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The Hidden Realm #2
Damsel in Distress
I made a deal with a sorcerer. I'll help him stop an evil nobody even knows exists yet, and in exchange, he'll set me free of the monster that lives inside me.
Sounds like a sweet deal, right?
I thought so, but there's one thing I forgot to think about: Ax Creed.
When I first met him, I thought he would be just like everyone else. I'm good at pushing people away, and they usually stay away for good.
Not him. He pushes back just as hard. He got into my head, under my skin, and despite what we both are, he gives me hope. So I'm determined to do whatever it takes to get back to him, having no clue that he thinks I'm dead.
And what does Ax do when something he wants is taken from him?
He becomes the Savage.
Being on the run with him again fulfills my soul, but my freedom means too much to me, so I won't let myself stop. And at the end of our journey, I'll have a choice to make--become his, everything else be damned, or...
Ruin us for good.
Sounds like a sweet deal, right?
I thought so, but there's one thing I forgot to think about: Ax Creed.
When I first met him, I thought he would be just like everyone else. I'm good at pushing people away, and they usually stay away for good.
Not him. He pushes back just as hard. He got into my head, under my skin, and despite what we both are, he gives me hope. So I'm determined to do whatever it takes to get back to him, having no clue that he thinks I'm dead.
And what does Ax do when something he wants is taken from him?
He becomes the Savage.
Being on the run with him again fulfills my soul, but my freedom means too much to me, so I won't let myself stop. And at the end of our journey, I'll have a choice to make--become his, everything else be damned, or...
Ruin us for good.
250 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2023
299 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 9, 2023
3.5⭐️s
3🌶️
This second one was not as good as the first book in the series. I was expecting more out of the relationship then what had happened last time, but it’s all about the same. They fight, they bone, and then they do it all over. He is obsessed with her and even though she says she wants to be with him and loves him, every time they fight she’s trying to get in his pants.
Overall it was decent, but I was just expecting more I guess.
3🌶️
This second one was not as good as the first book in the series. I was expecting more out of the relationship then what had happened last time, but it’s all about the same. They fight, they bone, and then they do it all over. He is obsessed with her and even though she says she wants to be with him and loves him, every time they fight she’s trying to get in his pants.
Overall it was decent, but I was just expecting more I guess.
September 9, 2025
Cursed but Fated!
5⭐️/5🔥
Damsel in Distress is book 2 in The Hidden Realm series. This dark, vampire romance is thrilling, no lie. We pick up exactly where book 1 left off and find Nikki stuck with Jacob (the sorcerer hired to 💀 Vamps and Spirits). Jacob needs Nikki's help to save the world from a bigger evil than Vamps. Nikki wants to rid herself of the curse plaguing her to find her way back to Ax. One blood oath later and we're thrown into the depths of choosing sides, fighting evil, as well as fighting for a forbidden mate. It's getting good y'all! Moving on to book 3 now!
5⭐️/5🔥
Damsel in Distress is book 2 in The Hidden Realm series. This dark, vampire romance is thrilling, no lie. We pick up exactly where book 1 left off and find Nikki stuck with Jacob (the sorcerer hired to 💀 Vamps and Spirits). Jacob needs Nikki's help to save the world from a bigger evil than Vamps. Nikki wants to rid herself of the curse plaguing her to find her way back to Ax. One blood oath later and we're thrown into the depths of choosing sides, fighting evil, as well as fighting for a forbidden mate. It's getting good y'all! Moving on to book 3 now!
May 31, 2024
Well....
Um this one broke my heart a bit 😭😭
>>>>SPOILER ALERT<<<<
Creed is too perfect for his own good, he loves just like everything else he does, with his whole heart and Nikki....well, she has her own problems to fix and I don't like how she deals with it.
Um this one broke my heart a bit 😭😭
>>>>SPOILER ALERT<<<<
Creed is too perfect for his own good, he loves just like everything else he does, with his whole heart and Nikki....well, she has her own problems to fix and I don't like how she deals with it.
May 30, 2024
2,7/5
August 3, 2024
Their story grows and honestly that ending was NOT something I predicted. RAN to the next book
November 24, 2024
Damsel in Distress spins a riveting tale of magic, peril, and unexpected alliances that challenge the notion of freedom and the monstrous battles within. This novel cleverly blends elements of fantasy and romance into a thrilling narrative that keeps the pages turning with anticipation.
Nikki collaborates with a sorcerer to defeat an unseen evil, hoping to liberate herself from an inner demon. But, as tales of magic often go, the path is more complex than it seems. Enter Ax Creed, a character who disrupts Nikki's world through actions and sheer presence.
Ax is different from your typical hero. He radiates intensity and complexity. His relationship with Nikki is tumultuous and charged, filled with a push-and-pull dynamic that is as frustrating as it is addictive. He represents hope yet embodies chaos, drawing her and us deeper into the vortex of the unfolding drama.
What makes Damsel in Distress stand out is its exploration of personal demons and the concept of freedom. Nikki is fleeing from external dangers and the conflicts within her psyche. Her journey is as much about self-discovery and confronting her internal monster as it is about external survival and romantic entanglement.
Damsel in Distress is a captivating blend of dark fantasy and romance that explores the depths of human desire, the price of freedom, and the power of love to save and destroy. It promises not only to enthrall but also to leave readers pondering their own inner battles long after the last page is turned.
Nikki collaborates with a sorcerer to defeat an unseen evil, hoping to liberate herself from an inner demon. But, as tales of magic often go, the path is more complex than it seems. Enter Ax Creed, a character who disrupts Nikki's world through actions and sheer presence.
Ax is different from your typical hero. He radiates intensity and complexity. His relationship with Nikki is tumultuous and charged, filled with a push-and-pull dynamic that is as frustrating as it is addictive. He represents hope yet embodies chaos, drawing her and us deeper into the vortex of the unfolding drama.
What makes Damsel in Distress stand out is its exploration of personal demons and the concept of freedom. Nikki is fleeing from external dangers and the conflicts within her psyche. Her journey is as much about self-discovery and confronting her internal monster as it is about external survival and romantic entanglement.
Damsel in Distress is a captivating blend of dark fantasy and romance that explores the depths of human desire, the price of freedom, and the power of love to save and destroy. It promises not only to enthrall but also to leave readers pondering their own inner battles long after the last page is turned.
October 15, 2022
did realize it was a trilogy
The book designation was 2 of 2 when I picked it and imagine my surprise when the plot wasn’t resolving 78% into the book. And too much was set up to not have a third. Disappointed. It was like the author realized half way through they wanted to go longer and slowed it down. A miscommunication troupe and a quick bandaid rip of of the 2 book long built relationship to get us ready for a book 3. Feel unsatisfactory. Not feeling great about the ending, good start, annoying middle and end.
The book designation was 2 of 2 when I picked it and imagine my surprise when the plot wasn’t resolving 78% into the book. And too much was set up to not have a third. Disappointed. It was like the author realized half way through they wanted to go longer and slowed it down. A miscommunication troupe and a quick bandaid rip of of the 2 book long built relationship to get us ready for a book 3. Feel unsatisfactory. Not feeling great about the ending, good start, annoying middle and end.
November 6, 2023
The editing is just terrible and the storyline…doesn’t make sense? The world building needs a lot of improvement and the character interactions just aren’t that believable but I’ve already committed to the series so I will be skimming the third book
December 20, 2022
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
This book, Hoxa's second in 'The Hidden Realm' series, continues to follow Savage and Nikki as they struggle to find their way back to one another.
Many of obstacles stand in their way, many of which are shrouded in mystery. There are those around them who know more than they're admitting to and everyone seems to be leveraging them for their own reasons. The question is really, whose reasons are actually for the greater good here.
You can definitely tell that Hoxa is still developing her voice and growing her skill. There's significant effort in book two to develop the plot more thoroughly and even though I wasn't expecting that, nor was it what I came here for, it was a pleasant surprise. Plenty of room left to grow though.
Likewise, there is more development for Nikki and Savage's backstories and I'm looking forward to book three. I will say, it feels like Savage has cooled a little and I'm not sure how I feel about that personally. He certainly has moments where the Savage of book one peeks out, but he feels much softer to me when he's with her and since I enjoy the 'dark' in the 'dark romance' genre, that's a little less satisfying.
All in all though, well done.
This book, Hoxa's second in 'The Hidden Realm' series, continues to follow Savage and Nikki as they struggle to find their way back to one another.
Many of obstacles stand in their way, many of which are shrouded in mystery. There are those around them who know more than they're admitting to and everyone seems to be leveraging them for their own reasons. The question is really, whose reasons are actually for the greater good here.
You can definitely tell that Hoxa is still developing her voice and growing her skill. There's significant effort in book two to develop the plot more thoroughly and even though I wasn't expecting that, nor was it what I came here for, it was a pleasant surprise. Plenty of room left to grow though.
Likewise, there is more development for Nikki and Savage's backstories and I'm looking forward to book three. I will say, it feels like Savage has cooled a little and I'm not sure how I feel about that personally. He certainly has moments where the Savage of book one peeks out, but he feels much softer to me when he's with her and since I enjoy the 'dark' in the 'dark romance' genre, that's a little less satisfying.
All in all though, well done.
October 16, 2022
At the end of the first book, Nikki made a deal in order to survive but Ax has no idea that she is alive and he is gutted. He follows through on his promise to her and brings the sister and brother back safely, and protects them with his life. But when he finds out there's a chance Nikki might be alive, all bets are off.
Ax turns the world upside down to find her, when they are reunited, there is nothing but friction. But not much can keep these two apart. Except a blood oath, and a stubborn streak about a mile wide.
As is typical with a DN Hoxa story, nothing is as it seems. There are many twists and turns along the way. The characters are given much more depth and detail in the second book of the series, and we learn more of their back story. there is more world building, and greater detail to the situation at hand.
Ax might be a villain, and a man of terrible deeds, but my heart broke for him by the end of this story. I am looking forward to the next installment, and I hope Nikki can find her way back.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
Ax turns the world upside down to find her, when they are reunited, there is nothing but friction. But not much can keep these two apart. Except a blood oath, and a stubborn streak about a mile wide.
As is typical with a DN Hoxa story, nothing is as it seems. There are many twists and turns along the way. The characters are given much more depth and detail in the second book of the series, and we learn more of their back story. there is more world building, and greater detail to the situation at hand.
Ax might be a villain, and a man of terrible deeds, but my heart broke for him by the end of this story. I am looking forward to the next installment, and I hope Nikki can find her way back.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
February 13, 2024
Just when I think no way it could be better then book one.. I'm proven wrong.
Just when you think it can't get better then book one or does.
I cried, I yelled, I threw my Kindle.
My heart is broken and words escape me. I am not sure how to even go on at this point.
I am mad at Ax why cannot he not see the truth, the struggle, the pain? I loved him and hated him through the entire second book and just when I thought her finally understood..........
Nikki is willing to sacrifice herself, her, heart, her life for Ax. He is everything she never knew she needed or wanted, and now she'll do anything for him even if it means making him hate her, just to make sure he stays alive.
This series has completely consumed me, I can't put down the books.
The spice level I feel definitely heated up in this book. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ I personally would give it 4 out of 5 chili peppers.
-vampires
-magic
-love/hate
-unaliving
-alpha male
Just when you think it can't get better then book one or does.
I cried, I yelled, I threw my Kindle.
My heart is broken and words escape me. I am not sure how to even go on at this point.
I am mad at Ax why cannot he not see the truth, the struggle, the pain? I loved him and hated him through the entire second book and just when I thought her finally understood..........
Nikki is willing to sacrifice herself, her, heart, her life for Ax. He is everything she never knew she needed or wanted, and now she'll do anything for him even if it means making him hate her, just to make sure he stays alive.
This series has completely consumed me, I can't put down the books.
The spice level I feel definitely heated up in this book. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ I personally would give it 4 out of 5 chili peppers.
-vampires
-magic
-love/hate
-unaliving
-alpha male
October 12, 2022
Nikki is willing to give up everything to rid herself of the spirit that resides within her, even the man she loves. When he finds out that there is a possibility that the woman he loves is still alive he goes hunting. Savage Ax will kill anyone or anything that stands between them. But can they survive the truth when it’s finally revealed?
Oh, my goodness, I absolutely love these characters. They are, of course, well written and utterly fascinating. their interactions are sizzling hot, complex, and deliciously carnal. Exciting action, violence, magic paranormal entities, and unexpected twists in the plot of this dark romance make it a must read. I highly recommend this book, and series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Oh, my goodness, I absolutely love these characters. They are, of course, well written and utterly fascinating. their interactions are sizzling hot, complex, and deliciously carnal. Exciting action, violence, magic paranormal entities, and unexpected twists in the plot of this dark romance make it a must read. I highly recommend this book, and series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 18, 2023
Finished the book, but the main characters felt off. The FMC is just a bit too trusting for who she is made out to be and both the FMCH and the MMC behave like teenagers, taking everything personally, getting super angry although it's just a misunderstanding but unwilling to explain, interspersed with spice. Too many misunderstandings, instead of a sensible plot.
Will not be reading the third book and only read the second because I kept waiting for a scene that I'd read about on social media, which was advertised for the first book, but so far has been neither in the first nor the second. I just don't care enough to try and see what the next book might bring - probably more good intentions, misunderstandings, unnecessarily hurt feelings and basic plot lines.
Will not be reading the third book and only read the second because I kept waiting for a scene that I'd read about on social media, which was advertised for the first book, but so far has been neither in the first nor the second. I just don't care enough to try and see what the next book might bring - probably more good intentions, misunderstandings, unnecessarily hurt feelings and basic plot lines.
October 13, 2024
Bummer. Loved the first book and this second book is letting me down. If feels like the writer used sex as a filler for actual content.
25% and The sex has become boring at this point. Not good. like I get it, they are horny, but 6 sex scenes in a couple chapters is a bit much. Find myself fast forwarding to see where the actual story is going.
Plot:
* Hunter tried to teach her to control the spirit inside her
* Savage ax is killing everyone
* The hunter goes to kill Ax, but she follows and stops them
* then she runs with him.
* and sooo the sex fest begins...........
haven't got past that. I hope the story kicks back off again soon.
25% and The sex has become boring at this point. Not good. like I get it, they are horny, but 6 sex scenes in a couple chapters is a bit much. Find myself fast forwarding to see where the actual story is going.
Plot:
* Hunter tried to teach her to control the spirit inside her
* Savage ax is killing everyone
* The hunter goes to kill Ax, but she follows and stops them
* then she runs with him.
* and sooo the sex fest begins...........
haven't got past that. I hope the story kicks back off again soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2022
At the end of the first book, Nikki made a deal in order to survive. Ax never knew she survived. He took his charges back to his realm like he had promised. But my heart hurt for him.
When he finds out she is alive, he does everything in his power to find her. But the reunion doesn’t last. Nikki makes a choice to honor the blood oath she took and it sets the couple on separate paths. These two go through so much heartbreak.
Lots of stuff going on and still so many unanswered questions. Looking for to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
When he finds out she is alive, he does everything in his power to find her. But the reunion doesn’t last. Nikki makes a choice to honor the blood oath she took and it sets the couple on separate paths. These two go through so much heartbreak.
Lots of stuff going on and still so many unanswered questions. Looking for to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
March 9, 2023
I like the book and the series! Can't wait to read the last one :)
I'm a little annoyed with Nikki's behaviour and childishness. I get it, she's been through some stuff, but still... She doesn't treat Ax the way he deserves and the miscommunication (or better: the non-communication) about some important things reeeeaaaally bothers me. Nikki keeps pointing out that Ax doesn't understand, but she also doesn't explain it to him. The ending was freaking frustrating to say the least, but I guess that's the point.
I'm a little annoyed with Nikki's behaviour and childishness. I get it, she's been through some stuff, but still... She doesn't treat Ax the way he deserves and the miscommunication (or better: the non-communication) about some important things reeeeaaaally bothers me. Nikki keeps pointing out that Ax doesn't understand, but she also doesn't explain it to him. The ending was freaking frustrating to say the least, but I guess that's the point.
October 13, 2022
I love it when a favorite author returns with a new book. No surprise then that I was very happy to see D.N. Hoxa’s Damsel in Distress (The Hidden Realm, Book 2). Magical, mayhem and (kinda painful) romance here. Nicole (Nikki) and Ax have a great story going that’s perfectly written. The only downside is that it’s also perfectly addictive. I can’t wait now for the next book to see how things develop. In the meantime, as for this book: highly recommended.
October 5, 2023
My least favorite book of the series. We have some plot holes (see Notes) and Damsels character drives me crazy in this book but I persevered for Axels sake.
1. She doesn’t bother to let anyone know she’s alive. She could have just borrowed a phone.
2. She’s incredibly rude to the new people for no reason and makes enemies of them, again for no reason.
3. Never thanks Ax for saving her, then gets mad at him when he’s upset she’s wearing another guy’s necklace. Bet she’d be mad if he came wearing another girl’s jewelry.
Thankfully Book 3 gets better with less Ax/Damsel drama.
1. She doesn’t bother to let anyone know she’s alive. She could have just borrowed a phone.
2. She’s incredibly rude to the new people for no reason and makes enemies of them, again for no reason.
3. Never thanks Ax for saving her, then gets mad at him when he’s upset she’s wearing another guy’s necklace. Bet she’d be mad if he came wearing another girl’s jewelry.
Thankfully Book 3 gets better with less Ax/Damsel drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2024
Nikki agreed to help a sorcerer at the end of book 1 and things aren't going great. But, she wants to be with Ax and she believes the only way she can do that is to get rid of her inner monster.
This wasn't terrible for the second in a trilogy. I definitely feel the relationship between Nikki and Ax, the desire/obsession was good. It did lose a bit of steam overall but I'm invested now and will definitely finish.
This wasn't terrible for the second in a trilogy. I definitely feel the relationship between Nikki and Ax, the desire/obsession was good. It did lose a bit of steam overall but I'm invested now and will definitely finish.
July 15, 2024
3/5
I still loved this book, the story still amazing, and the spice still pretty great. The thing that took points away was how much spicy seconds there are. Like knowing how little they could keep their hands off each other was so cute and I loved knowing they had the mating bond it was adorable but it almost felt forced. I will also say in this book there was more than a few writing errors. All in all I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a fun quick read.
I still loved this book, the story still amazing, and the spice still pretty great. The thing that took points away was how much spicy seconds there are. Like knowing how little they could keep their hands off each other was so cute and I loved knowing they had the mating bond it was adorable but it almost felt forced. I will also say in this book there was more than a few writing errors. All in all I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a fun quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2025
This is the second series by Hoxa I've read. I loved the first series but this was just OK so far. It feels slow with more sex than plot. On top of that, the h is an idiot and that is beginning to seem like this authors favorite plot device. The h makes a stupid decision to get us to the next step. Unfortunately with how slow everything moved, it may not be enough to keep me interested to get me to the next book. The concept is interesting, but it feels like not much happens in this book.
October 12, 2022
This was definitely another great story with Ax and Nikki steaming up pages, as well as action to keep this page turning story pulling me in and taking me away! This is really a unique and original story, that I was not expecting from this Author. Dark and so steamy and I enjoyed the awesome adventure through this world! I Loved It!!! No Spoilers!
October 24, 2022
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Let me start with spice level 4/5 🌶️ and the plot!! Did not see that coming. Ax and Nikki are fighting more sorcerers and vampires but in the end, Nikki is fighting to save the world but more importantly, Ax. Will she survive to finally get her HEA with Ax or will it be too late for them? Hopefully we will find out in book 3!!
May 1, 2023
part two after a very good part one. I liked part one slightly better, because there was no miscommunication in that one. That was slightly frustrating in this part, but it was still lovely spicy. And the cliffhanger breaks my heart and feels very relatable to me at this time. I already have part three ready to go.
I'm pretty sure I'll read all of Dori's books
I'm pretty sure I'll read all of Dori's books
January 30, 2024
The plot is a little bit better than the first book of the series, but still lacks detail and the “deep dive” that fantasy worlds demand in order to capture the readers. Once again the physical connection between main characters is the main focus, and although these are very good scenes and interactions, the end of the book was kind of expected…
January 5, 2025
On the edge of my seat
I can envision every conversation, every character, every sound. The writing is great and I actually want to read the third one. I’m usually not a fantasy reader but this book is actually pretty good. The characters are frustrating yet likable. The smut is good too. 10/10.
I can envision every conversation, every character, every sound. The writing is great and I actually want to read the third one. I’m usually not a fantasy reader but this book is actually pretty good. The characters are frustrating yet likable. The smut is good too. 10/10.
October 13, 2022
Ax and Nicole are back for another crazy adventure where they are both a riot to watch. Lots of crazy, danger, surprises, funny and cuteness between these two and plenty of steam. Loved it and the story was easy to get sucked into. Decisions and choices to be made.
October 13, 2022
This is the second book in the series and it was amazing. My heart breaks for Nikki and Ax. He has grown so much as a character. The story is action packed and oh so steamy. I couldn’t put it down with all of the twists. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book.
October 14, 2022
😻
That is just plain sad! That’s all there is too it. They are both a bit childish and angry. Kinda perfect for each other. But I m not sure how they can actually come together after that last bit.
That is just plain sad! That’s all there is too it. They are both a bit childish and angry. Kinda perfect for each other. But I m not sure how they can actually come together after that last bit.
October 17, 2022
Book 2 takes us on a roller coaster ride of emotions with Nikki and Ax. Their relationship is fantastic and frustrating. There are some twists and surprises in this book as well as plenty of action. I love the dual POV that adds an extra dimension to the story. Can't wait for Book 3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews