formed.
"You will be able to use some of my magic," he said, following her gaze. "You will heal like I do. You will have the instincts of a demon and a human. I've assessed that you are vulnerable to the deception and depravity of others. In time, the ability I've shared with you will enable you to determine deception, weakness, and threat from others."
"Like a human lie detector?"
"Of sorts. You will sense without reading minds."
"If I had that originally, Wynn couldn't have almost killed me and I wouldn't be here now," she murmured.
"It's useless to dwell on what might've been. What is and will be are all that matters."

~

Deidre sat up and wrapped her arms around her knees, pink hair falling down around her. She didn't move from Darkyn's body.
"There are so many moments where I don't think I can do this," she said. "You can't understand that or how I feel. You never will."
"I am a survivor," he corrected her in a growl. "I do not feel like a human, but I know what it is to survive."
"How do you survive a life and a world that's so…foreign?" she rested her temple against her knee.
"Simple," he said. He sat, his warmth surrounding her once more. With his hair mussed and his youthful features, he didn't look like the devil she knew him to be. "It's the same key that got you into Hell."
"My tumor?"
"To bring people to Hell, I uncover their weakness and I exploit it. What did I exploit to get you to Hell?"
She was quiet for a moment.
"Hope," she murmured.
"Hope," he agreed. "I gave you what you were looking for. A silver lining."
Her eyes flew up to him at the words Fate had spoken to her.
"You read my mind a lot," she said.
"I rarely stop."
"That's really not…" she sighed, sensing he'd provoke her, if she let him. "Did you have a silver lining to survive?"
"My ambition is far different than yours."
"You want to rule Hell."
"And the mortal world."
She shivered again. Fate's words returned to her. With their faces inches apart, they assessed each other.
"I won't let you hurt my world," she said.
"You can't stop me."
"But I'm the only one who has a chance to try."
A slow smile spread across Darkyn's face. It scared her, and she saw his fangs grow.
"You can beg me," he said and kissed her hard enough to rob her of breath. "And fight me." Another kiss, this one harder. "And bleed for me. If you satisfy me, I might consider what you ask of me, but I will never willingly spare your world."
Deidre stopped his next kiss by placing her hand on his heart. Darkyn didn't back down, and the light of lust flared in his gaze.
"You are the only one I'd ever try to kill," she whispered.
"I'm the only one you never could kill, even if you used all my power against me," he replied. "You are my mate. It's not possible."
"You're bluffing," she said, searching his face.
"Am I?"
She couldn't tell, but she doubted it. Anger stirred within her at the satisfaction on his face. He was serious about destroying the mortal world. If he was half as creative at torturing people and planning his battles as he was in bed, he was more than capable of doing it.
"We are nothing alike," she said.
"I am what I am. You are what you are. Your purity and my depravity. It will make eternity intriguing." He leaned forward to kiss her once more, his fangs fully extended.

~

"I'm yours, Darkyn," she said the words in a hushed voice. This time, they felt true. This time, there was nothing else standing between her and her destiny.
"You accept your place by my side."
"Yes," she murmured.
He nudged her onto her back. She went, meeting his dark gaze. The soulless, ancient intelligence there was as fathomless as the night sky. Even if his features were young and his body lean, he wasn't able to hide what he was.
"You feel pain," he said, studying her features.
"Yes. I hurt." Tears raced from the corners of her eyes. She didn't try to hide them this time; Darkyn had stripped her bare. There was no hiding from her mate.
Deidre touched his face with trembling fingers. His jaw was roughened from a five o'clock shadow. The quiet purr that only emerged when they were alone rumbled gently in his chest. He seemed content to study her. She was afraid to know what he thought, if he was counting the ways he could manipulate her now that there were no more barriers.
"You have always been vulnerable to me," he said, amused by her thought.
She sighed. "You don't understand."
"I have studied human nature for the entirety of my existence. I cannot exploit it, if I do not understand it."
"You want me to hurt. Isn't that what you do?" she asked, wiping her tears.
"I want your pain to be of a physical kind that I cause when we fuck like demons," he replied. "I do not wish you to feel pain otherwise."
"Are you trying to be nice?"
"I do not try at anything I do," he said with some irritation. "I conquer."
So I'm a conquest."
"Without a doubt, love," he said without hesitation. "You are also my mate. I see weakness and vulnerability as I do everyone. But I see more."
"What?" she asked.
"I see beauty."
She gazed at him, puzzled. When he said no more, she smiled slightly. "What does that mean?"
"I see a conquest that gives me pleasure to think of as mine."
Deidre laughed. The demon lord had just admitted to being happy, in his own way. Her hope had been crushed in every other way - except that it stirred once more at the idea there was more to him than she knew. Though she doubted he was capable of emotions like she was, he was capable of more than he claimed, too.
"I'll never tire of conquering you, either," he said and nuzzled her neck. His hand circled her neck to release the clasp of her dress.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I love all of Lizzy Izzy's books but never have I enjoyed one more (other than Rhyn) than this one (probably because Darkyn reminds me of Rhyn) "Welcome to your new home, love" Why yes Darkyn thank you for that welcome that just made me wet my panties. He's also very imaginative (if you get my meaning ladies (*winks*)) "touch me, tast me, scratch me, bite me," he whispered. "You can't be too rough for me." He's also one whose presence demands the room, "I'll give you the terms this time. You can gauge the risk." He chuckled, a sinister sound. "you can eff me here, now, the way mates should. Or, when you lose our deal, you can eff the Dark One." He's also very accommodating with his woman, "you're the mate of the Dark One. You can do whatever the eff you want." Doesn't sound like a prison does it ladies? Rhyn it wouldn't be a story without his bada** showing up, "you s***ting me?" he returned. "You come back a demon and want to know what's wrong?" I mean it's really good to see him ladies, "one, he's letting me know he's the Dark One. I'm assuming the transition happened recently. We didn't know. Two, this is a personal eff-you, addressed to me from the Dark One. Three," he paused, studying her. "You. His mate. His human, blood bound mate." I'm really hoping the next book in the series goes back and forth between Darkyn's point of view and Gabe's. In all honesty I don't think Darkyn is a bad person/demon/deity/type thing he's just misunderstood and it takes a certain someone special to drag out some of the goodness in him.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I had just finished book #2 in the Rhyn Eternal Series when I picked this one up, and I'm glad I did. All of my previous complaints about that book are blown away by the awesomeness that was this one. Maybe it's because I'll always be a vampire/fanged creature lover, but this one really did it for me. I was worried that it would go into the realm of uncomfortable relationships, but I am 100% on board with the Darkyn-Deidre relationship.

Even though there is an awful lot of crying in this book, I think Deidre is a really great, tough cookie. She fights and tries her hardest to make the best out of an originally horrible situation. If she wasn't who she was, this book would definitely not work. Her interactions with Darkyn opened a whole new world to me. I saw him as the ultimate baddie, but this book showed that even that isn't all he is.

I've got to comment about the smut, because, well, the "play" scenes are some of the best! I want more! I want more books filled with Deidre and Darkyn right now! Why aren't there any more?!?! This couple might be my favorite because, even though they are both flawed, they are still kicking past-Death and Gabriel's butt as far as trust and relationship development. Just goes to show you, you never know what characters you will ultimately be rooting for in the end.

[a_tiffyfit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even. What?! That's how it ends?! OMFG. We're in the same spot where Deidre's Death ends but from Deidre's & Darkyn's point of view? /dying. I'm dying. WHAT?!

Lizzy Ford has this uncanny ability to suck me into her world and keep me pinned there until my kindle inevitably gives me that blasted page asking me to share what I thought. And then I click the x, hit the screen to page back a few pages and when I realize I'm back to that sharing screen, I whimper, "Nooooooooooo." Damn!

You know what? I like Darkyn. I like Darkyn so much more than Gabe. I like him more than I liked Rhyn and I liked Rhyn a lot. Darkyn is not only sexy, he's tough, he's vulnerable at unexpected moments, and he's brutally honest AT ALL TIMES. He never ONCE lies to Deidre. Not once. He tells it like it is, he tells her what she's going through, and he's there to comfort her without pitying her. He's a rock.

Yes there were some minor editing issues like in the other books that I came across, but I was so enamored of Darkyn and Deidre's relationship developing that I didn't care. I think I might've highlighted one before I just lost myself in this story.

What? Seriously...left hanging til 2014? :( /whimpers. Damn.

[Simone Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

******Arc received for honest review******

After just finishing Deidre's Death I am left hanging over the edge of the underworld in the darkness, and had to dive straight into Darkyn's Mate to find out more about this new sexy side of Darkyn (oh and the 2 Deidre's of course) *cough cough*

This novella tells us about human Deidre's time in hell, when she makes a deal with past-Deidre which lands her not only being Darkyn's mate, but also being blood-bonded to him also(lucky lady). Now I am a sucker for a bad boy, and with lines like "touch me, taste me, scratch me, bite me", I suddenly felt the urge to want to become a sex demon!!(chance would be a fine thing). Lizzy's style of writing pulls you into this amazing magical underworld with characters that leave you still thinking about them for days after, unexpected twist and turns while leaving you on a cliff-hanger for the next instalment.

Yet again another awesome story from the brilliant Lizzy ford, I just can't seem to get enough of these delicious demon's, its going to be a long dark wait in the underworld waiting for the next instalment, but with demon's like Gabriel,Rhyn & the new sexy demon on the block Darkyn I am sure it will be as hot as hell down here!!

[Lourdes Caamano · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words to describe this without spoilers, but I will try....On my review of Deidre's Death I mentioned a love as old as time and as new as a week old. Darkyn's Mate....SACRIFICE for a love as old as time and as new as a week old..... Darkyn's is manipulative, ruthless and won't stop at nothing to get what he want's, he is also lonely.

What will you do? Will you make a deal with the devil? Will you stop at nothing to get what you want? or will you accept a fate that will change you forever, a fate that will safe lives, a fate that will keep you from the one you love but at the same time you'll know that he/she will be happy? Will you put his/her happiness before your own? Will you sacrifice your body and soul, knowing that the owner of your body will never hurt you because he/she can't?

Those are the questions you will be asking yourself when you read Darkyn's Mate and probably will share a tear or two.

This book will grab your heart and I got the felling it won't let go until "The Underworld" comes out.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC received for an honest review***

Another worthy 5 stars.

Darkyn's Mate is a novella which concentrates on Deirdre's time in Hell to the cliff hanger ending in Deirdre's Death.

I can't really say too much as I would ruin it for all those who haven't yet read Deirdre's Death but let me tell you Darkyn's Mate is one hot little read!! I now fear Gabriel and Rhyn, who up until now have been my top two favourite demons, are getting pushed aside a new, sexier demon in my life...Darkyn, he's hotter than Hell! I needed cooling down a few times, let me tell you. I loved seeing a side to the Dark One that we've not seen before. I also found myself cheering Deirdre on rather than feeling sorry for her.

Darkyn's Mate still has a few of Lizzy's trademark twists that we've all become accustomed to with quite a bit of humour too.

The only complaint I have is, I NEED the next installment NOW!!!!!

A definite MUST read, go add it to your tbr shelf today.

[Coco.V]

🎁 The complete Series is free on iBooks today (4/14/2020)! 🎁

[Nicole Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am truly at a lost for words at the moment, Darkyn's Mate was totally not what I expected it to be. Lizzy as usual did a fantastic job drawing you into Human Deidre and Darkyn's story. I totally went into this book thinking I would not end up happy at the end and I have to say I was totally wrong. I hate to admit it but there is a side to Darkyn that truly draws you into him and thinking that there is a nicer side to the Dark One or Devil whichever way you want to view him. Poor Human Deidre this poor girls life has been messed with since the day she was born/created. Before I get more into the review I have to tell you that you have got to read Gabriel's Hope and Deidre's Death before you read this one. Since this is a novella my review will be somewhat sparse but that is because I do not like spoilers in my reviews.

So we start off where Gabriel's Hope left off, that is to say in Hell. Human Deidre has been royally screwed over by Death Deidre, Wynn and what you would assume also includes Darkyn, oops and almost forgot to add Fate into the mix. Human Deidre is struggling to figure out who is lying and using her and what he role is in He'll now. She still very much so wants to be with Gabe but Darkyn is showing her how little all of these people have truly cared for her. I have to say I was constantly asking myself is Darkyn playing games with her or in his weird Demon way does he truly care for her. No spoiler so you have to read to find out.

There are so many deals that occur throughout this book that your head may spin trying to keep up with them all. I would say that Deidre is doing such a good job with handle all of these deals been thrown at her and the ones that have taken place for her. We meet Darkyn's father which comes as a complete shock, but through him Deidre is able to see what made Darkyn what he is. Also Zamon (Darkyn's father) sheds some light on Gabriel and Past Deidre's relationship that alters the way Human Deidre looks at things. Fate also uses Deidre for his own good and has to admit that though the outcome that happen is not what he intended but that he can see know how it will all work out. On a side note that really has not much to do with what I am saying aside from it has to deal with Fate is that his new nickname for Deidre is Fruitbat and it cracks me up when he calls her that. You will have to read in order to understand why that is funny to me.

I want to end this by saying you will be completely and utterly surprised with what you read about Darkyn and how Human Deidre and him interact. I am not 100% sure if it is all an act or if this Darkyn is the real deal but I hope that he is not playing a game right now. We are left with a little bit of a cliffhanger but I think it is more so how long we have to wait for the next book lol. I highly recommend reading this whole series from start to finish and that does include Rhyn's Trilogy, but you can just start with Gabriel's Hope.

[Mandy ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Reading Deirdre's Death & being shocked about Darkyn & Deirdre's Relationship...



Ok more like really really shocked about their relationship!..



I was desperate for more..god damn it more!..How?..When?..Why?

HOW?  could a Beautiful Sweet Human like Deidre fall for the Dark One!



WHEN? did the Dark One Seduce Her!

& WHY? Why goddammit it why??. Were things so hope less & the chance of being with Gabriel so small  that she had to find comfort in the arms of the Devil! 

I seriously needed these answers & when I got a copy of Darkyn's Mate I was shrieking with utter joy that I'd finally find out more!!!



& Thank the Deties! Lizzy gave me the answers to all my troublesome question...leaving me with a feeling of some what contentment & I was sure nothing else could shock me...

That was until I realized i had also fallen  for the Dark One!...


I went back & read it again just to be sure I wasn't loosing my mind & then for a third because I seriously could not get enough of Darkyn...his "bad boy" charm has totally ensnared me!
"Touch me, Taste me, Scratch me, Bite me." he whispered "you can't be too rough for me."



In his own way Darkyn is does truely care for Deidre & would move hell & the underworld to keep her safe & by his side *sigh*

"Touching Him felt too Natural. He was saturating her senses, seducing her somehow. She'd walked away from Gabriel, because he all but pushed her away. Darkyn's Intention was the Opposite."

If I've said it once I'll say it again..I Love Deidre! Only she would be capable of showing such compassion to the deities & immortals who have used, abused & discarded her & find a silver lining to being mated to the dark one (as sexy as he may be). She just takes everything in her stride, with such a selfless & positive manner there's just nothing too dislike about her!..


This Novel may be short but it is sweet, super sexy at times, & oh so intoxicating with an ending that just make you scream & shout for more and a bad boy that is just drool-licious!!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzy Ford has done it again. The cover is beautiful and the book was amazing. This book explained how human Deidre did after she landed in Hell with the Dark One also known as Darkyn. I really hate to say this but I am now a Darkyn fan. This book explains a lot more about him. I know he is the Dark One or the Devil as Deidre has called him but damn he is HOT.

Deidre finds herself stuck in hell at the end of Gabriel’s Hope. In Darkyn’s mate we figure out what happens with her. At first she hates it there and is completely scared of everything. But she never gives up hope that she will go back to Gabriel. Until Darkyn tricks her and fogs her mind to the point that she thinks is a dream. They sleep together and during this time Darkyn blood binds them. The oldest binding done with demons. When she wakes up the next morning Deidre thinks it is a dream. That is until she finds her fangs. Darkyn had turned her into a seductress demon.

Deidre now has two markings on her back showing both Immortal and Demon writing with Darkyn’s name. Because of her deal with past-death, Darkyn calls this his insurance that he can not lose her because you can not break the demon bond. This scared Deidre even more. With being binded to Darkyn she is now able to drink his blood and only his and the same goes for Darkyn only being able to drink hers. Slowly but surely Deidre realized that Hell is where she is suppose to be. That it is her fate. She starts to realize that she could possibly do some good from Hell and hopefully save some people.

She sees Gabriel during this book. Both are the same scenes from Deidre’s Death but in this book we get her thoughts on what is going on. She misses Gabriel and wishes things had been different. But she knows she will never leave Hell so she tries to get him to understand that him and past-death have always loved each other. This was their second chance to do it without everything getting in the way. Gabriel can not believe that she is trying to help out past-death but Deirdre explains it has nothing to do with past-death and everything to do with Gabriel. She just wants him happy.

This book ends when Deidre and past-death get kidnapped by Harmony. I really enjoyed this book and the look into Darkyn who you have heard about in other books but never learned much about him. I definitely am a fan of his now. He does what he does well and as the Dark One he is who he is but he does have a soft side. He shows what he can as a demon knows how. He shows pleasure and affection. I can not wait for the next book in this series to really see how everything turns out. I wouldn’t even mind Deidre and Darkyn getting their own series.

[Merisha28 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkyn's Mate by Lizzy Ford
Print Length: 131 pages
Publisher: Guerrilla Wordfare (July 3, 2013)
I received this ARC book in exchange for an unbiased review~~

Cover Art~
I personally love the cover art and scenery on the cover. I love the different hues and the way the book cover intrigues me. It is very lovely and makes me want to squee with happiness and want to hold it in my hand.

My Review~
Wow weee oh wow weee...... What to say??!!!! I absolutely adored this book and the story line. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!. I loved that you got to read it from human-Deidre's perception. You got to understand her emotions and feelings of the conversations and events that happen in the story. The story line for this book series is genuis. Got me hook line and sinker that is for sure! I love love love human-Deidre and Darkyn is growing on me too. I loved that you got to view the demons as in a different aspect than what was in the first and second book of this series. I'm totally dying to read Underworld which is due out in 2014. So so so long to anxiously wait over the conclusion of this series and to find out what will happen to the two Deidre's. This is one on my favorite authors due to her unique ability to tell a story and to enthrall a reader. Her books are very well written and the scenes are amazing. I look forward to reading the conclusion of this series. I give a 5 star fang worthy review!!


Book Description from Amazon~
Caught between Fate and the Dark One ...

Stuck in Hell, human-Deidre struggles to hold onto her hope that she can change the course of events that landed her as the mate of Darkyn, the Dark One. The chances of her leaving Hell plummet when the Dark One takes a drastic step to ensure he never loses his latest possession and blood binds her in an ancient rite from the time-before-time. In doing so, he is forced to share his power with her. Rather than despair, she begins to see that she has unexpectedly found her place in the world: protecting innocent souls from the bloodlust of the demon she's forever bound to.

Rather than accept her place at his side docilely, she begins to use her newfound influence to help those she cares about, including Gabriel, the former lover she's not yet ready to let go of, even knowing she'll never leave Hell.

[Chelsea (Starbucks & Books Obsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novella's are ususally hit or miss for me. Since they are so short, sometimes it can be hard to connect with the characters in such a short time or really get involved with the story which is what I need to really enjoy a book. However, Darkyn's Mate is different because I know these characters and I know the story.

Darkyn's mate is human Deidre's side of what happened with her during Deidre's death. They are both pivotal characters to the plot of this story so I loved the way Lizzy wrote this novella so we know what happened with human Deidre and Darkyn. We also got to see another side of Darkyn since he is so prevalent in the story. While there is no mistaking that he is pure evil and really shows no compassion, I think he is as close to caring as he can be with Deidre. He is more honest with her than any other immortal or deity has been and he has bonded with her in the highest way that he can.

Deidre is scared and who can blame her. I mean she has basically been forced to marry the devil, turned into an immortal sex demon and has no choice but to spend an eternity in hell. She is pure and innocent and the only pure soul in hell. She quickly realizes that this along with being Darkyn's mate does give her some power. She is always looking for the silver lining and while the situation is dire, she still manages to find it and that is what I love about her. While she questions her feelings for Darkyn and Gabriel, she knows the immortal laws and she begins to accept them and look for ways to use them for good.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novella. I was very curious how things were going for human Deidre while reading Deidre's Death and I love her so I was happy to get a look into the events from her perspective. I can't wait for The Underworld to see what happens since there was a little cliffhanger ending.

*an e-copy of this book was provided to me for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn, so I'm a little bit of a purist. Darkyn is still the Dark One so I have a hard time saying my feelings for him have changed. Unlike everyone else, I'm not starting to love him or like him, but I'm not against him 100% any longer simply because he is the Dark One. Thank God for human Deirdre or there would be nothing redeemable about him! What makes him not unlikeable is her, or specifically the feelings or changes she is unwittingly bringing about in him. He would never admit it, but she is influencing him somewhat. I get that he can't be the "devil" and be a good guy...I don't expect him to be, but I can honestly say I also don't like / dislike him. BUT I will say that after reading this, I'm less confused / torn about how Deirdre's Death ended. A large part of me just didn't know how I felt with human Deirdre stuck with Darkyn and past-death getting Gabriel when she just seemed like such a bitch for most of her life. However, I was also starting to see a side of past-death that made me feel like she wasn't completely undeserving of him either. See my dilemma?

This means that there is a HUGE part of me that HOPES Darkyn deserves human Deirdre because at the end, she deserves someone who will love her if it isn't Gabe. Now I am obviously anxiously awaiting our amazing Lizzy Ford and the final book.

[Ashley Stoyanoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cliffhanger! It’s been a few days since I’ve finished this book and I still feel lost. I almost want to read it again in hopes that when I reach the last page there will be a different ending.

But seriously, Darkyn’s Mate was fantastic. I blew through this one in a day, and loved every second of it. This was basically the same story as Deidre’s Death except from the new Deidre’s POV.

I never thought it was possible, but I’m loving Darkyn. He’s actually kind of sweet in a dark and somewhat creepy kind of way. He may be the devil, but it was clear that he’d do anything for Deidre. Dare I saw he might actually love her? By the end, I was starting to believe it. I think they make a great pair, Deidre with her humanity and Darkyn with his dark side. They even each other out perfectly. I can’t wait to see what will happen with them.

Just like every other Lizzy Ford book I’ve read, I was in love with this one after the first page. Other than the crazy cliffhanger that is killing me, this book was awesome. 2014 cannot come soon enough. I need the next book NOW!

[Carrie Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an aRC copy for an honest review. I love Lizzy Ford and all of her books along with the style of her writing. I had a deep internal struggle with the last book Dedria's Death. For some parts I felt like I was totally disagreeing with the way the book was going. As always Lizzy has a way of putting the readers into the story, allowing them to feel the emotion of the characters. This book was from the point of view of Diedra who is now the mate and blood bonded the the Devil.
I still have the nagging feeling that Gabe deserves Dedra because she is the only honest person in Hell
She herself has excepted het fate, and is doing good,not only for herself but for humanityS Gab & past Death are struggling with what she has done because she has feeling now and ks really thinking about about how many people she has messed over throughout her reign. There is many people reflecting and still manipulating going on. I don't trust anyone right now except for maybe Dedria, Gabe,Rhyn,& Kate. Maybe there will be a twist later, never know with one of my favorite writers

[Emmanuelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Before I read Deidre's Death, I didn't feel as excited for Darkyn's Mate. But having gotten to know Deidre and past-death Deidre, I loved it! Darkyn is so mysterious and turns out to be completely unexpected. I'm actually happy for both Deidre's and I feel like they're truly found their own callings and purposes in life, even though there's more to learn and grow from!

The atmosphere and setting continues to be on par with all the other books. I loved how Deidre's Death and Darkyn's Mate are both set in the same timeline, but going through the stories of each of the Deidre's individually. It was really cool to see the two timelines joining up to the same conversations that were in the other book.

I absolutely can't wait for Underworld to come out and am so sad that I have to wait so long!!

[Angiegolo4422 · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!!I just finished my ARC copy and at first I thought blah same book different POV...but my oh my was I wrong, it totally make sense now!!!! that idiot Fate knew what would happen and even though I don't like him I kind of like the outcome and again even though I think Darkin is a bastard he is so hot and intense and all that passion uff love it...I'm feeling book withdrawal symptoms right now..as always Lizzy exceeding expectations with this series, can't hardly wait for the next one, I wanna now what happened in the underworld!!!!!!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, here I am again, thinking that there can only be one "happy" ending to this book, and again I'm left wondering. The whole Gabriel, Darkyn, Deidre, Deidre quadrangle has been very interesting! I hate the idea of actually liking Darkyn and while that hasn't occurred, I do think that I understand him better. I also think that while the thought of being his mate is vile, Human Deidre may be the only hope for the world! Ah, but what an exciting twist at the end...Harmony, Deidre, Deidre...where will this lead?

[Cherrie Directo · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received for an honest review
Wow! All I can say is... I can't wait for the next series. This book had been different from the rest. It shows the lighter side of Darkyn. I still don't like him but this book will let you understand him. The human Deidre on the other hand was really the best part. Of all the heroines of Lizzy, human Deidre is my favorite. Very innocent and pure yet very cunning and brave. I really loved this book! :)

[Holly Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of your books but this one is in the top 6. I like darklings mate Berger then past death. She is so much better and sweet and nice and I think darkling is her perfect mate. I like that there is more to darkling then evil he actually cares even thought he won't admit it and I like the Change in him his mate brings out the nicer side. I just loved this book

[Christina Silcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the way this book follows the same timeline as Deidre's Death! It doesn't come off as just another POV. You are able to see behind the scenes, and find out what events cause the characters to act as they do. Is it wrong that I might have a tiny bit of a crush on Darkyn now? The ending?? I don't even think Lizzy Ford can write fast enough for me!

[Martha Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Darkyn. In Deidre's Death I thought Deidre got a raw deal, but surprise she had the best one. I like how Darkyn didn't give her the space Gabriel gave her. She softness is the perfect balance for the devil. Another great read from Ms. Ford!!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

In true Lizzy fashion this story is another home run!!! I absolutely loved to see the story unfold and fell even more in love with the characters, if that is even possible. I am so excited to see how this story unfolds in the next book in the series.

[Michelle Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, this is my favorite book in the Rhyn Eternal Series! Love the story of Darkyn and Deidre! Can't believe I finished this book in one day! Haha I couldn't put the book down!

[Mellissa Monteforte Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is amazing and although I am still not a huge fan of Darkyn, I think Deidre personality works with him. Loved it

[Keesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps getting better and better

I love this series!!!! I love that the Dark One is finding love!!!!! I'm so excited for him. Now for him to save her I can't wait to see what he does and to what lengths he'll go. On the the next book to find out!!!!

[Antoinette Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A turn of events I didn't like where human Deirdre made a deal with Darkyn but everything happens for a reason.

[A.R. Von · Rating 4 out of 5]

Color me curious(er). Just when I thought I had it, WHAM, I don't lol