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The Blackness #1
Blackness Takes Over
Shannon Kelly’s life has been anything but typical. Her life has been altered viciously at the hands of others twice. However horrible they have been, it’s these changes that have given her a family and career…now possibly love. The last thirteen years she has been supported and loved by her protector, her entertainer, and her comforter, but never a lover. When Dylan Kellerman enters Shannon’s life he changes its course in more ways than one. He gives her hope and promise of a future she was convinced wasn’t attainable. Just as she begins to believe she has finally turned her life into something she can build a future on…blackness takes over.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
32 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Norma Jeanne Karlsson
10 books374 followersOriginally from Kansas City, Missouri, Norma Jeanne recently found herself relocating to the United Kingdom. Now living in Belfast, she took hold of the opportunity to kick the 9-5 job for a chance to become an author. The best part: working from her home office, she gets to spend more time with her cast of crazy characters (written and real).
In her free time Norma Jeanne is a voracious reader and consumes books as readily as meals. She is a people watcher by nature and uses her experiences in life, observed or otherwise, to build the worlds and characters that thrive in her books. A believer in the strength of the human spirit, Norma Jeanne writes the stories of people that persevere when all appears to be lost.
In her free time Norma Jeanne is a voracious reader and consumes books as readily as meals. She is a people watcher by nature and uses her experiences in life, observed or otherwise, to build the worlds and characters that thrive in her books. A believer in the strength of the human spirit, Norma Jeanne writes the stories of people that persevere when all appears to be lost.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 10, 2014
...This book took me by surprise! It drew me in, held my attention to the end and is the perfect example of seeing through the eyes of a character whose real, true and there for you. Thanks so much for the copy NJ, even with 'that' ending .... I forgive you 'cos I still can't wait for more ;)
January 14, 2014
This is the story about a woman, Shannon, who lost her family when she was a little girl. Later, when she was attending college, she met 3 guys who decided instantly to be her protectors and her new family. They finished undergrad, and then law school and later opened up a firm. While working on a case, Shannon meets the son of one of the witnesses, Dylan (AKA Kel), and they both were immediately interested in each other. Because of the nature of the case, a bodyguard, Taylor, is hired to keep Shannon safe. But, it appears he is interested in her, as well. This is not really a true triangle, though, as a lot of the story revolves around the ups and downs of Kel and Shannon's relationship. We also get a healthy dose of the interesting case she's working on.
What I liked:
1. I loved how fearless Shannon was, and how she held her own with the guys.
2. The case with Mia and Butch was pretty interesting, and I hope
3. I love her relationship with the guys, Kavy, Call, and Sully. Oh yeah, and Finn!!! I thought it was weird at first, but it definitely grew on me.
4. That ending!!!
I like the continuing mystery about That ending left me with a lot of questions, and I can't wait to get the answers!
What I didn't like:
1. I'm going to get a lot of heat for this, but I'm just going to say it; I don't like Kel. I just never warmed up to him, and I never saw the connection between him and Shannon. I prefer her with Taylor or Finn.
2. Shannon "shimmies" too much. The first time I kinda rolled my eyes, but after it became annoying.
Here goes:
Story: 4
Plot: 4
Characters: 4
Favorite secondary character: Any of her 3 guys, Fin, or Taylor . I can't decide.
Least favorite character: Kel. I know, I know. Maybe I'll warm up to him in the next one.
Favorite lines: "Holy fuckin' shit, Shannon. Will you please go out with me? Marry me? Let me smell your hair? Anything."
Ending: Cliffhanger. Next one to be out in April.
Recommended for: Fans of romance and stories with a bit of a mystery.
Bottom line: This was a great debut from Norma Jeanne Karlsson. This book has romance and elements of law and mystery. I think you'll like it.
January 6, 2014
***** 10 Fabulous Stars *****
I"m so glad I clicked on this one... Norma Jean Karlsson just wrote a STUNNING debut... I'm really impressed and hooked. I'll be adding her to my 'must read' short list.
So so good. Refreshingly original. Strong, funny, fierce main character. I friggin' LOVE her! The dialogue -- esp. the inner (i came to look forward to those little parentheses of snarkiness). All of the supporting characters (even the bad guys) were believable, sometimes lovable and wholly engaging.
Can't say enough about how good and strong this author is... Watch out now!
PS: April for the follow-up seems waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long a time to wait. Please write faster!
I"m so glad I clicked on this one... Norma Jean Karlsson just wrote a STUNNING debut... I'm really impressed and hooked. I'll be adding her to my 'must read' short list.
So so good. Refreshingly original. Strong, funny, fierce main character. I friggin' LOVE her! The dialogue -- esp. the inner (i came to look forward to those little parentheses of snarkiness). All of the supporting characters (even the bad guys) were believable, sometimes lovable and wholly engaging.
Can't say enough about how good and strong this author is... Watch out now!
PS: April for the follow-up seems waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long a time to wait. Please write faster!
January 16, 2015
I enjoyed the book. I thinks the relationship with Shannon and her "boys" was a little OTT. also I think the drama was a little too manufactured. I will continue with the next book. Interested to see how it pans out with Kellerman.
May 5, 2018
4 💖🖤💖🖤 🌟🌟🌟🌟s!!!!
March 20, 2014
A big congrats to Karlsson for writing a wonderful true to life novel! What a way to hit the literary world! This story grabbed me from the very beginning and kept me interested throughout. A story about an unorthodox family who knew how to love and really be there for each other...no matter what!
Shannon has lost her family and her life has not been easy. Meeting the boys came at a perfect time in her life and all of them were bonded the second they met. They live together and have been for most of their lives. Even though all of the men find her to be perfect, a line is never crossed. They all stay together throughout college and open up a successful law firm.
Shannon is a character that I admired. She is fierce, confident, brave, loyal and refuses to put up with any crap! I loved her sassiness towards the boys (Kavy, Sully, Cally and Finn) and how she always called them out. Her boys were fiercely protective when it came to her and even though she hated it at times, she always knew they were coming from a place of love. The banter between them all was entertaining and even had me laughing my ass off at times.
As the story progresses, you meet Mia who is the victim of a terrible crime and Shannon is her legal guardian. When she is visiting Mia she meets Dylan Kellerman (Kel) who happened to be Mia's next door neighbor at the time of the attack. Shannon and Kel hit it off and start a relationship. But is Kel someone Shannon can trust? Can she give her whole heart to him?
Shannon's involvement with Mia leads to death threats and the boys feel she needs more protection. This is when we meet Taylor who becomes her bodyguard. But that's not all he wants to be and doesn't have a problem showing it.
The suspense was well written and kept me guessing throughout the story. Is Kel a good guy? What about Taylor? Who could be the individual who is making the threats to Shannon? You will have to read to find out ;) And yes...there is an AWESOME cliffhanger!! So needless to say...I cannot wait for the next installment!
Shannon has lost her family and her life has not been easy. Meeting the boys came at a perfect time in her life and all of them were bonded the second they met. They live together and have been for most of their lives. Even though all of the men find her to be perfect, a line is never crossed. They all stay together throughout college and open up a successful law firm.
Shannon is a character that I admired. She is fierce, confident, brave, loyal and refuses to put up with any crap! I loved her sassiness towards the boys (Kavy, Sully, Cally and Finn) and how she always called them out. Her boys were fiercely protective when it came to her and even though she hated it at times, she always knew they were coming from a place of love. The banter between them all was entertaining and even had me laughing my ass off at times.
As the story progresses, you meet Mia who is the victim of a terrible crime and Shannon is her legal guardian. When she is visiting Mia she meets Dylan Kellerman (Kel) who happened to be Mia's next door neighbor at the time of the attack. Shannon and Kel hit it off and start a relationship. But is Kel someone Shannon can trust? Can she give her whole heart to him?
Shannon's involvement with Mia leads to death threats and the boys feel she needs more protection. This is when we meet Taylor who becomes her bodyguard. But that's not all he wants to be and doesn't have a problem showing it.
The suspense was well written and kept me guessing throughout the story. Is Kel a good guy? What about Taylor? Who could be the individual who is making the threats to Shannon? You will have to read to find out ;) And yes...there is an AWESOME cliffhanger!! So needless to say...I cannot wait for the next installment!
November 29, 2017
Sigh. I really wanted to like this, I did. The majority of the reviews were promising and the blurb drew me in. I just couldn't connect to this at all. The characters all seemed too 'perfect', the storyline too 'perfect', and had an overall immature vibe to me. I fought to finish this because rarely will I not finish a book I've started. It wasn't relatable - who meets 3 super hot, amazingly perfect guys their first class of college, moves in with them within a week, and is this uber sexy/perfect girly non-girly girl? Even the major cliffhanger doesn't make me want to read the rest of the series.
April 17, 2015
Well done Norma......loved reading this refreshing original story....... Absolutely loved Shannon's character, sassy.fierce,witty and strong and definitely courageous ...she certainly knows how to hold her own. And her boys Kavy, Sully,Cally and Finn.....so protective and hilarious they truly have an awesome family bond after Blackness takes over Shannon the first time, their connection is simply beautiful........my God the Cliffhanger ending need book two like yesterday !!
January 15, 2014
This book is crazy good!!!! I loved what a strong character Shannon is. The supporting characters in this book are awesome - every girl should have a group of guy friends like this! I normally hate cliffhangers but I have to say this is one of the BEST cliffhangers I've ever encountered! I can't wait for the next book to come out in April! WOW! LOVED it! Well done Norma Jeanne Karlsson!!!!
September 12, 2016
I received a copy of Blackness Takes Over in exchange for an honest review.
Shannon Kelly has had two life-altering events in her life, one when she was a child at the time her dad was killed and the other in his freshman year of college. After the second event, she finds herself in the middle of an unconventional friendship with the 3 guys that saved her. The guys are the kinds of friends that become her new family and their parents/siblings also call her one of their own. Kavy, Cally and Sully are gorgeous sexy guys, who would do anything in the world for her and protect her with every once of their being, while loving her unconditionally. Even after college, their worlds remained immersed, as they all share a house, and their careers are all intermingled.
Dylan Kellerman (Kel) comes into their lives, as the son of a late eyewitness and he is immediately floored by Shannon and he also falls into protective mode over her, but it's different for him than it is for the other guys. Shannon hasn't ever really felt drawn to anyone romantically but there's definitely something about Kel that makes her want to change that.
Due to circumstances revolving around the crime that Kel's dad witnessed, Shannon receives some death threats and the guys feel that she needs even more protection than what they can offer, so bodyguard, Taylor (just as gorgeous and sexy as the other guys in her life) comes into the picture. Once he gets to know Shannon, he too falls under a spell when it comes to her but he's not even trying to hide it from the guys or from Kel, so even though Shannon is completely enraptured with Kel, he starts feeling insecure with their blossoming relationship.
I wasn't really sure what to think about this book when it first started but as I got farther into it, it got harder to put the book down. It's definitely got a unique story which was very refreshing to me. The friendship between Shannon and the guys was crazy fast, but with all of the feelings that are revealed later on in the story, it does make perfect sense. Shannon is amazingly strong in spite of or maybe because of all that she's had to deal with. Kavy and Cally and Sully absolutely make the story. Sure, it's all about Shannon, but it's because of them and their quirks and their loyalty that stole the book for me, with Kavy being my favorite. The banter between them all had me laughing so often but also was very touching whenever things were getting too heavy.
My only complaint is that I didn't know it was going to have a serious cliffhanger at the end and book 2 won't be out until April. The next few months are going to drag by while I wait and ponder what's going to happen next. But please don't let that stop you from reading this book. Even if book 2 is only 1/2 as good as Blackness Takes Over, it will be a book well worth waiting for!
Shannon Kelly has had two life-altering events in her life, one when she was a child at the time her dad was killed and the other in his freshman year of college. After the second event, she finds herself in the middle of an unconventional friendship with the 3 guys that saved her. The guys are the kinds of friends that become her new family and their parents/siblings also call her one of their own. Kavy, Cally and Sully are gorgeous sexy guys, who would do anything in the world for her and protect her with every once of their being, while loving her unconditionally. Even after college, their worlds remained immersed, as they all share a house, and their careers are all intermingled.
Dylan Kellerman (Kel) comes into their lives, as the son of a late eyewitness and he is immediately floored by Shannon and he also falls into protective mode over her, but it's different for him than it is for the other guys. Shannon hasn't ever really felt drawn to anyone romantically but there's definitely something about Kel that makes her want to change that.
Due to circumstances revolving around the crime that Kel's dad witnessed, Shannon receives some death threats and the guys feel that she needs even more protection than what they can offer, so bodyguard, Taylor (just as gorgeous and sexy as the other guys in her life) comes into the picture. Once he gets to know Shannon, he too falls under a spell when it comes to her but he's not even trying to hide it from the guys or from Kel, so even though Shannon is completely enraptured with Kel, he starts feeling insecure with their blossoming relationship.
I wasn't really sure what to think about this book when it first started but as I got farther into it, it got harder to put the book down. It's definitely got a unique story which was very refreshing to me. The friendship between Shannon and the guys was crazy fast, but with all of the feelings that are revealed later on in the story, it does make perfect sense. Shannon is amazingly strong in spite of or maybe because of all that she's had to deal with. Kavy and Cally and Sully absolutely make the story. Sure, it's all about Shannon, but it's because of them and their quirks and their loyalty that stole the book for me, with Kavy being my favorite. The banter between them all had me laughing so often but also was very touching whenever things were getting too heavy.
My only complaint is that I didn't know it was going to have a serious cliffhanger at the end and book 2 won't be out until April. The next few months are going to drag by while I wait and ponder what's going to happen next. But please don't let that stop you from reading this book. Even if book 2 is only 1/2 as good as Blackness Takes Over, it will be a book well worth waiting for!
January 23, 2014
**A promo copy given in exchange for an honest review
This book was so good! The writing is excellent and the story kept me interested the whole way. The characters are what really made this book special for me though. Especially the main character Shannon, who was introduced to violence at a young age but has grown into a woman who is so strong, smart, spirited and quite a little badass when she needs to be. I just adored her! She is surrounded by a wonderful cast of sexy, honorable men who have taken her under their wing and each play a significant role in her life. They all live together platonically as one big happy family. They support and love each other as siblings would, driving home the point that it is love that makes a family. The dialog and flirtatious banter between these characters is so fun and their escapades in and outside the home is humorous and entertaining. If you like steamy scenes this book has that too as Shannon meets and falls for Dylan, yum!
As the story moves along, the mystery that surrounds Shannon thickens and the suspense factor heats up. There are lots of little mysteries going on here that kept me on my toes trying to figure out what was up. There is a cliffhanger ending that took my breath away and I loved it. I can't wait to see how this story plays out and I'll be the first in line for the sequel! What a great debut novel by Norma Jeanne Karlsson! 4.5 stars
This book was so good! The writing is excellent and the story kept me interested the whole way. The characters are what really made this book special for me though. Especially the main character Shannon, who was introduced to violence at a young age but has grown into a woman who is so strong, smart, spirited and quite a little badass when she needs to be. I just adored her! She is surrounded by a wonderful cast of sexy, honorable men who have taken her under their wing and each play a significant role in her life. They all live together platonically as one big happy family. They support and love each other as siblings would, driving home the point that it is love that makes a family. The dialog and flirtatious banter between these characters is so fun and their escapades in and outside the home is humorous and entertaining. If you like steamy scenes this book has that too as Shannon meets and falls for Dylan, yum!
As the story moves along, the mystery that surrounds Shannon thickens and the suspense factor heats up. There are lots of little mysteries going on here that kept me on my toes trying to figure out what was up. There is a cliffhanger ending that took my breath away and I loved it. I can't wait to see how this story plays out and I'll be the first in line for the sequel! What a great debut novel by Norma Jeanne Karlsson! 4.5 stars
September 26, 2016
If I read this book first, I would have never picked up another book by this author. I loved MUGS OF LOVE, but this book I found ridiculous.
Shannon a.k.a. Kid meets three guys in college. They instantly become BFFs and ask her to move in with them after she is attacked. Thirteen years later they are still as close. They all want to practice law and then run a law firm which they do. How perfect. However, now there is someone after Shannon and she meets Kel who is a cop and then she meets Taylor who is her bodyguard. She has a relationship with Kel, even though she knows Taylor wants more.
UGH, this was just a train wreck to me. The three guys, I am not sure what they saw in Shannon excepts she is supposedly beautiful. She swears a lot and her attitude was rough. She was one of the guys...all the time, even when she was intimate with Kel. I do not get what anyone saw in her.
The writing did not flow. I feel all the information was told to me like a textbook. The relationships were too insta-"love" for me to connect. I don't understand what they saw in Shannon.
This ending is a cliffy and I love cliffys, but I felt no connection between Kel and Shannon. So I could care less what information was discovered. Then what Shannon did when she found out some "truth" really rubbed me the wrong way. Two wrongs don't make a right!!! I really did not like Shannon.
Shannon a.k.a. Kid meets three guys in college. They instantly become BFFs and ask her to move in with them after she is attacked. Thirteen years later they are still as close. They all want to practice law and then run a law firm which they do. How perfect. However, now there is someone after Shannon and she meets Kel who is a cop and then she meets Taylor who is her bodyguard. She has a relationship with Kel, even though she knows Taylor wants more.
UGH, this was just a train wreck to me. The three guys, I am not sure what they saw in Shannon excepts she is supposedly beautiful. She swears a lot and her attitude was rough. She was one of the guys...all the time, even when she was intimate with Kel. I do not get what anyone saw in her.
The writing did not flow. I feel all the information was told to me like a textbook. The relationships were too insta-"love" for me to connect. I don't understand what they saw in Shannon.
This ending is a cliffy and I love cliffys, but I felt no connection between Kel and Shannon. So I could care less what information was discovered. Then what Shannon did when she found out some "truth" really rubbed me the wrong way. Two wrongs don't make a right!!! I really did not like Shannon.
April 3, 2015
4.5 stars
Blackness Takes Over is Shannon Kelly's story. And what a story it is. Shannon's life hasn't been easy, at 17 years old she'd experienced more 'blackness' than anyone should in life, yet somehow didn't let that rule her life, she is strong, smart, independent, confident and sassy as hell. I love the fact that she isn't girly, she is gorgeous, she knows it, but doesn't flaunt it.
I loved her make shift family, although I was a little iffy about it in the beginning, by about Chapter 4 I adored her boys too.
Also, kudos to Norma Jeanne who some how makes you fall in love with a young coma patient. Not an easy task.
The story line is strong, fresh, a little gritty and just awesome for a debut. Plus it's a great Alpha Male hit for us AlphaMale junkies.
I would have liked to been a little more involved with her relationship with Kel and a little less involved with Taylor (Did not like him! )
It should be noted that this book does have a cliff hanger, but the next book should be out in April.
I will definitely be on the look out for any future books by Norma Jeanne.
Blackness Takes Over is Shannon Kelly's story. And what a story it is. Shannon's life hasn't been easy, at 17 years old she'd experienced more 'blackness' than anyone should in life, yet somehow didn't let that rule her life, she is strong, smart, independent, confident and sassy as hell. I love the fact that she isn't girly, she is gorgeous, she knows it, but doesn't flaunt it.
I loved her make shift family, although I was a little iffy about it in the beginning, by about Chapter 4 I adored her boys too.
Also, kudos to Norma Jeanne who some how makes you fall in love with a young coma patient. Not an easy task.
The story line is strong, fresh, a little gritty and just awesome for a debut. Plus it's a great Alpha Male hit for us AlphaMale junkies.
I would have liked to been a little more involved with her relationship with Kel and a little less involved with Taylor (Did not like him! )
It should be noted that this book does have a cliff hanger, but the next book should be out in April.
I will definitely be on the look out for any future books by Norma Jeanne.
October 19, 2014
Shannon Kelly is outstanding and at 17yrs old is starting her college career. Raised by her uncle after the assassination of her father, at the tender age of 17 Shannon has already had more life experience than some grown men. After her father's death and mother's abandonment, Shannon's Uncle Mick trained her to be a survivor and she is, and continues to prove her skills time and time again.
Freshman year of college she meets three young men, Kavanaugh, Callahan and O'Sullivan. Shannon takes a chance at friendship and agrees to go to a frat party with the guys as their guest. What happens changes her life forever. Through tragedy, a bond was built that would never be broken. Just when I thought things couldn't get worse, the unspeakable happens. Will Shannon ever rise out of the darkness that has encompassed her life for so long? Old memories and triggers re-emerge and threaten the life she builds with her men.
This book made me laugh more times than I can count and brought me to tears pages later. The emotions leap off the page and tug at your heart. I devoured this book and read non-stop onto the next book. The writing is brilliant and Norma draws you in with non-stop emotions that make you yearn to find out what happens next.
Freshman year of college she meets three young men, Kavanaugh, Callahan and O'Sullivan. Shannon takes a chance at friendship and agrees to go to a frat party with the guys as their guest. What happens changes her life forever. Through tragedy, a bond was built that would never be broken. Just when I thought things couldn't get worse, the unspeakable happens. Will Shannon ever rise out of the darkness that has encompassed her life for so long? Old memories and triggers re-emerge and threaten the life she builds with her men.
This book made me laugh more times than I can count and brought me to tears pages later. The emotions leap off the page and tug at your heart. I devoured this book and read non-stop onto the next book. The writing is brilliant and Norma draws you in with non-stop emotions that make you yearn to find out what happens next.
October 16, 2014
Refreshingly original! This book proves that you don’t have to be blood relatives to be family. I always enjoy a strong female character, and let me just say that Shannon doesn't disappoint. She is smart, witty, sexy, and sassy. She is a tom boy at heart but still very much a woman. Can I just point out that she lives in a house with uber good looking men! How lucky is she. I loved the dynamic between them, they did argue more like siblings and it was great. Her “boys” are so overly protective of her and it is hilarious. I liked the fact that she finally meets a man that “fits” Dylan softens her up but she by no means turns into mush. The story was filled with as many laugh out loud moments as WTF moments. And how it ends makes you want to you quickly grab book 2 to keep going. I’m glad I can into this story late since I don’t have to wait for the next installment to be released.
January 22, 2014
i was hoping for this to be a series the second i finished the first three pages. i haven't been so sunk into a book in ages and this did it for me.
i fell in love with every character. shannon is a woman that most would love to be; she's so strong and amazing. and, ugh, don't get me started on every male character... seeeeexy!
i can't wait for the second installment!
ps. thank you so much for the copy!
i fell in love with every character. shannon is a woman that most would love to be; she's so strong and amazing. and, ugh, don't get me started on every male character... seeeeexy!
i can't wait for the second installment!
ps. thank you so much for the copy!
March 11, 2014
I have to say this is a slightly unusual book and it took me a few chapters to get into because the relationships are pretty complex, but it quickly made sense and I really enjoyed the way author Norma Jeanne Karlsson writes. I would love to read a sequel to discover what happens to them all going forward.
January 29, 2015
DNF. I just couldn't really grasp the fact that the heroine was best friends with super hot guys. The guys see her like a sister, yet still think she's super hot. Just something my head can't really wrap around.
While that is one of the reasons why I couldn't finish, it's also because I couldn't really get into the plot.
While that is one of the reasons why I couldn't finish, it's also because I couldn't really get into the plot.
March 15, 2014
An intelligent and entertaining read, it isn't often I can say that about a book, but Norma Jean Karlsson has written a really engrossing novel that had me hooked from the start. The writing is excellent and the characters are very memorable.
September 9, 2016
An excellent debut novel with a sassy cast of sexy characters and enough pace to ensure that you are left wanting more. Can't wait for the second instalment!
March 14, 2014
Totally original! I absolutely lost myself in this provocative and intelligent read. Norma Jeanne Karlsson has a wonderful way with words that flow so easily. I hope we will see another book soon.
September 2, 2014
Shannon Kelly begins in her first day in college after barely turning 17. In her first class, she meets three young men, who rush to be the first one to speak to her. They see a young beauty but they quickly learn that she doesn’t put up with their crap, and puts them in their place. They invite her to their place for a party that night, but when other young men give her looks, they immediately change and become her protectors. The night ends with such horrible trauma, that the lives of the 3 boys and Shannon are forever entwined.
While Shannon recuperates from a traumatic assault, the 3 young men, Aaron Kavanagh, Brian O’Sullivan, and Ryan Callaghan are never far from her. They ask her to move in with them, wanting to keep her safe but also because she has helped each of them. Each of the boys have events in their lives that have affected them (loss of a mother, etc.) and Shannon manages to give each of them some sort of peace and comfort. She immediately starts calling them by nicknames – Kavy, Sully, and Cally. They tell her “You’re the missing piece to our puzzle Kid, you just fit.” They decide to get tattoos, all somewhat similar with the Celtic knot at the center, which means family and love. The boys meet Shannon’s Uncle Mick and she meets their families. The three O’Sullivan, Kavanagh, and Callaghan families only have boys and Shannon becomes the daughter they all wanted.
Shannon and the boys (her words) bicker and snark, tease and pull pranks, watch and play sports, and support each other. As one states to Shannon, “Where you go, we all go.” I laughed so much with the comments made to each other, they were like siblings and yet not. They joked about sex, their physical appearances, and Kavy slept with Shannon almost every night for many years after the assault, and intermittently thereafter. It may seem odd that a grown gorgeous man would sleep with a gorgeous woman and keep it platonic. You can only understand the relationships as you read the story and see how the family connections develop.
Shannon’s nickname becomes Kid, since she is so young. They spend the next four years of college living together and end up at Stanford Law. Each has their respective interests – criminal law, contracts, and family law for Shannon. They open a practice together in Kansas City where Kid grew up with her Uncle Mick from age 8 – 17. They all live together in her Uncle’s large house and include Aiden, another brother as a private investigator. The large extended family includes physicians, attorneys, and police between Chicago and Kansas City.
Kid finally has a real, although extremely large family – 3 fathers, 2 mothers, 9 brothers, and cousins. She realizes that family doesn’t have to be about blood, there can also be family of the heart, which can be even better.
Looking back on Shannon’s childhood, she lost her father at age 8 and goes to live with her Uncle. He teaches her survival skills and definitely has an unorthodox view on teaching her life skills. He never gives her any reason other than girls need to keep their wits about them, stay calm, and learn every skill they possibly can to protect themselves.
The present day part of the story begins after Kid and the boys have known each other for 13 years. They still live and work together and spend almost all of their time together. I loved the way they cared for each other and the boys would all jump if they thought Shannon/Kid was hurt or in trouble and I’m somewhat envious of the closeness they share. Kid becomes a confident, strong, strong-willed, gorgeous woman, and yet somehow broken from past painful experiences. She is also fierce, loyal, and loving.
The story becomes very suspenseful with criminals and threats. Shannon/Kid goes to the hospital to spend time with Mia, initially in her guardian ad litem capacity, but she falls in love with the child and spends time reading to her and playing with her hair. At one visit, a man is in the room and she immediately becomes the fierce protector and wants to know who he is and why he is there. Dylan Kellerman has come back to town and knew Mia when she was young. Kid decides she can’t call him Kelly, since that is her last name, so she calls him Kel.
Kid is surrounded by gorgeous men and the descriptions of them throughout the story are just mouth-watering! Kel and Kid seem to click whereas Kid has never had a relationship before. She dated but never spent much time with any one man. I loved seeing this new facet of Kid’s life and she is amazed also. She never expected to feel so much for a man.
Kel isn’t quite sure what to think of Kid’s relationship and connection with her boys. He soon realizes they are a part of her life and she wasn’t changing that connection for anyone.
Some readers may have comments about the amount of extreme events in the story, the number of gorgeous men, the love and adoration Kid receives, but in the end, it is Fiction. Some of it is over-the-top but the journey was so enjoyable. I love true-to-life stories, but I also want and need some fantasy in my life, and this book definitely fulfilled that need!
I especially like this book with the amount of great dialogue. I love descriptive scenery, etc., as much as anyone but find myself skimming books at times to get to the dialogue or action. There was no skimming with this book and the bantering was just so entertaining. And the ‘House Rules’ were so funny and evidently needed with the antics.
As a brief warning, if you are offended by the ‘f-word’, it is used ALOT. It doesn’t offend me and in most cases, you understand that teenage boys and men into their early 30s may use a lot of curse words. But Shannon/Kid doesn’t hesitate to curse either, which I think helps her fit in with all of the males. Kid is not a ‘girly girl’, has strong opinions, she doesn’t hesitate to take control when needed, and it’s just part of her personality. You will become so enmeshed in the story that you will almost overlook the profanity.
Ms. Karlsson has written a lengthy story, one filled with so many events and emotions, and excellent character development. Intricate details are interwoven throughout the story that further the plot and give a better idea of events in the past.
I was so engrossed in this first story, that I couldn’t bear to stop and write a review, and I had to immediately begin the second book, Blackness Awaits. This book ends in a definite cliffhanger, which I usually don’t care for, but I loved the characters, the storyline, the emotions, and just had to keep reading.
After completing the second book, I was so overwhelmed with the story, that I couldn’t think what to write. And I was so addicted to the characters that I couldn’t go to sleep at night and just had to start reading the books again. I finished the second read of this first book last night, so that may be why I had trouble getting to sleep again. The characters pop into my head when I awake at night/morning and driving to work. I’ve had very few stories that linger much after a day or two, not that the stories aren’t good, but I read one book after another. This book and the second has caused such a ‘book hangover’ that I can’t seem to move past them yet. I hope that you take a chance on this book and fall in love with the characters also.
While Shannon recuperates from a traumatic assault, the 3 young men, Aaron Kavanagh, Brian O’Sullivan, and Ryan Callaghan are never far from her. They ask her to move in with them, wanting to keep her safe but also because she has helped each of them. Each of the boys have events in their lives that have affected them (loss of a mother, etc.) and Shannon manages to give each of them some sort of peace and comfort. She immediately starts calling them by nicknames – Kavy, Sully, and Cally. They tell her “You’re the missing piece to our puzzle Kid, you just fit.” They decide to get tattoos, all somewhat similar with the Celtic knot at the center, which means family and love. The boys meet Shannon’s Uncle Mick and she meets their families. The three O’Sullivan, Kavanagh, and Callaghan families only have boys and Shannon becomes the daughter they all wanted.
Shannon and the boys (her words) bicker and snark, tease and pull pranks, watch and play sports, and support each other. As one states to Shannon, “Where you go, we all go.” I laughed so much with the comments made to each other, they were like siblings and yet not. They joked about sex, their physical appearances, and Kavy slept with Shannon almost every night for many years after the assault, and intermittently thereafter. It may seem odd that a grown gorgeous man would sleep with a gorgeous woman and keep it platonic. You can only understand the relationships as you read the story and see how the family connections develop.
Shannon’s nickname becomes Kid, since she is so young. They spend the next four years of college living together and end up at Stanford Law. Each has their respective interests – criminal law, contracts, and family law for Shannon. They open a practice together in Kansas City where Kid grew up with her Uncle Mick from age 8 – 17. They all live together in her Uncle’s large house and include Aiden, another brother as a private investigator. The large extended family includes physicians, attorneys, and police between Chicago and Kansas City.
Kid finally has a real, although extremely large family – 3 fathers, 2 mothers, 9 brothers, and cousins. She realizes that family doesn’t have to be about blood, there can also be family of the heart, which can be even better.
Looking back on Shannon’s childhood, she lost her father at age 8 and goes to live with her Uncle. He teaches her survival skills and definitely has an unorthodox view on teaching her life skills. He never gives her any reason other than girls need to keep their wits about them, stay calm, and learn every skill they possibly can to protect themselves.
The present day part of the story begins after Kid and the boys have known each other for 13 years. They still live and work together and spend almost all of their time together. I loved the way they cared for each other and the boys would all jump if they thought Shannon/Kid was hurt or in trouble and I’m somewhat envious of the closeness they share. Kid becomes a confident, strong, strong-willed, gorgeous woman, and yet somehow broken from past painful experiences. She is also fierce, loyal, and loving.
The story becomes very suspenseful with criminals and threats. Shannon/Kid goes to the hospital to spend time with Mia, initially in her guardian ad litem capacity, but she falls in love with the child and spends time reading to her and playing with her hair. At one visit, a man is in the room and she immediately becomes the fierce protector and wants to know who he is and why he is there. Dylan Kellerman has come back to town and knew Mia when she was young. Kid decides she can’t call him Kelly, since that is her last name, so she calls him Kel.
Kid is surrounded by gorgeous men and the descriptions of them throughout the story are just mouth-watering! Kel and Kid seem to click whereas Kid has never had a relationship before. She dated but never spent much time with any one man. I loved seeing this new facet of Kid’s life and she is amazed also. She never expected to feel so much for a man.
Kel isn’t quite sure what to think of Kid’s relationship and connection with her boys. He soon realizes they are a part of her life and she wasn’t changing that connection for anyone.
Some readers may have comments about the amount of extreme events in the story, the number of gorgeous men, the love and adoration Kid receives, but in the end, it is Fiction. Some of it is over-the-top but the journey was so enjoyable. I love true-to-life stories, but I also want and need some fantasy in my life, and this book definitely fulfilled that need!
I especially like this book with the amount of great dialogue. I love descriptive scenery, etc., as much as anyone but find myself skimming books at times to get to the dialogue or action. There was no skimming with this book and the bantering was just so entertaining. And the ‘House Rules’ were so funny and evidently needed with the antics.
As a brief warning, if you are offended by the ‘f-word’, it is used ALOT. It doesn’t offend me and in most cases, you understand that teenage boys and men into their early 30s may use a lot of curse words. But Shannon/Kid doesn’t hesitate to curse either, which I think helps her fit in with all of the males. Kid is not a ‘girly girl’, has strong opinions, she doesn’t hesitate to take control when needed, and it’s just part of her personality. You will become so enmeshed in the story that you will almost overlook the profanity.
Ms. Karlsson has written a lengthy story, one filled with so many events and emotions, and excellent character development. Intricate details are interwoven throughout the story that further the plot and give a better idea of events in the past.
I was so engrossed in this first story, that I couldn’t bear to stop and write a review, and I had to immediately begin the second book, Blackness Awaits. This book ends in a definite cliffhanger, which I usually don’t care for, but I loved the characters, the storyline, the emotions, and just had to keep reading.
After completing the second book, I was so overwhelmed with the story, that I couldn’t think what to write. And I was so addicted to the characters that I couldn’t go to sleep at night and just had to start reading the books again. I finished the second read of this first book last night, so that may be why I had trouble getting to sleep again. The characters pop into my head when I awake at night/morning and driving to work. I’ve had very few stories that linger much after a day or two, not that the stories aren’t good, but I read one book after another. This book and the second has caused such a ‘book hangover’ that I can’t seem to move past them yet. I hope that you take a chance on this book and fall in love with the characters also.
September 20, 2017
Wow, what a disappointment this turned out to be. Not only is this book terribly written (the first word of the book is "Uuuuggghhh", yes really, and if you think it gets any better you're dead wrong); but it is also completely unrealistic, even for a work of fiction (All the guys are super protective of a chick they just met? Even though they treat other women like pieces of meat? She's apparently the only female within the immediate vicinity which EVERY GUY finds insanely attractive? To the point that she causes actual fights in public?).
I could go on with other terrible examples but I only got halfway through the book before giving up. Really wish I had stuck around to see her get kidnapped or whatever (I'm assuming this from the plot summary); she got what she deserved for lacking character depth (and for being completely and willingly dehumanized by the misogynistic sexist men around her).
I could go on with other terrible examples but I only got halfway through the book before giving up. Really wish I had stuck around to see her get kidnapped or whatever (I'm assuming this from the plot summary); she got what she deserved for lacking character depth (and for being completely and willingly dehumanized by the misogynistic sexist men around her).
November 11, 2018
This book was fairly decent. There were parts that dragged on a bit, which I skimmed through. I liked Shannon's character. She was strong and didn't take BS from others, men in particular. Her uncle Mike raised her right. I got a kick out of her 3 besties, as well. The story was on the unrealistic side, though. I would love to have 3 protective male friends, like Shannon does, but every other guy presented in the story fell in love with her. Her romance with Kel was too automatic. One would have thought they'd been in love for at least months vs. days with the way they interacted. They did have a few good steamy scenes. Not enough to earn the steamy scene star from me, though! There were some twists at the end. I'm curious to see where they lead. I'm hoping to like the second book more than I did the first.
April 24, 2018
if you like OTT try this one :)))
October 30, 2014
I had read Shrouded of Blackness (Blackness Series Book 3) and had to get my hands on the first two books in this collection. The author had me captivated by the characters and all of the drama she puts into her books. Book 1 wasn’t involving the same plot line and people as I had come to love in book 3 but she didn’t disappoint with an interesting group of people and a cliff hanger that left me thankful I was going into book 2 right away.
In the beginning of this collection we meet Kid, also known as Shannon Kelly. Life hadn’t been kind to her and did all it could to break her down into a female victim but she didn’t play by those rules. After becoming an orphan she was sent to her Uncles house where he taught her to be independent and able to survive whatever crisis she faced in life. One of the biggest achievements that she gained during that time was to never panic in the middle of chaos. When at the age of 17 she began college she met three men who would soon become her brothers. With her Uncle dying back in Kansas of cancer and her going to school in Chicago, she had to keep her past a secret so the state wouldn’t involve themselves in her life.
When she went to her first party in college she let her guard down and the outcome put her in trouble. Wounded and almost raped Kavy, Sully and Cally came to her rescue and took her to their house. As they nursed her back to health a family was born. Soon she saw no other option or way of life than to live with them and be the missing piece each of them needed in their world.
Soon she met Dylan Kellerman, also known as Kel. It was going to be a battle getting her three guys to accept Kel and for Kel to adjust to the fact she is living with three men when they are intimate in every way but sexual. The secrets they shared and the nonverbal conversations they have with facial expressions and eyes, left Kel feeling like an outsider most of the time.
Taylor was there to be her body guard but he developed feelings for Kid as well. While you won’t know what is truly going on with Taylor the author left us with an air of uncertainty about his motives towards this group of people. When Kel is faced with some information that Taylor dug up on him, he is truly shocked at how his life was going to change in an instant. Would Kid accept this news and still want him in her life, only way to find out is getting through the three big brothers.
At the end, some questions didn’t get answered for us because of the cliff hanger but she did leave me wanting more. Now a bit about how I felt while reading this book. I really adored that Kid wasn’t a weak woman, but she did go overboard a few times with her attitude and denial of things she really needed to address from her past. I loved how the boys treated her as a little sister, even though they had no problem walking in on her when she was nude and I really enjoyed watching the lives of the guys unfold so we could see exactly what need Kid fit for each one. Although this book felt more like the first half was an introduction to the new family, which there is plenty more than I talked about and the action happened in the second half of the book, I enjoyed the style the author used. I would recommend this for anyone who loves a gritty group of people who don’t take no for an answer.
In the beginning of this collection we meet Kid, also known as Shannon Kelly. Life hadn’t been kind to her and did all it could to break her down into a female victim but she didn’t play by those rules. After becoming an orphan she was sent to her Uncles house where he taught her to be independent and able to survive whatever crisis she faced in life. One of the biggest achievements that she gained during that time was to never panic in the middle of chaos. When at the age of 17 she began college she met three men who would soon become her brothers. With her Uncle dying back in Kansas of cancer and her going to school in Chicago, she had to keep her past a secret so the state wouldn’t involve themselves in her life.
When she went to her first party in college she let her guard down and the outcome put her in trouble. Wounded and almost raped Kavy, Sully and Cally came to her rescue and took her to their house. As they nursed her back to health a family was born. Soon she saw no other option or way of life than to live with them and be the missing piece each of them needed in their world.
Soon she met Dylan Kellerman, also known as Kel. It was going to be a battle getting her three guys to accept Kel and for Kel to adjust to the fact she is living with three men when they are intimate in every way but sexual. The secrets they shared and the nonverbal conversations they have with facial expressions and eyes, left Kel feeling like an outsider most of the time.
Taylor was there to be her body guard but he developed feelings for Kid as well. While you won’t know what is truly going on with Taylor the author left us with an air of uncertainty about his motives towards this group of people. When Kel is faced with some information that Taylor dug up on him, he is truly shocked at how his life was going to change in an instant. Would Kid accept this news and still want him in her life, only way to find out is getting through the three big brothers.
At the end, some questions didn’t get answered for us because of the cliff hanger but she did leave me wanting more. Now a bit about how I felt while reading this book. I really adored that Kid wasn’t a weak woman, but she did go overboard a few times with her attitude and denial of things she really needed to address from her past. I loved how the boys treated her as a little sister, even though they had no problem walking in on her when she was nude and I really enjoyed watching the lives of the guys unfold so we could see exactly what need Kid fit for each one. Although this book felt more like the first half was an introduction to the new family, which there is plenty more than I talked about and the action happened in the second half of the book, I enjoyed the style the author used. I would recommend this for anyone who loves a gritty group of people who don’t take no for an answer.
January 12, 2015
*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
I started this series on book three, Shrouded in Blackness, and just had to go back and start at the beginning.
Shannon Kelly has a very unique story and a more unique family. “….she has three fathers, two mothers, and nine completely fucking crazy brothers.”
She met her three closest friends in college. Shannon, Kavy, Sully, and Cally formed an immediate bond that nothing could ever tear apart. They are each other’s everything and anyone who attempts to mess with that will have the entire family to deal with.
“You have to quit wakin’ her up man,” I hear sully chastise Kavy. “Why areyou still crawlin’ in her bed after you send your randoms home. We’re not in college anymore.”
“I’ve been crawlin’ in bed with her for what? Thirteen years. I sleep better with her than I do alone and you know I can’t sleep with anything I fuck, so she’s like my comfort blanket man. I’m not ready to be weaned yet.”
When Kellerman enters the picture the boys go into overprotective mode. He’s just like them, an alpha who wants to protect Shannon, only difference…he also wants to fuck her. Not only that, but he wants all of her, and he’s willing to share her with her boys in order to do it.
“Sorry O’Sullivan. I got dibs on this one.”
I love the way Norma Jeanne layers her stories. There’s so much that happens and you can’t help but stay glued to the pages. A strong alpha female surrounded by sexy alpha men who somehow make their relationships work like they were made for each other, a death threat, a traitor among them, and a kidnapping. Blackness Takes Over ends on a hold your breath type cliffhanger. Talk about needing to immediately start book two, Blackness Awaits.
My Favorite Moments: I absolutely love the interactions between Shannon, Kavy, Sully, and Cally.
“You’re the hottest chick I’ve seen in, I don’t know…ever. You’re hilarious. You don’t take shit from anyone. You cuss as much as we do. You can cook. You’re brilliant. You love sports. You’re not a girly girl. You. Are. Perfect.” I’m speechless and freaked out. “And I don’t wanna fuck you,” he says mater-of-factly, like he just told me the sky is blue.
My Favorite Laughable Moment: I loved everyone’s reactions to Shannon’s dress.
“Holy fuckin’ shit, Shannon.” His jaw is on the floor. “Will you please go out with me? Marry me? Let me smell you hair? Anything?
***
“Uhhhhaaa,” a laugh breath bursts out of Cally’s mouth. “Spank bank full to the mothafucking brim, Kid.”
***
“Kid, are you trying to get me killed?” Kavy sneers, as he takes his seat next to me.
“No shit? Where the fuck did that dress come from and where’s the rest?” Sully adds to the inquisition.
“Dress? I thought she had on a shirt and forgot her goddamn pants!” Fin finishes the diatribe.
I started this series on book three, Shrouded in Blackness, and just had to go back and start at the beginning.
Shannon Kelly has a very unique story and a more unique family. “….she has three fathers, two mothers, and nine completely fucking crazy brothers.”
She met her three closest friends in college. Shannon, Kavy, Sully, and Cally formed an immediate bond that nothing could ever tear apart. They are each other’s everything and anyone who attempts to mess with that will have the entire family to deal with.
“You have to quit wakin’ her up man,” I hear sully chastise Kavy. “Why areyou still crawlin’ in her bed after you send your randoms home. We’re not in college anymore.”
“I’ve been crawlin’ in bed with her for what? Thirteen years. I sleep better with her than I do alone and you know I can’t sleep with anything I fuck, so she’s like my comfort blanket man. I’m not ready to be weaned yet.”
When Kellerman enters the picture the boys go into overprotective mode. He’s just like them, an alpha who wants to protect Shannon, only difference…he also wants to fuck her. Not only that, but he wants all of her, and he’s willing to share her with her boys in order to do it.
“Sorry O’Sullivan. I got dibs on this one.”
I love the way Norma Jeanne layers her stories. There’s so much that happens and you can’t help but stay glued to the pages. A strong alpha female surrounded by sexy alpha men who somehow make their relationships work like they were made for each other, a death threat, a traitor among them, and a kidnapping. Blackness Takes Over ends on a hold your breath type cliffhanger. Talk about needing to immediately start book two, Blackness Awaits.
My Favorite Moments: I absolutely love the interactions between Shannon, Kavy, Sully, and Cally.
“You’re the hottest chick I’ve seen in, I don’t know…ever. You’re hilarious. You don’t take shit from anyone. You cuss as much as we do. You can cook. You’re brilliant. You love sports. You’re not a girly girl. You. Are. Perfect.” I’m speechless and freaked out. “And I don’t wanna fuck you,” he says mater-of-factly, like he just told me the sky is blue.
My Favorite Laughable Moment: I loved everyone’s reactions to Shannon’s dress.
“Holy fuckin’ shit, Shannon.” His jaw is on the floor. “Will you please go out with me? Marry me? Let me smell you hair? Anything?
***
“Uhhhhaaa,” a laugh breath bursts out of Cally’s mouth. “Spank bank full to the mothafucking brim, Kid.”
***
“Kid, are you trying to get me killed?” Kavy sneers, as he takes his seat next to me.
“No shit? Where the fuck did that dress come from and where’s the rest?” Sully adds to the inquisition.
“Dress? I thought she had on a shirt and forgot her goddamn pants!” Fin finishes the diatribe.
September 25, 2014
WOW! This was a crazy, wonderful book!!
This is the story of Shannon Kelly. She has had a rough childhood and has lost all of her family. She meets O'Sullivan, Kavanaugh and Callaghan in college one day and they immediately hit it off. They are all studying to become lawyers and eventually graduate and open a practice together.
"You're the hottest chick I've seen in, I don't know...ever. You're hilarious. You don't take shit from anyone. You cuss as much as we do. You can cook. You're brilliant. You love sports. You're not a girly girl. You. Are. Perfect." I'm speechless and freaked out. "And I don't wanna fuck you," he say matter-of-factly, like he just told me the sky is blue.
They talk her into moving in with them. They are her protectors and she helps them as well in different struggles they each have. They are a wonderful loving family and are always there for each other.
Through her guardian ad litem capacity, she meets Dylan Kellerman and sparks fly between them immediately. She's not sure, though, since she's never had a real relationship with a guy before. He becomes another protector to her.
"Please don't ever do that again," he implores. "If you're not alone, please, wait for one of us guys. I can't begin to describe what watchin' that did to me, knowin' I was too far away to help. Please, Shannon, promise me."
The legal case that Shannon is working on places her in danger so they hire her a body guard, Taylor. But it becomes apparent that Taylor is also interested in Shannon and doesn't hesitate to show it. And Kel is less than happy to have Taylor trying to steal her away.
Kellerman falls big time for her. "I will never be just your friend. You've got great friends out there already. I don't want to be your friend. I want to be your everything."
Enter Cassie, a crazy woman from Kel's past and things get really messed up. So begins the roller coaster that is Shannon and Kel's relationship.
The suspense in this kept me guessing until the end. Who is threatening Shannon? What do we really know about Taylor? And there is an HUGE cliffhanger!! But book 2 is out, so you don't have to wait!
I loved these characters so much! This book will have you laughing out loud one minute and on the edge of your seat the next. Even the secondary characters like Karl, Shannon's assistant, are wonderful.
I highly recommend this book. I finished it and immediately picked up and read the second book which was even better!!!
I received this copy in exchange for an honest review. (And I'm so thankful I did!!)
This is the story of Shannon Kelly. She has had a rough childhood and has lost all of her family. She meets O'Sullivan, Kavanaugh and Callaghan in college one day and they immediately hit it off. They are all studying to become lawyers and eventually graduate and open a practice together.
"You're the hottest chick I've seen in, I don't know...ever. You're hilarious. You don't take shit from anyone. You cuss as much as we do. You can cook. You're brilliant. You love sports. You're not a girly girl. You. Are. Perfect." I'm speechless and freaked out. "And I don't wanna fuck you," he say matter-of-factly, like he just told me the sky is blue.
They talk her into moving in with them. They are her protectors and she helps them as well in different struggles they each have. They are a wonderful loving family and are always there for each other.
Through her guardian ad litem capacity, she meets Dylan Kellerman and sparks fly between them immediately. She's not sure, though, since she's never had a real relationship with a guy before. He becomes another protector to her.
"Please don't ever do that again," he implores. "If you're not alone, please, wait for one of us guys. I can't begin to describe what watchin' that did to me, knowin' I was too far away to help. Please, Shannon, promise me."
The legal case that Shannon is working on places her in danger so they hire her a body guard, Taylor. But it becomes apparent that Taylor is also interested in Shannon and doesn't hesitate to show it. And Kel is less than happy to have Taylor trying to steal her away.
Kellerman falls big time for her. "I will never be just your friend. You've got great friends out there already. I don't want to be your friend. I want to be your everything."
Enter Cassie, a crazy woman from Kel's past and things get really messed up. So begins the roller coaster that is Shannon and Kel's relationship.
The suspense in this kept me guessing until the end. Who is threatening Shannon? What do we really know about Taylor? And there is an HUGE cliffhanger!! But book 2 is out, so you don't have to wait!
I loved these characters so much! This book will have you laughing out loud one minute and on the edge of your seat the next. Even the secondary characters like Karl, Shannon's assistant, are wonderful.
I highly recommend this book. I finished it and immediately picked up and read the second book which was even better!!!
I received this copy in exchange for an honest review. (And I'm so thankful I did!!)
June 15, 2014
Norma Jeanne Karlsson...remember this author and her debut book, Blackness Takes Over because it will be one you will not want to forget.
Shannon has dealt with a tremendous heart ache in her life. Being raised by her Uncle, he taught her to be strong and to be able to protect herself. He gave her the love she needed the only way he knew how.
After Shannon decided to go on her own to college, she met a group of guys that will later, become a huge part of her life....the extended family she never had. Kavy, Cally and Sully each become an important part of Shannon's life, each one giving her different parts of themselves. However, they all have one thing in common, to protect Shannon always.
Sometimes I find it difficult to write a review without giving away too may spoilers. With a story like this, I find that less information given is best, because this story is so amazing, its best to dive in unprepared to get the full enjoyment from the story.
I am infatuated with the characters in Darkness Takes Over. Each character has a unique personality that connects with the other characters, and reader as well. Shannon is strong, spunky, and fun to get to know. She doesn't put up with anyone's crap. Kavy, Cally, and Sully, well, lets say it was entertaining to get to know them because all three are hot, and you just fall for the way they are constantly keeping their eye on Shannon.
The storyline...AMAZING!! I had no idea what to expect, and was thrilled that it kept me on my toes to the very end. There was never a dull moment, with the unexpected twists that kept you guessing to the situations that gets the guys all worked up. Speaking of the end, well, lets just say that it was a cliff hanger of all cliff hangers...you know, the kind that makes you say out loud, "I can't believe she (meaning the author) did this to me!!", however, leaves you excited in anticipation for the next story to come out. (which is in April)
Darkness Takes Over is packed with so many amazing stories all rolled into one. There's how the four got together, Shannon has a love interest, Shannon's case that is close to her heart, the BIG secret...WOW, its just amazing. There is serious subject matter and very humorous conversations. It's the full package.
I can't wait for the next installment. I'm not ready for it to end..at all!
Shannon has dealt with a tremendous heart ache in her life. Being raised by her Uncle, he taught her to be strong and to be able to protect herself. He gave her the love she needed the only way he knew how.
After Shannon decided to go on her own to college, she met a group of guys that will later, become a huge part of her life....the extended family she never had. Kavy, Cally and Sully each become an important part of Shannon's life, each one giving her different parts of themselves. However, they all have one thing in common, to protect Shannon always.
Sometimes I find it difficult to write a review without giving away too may spoilers. With a story like this, I find that less information given is best, because this story is so amazing, its best to dive in unprepared to get the full enjoyment from the story.
I am infatuated with the characters in Darkness Takes Over. Each character has a unique personality that connects with the other characters, and reader as well. Shannon is strong, spunky, and fun to get to know. She doesn't put up with anyone's crap. Kavy, Cally, and Sully, well, lets say it was entertaining to get to know them because all three are hot, and you just fall for the way they are constantly keeping their eye on Shannon.
The storyline...AMAZING!! I had no idea what to expect, and was thrilled that it kept me on my toes to the very end. There was never a dull moment, with the unexpected twists that kept you guessing to the situations that gets the guys all worked up. Speaking of the end, well, lets just say that it was a cliff hanger of all cliff hangers...you know, the kind that makes you say out loud, "I can't believe she (meaning the author) did this to me!!", however, leaves you excited in anticipation for the next story to come out. (which is in April)
Darkness Takes Over is packed with so many amazing stories all rolled into one. There's how the four got together, Shannon has a love interest, Shannon's case that is close to her heart, the BIG secret...WOW, its just amazing. There is serious subject matter and very humorous conversations. It's the full package.
I can't wait for the next installment. I'm not ready for it to end..at all!
July 24, 2016
Shannon never had a normal life. She was raised liked a boy but is a beautiful woman. She suffered a loss at a young age and when she got older she suffered a horrible crime. The only good thing to come of her suffering is she meets the three guys who become her family. They protect her and love her like a sister. They live together, work together and protect each other. She has never had a relationship last longer than 3 weeks but that all changes when she meets Dylan Kellerman. He makes her want things she never thought possible and fits in great with her boys. There is still a danger in Shannon's life and might just take her away before she can see if this is a love that will last.
Shannon or Kid as she is called is one of the strongest female characters I have read about. She tries her best to keep herself and those she loves safe. She has been hurt before and vows never to be hurt again. She is a beautiful, sexy woman who in a lot of ways is just one of the guys. I fell in love with her myself and can see why the boys love her.
There is so many fantastic characters I can't give a description of them all. I love all the boys and don't think I could pick a favorite. I will say for most of the book I figured Shannon would end up with one of them but they truly are just like a family and while they tease it isn't that way. Kid could have any guy around but she falls for Dylan. They have an odd start and while they are great together they still have much to work out. There is also another guy trying t get to Shannon and she has to show him she isn't in to him. There is a hotness in this book bit that is not the focus. It is about this magnificent woman and the guys who love her. I hated to see what she has been through and I kept hoping she would find true a happiness. After reading a while you see she truly is happy with her boys. There is still a danger element in this book and you keep hoping it will go away. I really hated to see this book end as I love this odd family and have to know what next. The author does an amazing job creating these characters that you fall in love with. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
Shannon or Kid as she is called is one of the strongest female characters I have read about. She tries her best to keep herself and those she loves safe. She has been hurt before and vows never to be hurt again. She is a beautiful, sexy woman who in a lot of ways is just one of the guys. I fell in love with her myself and can see why the boys love her.
There is so many fantastic characters I can't give a description of them all. I love all the boys and don't think I could pick a favorite. I will say for most of the book I figured Shannon would end up with one of them but they truly are just like a family and while they tease it isn't that way. Kid could have any guy around but she falls for Dylan. They have an odd start and while they are great together they still have much to work out. There is also another guy trying t get to Shannon and she has to show him she isn't in to him. There is a hotness in this book bit that is not the focus. It is about this magnificent woman and the guys who love her. I hated to see what she has been through and I kept hoping she would find true a happiness. After reading a while you see she truly is happy with her boys. There is still a danger element in this book and you keep hoping it will go away. I really hated to see this book end as I love this odd family and have to know what next. The author does an amazing job creating these characters that you fall in love with. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
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