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Dark Light Series spin-off novella

Two centuries ago, I clawed my way into a world of immorality, filth and destruction. A world seething with secrets and lies, both mortal and immortal.

Complete and utter Darkness.

I know we’re supposed to be inherently evil, but something inside me refuses to fully believe our legends. Something that calls out for more…calls out for her.

But there are rules. Rules that control the balance of nature. And if broken, it could destroy everything I’ve ever known. It could destroy me.

I am Nikolai Skotos, son of Stavros and Delia, and brother of Dorian, the heir of the Dark throne. I am one of the most powerful Dark forces to have ever walked this earth.

And I once was lost.
Now, I’m about to give it all up for the girl that found me.


*This is a PREQUEL NOVELLA for the Dark Light Series, NOT Book 3, to be read AFTER reading Dark Light & The Dark Prince*

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2013

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2160 people want to read

About the author

S.L. Jennings

26 books4,613 followers
S.L. Jennings is a proud military wife to her high school sweetheart, a mom of 3 rowdy boys, and a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. When she’s not obsessing over book boyfriends, you can find her hanging out with a few epic fictional loves at independent bookstores, or sipping a Bloody Mary at her favorite brunch haunt in Spokane, Washington. She’s a self-proclaimed food snob, makeup junkie and lover of all things shiny, sparkly and kitschy.

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5 stars
915 (46%)
4 stars
670 (34%)
3 stars
292 (14%)
2 stars
69 (3%)
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18 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
Profile Image for Snow.
2,323 reviews728 followers
December 17, 2015
Dammit!!!
I just knew it would hurt to read this!

BUT i fuckin read it anyway...masochist me!


this book should be read before book 3 Light Shadows (Dark Light, #3) by S.L. Jennings where we first get Nikolai in full force BUT we only get a glimpse or a hint of his past and what made him the way he was...

and here, we see him as he is, full dark, cruel alpha prince
"We're all monsters here. And I'm the most fucked up of them all."
"I am Dark - a god amongst men."


who was changed for love...
It's a dangerous concoction that draws me to her pulling me deeper into the unknown.


it all starts suddeny like a FLASH of electricity, like FAITH in making...when Niko's men capture this young girl who was brought as a payment of a debt. Her life or to make her a whore? BUT she shows resilience and hatred towards him, threathning him with the revelation of WHO and WHAT he is.

"How do you know me? How the fuck do you know who I am?"
"I dreamt of you"


and that was the pure truth! she was spelled as a an 8 year old girl as a mean to save her from fatal illness, she had a connection to his memories, she grew up seeing what Niko did, his cruelty, his monstuosity, she knew everything and she was used to it. She despised him...and what he represented as a vile, killing kind...a monster of the dark kingdom - a DARK PRINCE

BUT instead of killing her to end a potential threat to revealing his true identity to humans, Niko becomes infatuated with her, intrigued by her hatred and her boldness...he spares her life BUT he keeps her close to him...cause she felt different, new, pure, and he FED on her energy and virginity...


Nikolai Skotos

He feels alive with her, he gets to know her and allowed her to see him as he once was, not full dark...she slowly changes him and she also starts to see him through different eyes...
BUT there's a secret Amelie carries, a dark entity placed inside Amelie that she is not aware off and it's only mission is to kill Niko...
He fights against his own principles and his own rules to save her...while another danger lurks around them...endangering both of their lives...

when the time comes near for them to face that menace...Amelie is the one who acts out on her true destiny...





The bittersweet, no scratch that, the devastating conclusion, as much as it tears me apart to say it, damn, BUT was necessary cause it made sense for Nikolai to fulfill his own path and sacrifice in book 3 of these series...

So, the ideal order to read the books as follows: Dark Light (Dark Light, #1) by S.L. Jennings The Dark Prince (Dark Light, #2) by S.L. Jennings Nikolai (Dark Light, #2.5) by S.L. Jennings Light Shadows (Dark Light, #3) by S.L. Jennings
Profile Image for Kristen.
240 reviews24 followers
December 4, 2013
What the f**k!!! I am having a serious anxiety attack over here! S.L. Jennings you are a brat! But you know what? I loved it! Thank you for not writing a predictable tale! I am now TOTALLY pumped for book 3.
Profile Image for DKristin.
494 reviews224 followers
November 16, 2013
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Nikolai was short and heartbreaking. I give it 3.5 stars. I definitely understand him a great deal more seeing what type of pain and loss he went through. I cannot wait for the next book!!!

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Profile Image for Marianne.
1,314 reviews152 followers
November 12, 2013
Niko, I♥ my beautiful dark prince;-)
Though I WAS hoping for a book. And an entire spin-off series. Featuring me in his arms;-)

As it was: It was sweet, tender, heartwarming and oh, so bittersweet. But we all knew it was a prequel

I am sure Niko has a large, and GOOD role to play in Light Shadows. And he will assuredly be crowned with victory.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥
Profile Image for Emily Sorby.
164 reviews11 followers
November 17, 2013
5 DARK TWISTED FUCKED UP STARS

Nikolai Skotos you fucked up piece of shit..murdering, sadistic scumbag Prince of all that is Dark....

YOU ROCKED MY FUCKING WORLD THEN BROKE MY HEART!!!!!!

I hated myself for thinking he is was asshole...and now.........now.....Oh my poor heart...

I cried for him, I felt his pain, i never wanted to believe in true love, unicorns, fairies and all that good stuff ever again.

S.L. Jennings - How the hell did you manage to get through writing this without ending up in a heap on the floor, or admitted to a lovely quite place to have some "time out"-*???? Or did you???

What to do now????????????????

BRING ON DORIAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Profile Image for Yahaira.
557 reviews55 followers
November 12, 2013
Damn Man. I knew not to read this yet because now I want more of The Dark Light Series *crying*. We wanted to know about Niko, well we got it. I'm not disappointed at all. Niko was/is exactly what I expected. Too bad it was just a novella. Niko's character is pretty amazing. He may be Hawt like Dorian, but he's his own Skotos. SL Jennings, I just can't believe you right now. You've totally hurt me *holding her heart*. What kind of a Monster are you? I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I did. Laters❤️
Profile Image for Kirsten.
66 reviews
August 10, 2016
I love the character of Nikolai even more now! Don't worry, Dorian, you're still my #1! Even though it was bittersweet and there was an outcome I wasn't quite expecting, it was great having more "light" shed on Niko's "dark" backstory (Get it? light? dark? heehee?). Anyways, totally enjoyable read and I can't wait to see what is in store for Dorian, Gabriella, and Niko in Dark Light #3!!!
Profile Image for Sarah Griffin.
371 reviews309 followers
February 26, 2017
For being a novella, this sure packed a punch! Almost dreading starting the final book because then it will all be over :-( LOVE this series!
Profile Image for Grace.
2,310 reviews114 followers
November 19, 2013
When I read the Dark Light series and Nikolai was introduced, I just had to know more about him. I guess my constant tweets to the author along with everyone else's, paid off. He was so comforting to Gabriella as she was going thru a world of hurt. Mix that his fun sense of humor and taunting sexuality, he was a hard character to ignore. And after reading this novella, which takes place prior to the Dark Light, Niko's character is even more intriguing.

The novella starts out with a very different side of Niko. As part of the Dark, Niko is in a lost state without his brother Dorian, who abandoned him several years prior. His sinful life of lust, money and power brings him little happiness. While he can fuck for hours to the point of exhausting his female partner(s), he isn't even satisfied, unable to have his release. Until Amelie shows up. Similar to Belle in Beauty and the Beast, she offers up herself in exchange for protecting her (drunk, gambling) father.

While Niko runs a brothel in New Orleans, he immediately protects Amelie from servitude. Not trusting the brothels clients or even his closest friends, he keeps her in his room where they get to know each other, just not physically, as she's a virgin, of course. He learns the she has a family background tied to voodoo, one of the biggest threats to the Dark. Despite that threat, Niko feels something for Amelie that he hasn't felt in a long time and he vows to protect her, no matter what. But, when you are dealing with the Dark, no one can be trusted.

I loved learning more about Niko, both the good and the bad. The best part of the story is when Niko interacts with Aurora. Yes, the Queen Bitch makes an appearance and Niko expresses over and over how much he hates her. It's a thing of beauty.

"Do you really have information, Aurora? Or have you finally realized that you can paid for being such a dirty slut?"

"Your pussy has been run through more times than the Mulholland Tunnel. I guess I can keep you around for the occasional gang bang or farm animal." OH NO HE DIDN'T! Bahahaha!

On the flip side, it was sad to see how lost Niko felt without Dorian. And the ending, MY GOD, my heart broke for Niko. I'm pretty sure I was cursing for several minutes afterward. With the authors comments that what happened was necessary, I'm very concerned about book 3. I'm expecting some waterworks.


Profile Image for Julie.
1,688 reviews20 followers
November 14, 2013
Amelie is settling a debt to save her drunk gambling father & turns herself into Nikolai. Niko runs a high end brothel but he knows right away that he can't force Amelie into working for him because she is a virgin. When Amelie first comes to him Niko is incredibly dark & evil, bored, angry, frustrated with sex. He is self-destructing, numb inside from alcohol, drugs, & sex. He feels the supernatural power within her as she is a descendant of the voodoo queen of New Orleans & yet she was saved at a young age by the Light. Ever since Niko has come to her in her dreams, although it sounds like he was mostly evil & dark in her dreams, sleeping with tons of different women while she watched. Niko has never felt so much peace as when Amelie is with him. The love they feel for each other is completely out of character for Niko but in the end he cannot save her - he actually has a hand in her demise. I don't always need a happy ending, especially in these types of books that are just fillers with side characters, but Niko has piqued my interest for a long time & I was left wanting so much more. So many questions - will Nikolai be darker & more dangerous because of losing love, or will he be forever changed now that he's experienced it? Will he be depressed & feel responsible? Why couldn't Amelie become a vampire or some other kind of paranormal creature? Another reason for the lower rating is due to my biggest pet peeves - a book that ends unexpectedly & instead there are two new book excerpts at the end. These were new books from two of my most favorite authors but still, I feel short changed or something.
Profile Image for Lynne.
161 reviews
November 20, 2013
What a way to bring me back from a book hangover and coma!! Fast paced, sexy as hell and fascinating novella. I'm becoming a big fan of the paranormal stuff and Ms. Jennings is the reason why! "Nikolai" is the novella based upon Niko's life before meeting him in "The Dark Prince". Niko has condemned himself to being alone and feels will never love a soul as long as he lives. Until he comes face to face with Amelie. Traded by her father as a slave to Niko they both clash right off the bat. After they start to break down their walls, secrets are revealed. Learning of her heritage and being confront with a demon that has now possessed her, he realizes he needs to protect and save her and do the one thing he thought he would never do...love her.

This was such a great read!! I can't believe I thought Niko didn't matter in this series. I kind of thought he was a nobody. But I was so wrong!!! *smacks hand* "Bad Lynne" LOL! What the heck was I thinking?? He's is Skotos. Brother to Dorian. Of course he matters. It just sucks the cards he was dealt with in his past. This could be read as a standalone. But do yourself a favor and read the whole series. And if you are like me and think that you can do without this novella, sorry but you would be WRONG!!! I understand Niko much more now. Can I give him a hug? I hope the author makes up for what happens to him in the final installment of the Dark Light series. He deserves his happiness.

Out of 5 I'm giving it a 4 1/2. Great read and just leaves you wanting more.
Profile Image for Jeannette.
44 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2013
"Because once you give yourself to me, you're mine forever. Once I feel you shake beneath me, every one of your trembles will belong to me. On e you call out my name, no others man'd name will fall on your lips with passion."

REALLY?! How can you NOT LOVE THIS MAN!

Sl Jennings has done it again!! I fell absolutely in love with Niko in The Dark Prince and was ecstatic to read this novella. The writing was REMARKABLE. Each description, sentence even period sucked me in. From page one I was immediately captivated.

Nikolai Skotos is a dark, in your face, I get what I want when I want it and how I want it kind of guy. He's evil and knows it but also has this internal battle because he despises what he was born to be, part of The Dark. AND I WANT HIM FOR ME!

Amelie is a ray of sunshine and projects this absolutely beautiful light of purity that draws Niko to her. Their story will touch your heart.

Going into the read I knew something not so pleasant was going to happened but wasn't sure of what. Great way to keep me on my toes and to expect the unexpected with you Syretta. I'm so glad we got this novella because now we get to fully understand why Niko is the way he is and why he feels the way he does.

"I desire her body, but crave her soul. I admire her mind, but I need her heart."

I CANT!! I practically highlighted half the book! 10 hundred thousand freaking starts!
Profile Image for Robin .
380 reviews10 followers
January 13, 2014
WOW why did no one tell me to wait to read this!!!!!!!! Oh my GOD this was a great read and I love Nikko, but damn this just opened up that box I had closed off until I could get my Dorian fix in Light Shadows and know I need a Nikko fix to and we have no freaking clue when that will be ARGHHHH.

Ok moving on before I read this book I didn’t understand why everyone was like Nikko, Nikko in DP he was sweet and a really good friend to Gabriella and faithful brother to Dorian ohhhhhh Dorian I miss him! But I was not intrigued beyond that for him, but now after reading this book I’m more than intrigued and I need more from Prince Nikolai ASAP. Geesh when is Light Shadows coming out cause now I have so many questions that I need answered NOWWWWWWW! Overall great read and as usually SL Jennings does not disappoint now I have a book hangover from a Novella really……
Profile Image for JG.
1,075 reviews68 followers
January 10, 2020
I love the Dark Light series and this Nikolai novella was such a delicious treat from SL Jennings. I couldn’t help but read it non-stop and it was beyond fabulous. SL Jennings portrayed Nikolai in such a perfect way. We saw both sides of his character and after initially being repulsed by his behaviour you can’t help but fall in love with him in the end. The developing relationship with Amelie was touching and simply magical.

I loved SL Jennings’ comment at the conclusion of the story, it was as if she was reading my mind. I reluctantly agreed with her rationale for the way the story ended although my pouty lips remained in place!!!!

If you haven’t experienced the Dark Light series you really should even if paranormal isn’t normally the genre for you. SL Jennings is such a talented writer and you can’t help but get swept away by her stories and the characters she creates.
Profile Image for Raj.
1,514 reviews8 followers
November 14, 2013
5 stars for a short novel?

Why the hell not?!?! I got what I wanted from it, it's short but it's precise! I got hooked from the start and I've always loved Nikolai in book 2.

This novel is hot, maybe not as hot as Dorian & Gabriella's love scenes but I got to really love and connect with the characters fast which is a big thing knowing it's a short novel.

Come on, he just found someone to love! and that he's not that of a monster! And what's worst is that he's the reason why she died! It was him who literally killed her to stay alive!! argghh!!!! that was really really really cruel of you dear author.

Please, I want another Nikolai novel!! please bring Amelie back to life!! do that magic voodoo shit!!
Their Father is the most evil of them all, and their mum is next in line! friggin bitch!!
Profile Image for Carmen.
363 reviews6 followers
December 10, 2013
Oh my WTH? That ending just killed me. I need Light Shadows like now!!! I so love Dorian but Niko Niko Niko

Aughhhhh that damn Aurora had to be around!!

Amelie was sent to Nikolai's whore house to pay off her drunk father's debt. Niko sees the magic and her Voodoo blood and protects her but shouldn't because of his family's history with her family.
The are connected for a reason but are clueless to the why or the who. Both mere ponds from different worlds for a common purpose.

I am not a big fan of paranormal books but I was suckered in the reading the Dark Light series a while ago and I thank my friend for making me read it.

Kudos to SL Jennings for taking me to the dark and showing me the light.

4.5 stars
Profile Image for Duck.
626 reviews9 followers
June 12, 2014
That was just WOW. It took me awhile to get back into the pnr flow since it's been months since TDP but once I found it, it was on. I loved Niko in TDP and I really liked Amelia here. She was quiet the first half but once she opened up I couldn't help but really like her. While I liked this I will be honest and say some parts were a little sad. I liked getting this side of Niko and I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Lesley.
186 reviews
November 9, 2013
Review to come ..... I am convinced that S.L. Jennings could write about a cardboard box and I'd fall in love with it.
Profile Image for Claudia.
8 reviews
November 18, 2013
Is there a publication date for this book?? I'm really looking fwd! :)
Profile Image for Ela.
596 reviews
November 11, 2013
My poor poor Nikolai! That was horrific what he had to go through! And I can't believe who was behind it all!
Profile Image for Amber.
197 reviews3 followers
November 6, 2014
Poor Niko.... Can't wait to read more on him. He's one of my favorites by far.
Profile Image for Anne.
129 reviews11 followers
November 12, 2013
OMG I think I love him more now than I did before...I didn't think that was possible!
Profile Image for Kristi.
255 reviews
June 17, 2015
Good lord!!! I loved this book. I was devastated with the ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews

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