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Darkness Chosen #1
Scent of Darkness
When the man she loves, Jasha Wilder, turns into a wolf before her very eyes, Ann Smith soon discovers that she has been chosen to break the curse that binds his soul.
445 pages, Hardcover
First published July 3, 2007
175 people are currently reading
6654 people want to read
About the author
Christina Dodd
100 books5,907 followersUpcoming:
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.
(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.
(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
March 29, 2024
I was in a bit of a reader slump, so a friend of mine recommended this to me…. And Luckly for me , she had the hardcover to the series….
So, I truly didn’t have any clue about what this book was going to be about but I slipped right into it with ease
Jasha and Ann
For centuries, the name of Varinski struck terror in the hearts of the peoples of central Asia, and the Family Varinski was the embodiment of merciless conquerors who murdered, maimed, and raped.
Even today, the Varinskis reside on the steppes of Russia. They are known for their scouting abilities, proving themselves again and again able to discover their enemies’ weakness. They leave a trail of blood, fire, and death wherever they go. Terrible rumors swirl around them, rumors that say Konstantine Varinski, the founder of the Varinski tribe, made a deal with the devil—and, in fact, that is exactly right.
She was plain Ann Smith, administrative assistant and nerd. Nothing harrowing ever happened to her…. But she had a huge crush on her boss, and decides to drive out to his private estate in the country, to seduce him, to make him see her for more than just his administrative assistant………. Only thing is she see something that she should not have seen and finds herself in one hell of a twisted adventure
Jasha Wilder and his family are very successful owners of a winery in Washington…………. And on the 4th of July his mother made a huge prediction. so, Jasha rushes back to his private estate To secure some family Heirlooms
I found this to be a fast-paced story with a rather good unique twist on paranormal romance…………. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Lil ancient, Lil dark evil twist to their paranormal reads……… Happy Reading , and I’ll see you on the other side
June 23, 2018
Normalde kitap okurken kitabın konusunu, yazarın tarzını beğenmesem bile bir şekilde sevecek küçücük de olsa ayrıntı bulmaya çalışırım. Ancak Karanlığın Kokusu normalde keyifle okunacak bir konuyu hem karakterleri ile hem de yazım dilinin okuyucu rahatsız etmesi sebebiyle neresinden tutsam elimde kaldı.
Hayatımda ilk defa bir kitabın hem kurgusunu hem de karakterlerini bu kadar gereksiz buldum sanırım. Karakterlerden bahsetmeden önce kurgunun zayıflığından bahsedeceğim ilk önce sizlere.
Pnr dediğimiz, Paranormal- Romantik (bol bol erotizm, pnr'ın açılımı bu sanırım, yanlışsam düzeltin) örneklerinden birisi Karanlığın Kokusu. Çok eski zamanlarda şeytanla anlaşma yapan Kostantine ailesinin her üyesi bir yırtıcı hayvan olarak lanetleniyor. Ve bu aile bir nevi iyi ve kötü oğul olarak ikiye ayrılmış durumda. Birisi aşk evliliği yapıp kendi düzenini kuruyor diğeri tecavüzle, kötülükle kadınları alıkoyup sadece erkek evlatlarını sağ bırakıyor.
Kitabımız iyi tarafın ilk doğan oğlu Jasha Wilder ile onun asistanı Ann'ın hikâyesini konu alıyor. Ann çok önceden beri patronuna âşık ve bir gün bir cesaretle süslenip püslenip patronuna "bekâretini" vermeye gidiyor. Amacı en başından beri bu, tamam seviyor ama bekâret onun için daha önemli gibi lanse ediliyor kitabımızda. Anlayacağınız en baştan rezalet bir olay ile kurguya adım atıyor kitabımız. Patronun evine vardığı sırada ise büyük bir şok yaşıyor küçük Ann çünkü vahşi bir kurt ile karşı karşıya. Ve az sonra görüyor ki aslında bu yırtıcı hayvan âşık olduğu bekâret kovar Jasha Wilder. Basıyor çığlığı kaçıp gidiyor ormana doğru. Eh; sonuç olarak yakalanıyor çünkü kitabımız bir şekilde devam etmek zorunda ve Ann'imizin en başından istediği şeyi bir çırpıda gerçekleştiriyor. Canımız ciğerimiz Ann artik kötü emellerine ulaşıyor sonuç olarak. Ama adama ne diyor dersiniz, sen bir tecavüzcüsün diyerek yüzyılın ayarını verip kaçıp gidiyor. Ancak katiyen tecavüz olayı yok. Zorlama yok. Adam gayet nazik. (En azından bir kurt kadar). Kurgu Jasha'nın ailesinin düşmanları tarafından kovalanması ve birtakım acayip garip sırlar ile devam ediyor.
Konu ilk başta gayet dikkat çekici. Sırlar, şeytanla anlaşma yapan bir aile, dönüşümler... Okuyucunun kitaba odaklanmasını sağlıyor. Ancak şöyle bir şey var ki ilk baştaki olaya tahammül ettikten sonra düzelmesini umut etmekten başka hiçbir şey yapamıyorsunuz. Çünkü yazar kurguyu deyim yerindeyse harcıyor. Ayrıntı vermiyor. Sürekli soru işaretleri ile okuyoruz ve Ann'in, afedersiniz ama, salaklıkları yüzünden bu soru işaretleri hiçbir zaman giderilmiyor.
Kurgu böylece okurun nezdinde tamamen bitiyor. Acayip laçka karakterler ile desteklenince de kitabı kötü bir kitap olarak addetmek maalesef yetersiz kalıyor bir yerde.
Daha birçok eksik noktası var söylemek istediğim ama bir yerden sonra satırlarla başa çıktığımız için kısa kesmek zorundayım.
Tecavüzü meşrulaştırmak değil de dillere pelesenk edip kitap boyunca naz, niyaz malzemesi yapmak hiç hoş bir şey değil. Bir yazarın bunu bu kadar kolay dile getirmesi de hiç hoş değil. Çünkü tecavüz diye bir şey yok kitapta.
Bunun dışında şeytanla anlaşma yapıp yüzyıllar boyunca hayatta kalan bir mirası üzerinde taşıyan bir adamın, kızının altı aylık hamile olduğunu anlamaması kadar büyük bir aptallık olamaz.
Sanırım ilk defa bir kitap için bu kadar sinirliyim. Ve olmaya devam edeceğim. Vaktimi boşa kaybettiğime mi yoksa paramı harcadığıma mı yanayım bilemedim.
Hayatımda ilk defa bir kitabın hem kurgusunu hem de karakterlerini bu kadar gereksiz buldum sanırım. Karakterlerden bahsetmeden önce kurgunun zayıflığından bahsedeceğim ilk önce sizlere.
Pnr dediğimiz, Paranormal- Romantik (bol bol erotizm, pnr'ın açılımı bu sanırım, yanlışsam düzeltin) örneklerinden birisi Karanlığın Kokusu. Çok eski zamanlarda şeytanla anlaşma yapan Kostantine ailesinin her üyesi bir yırtıcı hayvan olarak lanetleniyor. Ve bu aile bir nevi iyi ve kötü oğul olarak ikiye ayrılmış durumda. Birisi aşk evliliği yapıp kendi düzenini kuruyor diğeri tecavüzle, kötülükle kadınları alıkoyup sadece erkek evlatlarını sağ bırakıyor.
Kitabımız iyi tarafın ilk doğan oğlu Jasha Wilder ile onun asistanı Ann'ın hikâyesini konu alıyor. Ann çok önceden beri patronuna âşık ve bir gün bir cesaretle süslenip püslenip patronuna "bekâretini" vermeye gidiyor. Amacı en başından beri bu, tamam seviyor ama bekâret onun için daha önemli gibi lanse ediliyor kitabımızda. Anlayacağınız en baştan rezalet bir olay ile kurguya adım atıyor kitabımız. Patronun evine vardığı sırada ise büyük bir şok yaşıyor küçük Ann çünkü vahşi bir kurt ile karşı karşıya. Ve az sonra görüyor ki aslında bu yırtıcı hayvan âşık olduğu bekâret kovar Jasha Wilder. Basıyor çığlığı kaçıp gidiyor ormana doğru. Eh; sonuç olarak yakalanıyor çünkü kitabımız bir şekilde devam etmek zorunda ve Ann'imizin en başından istediği şeyi bir çırpıda gerçekleştiriyor. Canımız ciğerimiz Ann artik kötü emellerine ulaşıyor sonuç olarak. Ama adama ne diyor dersiniz, sen bir tecavüzcüsün diyerek yüzyılın ayarını verip kaçıp gidiyor. Ancak katiyen tecavüz olayı yok. Zorlama yok. Adam gayet nazik. (En azından bir kurt kadar). Kurgu Jasha'nın ailesinin düşmanları tarafından kovalanması ve birtakım acayip garip sırlar ile devam ediyor.
Konu ilk başta gayet dikkat çekici. Sırlar, şeytanla anlaşma yapan bir aile, dönüşümler... Okuyucunun kitaba odaklanmasını sağlıyor. Ancak şöyle bir şey var ki ilk baştaki olaya tahammül ettikten sonra düzelmesini umut etmekten başka hiçbir şey yapamıyorsunuz. Çünkü yazar kurguyu deyim yerindeyse harcıyor. Ayrıntı vermiyor. Sürekli soru işaretleri ile okuyoruz ve Ann'in, afedersiniz ama, salaklıkları yüzünden bu soru işaretleri hiçbir zaman giderilmiyor.
Kurgu böylece okurun nezdinde tamamen bitiyor. Acayip laçka karakterler ile desteklenince de kitabı kötü bir kitap olarak addetmek maalesef yetersiz kalıyor bir yerde.
Daha birçok eksik noktası var söylemek istediğim ama bir yerden sonra satırlarla başa çıktığımız için kısa kesmek zorundayım.
Tecavüzü meşrulaştırmak değil de dillere pelesenk edip kitap boyunca naz, niyaz malzemesi yapmak hiç hoş bir şey değil. Bir yazarın bunu bu kadar kolay dile getirmesi de hiç hoş değil. Çünkü tecavüz diye bir şey yok kitapta.
Bunun dışında şeytanla anlaşma yapıp yüzyıllar boyunca hayatta kalan bir mirası üzerinde taşıyan bir adamın, kızının altı aylık hamile olduğunu anlamaması kadar büyük bir aptallık olamaz.
Sanırım ilk defa bir kitap için bu kadar sinirliyim. Ve olmaya devam edeceğim. Vaktimi boşa kaybettiğime mi yoksa paramı harcadığıma mı yanayım bilemedim.
April 4, 2024
I dont know what to say about this. The sexyness was intense but bordering on rape. And I couldn't believe the hero's "instant whatever you want to call this " after ignoring her for so long. And her going from desperately trying to fight him off during sex to then a page later entreating him to come back safely to her... Yeah I'm just not buying what this is selling.
the final straw for me was their 2nd time being intimate:
the final straw for me was their 2nd time being intimate:
May 4, 2020
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. This was a re-read for me. I first read this book around the time of its original release, which was 2007, and didn't remember a whole lot about it besides the fact that the Hero is able to turn into a wolf and I liked it. As I read the book, there were some things that were somewhat familiar but in a lot of ways, it was like experiencing the story all over again for the first time. I am really glad that I decided to pick this one up again.
I love the set up for this series. The Wilder family is descended from a man that made a deal with the devil years ago. Since that deal was made, only male children have been born and each of those children is able to transform into a predator once they reach puberty. These are violent men who don't form attachments or marry but take what they want. Jasha's father broke tradition when he married his mother and hid his family from the larger family.
Jasha knows that his family is in danger from his mother's prophecy. Jasha is the oldest and is quite the businessman, owning a winery. He is the oldest of the four children in his family and he is able to turn into a wolf at will. Ann works for Jasha as his assistant but has wanted him for a very long time. She doesn't realize that when she goes to see him at his home that she is going to get more than she bargained for.
I found this book to be really exciting. I think that the fact that these characters are faced with a situation that is bigger than they are is really interesting. Their goal is really just to keep their family safe and despite the fact that their abilities come from a deal with the devil, they do want to do the right thing. I liked that the enemy could pop up anywhere and really that anything could happen.
I did like Jasha and Ann and thought that they did make a good pair. They did have a lot of chemistry and liked each other before the book actually began. I thought that Ann's history was really interesting and I liked the fact that she was able to accept everything going on as quickly as she did. Jasha really did care for Ann although he sometimes did need to learn to include her in the decisions that were being made.
I would recommend this book to fans of paranormal romance. I found this to be a fast-paced story with a rather unique premise. I am looking forward to continuing my re-read of the series very soon!
Initial Thoughts
This was a re-read for me. I think that I originally read this book sometime around its release in 2007. I didn't remember a whole lot about the story besides the fact that the Hero could turn into a wolf. I also remember really enjoying the book. I still enjoyed it but I think that I probably had more problems this time around. It was a quick read and I definitely plan to re-read the rest of the series.
Book source: Purchased
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. This was a re-read for me. I first read this book around the time of its original release, which was 2007, and didn't remember a whole lot about it besides the fact that the Hero is able to turn into a wolf and I liked it. As I read the book, there were some things that were somewhat familiar but in a lot of ways, it was like experiencing the story all over again for the first time. I am really glad that I decided to pick this one up again.
I love the set up for this series. The Wilder family is descended from a man that made a deal with the devil years ago. Since that deal was made, only male children have been born and each of those children is able to transform into a predator once they reach puberty. These are violent men who don't form attachments or marry but take what they want. Jasha's father broke tradition when he married his mother and hid his family from the larger family.
Jasha knows that his family is in danger from his mother's prophecy. Jasha is the oldest and is quite the businessman, owning a winery. He is the oldest of the four children in his family and he is able to turn into a wolf at will. Ann works for Jasha as his assistant but has wanted him for a very long time. She doesn't realize that when she goes to see him at his home that she is going to get more than she bargained for.
I found this book to be really exciting. I think that the fact that these characters are faced with a situation that is bigger than they are is really interesting. Their goal is really just to keep their family safe and despite the fact that their abilities come from a deal with the devil, they do want to do the right thing. I liked that the enemy could pop up anywhere and really that anything could happen.
I did like Jasha and Ann and thought that they did make a good pair. They did have a lot of chemistry and liked each other before the book actually began. I thought that Ann's history was really interesting and I liked the fact that she was able to accept everything going on as quickly as she did. Jasha really did care for Ann although he sometimes did need to learn to include her in the decisions that were being made.
I would recommend this book to fans of paranormal romance. I found this to be a fast-paced story with a rather unique premise. I am looking forward to continuing my re-read of the series very soon!
Initial Thoughts
This was a re-read for me. I think that I originally read this book sometime around its release in 2007. I didn't remember a whole lot about the story besides the fact that the Hero could turn into a wolf. I also remember really enjoying the book. I still enjoyed it but I think that I probably had more problems this time around. It was a quick read and I definitely plan to re-read the rest of the series.
Book source: Purchased
May 7, 2010
WOW, I loved this book. Maybe because I wasn't expecting to find such an amazing read due to the reviews it had. But I'm glad I actually read it, because I've really enjoyed it.
I loved everything about this book. I was extremely happy with the world that was created. I loved the demons who turned into animals at will and the fact that there was a family totally normal but so different from the rest. I was fascinated that even though Jasha's father was one of the Varinski he changed and left everything he knew because he felt in love with a gypsy. And the relationship established between the members of the family was great. It made the story look very real.
Jasha was a perfect hero, so dominative and alpha, very possessive. Maybe it took him a while to love Ann but I would't change a thing of the story.
But what I liked the most was Ann. She was a terrific heroine and a box of Pandora, LOL everything about her was a possible new surprise coming. You knew that if she was close something would happen. And that she was totally obsessed with Jasha for so long and he didn't pay attention to her was a great plus to the story because once he explained to her the reason for it I totally melt. They were a great couple.
I won't be able to stop until I finish, so I will pause my other readings,LOL. I hope the next books are as good or better.
I loved everything about this book. I was extremely happy with the world that was created. I loved the demons who turned into animals at will and the fact that there was a family totally normal but so different from the rest. I was fascinated that even though Jasha's father was one of the Varinski he changed and left everything he knew because he felt in love with a gypsy. And the relationship established between the members of the family was great. It made the story look very real.
Jasha was a perfect hero, so dominative and alpha, very possessive. Maybe it took him a while to love Ann but I would't change a thing of the story.
But what I liked the most was Ann. She was a terrific heroine and a box of Pandora, LOL everything about her was a possible new surprise coming. You knew that if she was close something would happen. And that she was totally obsessed with Jasha for so long and he didn't pay attention to her was a great plus to the story because once he explained to her the reason for it I totally melt. They were a great couple.
I won't be able to stop until I finish, so I will pause my other readings,LOL. I hope the next books are as good or better.
September 1, 2020
DNF (Syf. 110). Berbat. Devam edemeyeceğim. Bunu okumaya ayıracak kadar boş vaktim yok.
June 24, 2016
No es el libro, soy yo... pero no puedo darle mejor puntuación!
April 3, 2024
This was a very good
Read
February 12, 2022Yorum: http://www.esranazeninozdemir.com/201...
Karakterlerle Röportaj: http://www.esranazeninozdemir.com/201...
Karakterlerle Röportaj: http://www.esranazeninozdemir.com/201...
February 7, 2017
Aklıma takılan bir iki nokta olsa da sevdim kitabı.Serinin diğer kitaplarını da merakla bekliyorum. :D
February 11, 2012
Christine Dodd is a new author for me, and I admit that the only reason I purchased the books in this series was due to the shapeshifting paranormal romance bits.
I'm such a sucker for cheap thrills. I've been working on my thesis (Done by the way!) so I have desperately needed something to fill in the *staring at my monitor and mindless tapping at my keys* moments...So, I filled it with books that are written in 7th grade reading level. Over 300 pages in less than a day, my thesis is finished and now I find myself writing this review so that I may continue on with the next book in the Darkness Chosen series, Touch of Darkness.
Scent of Darkness is a paranormal romance (yay for repetition!) story that has an interesting historical sign your soul and your descendants soul to the devil fog. A family whom raids, rapes and conquers, one feared by all, hired by some, and served by others.
Although I found this book interesting (A word choice I will often use to soften a negative tone), I felt as though I was flung into a world of survival, rape and intrigue.
Ann, an orphan left for dumpster and rat bait, lived her life in fear of the bad ones that always came. Efficient and drowning in her infatuation and lust for her boss, Jasha ... she decides to visit him at his home to seduce him, to make him see her for more than just an administrative assistant.
Jasha is a powerful man, a successful owner of a winery who is profoundly loyal to his family of cursed shape-shifters, those damned for their gifts as they run and hide from the family they betrayed ... survived .. escaped from.
This book is a quick read for those in need of an airplane book or something simple to fall asleep to. Perhaps I am having a bad day and did not give this book the open-minded chance that I am well-known for .. Screw it.
I liked this book... barely. As I tend to obsess and do the whole OCD bit .. I must continue with the series until the end .. yay me. It is the weekend, and I am confident (Now that my thesis is completed and my homework and studying is done...) that I can avoid my computer for a couple of days (Yay me for hiding...) and knock out the other three books before Monday.
I recommend this book to those in need of a cheap paranormal romance thrill. The back story for this story is highly intriguing, but I found the action unmemorable. Moderate rip your eyes out violence and semi strong sexual but brief content .. Only a few scenes.
~Happy reading!
I'm such a sucker for cheap thrills. I've been working on my thesis (Done by the way!) so I have desperately needed something to fill in the *staring at my monitor and mindless tapping at my keys* moments...So, I filled it with books that are written in 7th grade reading level. Over 300 pages in less than a day, my thesis is finished and now I find myself writing this review so that I may continue on with the next book in the Darkness Chosen series, Touch of Darkness.
Scent of Darkness is a paranormal romance (yay for repetition!) story that has an interesting historical sign your soul and your descendants soul to the devil fog. A family whom raids, rapes and conquers, one feared by all, hired by some, and served by others.
Although I found this book interesting (A word choice I will often use to soften a negative tone), I felt as though I was flung into a world of survival, rape and intrigue.
Ann, an orphan left for dumpster and rat bait, lived her life in fear of the bad ones that always came. Efficient and drowning in her infatuation and lust for her boss, Jasha ... she decides to visit him at his home to seduce him, to make him see her for more than just an administrative assistant.
Jasha is a powerful man, a successful owner of a winery who is profoundly loyal to his family of cursed shape-shifters, those damned for their gifts as they run and hide from the family they betrayed ... survived .. escaped from.
This book is a quick read for those in need of an airplane book or something simple to fall asleep to. Perhaps I am having a bad day and did not give this book the open-minded chance that I am well-known for .. Screw it.
I liked this book... barely. As I tend to obsess and do the whole OCD bit .. I must continue with the series until the end .. yay me. It is the weekend, and I am confident (Now that my thesis is completed and my homework and studying is done...) that I can avoid my computer for a couple of days (Yay me for hiding...) and knock out the other three books before Monday.
I recommend this book to those in need of a cheap paranormal romance thrill. The back story for this story is highly intriguing, but I found the action unmemorable. Moderate rip your eyes out violence and semi strong sexual but brief content .. Only a few scenes.
~Happy reading!
August 19, 2019
Scanning....scanning....scanning....that what I found myself doing about 40% in.
This one started out strong. Action, quirky storyline, hot alpha chase-n-mate then it just stalled.
Too much inner dialogue and not enough character to character interaction. Especially Ann she was constantly asking herself questions. Ann kept referring to herself as plain Ann, and I would have to agree. She started out strong and hot express to snoozeville.
Jasha came onto the scene chasing Anna down in a storm and ravishingly her, sexy as hell. Then beep beep beeeeeeeeeep (flatline). Cue the never ending inner dialogue.
I could not latch onto the world either. There was a tremendous emphasis on every little detail from the mortar on the brick to the number of the blades of grass in the forest (slight exaggeration).
This was scan it till it’s over snooze fest for this reader.
Happy reading! DD 💕
This one started out strong. Action, quirky storyline, hot alpha chase-n-mate then it just stalled.
Too much inner dialogue and not enough character to character interaction. Especially Ann she was constantly asking herself questions. Ann kept referring to herself as plain Ann, and I would have to agree. She started out strong and hot express to snoozeville.
Jasha came onto the scene chasing Anna down in a storm and ravishingly her, sexy as hell. Then beep beep beeeeeeeeeep (flatline). Cue the never ending inner dialogue.
I could not latch onto the world either. There was a tremendous emphasis on every little detail from the mortar on the brick to the number of the blades of grass in the forest (slight exaggeration).
This was scan it till it’s over snooze fest for this reader.
Happy reading! DD 💕
September 12, 2007
This book was truly outstanding-these days, the paranormal has become increasingly common in the romance genre. This particular series, the first one, was a truly nice surprise. Instead of having the common elements found in paranormals, this one contains a fresh storyline that pushes the boundaries of good and evil. Definitely a must-read for anyone that desires a storyline that is not predictable, and is full of twists that leaves you panting for more.
August 18, 2010
great new series by a wonderful author.
November 19, 2019
There is something special and unique about this book. The chemistry between Ann and Jasha was inevitable. Looking forward to the other books - the Turkish publisher is raaather slooow.
April 22, 2012
3.5 stars so I rounded down because there were issues.
Good story although the ending fell a little short for me. I felt as if Jasha and Ann deserved a more succinct HEA. The serpent and the rose birthmark explanation seemed a bit weak and I would have liked more focus placed on it. As it was, it seemed as if it was an afterthought since we didn't find out about until 80% of the book was concluded. I think the conclusion, which was the weak link in the story, would have felt more authentic if a stronger connection was made between the birthmark and the pact. Why did the rose grow as Ann grew? Why was the snake "alive"? How did her tattoo impact the pact? The questions were not answered to make for a satisfactory conclusion in my mind.
Another issue that unsettled me was the not-completely-consentual sex they had the first time. Ann went to Jasha's house with seduction on her mind so she sorta-kinda knew what she wanted. However Jasha chased her down as a wolf and essentially ravished her in human form when he caught her. That part of the storyline squee'd me a bit.
Also, Jasha and Ann seemed a bit ill-suited in the compatibility department. He was cocksure and she was repressed. Not exactly a match made in heaven.
Overall, and in spite of the challenges, the story was very enjoyable. I read it in one evening.
Good story although the ending fell a little short for me. I felt as if Jasha and Ann deserved a more succinct HEA. The serpent and the rose birthmark explanation seemed a bit weak and I would have liked more focus placed on it. As it was, it seemed as if it was an afterthought since we didn't find out about until 80% of the book was concluded. I think the conclusion, which was the weak link in the story, would have felt more authentic if a stronger connection was made between the birthmark and the pact. Why did the rose grow as Ann grew? Why was the snake "alive"? How did her tattoo impact the pact? The questions were not answered to make for a satisfactory conclusion in my mind.
Another issue that unsettled me was the not-completely-consentual sex they had the first time. Ann went to Jasha's house with seduction on her mind so she sorta-kinda knew what she wanted. However Jasha chased her down as a wolf and essentially ravished her in human form when he caught her. That part of the storyline squee'd me a bit.
Also, Jasha and Ann seemed a bit ill-suited in the compatibility department. He was cocksure and she was repressed. Not exactly a match made in heaven.
Overall, and in spite of the challenges, the story was very enjoyable. I read it in one evening.
August 16, 2009
I REALLY wanted to like this book. But, unfortunately the story just didn't work for me. On numerous levels.
The main problem i had with the plot, was the fact that we are supposed to believe that Jasha worked with Ann for all that time, and never thought of her as anything other than his assistant, But, have him chase her through the woods in his wolf form, and suddenly she's irresistible? And within hours, he has decided she's his mate (aided by a few very complicated, very silly supposed 'signs')? Speaking of the above encounter...the entire scenario of Ann deciding to drive out to his house (which the author describes as looking like a giant penis) to surprise her boss and offer him her virginity was downright laughable. Possibly handled by another author, i MIGHT have been able to get past it. But here, it came off as ridiculous, and made me cringe while reading it. I know it's important to suspend reality while reading a book like this, but this was just one of a few aspects to this story that i just couldn't buy.
The main problem i had with the plot, was the fact that we are supposed to believe that Jasha worked with Ann for all that time, and never thought of her as anything other than his assistant, But, have him chase her through the woods in his wolf form, and suddenly she's irresistible? And within hours, he has decided she's his mate (aided by a few very complicated, very silly supposed 'signs')? Speaking of the above encounter...the entire scenario of Ann deciding to drive out to his house (which the author describes as looking like a giant penis) to surprise her boss and offer him her virginity was downright laughable. Possibly handled by another author, i MIGHT have been able to get past it. But here, it came off as ridiculous, and made me cringe while reading it. I know it's important to suspend reality while reading a book like this, but this was just one of a few aspects to this story that i just couldn't buy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2017
Şekil değiştiriciler mitine farklı bir bakış açısı getirmiş yazar.Diğer kitaplardaki gibi kalıtsal değil de Şeytanla yapılan anlaşma sonucu şekil değiştirici olmaları hoşuma gitti.Kitaba dört vermemin tek nedeni de sanki devamı gelecek gibi bitmesiydi.Diğer kitaplar farklı kardeşlerin hikayelerinden oluşuyor yani Jasha ve Ann'ın hikayesinin devamı yok gibi görünüyor ama kitap kısa olduğu için bir yarım kalmışlık vardı.Bakalım belki diğer kitaplarda ara ara çiftimizin yarım kalan hikayesini tamamlarız.Okuyup göreceğim artık.
April 20, 2021
Wilder
This maybe the fifth time I read this book and it is still an enjoyable experience. The history, violence, and love make this a fascinating read. I can't wait to re-read the next book in the series.
This maybe the fifth time I read this book and it is still an enjoyable experience. The history, violence, and love make this a fascinating read. I can't wait to re-read the next book in the series.
April 30, 2022
Judged by nineties retro standards
November 27, 2023
Can't wait to read all the family
May 3, 2008
I did enjoy this book but there were a few things that nagged at me. First, the positives: the style of plot and format reminded me somewhat of Kresley Cole, with a fast-paced beginning (no mucking about), before a slide into a quieter, get-to-know-the-characters stage complete with meet-the-family scene and some light humour. But I still prefer Cole. There's well-established history and back-story here, and unlike Date Me Baby, One More Time, it makes relative sense. And I liked the early parts in the wilderness, and the nod to the environment. Dodd's descriptions aren't too lengthy or flowery, but her sex scenes (there are only three), are perhaps not detailed enough. Well, the first one was ok, but the other two were so quick and lacked any kind of connection between the characters.
Now for the other negatives: I would have loved Ann and Jasha except for when they interact. They don't quite click together, and I didn't buy their attraction. It was never really explained (to my liking at least) why Jasha was suddenly interested in her, and Ann's "love obsession" with him wasn't real love, and after that first wild night in the storm, she seemed to just be trying to convince herself she loved him still, even though he turned into a wolf. And that's another thing - here's a sweet, innocent-ish young woman raised by Catholic nuns, and she doesn't seem very disturbed by the whole "pact with the devil" thing at all. What it comes down to is that I felt Dodd forcing her characters into place, into situations, into feelings, too much. I shouldn't feel that at all - good characters write themselves.
Also, the ending was very abrupt, which spoiled the last line, obviously meant to create more tension, not less. Because Dodd rushed it, it fell flat and silly. I quite enjoyed the book while I was reading it, but afterwards - especially after the last bit - I just felt disappointed. I'm not sure if I'll read more of this series or not.
Now for the other negatives: I would have loved Ann and Jasha except for when they interact. They don't quite click together, and I didn't buy their attraction. It was never really explained (to my liking at least) why Jasha was suddenly interested in her, and Ann's "love obsession" with him wasn't real love, and after that first wild night in the storm, she seemed to just be trying to convince herself she loved him still, even though he turned into a wolf. And that's another thing - here's a sweet, innocent-ish young woman raised by Catholic nuns, and she doesn't seem very disturbed by the whole "pact with the devil" thing at all. What it comes down to is that I felt Dodd forcing her characters into place, into situations, into feelings, too much. I shouldn't feel that at all - good characters write themselves.
Also, the ending was very abrupt, which spoiled the last line, obviously meant to create more tension, not less. Because Dodd rushed it, it fell flat and silly. I quite enjoyed the book while I was reading it, but afterwards - especially after the last bit - I just felt disappointed. I'm not sure if I'll read more of this series or not.
May 14, 2019
Having read and enjoyed other books by Christina Dodd, I was more than a little surprised by this one and not in a good way. It was both confusing and had me checking again and again that no, it was not the author's first book and that yes, she did write it.
I had only read half of the description and seeing the "secretary in love with her boss who she discovers turns into a wolf", I just jumped in, expecting a very different kind of story that would deliver feels.
Unfortunately, no part of it did until the 70% mark, so I decided to cut my losses and so on the on hold indefinitely pile it goes. Such a shame, since the story had potential...
October 23, 2018
Pek kötü yazılmış ya, hızlı okunuyor kabul ama bir terslik var tüm kitapta. Hiçbir karakteri sevemedim, olaylar birbirinden bağımsız gibi. Genel olarak anlatılmak istenen konu ilgi çekici olabilir ama yazılma stilini hiç sevmedim gerçekten. Bir de sonlardaki gereksiz drama çekilir gibi değil.
September 2, 2007
although it has a good story line. I did not see much growth in the characters. I did not like how the virgin in this story acted after she got excatly what she wanted. I foud myself more interested in the relationship of the father and mother rather than their offspring.
The ending was also very weak. I dont think ive ever had one end so lame. Once again the "man" saves his woman and the day but not really. I don't think it came as such a surprise--the ending i mean-- laughable
The story built and built without coming down it seemed like it was unfinished and unrelated. By the way for those who think that this review is totally without cause. Read the first book then go to the next, they dont match
My opinion
The ending was also very weak. I dont think ive ever had one end so lame. Once again the "man" saves his woman and the day but not really. I don't think it came as such a surprise--the ending i mean-- laughable
The story built and built without coming down it seemed like it was unfinished and unrelated. By the way for those who think that this review is totally without cause. Read the first book then go to the next, they dont match
My opinion
September 15, 2010
Interesting concept. I am happy to know that there are only 4 books in the series, and I wont have to do the typical wait and wait and wait for the new book to come out. I really enjoyed it, liked the characters. The one main thing that caused me to give it 4 stars instead of 5 is because at times I felt like Jasha was too agressive. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love the alpha male, agressive attitude. But sometimes I felt like he was crossing the line, or at least dancing extrememly close to it!
Also, there were several parts of the story that I felt went by way too quickly and I would have liked to seem them be a bit more developed. Overall though, very enjoyable. I intend to keep reading.
Also, there were several parts of the story that I felt went by way too quickly and I would have liked to seem them be a bit more developed. Overall though, very enjoyable. I intend to keep reading.
September 4, 2020
A shapeshifter/vampire theme seemed to be everywhere at one point but I've never been fond of this sub-genre. They are too weird. Sadly this story dissapointed too. I didn't care for the characters nor plot. There's no relationship development, they just start to have sex. Was it something to do with that "animal" attraction? Ah, whatever.
I did enjoy Dodd's Virtue Falls and Cape Charade series but I guess this series is just not for me.
I did enjoy Dodd's Virtue Falls and Cape Charade series but I guess this series is just not for me.
February 13, 2022
The overall story was intriguing but the actions of Ann were so far-fetched and out of line (on many occasions and in many ways) that I had trouble buying into it.
November 13, 2022
What happens next?
August 26, 2010
Sent of Darkness by Christina Dodd
Ann smith was absolutely in love with her boss; she had worked for him for years and he never seemed to notice her in anything other than a professional capacity. She desperately wanted to show him her feminine side. So after receiving an important fax regarding his business she took that as a perfect excuse to dive up to his home in Washington and seduce him.
Once she got to his home she found he was not home and proceeded to make her self at home and get ready to seduce him. Once she heard something down stairs she was excited it may be him, rushing to find out she found more than she bargained for. All she wanted was this perfect man and instead what was standing before her was a perfect wolf now shifting into what was that perfect man. As soon as she gathered her strength she ran for it and he followed chase.
Ann soon learn that not only was she now a part of this man’s world but she was also destined to save his soul and his family. This was a lot to learn in one day. She knew she loved Jasha but could he ever truly love her for her or because she is his family’s only salvation?
Jasha Wilder was a formidable man he had a great family a growing business and all the women he wanted. But he held secretes that were coming back for him and his brothers with a vengeance. Now that his distance relatives were back and seem to be out for blood he will do anything to protect his family and Ann. He had known her the whole time she worked for him, he trusted her above all else but now he found he wanted to know even more of her, every inch of her. This woman did not sooth his beast she brought it closer to the surface but he wanted her even more. If they can just survive the war that has been brought to them he will have and keep this woman if it is the last thing he does. But can he convince her that his love for her is genuine?
I thought this was a good book. I was a very quick and easy read. At first it was a bit slow and dry but as soon as it picked up, man did it pick up. It flowed smoothly though each chapter keeping you waiting for more. It was just so easy to read. Jasha was the perfect alpha male takes what he wants and damn the conciseness. He knows how to protect and wants to do everything right for Ann; messing things up a few times, but he never quits trying. Ann was very sweet and since she had hid her own secretes that have made her a bit weary she is a little shy and timid but it is to be expected from what she has gone through. I think this was a good series and I will be reading the rest of the series I would like to see how the rest of the brothers fair.
** Athenna **
Ann smith was absolutely in love with her boss; she had worked for him for years and he never seemed to notice her in anything other than a professional capacity. She desperately wanted to show him her feminine side. So after receiving an important fax regarding his business she took that as a perfect excuse to dive up to his home in Washington and seduce him.
Once she got to his home she found he was not home and proceeded to make her self at home and get ready to seduce him. Once she heard something down stairs she was excited it may be him, rushing to find out she found more than she bargained for. All she wanted was this perfect man and instead what was standing before her was a perfect wolf now shifting into what was that perfect man. As soon as she gathered her strength she ran for it and he followed chase.
Ann soon learn that not only was she now a part of this man’s world but she was also destined to save his soul and his family. This was a lot to learn in one day. She knew she loved Jasha but could he ever truly love her for her or because she is his family’s only salvation?
Jasha Wilder was a formidable man he had a great family a growing business and all the women he wanted. But he held secretes that were coming back for him and his brothers with a vengeance. Now that his distance relatives were back and seem to be out for blood he will do anything to protect his family and Ann. He had known her the whole time she worked for him, he trusted her above all else but now he found he wanted to know even more of her, every inch of her. This woman did not sooth his beast she brought it closer to the surface but he wanted her even more. If they can just survive the war that has been brought to them he will have and keep this woman if it is the last thing he does. But can he convince her that his love for her is genuine?
I thought this was a good book. I was a very quick and easy read. At first it was a bit slow and dry but as soon as it picked up, man did it pick up. It flowed smoothly though each chapter keeping you waiting for more. It was just so easy to read. Jasha was the perfect alpha male takes what he wants and damn the conciseness. He knows how to protect and wants to do everything right for Ann; messing things up a few times, but he never quits trying. Ann was very sweet and since she had hid her own secretes that have made her a bit weary she is a little shy and timid but it is to be expected from what she has gone through. I think this was a good series and I will be reading the rest of the series I would like to see how the rest of the brothers fair.
** Athenna **
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