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Dark and Devilish #3
A Duel with Darkness
The man who took me is everything I hate.
Luke dragged me from my home and shattered my world with a single I’ll give him the child he needs to secure his power. He calls it fate; I call it hell. He claims I'm his mate, but he doesn’t want a partner—he wants a prisoner. Someone to bend, to break, and bear his child in a bond I never asked for.
I’ll die before I submit to him.
But Luke is relentless, his eyes filled with fire and his touch impossible to forget. He says the darkness inside me calls to his, but all I feel is fury. He thinks he can claim me, but I’ll show him what it means to be untamed.
I don’t belong to anyone. Not even him.
_ _ _ _ _ _
This is a dark and spicy paranormal romance featuring an anti-hero, a strong heroine, and contains scenes and references of abuse/assault that some readers may find triggering, along with graphic sex scenes and violence. This is a dark book, suitable for 18+ readers only.
Luke dragged me from my home and shattered my world with a single I’ll give him the child he needs to secure his power. He calls it fate; I call it hell. He claims I'm his mate, but he doesn’t want a partner—he wants a prisoner. Someone to bend, to break, and bear his child in a bond I never asked for.
I’ll die before I submit to him.
But Luke is relentless, his eyes filled with fire and his touch impossible to forget. He says the darkness inside me calls to his, but all I feel is fury. He thinks he can claim me, but I’ll show him what it means to be untamed.
I don’t belong to anyone. Not even him.
_ _ _ _ _ _
This is a dark and spicy paranormal romance featuring an anti-hero, a strong heroine, and contains scenes and references of abuse/assault that some readers may find triggering, along with graphic sex scenes and violence. This is a dark book, suitable for 18+ readers only.
494 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2025
17 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Holmes
14 books124 followersCJ Holmes lives in England, where it's cold and damp, and it's always raining - which provides her with enough time to write stories about magic, fantasy and romance. She'd like to escape to somewhere warm but that might mean that she spends too much time sunbathing and not enough time writing books.
She lives in a quaint English cottage which would have one of those idyllic gardens if her fingers weren't the opposite of green. Fortunately, her husband and children don't seem to mind that almost everything she tries to grow ends up dead. She enjoys drinking wine and gin, which conveniently coincides with her love of reading and writing, as well as running and watching bad TV shows. You have been warned....
Instagram ➜ @cjholmes_writing
Find me on threads ➜ @cjholmes_writing
She lives in a quaint English cottage which would have one of those idyllic gardens if her fingers weren't the opposite of green. Fortunately, her husband and children don't seem to mind that almost everything she tries to grow ends up dead. She enjoys drinking wine and gin, which conveniently coincides with her love of reading and writing, as well as running and watching bad TV shows. You have been warned....
Instagram ➜ @cjholmes_writing
Find me on threads ➜ @cjholmes_writing
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
April 10, 2025
Overall 4.5/5 with some 5 level spice.
CJ has done it again Y'all!! I was fortunate enough to get an ARC for this book and damn... this book!!! This stand alone in the Dark and Devilish series is twisted and dark and will break you....which is exactly what all of us twisted dark romance readers want, right?!? Nia's backstory seems normal and fine until you learn it's everything but and will twist your stomach in a knot. Luke is the biggest A**hole when you meet him. Lyall is a fighter and hilarious and the only way I can describe Lawson is feral. As always the ending has elements you expect but with a twist you don't see coming that will also gut punch you....Ultimately I ignored my entire life for 2 days to read this book and I suggest all dark and twisted book lovers who see a 2 page trigger warning and ask "what book is that" do the same <3
CJ has done it again Y'all!! I was fortunate enough to get an ARC for this book and damn... this book!!! This stand alone in the Dark and Devilish series is twisted and dark and will break you....which is exactly what all of us twisted dark romance readers want, right?!? Nia's backstory seems normal and fine until you learn it's everything but and will twist your stomach in a knot. Luke is the biggest A**hole when you meet him. Lyall is a fighter and hilarious and the only way I can describe Lawson is feral. As always the ending has elements you expect but with a twist you don't see coming that will also gut punch you....Ultimately I ignored my entire life for 2 days to read this book and I suggest all dark and twisted book lovers who see a 2 page trigger warning and ask "what book is that" do the same <3
April 14, 2025
Duel. Honestly, couldn't have gone better for me. Truly a trust the process read the way I was raging against the first half of this book.
In the end this is the kind of read you want to keep close, and I find myself thinking back again and again as I process everything that's happened. For me, it was a challenge to the values you thought you had, and by the end gave some understanding to ideas I didn't think I was going to be coming along the ride for.
Now, I'm new enough to the shifter world, but I'm glad to have had this read at the start of my journey (because yes... I am confirmed as obsessed). I know myself pretty well by now and I have to say, though I'm not a breeding kink or degradation girly, CJ presents a world where I can see the power exchange more clearly.
It's a reminder that we can do both. We're allowed to fight, while also finding relief in the social structure were often railing against. No doubt there is so much room in the world for a story that does everything in its power to break socio-traditional roles, however this one had a balance that gave me ease. It's the realization that understanding the context of the reality is just as important.
If you didn't love it, feel free to leave me out of the loop on this one.
In the end this is the kind of read you want to keep close, and I find myself thinking back again and again as I process everything that's happened. For me, it was a challenge to the values you thought you had, and by the end gave some understanding to ideas I didn't think I was going to be coming along the ride for.
Now, I'm new enough to the shifter world, but I'm glad to have had this read at the start of my journey (because yes... I am confirmed as obsessed). I know myself pretty well by now and I have to say, though I'm not a breeding kink or degradation girly, CJ presents a world where I can see the power exchange more clearly.
It's a reminder that we can do both. We're allowed to fight, while also finding relief in the social structure were often railing against. No doubt there is so much room in the world for a story that does everything in its power to break socio-traditional roles, however this one had a balance that gave me ease. It's the realization that understanding the context of the reality is just as important.
If you didn't love it, feel free to leave me out of the loop on this one.
April 23, 2025
OMG!! What did I just read??!
From the opening chapter, you get Pulles into a world where light and darkness don’t just clash in the world around the characters, but within them as well.
This book is the third book in the Dark and Devilish series, and it delivers a gripping, dark paranormal romance that delves deep into themes of power, autonomy, and resistance.
But very good for reading as a standalone.
The story centers on Luke, a werewolf who abducts the protagonist with the intent of fulfilling a prophecy by fathering a child with her. He claimes that they are fated mates, but his actions are more about domination than partnership. The main character, however, is resolute in her refusal to submit, vowing to resist him at all costs.
What makes this book stand out is the way it challenges the reader to consider what it really means to confront darkness—both in the world and in ourselves. It’s not just about survival, but about finding purpose and strength even in the bleakest moments.
It’s important to say that this book contains graphic scenes and themes that may be triggering for some readers, including references to abuse and assault. The book is recommended for mature audiences who are comfortable with dark, spicy content. (Who isn’t🤣)
From the opening chapter, you get Pulles into a world where light and darkness don’t just clash in the world around the characters, but within them as well.
This book is the third book in the Dark and Devilish series, and it delivers a gripping, dark paranormal romance that delves deep into themes of power, autonomy, and resistance.
But very good for reading as a standalone.
The story centers on Luke, a werewolf who abducts the protagonist with the intent of fulfilling a prophecy by fathering a child with her. He claimes that they are fated mates, but his actions are more about domination than partnership. The main character, however, is resolute in her refusal to submit, vowing to resist him at all costs.
What makes this book stand out is the way it challenges the reader to consider what it really means to confront darkness—both in the world and in ourselves. It’s not just about survival, but about finding purpose and strength even in the bleakest moments.
It’s important to say that this book contains graphic scenes and themes that may be triggering for some readers, including references to abuse and assault. The book is recommended for mature audiences who are comfortable with dark, spicy content. (Who isn’t🤣)
June 10, 2025
C.J. Holmes delivers a moody, magic-laced world that pulls you in from page one. A Duel with Darkness is rich with atmosphere, and the tension between the characters crackles like dark lightning. The banter? Sharp. The stakes? High. The vibes? Immaculate.
I especially loved the emotional depth Holmes gave the main character—it made their inner struggle feel raw and real. And the slow-burn romance? Just the right touch of torment.
While the pacing had a few lulls, the dark fantasy aesthetic and intense character dynamics made this a memorable read. If you like brooding heroes, deadly secrets, and morally gray decisions, this duel might just be worth taking up arms for.
I especially loved the emotional depth Holmes gave the main character—it made their inner struggle feel raw and real. And the slow-burn romance? Just the right touch of torment.
While the pacing had a few lulls, the dark fantasy aesthetic and intense character dynamics made this a memorable read. If you like brooding heroes, deadly secrets, and morally gray decisions, this duel might just be worth taking up arms for.
June 10, 2025
I love a wolf shifter romance and the only time I will tolerate fated mates is if it’s about werewolves. I loved this, it has a lot of things that I loved, like enemies to lovers, Stockholm syndrome, captive x captor and found family. I feel like for captive x captor, it’s either the mmc is obsessed from the start and kidnaps the fmc because of that, or they hate the fmc, kidnap her for revenge or other bad reasons so he treats her bad but ends up falling in love with her so he has a lot of grovelling to do. Yeah this book is the latter and it pretty much sums up some of the romance aspects, but it was written well and the other plots were tense and exciting. Honestly the twist that shocked me the most came almost halfway through the book, the rest was pretty predictable. I love the werewolf aspects of this story, the mate bond, shifting, and I love their wolves having a seperate persona. And you know I love a good br33ding kink. Luke is the definition of Alpha male, I mean he is the pack Alpha, but he just oozes dominance, strength and power. Yet his perfectly controlled facade crumbles in front of Nia. I love Nia, she’s feisty and I love the character growth she goes through. They have amazing chemistry, and paired with the great plot I give this book a 4.5/5
April 21, 2025
I'm a shifter girl so when I read the tropes I was sold . in beginning Luke seemed like jerk then knowing where his anger came from I could understand him a bit more.
my girl Nia love her the fire in her no matter what & Lyall is just as strong and so much more
Lawson my feral wold I love him dearly he may be a bit overboard when it comes to Nia and Lyall but that's all good with me .
I don't want give away too much but when cj says it's dark Paranormal Romance she means it . my fav Chapter that's tough cause it had sad chapters,happy ones,emotional ones and spicy af ones
but my favorite well one of them is
“Don’t tempt me, Nia. I’ve got lots more toys and I’m only holding off on punishments because you’re so damn cute. So I strongly suggest you behave if you know what’s good for you, or those spankings will be nothing compared with what happens next.”
my girl Nia love her the fire in her no matter what & Lyall is just as strong and so much more
Lawson my feral wold I love him dearly he may be a bit overboard when it comes to Nia and Lyall but that's all good with me .
I don't want give away too much but when cj says it's dark Paranormal Romance she means it . my fav Chapter that's tough cause it had sad chapters,happy ones,emotional ones and spicy af ones
but my favorite well one of them is
“Don’t tempt me, Nia. I’ve got lots more toys and I’m only holding off on punishments because you’re so damn cute. So I strongly suggest you behave if you know what’s good for you, or those spankings will be nothing compared with what happens next.”
May 2, 2025
This book grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go. The dynamic between the fierce, defiant heroine and the powerful, possessive werewolf who claims her as his mate is explosive. Luke is everything she hates—domineering, dangerous, and determined to make her his—but she’s no damsel in distress. Her rage, strength, and refusal to submit make this story utterly addictive.
The tension crackles on every page, with a dark, slow-burn romance that’s as emotional as it is intense. Their battle of wills kept me hooked, and the chemistry? Off the charts. If you love morally gray characters, wild passion, and heroines who refuse to be broken, this is the book for you.
Absolutely loved it—I need the next one now!
The tension crackles on every page, with a dark, slow-burn romance that’s as emotional as it is intense. Their battle of wills kept me hooked, and the chemistry? Off the charts. If you love morally gray characters, wild passion, and heroines who refuse to be broken, this is the book for you.
Absolutely loved it—I need the next one now!
June 11, 2025
CJ's poetic writing style was such a refreshing treat and made the brilliant story even more delicious.
Nia is a force to be reckoned with, raining hell on anyone foolish enough to underestimate her. Her wolf is absolutely feral, and they make an unstoppable team.
Luke is everything you need from an unhinged anti-hero, and I absolutely loved their dom/bratty-sub dynamic.
This is book three in a series but has its own story and ends with a HEA that teases story for the next book, and I can't wait to read it.
Nia is a force to be reckoned with, raining hell on anyone foolish enough to underestimate her. Her wolf is absolutely feral, and they make an unstoppable team.
Luke is everything you need from an unhinged anti-hero, and I absolutely loved their dom/bratty-sub dynamic.
This is book three in a series but has its own story and ends with a HEA that teases story for the next book, and I can't wait to read it.
May 5, 2025
4.5/5 werewolf book! The spice was spicy and sprinkled throughout the book nicely.
Nia seemed to have the normal(ish) life of being raised as the Alphas daughter, but more than one person was keeping secrets. When she was taken by Luke she was given another outlook and found out some damning information. However, Luke kidnapped her for his own selfish reasons. Everything that happens after was perfectly written.
Dark Romance
Warring Pack
Breeding Kink
Fated Mates
He falls first
Dom/Sub
Nia seemed to have the normal(ish) life of being raised as the Alphas daughter, but more than one person was keeping secrets. When she was taken by Luke she was given another outlook and found out some damning information. However, Luke kidnapped her for his own selfish reasons. Everything that happens after was perfectly written.
Dark Romance
Warring Pack
Breeding Kink
Fated Mates
He falls first
Dom/Sub
May 11, 2025
~ARC review~
This is my second arc from CJ Holmes and she did not disappoint with this third book in the series of Dark and Devilish. It’s a standalone that follows the story of Luke and Nia and their wolves, Lawson and Lyall. CJ does an incredible job balancing dark, love, the spice, banter, humor and the plots and twists will keep you at the edge of your seat. You instantly fall in love with Luke and Lawson and their characters growth into the alpha they are is satisfying. Nia and Lyall are both badass and fierce and feeling their emotions allows you the full experience of the book. The plots and twists will leave you gasping and wanting more and by the end, you fill fulfilled. I definitely recommend reading it.
This is my second arc from CJ Holmes and she did not disappoint with this third book in the series of Dark and Devilish. It’s a standalone that follows the story of Luke and Nia and their wolves, Lawson and Lyall. CJ does an incredible job balancing dark, love, the spice, banter, humor and the plots and twists will keep you at the edge of your seat. You instantly fall in love with Luke and Lawson and their characters growth into the alpha they are is satisfying. Nia and Lyall are both badass and fierce and feeling their emotions allows you the full experience of the book. The plots and twists will leave you gasping and wanting more and by the end, you fill fulfilled. I definitely recommend reading it.
July 10, 2025
5 stars. OBSESSED
I would say this is the least dark of this series so far but still dark. And SPICY.
Wolf-shifters- SAY LESS.
Luke- my man. The way I love him is unhealthy and I don't care. He starts out as such an asshole but quickly figures his shit out and watching that man grovel. Deceased.
The wolves are hilarious in a way I wasn't expecting.
This story is action packed and there are so many twists and turns you aren't expecting and it will for sure keep you hooked.
I would say this is the least dark of this series so far but still dark. And SPICY.
Wolf-shifters- SAY LESS.
Luke- my man. The way I love him is unhealthy and I don't care. He starts out as such an asshole but quickly figures his shit out and watching that man grovel. Deceased.
The wolves are hilarious in a way I wasn't expecting.
This story is action packed and there are so many twists and turns you aren't expecting and it will for sure keep you hooked.
May 7, 2025
Omg, this was so much fun to read. I can’t decide which I like better a Duel with Darkness or a Deal in Darkness….will have to think about that.
I am quickly starting to love a shape shifter romance. Especially one with knotting and a breeding kink 😉. Luke and Lawson are the perfect blend of alpha, dominating, deliciousness. With a sweet side, only for Nia / Lyall.
I loved to watch Nia’s story unfold, to see Lyall come a live and into her own. It was lovely.
The humour, banter, chemistry, all of it the whole book! I loved. If you’re just dipping a toe into shifter romance or a regular consumer. I highly suggest this book.
Favourite quotes-
“I’ll do exactly what I want, when I want. How I fucking want. I’ll make the girl so fucking submissive that the sound of my footsteps makes her start dripping”
“Luke is inevitable. He’s my beginning and end, the joy and agony of life that exists between the two. He’s the satisfaction and its relief, the frustration and its aggravation. I adore him for all his darkness”
April 12, 2025
Well, we know me, no spoilers…
I fucking loved it. It was absolutely fantastic. The FMC and the MMC 🥰 the pack. The story. The twists!!!!!! It was all so fucking perfect. CJ crushes it once again.
Thanks for the ARC. I am so spoiled.
I fucking loved it. It was absolutely fantastic. The FMC and the MMC 🥰 the pack. The story. The twists!!!!!! It was all so fucking perfect. CJ crushes it once again.
Thanks for the ARC. I am so spoiled.
June 10, 2025
wow what a bucket of emotions one minutes I was like what happened. then one minute I cried then I got mad , then I was like just given in and be together. I loved nia and lukes story I would read it again . highly recommended
May 25, 2025
Morally Grey MMC
Knotting
He falls first
Captor x Captive
Dub Con & Non Con
Breeding Kink
Primal Vibes
He Begs
Neither wanted the other
Hurt/comfort
Full trigger menu
D-A-R-K
Also makes you laugh and cry
Growth, so much growth
Nobody is broken, just surviving
I cannot get over this story. I have been needing a dark book, a book that didn’t sugar coat the bad, that didn’t just glance over the dark times. This book was it. Nothing was held back, everything was put forward and felt. And you got to feel how the characters felt in those moments, you got to watch them grow and move past things and watch them develop during those dark times. This book brought out laughter and it also brought tears. How can I not want more? I need more of Luke and Lawson and Nia and Lyall.
Nia's father is pressing her to marry, her friend's encouraging finding her mate. Swiftly before choices can be made and the discussion to be had with her father, their pack is attacked. Nia does everything she can to help protect the pack but before she knows it she's no longer in England but instead in Montana. Taken by another wolf, she isn't willing to budge with the man in front of her and what he has to say. Luke, an Alpha of the pack that took her. She hates him, he hates her. At least that is mutual. But little do they know they have more secrets than the other is aware of, an attraction that runs deep, and dark pasts that take the reins of their human sides. They have much to work through, threats are made, tension is built, anger is quick to burst forward and the mystery of what is going on with Nia's wolf. Lyall has never really been there. Present but silent. Present but also not present. Luke doesn't want her, didn't ask for her. But the Elder's assure him that she is what they need for him to have strong heirs. He never asked for a mate, but she doesn't seem.... right. Nia refuses to accept these facts as well. Together they delve into the mysteries that have unfolded in their world and they will have much to learn and far more growing to do before the end of their story. Sit back for a dive into a no-holds barred dark romance. Be prepared for the secrets that are brought forward, the connections that are made, and the mysteries that get answered.
I love the take we got on werewolves here, where the wolf is it’s own identity, another soul. There’s essentially a backseat and a driver’s seat and I loved it. I loved the interactions we got with Lawson and Lyall and loved it between Nia and Luke. It’s amazing to be there while they go through everything and learn secrets from the other’s past. Once the secrets come forward, and the twist is later revealed I was shocked. I didn’t expect it. I stayed for it. I stayed for their passion. I stayed for their anger, their outburst, their primal selves. Check your triggers for this book, if those work out for you then give this a try! Definitely a five star read and a book that filled my need for something darker.
Knotting
He falls first
Captor x Captive
Dub Con & Non Con
Breeding Kink
Primal Vibes
He Begs
Neither wanted the other
Hurt/comfort
Full trigger menu
D-A-R-K
Also makes you laugh and cry
Growth, so much growth
Nobody is broken, just surviving
I cannot get over this story. I have been needing a dark book, a book that didn’t sugar coat the bad, that didn’t just glance over the dark times. This book was it. Nothing was held back, everything was put forward and felt. And you got to feel how the characters felt in those moments, you got to watch them grow and move past things and watch them develop during those dark times. This book brought out laughter and it also brought tears. How can I not want more? I need more of Luke and Lawson and Nia and Lyall.
Nia's father is pressing her to marry, her friend's encouraging finding her mate. Swiftly before choices can be made and the discussion to be had with her father, their pack is attacked. Nia does everything she can to help protect the pack but before she knows it she's no longer in England but instead in Montana. Taken by another wolf, she isn't willing to budge with the man in front of her and what he has to say. Luke, an Alpha of the pack that took her. She hates him, he hates her. At least that is mutual. But little do they know they have more secrets than the other is aware of, an attraction that runs deep, and dark pasts that take the reins of their human sides. They have much to work through, threats are made, tension is built, anger is quick to burst forward and the mystery of what is going on with Nia's wolf. Lyall has never really been there. Present but silent. Present but also not present. Luke doesn't want her, didn't ask for her. But the Elder's assure him that she is what they need for him to have strong heirs. He never asked for a mate, but she doesn't seem.... right. Nia refuses to accept these facts as well. Together they delve into the mysteries that have unfolded in their world and they will have much to learn and far more growing to do before the end of their story. Sit back for a dive into a no-holds barred dark romance. Be prepared for the secrets that are brought forward, the connections that are made, and the mysteries that get answered.
I love the take we got on werewolves here, where the wolf is it’s own identity, another soul. There’s essentially a backseat and a driver’s seat and I loved it. I loved the interactions we got with Lawson and Lyall and loved it between Nia and Luke. It’s amazing to be there while they go through everything and learn secrets from the other’s past. Once the secrets come forward, and the twist is later revealed I was shocked. I didn’t expect it. I stayed for it. I stayed for their passion. I stayed for their anger, their outburst, their primal selves. Check your triggers for this book, if those work out for you then give this a try! Definitely a five star read and a book that filled my need for something darker.
June 9, 2025
Luke is the alpha of his pack, will not take no for an answer, and will go after what he wants. And what he wants is Nia. Though he was skeptical at first about her and her ability to stand by his side, he couldn’t deny the pull. He falls for her first, which I love seeing in books I read. Nia, on the other hand, doesn’t believe a word he says. I mean, getting kidnapped does leave a sour taste in your mouth. Add in some forced proximity, you love that trope, this one delivers. Nia is all about putting up a fight and resisting Luke. She denies there’s anything happening between them, no matter how intense things get. But Luke loves to dominate and control, and he’s determined to prove that he and his wolf are going to be her alpha.
Betrayal and chaos keep the tension high, pushing this intense story to the end.
You won’t want to put the book down. There are people close to them who mean harm, but they also find unexpected allies who help protect their pack.
I loved watching Nia’s transformation.
She starts off a bit docile, but throughout the story, she finds her strength and proves she has what it takes to be their Luna. Luke learns to work beside her, not just keep her in the background. There's real growth for both characters. He also helps guide Nia & her wolf through some traumatic stuff that had happened to her.
And let’s talk about the steamy moments, wow.
Luke’s strong control really comes through behind closed doors. He’s on a mission, and that mission? To knock her up. So yes, hello breeding trope! They may have started as enemies, but they quickly become something more, and yes, this ends with a HEA.
Betrayal and chaos keep the tension high, pushing this intense story to the end.
You won’t want to put the book down. There are people close to them who mean harm, but they also find unexpected allies who help protect their pack.
I loved watching Nia’s transformation.
She starts off a bit docile, but throughout the story, she finds her strength and proves she has what it takes to be their Luna. Luke learns to work beside her, not just keep her in the background. There's real growth for both characters. He also helps guide Nia & her wolf through some traumatic stuff that had happened to her.
And let’s talk about the steamy moments, wow.
Luke’s strong control really comes through behind closed doors. He’s on a mission, and that mission? To knock her up. So yes, hello breeding trope! They may have started as enemies, but they quickly become something more, and yes, this ends with a HEA.
May 15, 2025
CJ has drawn me in and has got a new fan for sure. She has an amazing way with her writing and she draws you in and you are hooked through the story.
A Duel With Darkness is book 3 in the Dark and Devilish series. However this series is set up to where you can read them as standalone. I will definitely be going back and reading the others.
Nia’s life starts out seemingly normal and then there are twists and turns and big changes happen causing you to be hooked and invested in her story.
Luke comes off as a complete jerk and you will find yourself not caring for him but once again you will come across some bigs twists and turns and find yourself wanting to know more of his story as well.
Layall is comical and goes through so much and grows through out her journey.
Lawson is a whole different story that I am just going to let you form your own opinion on.
You will definitely be on a ride throughout this whole book with all the twist and turns.
There are many scenes within that are very deep and detailed. I strongly suggest you take the time to read the two pages of trigger warnings!
You find yourself asking “what did I just read?”
A Duel With Darkness is book 3 in the Dark and Devilish series. However this series is set up to where you can read them as standalone. I will definitely be going back and reading the others.
Nia’s life starts out seemingly normal and then there are twists and turns and big changes happen causing you to be hooked and invested in her story.
Luke comes off as a complete jerk and you will find yourself not caring for him but once again you will come across some bigs twists and turns and find yourself wanting to know more of his story as well.
Layall is comical and goes through so much and grows through out her journey.
Lawson is a whole different story that I am just going to let you form your own opinion on.
You will definitely be on a ride throughout this whole book with all the twist and turns.
There are many scenes within that are very deep and detailed. I strongly suggest you take the time to read the two pages of trigger warnings!
You find yourself asking “what did I just read?”
June 10, 2025
This is the third book in the Dark and Devilish series and let me tell you, this series keeps getting better. I couldn’t get enough of this book, being drawn in as soon as I started the first page and I didn’t want to put it down.
Both MCs are very head strong and dominant. Luke is intense, brooding and has a mouth on him! Nia is fiercely independent, a fighter and determined to decide what her path may be. When Luke abducts Nia with intent to fulfill a prophecy, she is hell bent not to make it easy for him vowing to resist him at all cost.
C.J. Holmes has a beautiful way of weaving a storyline that immerses you and connects you with the characters. The dynamic between Luke and Nia is explosive and they’re bantering off the charts. Written in a way you can feel the emotions and tension on every page. With the wicked slow burn I was hooked until the last page. Highly recommend and cannot wait until book 4!
**This is a dark paranormal romance that revolves around power, dominance and resistance. It contains graphic scenes that may be triggering, so be sure to read all of the trigger warnings.
Both MCs are very head strong and dominant. Luke is intense, brooding and has a mouth on him! Nia is fiercely independent, a fighter and determined to decide what her path may be. When Luke abducts Nia with intent to fulfill a prophecy, she is hell bent not to make it easy for him vowing to resist him at all cost.
C.J. Holmes has a beautiful way of weaving a storyline that immerses you and connects you with the characters. The dynamic between Luke and Nia is explosive and they’re bantering off the charts. Written in a way you can feel the emotions and tension on every page. With the wicked slow burn I was hooked until the last page. Highly recommend and cannot wait until book 4!
**This is a dark paranormal romance that revolves around power, dominance and resistance. It contains graphic scenes that may be triggering, so be sure to read all of the trigger warnings.
April 24, 2025
WOW! I got the amazing chance to be one of C.J Holmes ARC readers for a Duel with Darkness.
This book focuses on the story of Luke/Lawson and Nia/Lyall. I haven't read many shifter romances lately as I have been reading sports romances but this was a 5 star read for me. This checked off many of the boxes that I look for when I am reading a book. This had a strong minded female, a male who knew what he wanted and knows when to apologize, and lots and lots of spice.
I will be honest when I first started this book I was leary of Luke/Lawson. They are usually the type of male character that I would cringe at but being able to read why he acted that way and see things from his point of view made my opinion change so quickly. Nia/Lyall has her moments of weakness, as many of us do, but to me she is strong after going through the things that she had to go through.
I don't want to spoil the book for others but for those of you who have read this book there are 2 characters that just grated on my nerves this whole book. I wanted so badly to scream anytime they were mentioned and after learning what they did. Just ughhhhhh. Anyways before I keep ranting on I highly recommend reading this book.
I will warn others there are some triggering and graphic scenes so make sure you read the 2 PAGES of trigger warnings.
This book focuses on the story of Luke/Lawson and Nia/Lyall. I haven't read many shifter romances lately as I have been reading sports romances but this was a 5 star read for me. This checked off many of the boxes that I look for when I am reading a book. This had a strong minded female, a male who knew what he wanted and knows when to apologize, and lots and lots of spice.
I will be honest when I first started this book I was leary of Luke/Lawson. They are usually the type of male character that I would cringe at but being able to read why he acted that way and see things from his point of view made my opinion change so quickly. Nia/Lyall has her moments of weakness, as many of us do, but to me she is strong after going through the things that she had to go through.
I don't want to spoil the book for others but for those of you who have read this book there are 2 characters that just grated on my nerves this whole book. I wanted so badly to scream anytime they were mentioned and after learning what they did. Just ughhhhhh. Anyways before I keep ranting on I highly recommend reading this book.
I will warn others there are some triggering and graphic scenes so make sure you read the 2 PAGES of trigger warnings.
May 31, 2025
5/5 stars — Spicy, action-packed, and emotionally intense
Duel with Darkness by C.J. Holmes completely hooked me. If you love enemies-to-lovers, fated mates, and morally grey alphas, this one's for you.
The story follows Nia, a fierce she-wolf who's kidnapped and forced into a brutal mate bond with Alpha Luke, who’s determined to claim her and get an heir. But Nia? She’d rather burn than break. And I was so here for her fight.
I devoured this book in just three days—half of it in one sitting. I was this close to calling out of work just to stay in bed and keep reading. It's fast-paced from the start, full of action, tension, and a heroine who refuses to be broken.
What really stood out to me was the werewolf lore—each wolf has it's own personality, communicates telepathically, and can even take control without the host shifting. It added so much depth and made the dynamic between Nia and her wolf really compelling.
Now, let’s talk spice—4.5 out of 5 IMO. There are some very steamy moments and some graphic fight scenes, so make sure to check your trigger warnings.
I genuinely loved watching the evolution of Nia and Luke’s relationship. There’s a lot of mistrust (understandably, since...well, kidnapping), but the way they slowly break down walls and connect kept me hooked.
My only complaint? I wanted more. A bonus chapter, an extended epilogue—anything!
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Duel with Darkness by C.J. Holmes completely hooked me. If you love enemies-to-lovers, fated mates, and morally grey alphas, this one's for you.
The story follows Nia, a fierce she-wolf who's kidnapped and forced into a brutal mate bond with Alpha Luke, who’s determined to claim her and get an heir. But Nia? She’d rather burn than break. And I was so here for her fight.
I devoured this book in just three days—half of it in one sitting. I was this close to calling out of work just to stay in bed and keep reading. It's fast-paced from the start, full of action, tension, and a heroine who refuses to be broken.
What really stood out to me was the werewolf lore—each wolf has it's own personality, communicates telepathically, and can even take control without the host shifting. It added so much depth and made the dynamic between Nia and her wolf really compelling.
Now, let’s talk spice—4.5 out of 5 IMO. There are some very steamy moments and some graphic fight scenes, so make sure to check your trigger warnings.
I genuinely loved watching the evolution of Nia and Luke’s relationship. There’s a lot of mistrust (understandably, since...well, kidnapping), but the way they slowly break down walls and connect kept me hooked.
My only complaint? I wanted more. A bonus chapter, an extended epilogue—anything!
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 8, 2025
Let me start by saying that I've loved every book in this series so far and that I'm thrilled to have been an ARC reader for all three books. However, while I really (mostly) like the fierce characters, the intense action, the cheeky banter and sizzling chemistry between the MCs, their steamy enemies-to-lovers vibes, the fascinating world-building concerning the wolf shifters, and the overall story, I don't love A Duel With Darkness like I do A Debt of Darkness and A Deal in Darkness due to character inconsistencies and a lack of emotional depth between Luke and Nia.
While I understand Luke feeling conflicted about Nia's role in his life and pack at first, he continues to feel this conflict for most of the book, and his referring to Nia as both his Luna and his whore (and other derogatory names) in the same thought many times is too incongruous. It doesn't endear me to him. (And it's not that I don't love dark romance and BDSM elements, because believe me, I do; it's that his calling someone he admits to being his equal in the pack and the future mother of his children such names outside the bedroom seems strange.) Although the intimate scenes are well-written, and while I expected Luke and Nia to surrender to their base desires often, regardless of their conflicted feelings, I also expected a stronger emotional connection between an alpha and his luna.
That said, overall, A Duel With Darkness remains an action-packed, fast-paced dark romance with lots of heart, heat, and humor, not to mention relatable characters, intriguing shifter dynamics, and several twists and turns I did not see coming, which is why I ultimately rated it the same as the other books in this series. I'm so excited to see what C.J. Holmes writes next!
While I understand Luke feeling conflicted about Nia's role in his life and pack at first, he continues to feel this conflict for most of the book, and his referring to Nia as both his Luna and his whore (and other derogatory names) in the same thought many times is too incongruous. It doesn't endear me to him. (And it's not that I don't love dark romance and BDSM elements, because believe me, I do; it's that his calling someone he admits to being his equal in the pack and the future mother of his children such names outside the bedroom seems strange.) Although the intimate scenes are well-written, and while I expected Luke and Nia to surrender to their base desires often, regardless of their conflicted feelings, I also expected a stronger emotional connection between an alpha and his luna.
That said, overall, A Duel With Darkness remains an action-packed, fast-paced dark romance with lots of heart, heat, and humor, not to mention relatable characters, intriguing shifter dynamics, and several twists and turns I did not see coming, which is why I ultimately rated it the same as the other books in this series. I'm so excited to see what C.J. Holmes writes next!
June 10, 2025
This book has everything! The suspense, the spice, the emotional pull—it had me hooked from the first chapter and wouldn’t let go. I absolutely loved the push and pull between Luke and the heroine. The writing is intense, raw, and deliciously dark, pulling you right into the heart of their tangled bond.
CJ Holmes does a brilliant job weaving in the primal, almost feral chemistry between these two. Luke is possessive and magnetic, the kind of MMC you want to both slap and devour in equal measure. The heroine is fierce and unyielding, refusing to be anyone’s prisoner—even as the heat between them threatens to consume her.
The story is fast-paced, with enough grit and dark tension to keep you on edge, but also layered with moments of vulnerability that make you care deeply for these characters. If you love your paranormal romance with that perfect mix of danger and passion, and a heroine who refuses to bow down, A Duel With Darkness is an absolute must-read.
✨️ Grab your copy today and prepare to get lost in the shadows. This one will sink its claws in and never let go! 🐺✨️
CJ Holmes does a brilliant job weaving in the primal, almost feral chemistry between these two. Luke is possessive and magnetic, the kind of MMC you want to both slap and devour in equal measure. The heroine is fierce and unyielding, refusing to be anyone’s prisoner—even as the heat between them threatens to consume her.
The story is fast-paced, with enough grit and dark tension to keep you on edge, but also layered with moments of vulnerability that make you care deeply for these characters. If you love your paranormal romance with that perfect mix of danger and passion, and a heroine who refuses to bow down, A Duel With Darkness is an absolute must-read.
✨️ Grab your copy today and prepare to get lost in the shadows. This one will sink its claws in and never let go! 🐺✨️
June 25, 2025
This book did the enemies to lovers trope, PERFECTLY. Fated mates or fated enemies? Neither of the other wanted anything to do with each other, besides their wolves and even that was a bit rocky.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It has heavy themes but an HEA.
At first one would think Nia lives a normal life but after the story unfolds we learn that she has been through so much and treated so wrongly by people in her life.
Luke is so hard to describe because he comes off as such an harda*s, but he has his moments (LATER A LOT LATER IN THE BOOK).
Luke has been told of a prophecy that says he will father a child with his fated mate, that brings him to kidnapping Nia. Now once that happens, the truth unfolds (slowly), and the story takes a few dark turns before we see the light. This world is dark, and the characters are morally black. Nia is strong, so strong it’s admirable. She fights tooth and nail to stand up for herself. As readers we got to see them grow and take back their power. Lawson is Luke’s wolf and man, words kind of fail me to describe Lawson other than “Alpha wolf”.
This book is for the dark romance girlies, the shifter queens and for those of us that love to suffer to get the happy ending.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It has heavy themes but an HEA.
At first one would think Nia lives a normal life but after the story unfolds we learn that she has been through so much and treated so wrongly by people in her life.
Luke is so hard to describe because he comes off as such an harda*s, but he has his moments (LATER A LOT LATER IN THE BOOK).
Luke has been told of a prophecy that says he will father a child with his fated mate, that brings him to kidnapping Nia. Now once that happens, the truth unfolds (slowly), and the story takes a few dark turns before we see the light. This world is dark, and the characters are morally black. Nia is strong, so strong it’s admirable. She fights tooth and nail to stand up for herself. As readers we got to see them grow and take back their power. Lawson is Luke’s wolf and man, words kind of fail me to describe Lawson other than “Alpha wolf”.
This book is for the dark romance girlies, the shifter queens and for those of us that love to suffer to get the happy ending.
May 28, 2025
I was waiting to start this book and I was NOT disappointed. This is a different omegaverse than I’ve ever read, in that the way that their wolves, human forms, and souls were combined, and it was spectacular! Sometimes tripped me up a bit until I got the hang of it, but I devoured this.
Nia is a fmc that didn’t make me hate her at any point in the story, and her wolf.. I loved her even more!
Luke made me want to bang my head on a wall a few times before he started groveling, but don’t all mmc’s?!
I ended up loving him, AND his wolf, Lawson (hi that scene between Lawson and Nia was yummy… now give me a scene between Luke and Lyall THANKS)
Overall, this had such good plot, not overwhelming to read yet still dark enough to keep the dark romance girly in me alive and welcome, and spicy enough to make me sweat and beg for more.
THANK YOU SO MUCH to CJ and her team for allowing me to read this early as an ARC reader! I cannot wait to dive into more of your work☺️
Nia is a fmc that didn’t make me hate her at any point in the story, and her wolf.. I loved her even more!
Luke made me want to bang my head on a wall a few times before he started groveling, but don’t all mmc’s?!
I ended up loving him, AND his wolf, Lawson (hi that scene between Lawson and Nia was yummy… now give me a scene between Luke and Lyall THANKS)
Overall, this had such good plot, not overwhelming to read yet still dark enough to keep the dark romance girly in me alive and welcome, and spicy enough to make me sweat and beg for more.
THANK YOU SO MUCH to CJ and her team for allowing me to read this early as an ARC reader! I cannot wait to dive into more of your work☺️
June 12, 2025
Devoured! Like a prime cut of filet mignon and a glass of red wine! First off I love me some high tension, action packed, sweet sin of a shifter/werewolf entanglement.
Off the rip Nia’s bada**. Her personality, wit and back bone for not settling or backing down is my kinda FMC. She has kick arse and take names vibe, I absolutely love.
Luke on the other hand came off as a inconveniently overly judgmental, controlling typical ego ridden douche bag, took me a minute to warm up to him.
It was a love/hate for sure and CJ Holmes writing style is not only stylistically unique but also so relatable. It felt real, raw and had you waiting for the next morsel. The spice was off the charts! (Check your triggers) Talk about a page turner! This twisty dark story that brings realities into the fold, showing light and dark do coexist.
**This is a deep dark romance so be prepared, it will grip you.
Off the rip Nia’s bada**. Her personality, wit and back bone for not settling or backing down is my kinda FMC. She has kick arse and take names vibe, I absolutely love.
Luke on the other hand came off as a inconveniently overly judgmental, controlling typical ego ridden douche bag, took me a minute to warm up to him.
It was a love/hate for sure and CJ Holmes writing style is not only stylistically unique but also so relatable. It felt real, raw and had you waiting for the next morsel. The spice was off the charts! (Check your triggers) Talk about a page turner! This twisty dark story that brings realities into the fold, showing light and dark do coexist.
**This is a deep dark romance so be prepared, it will grip you.
May 21, 2025
This book had me staying up late to keep reading! It had very good banter, loads of spice, and a hottie Alpha with loads of tattoos. I loved it!
Nia has lived under her father's strict rule all her life, but it has been worse since her mother died. Now, a formidable pack Alpha has entered their property and stolen her away. She has never transformed. Her wolf has never seemed interested, mostly sleeping all the time, even to protect her.
Luke knows she killed his father, so he took her as retribution and to breed. He has no idea what happened to her wolf but aims to get her well so she can produce him an heir. Life and the Moon Goddess have different plans.
Can Luke save Nia before she can no longer live? And can she and her wolf survive what needs to be done? And if she recovers, does Luke want to have a mate? Let alone, this small, bratty, feisty woman?
Nia has lived under her father's strict rule all her life, but it has been worse since her mother died. Now, a formidable pack Alpha has entered their property and stolen her away. She has never transformed. Her wolf has never seemed interested, mostly sleeping all the time, even to protect her.
Luke knows she killed his father, so he took her as retribution and to breed. He has no idea what happened to her wolf but aims to get her well so she can produce him an heir. Life and the Moon Goddess have different plans.
Can Luke save Nia before she can no longer live? And can she and her wolf survive what needs to be done? And if she recovers, does Luke want to have a mate? Let alone, this small, bratty, feisty woman?
June 6, 2025
WOW
“Eyes on my, pretty girl. Always on me. Especially when I’m giving you pleasure.”
I have no words and a lot of feelings…..
Goddess, I never wanted to be tied to anyone but I’d crawl behind her like a chained dog if it made her happy.
This was a poetic masterpiece honest to freaking god.
Everything, i felt everything i felt anger, happiness, anxiety, sadness, pain, the beating of my hard, the flutters in my stomach, I got the giggles and been kicking my feet.
The rage, the happiness, but also relief and ease.
You have to be one queen of a writer to get me this all.
Beside the emotions, i was screaming, crying, laughing and gushing throughout the whole book.
And i say it again, the writing is just so poetic.
She’s a fucking miracle, a force of nature beyond the laws that rule this or any other universe. She’s the moon that governs my tides and the seas in which I sail, and she’s unafraid. Unapologetic. Fucking unstoppable.
“Eyes on my, pretty girl. Always on me. Especially when I’m giving you pleasure.”
I have no words and a lot of feelings…..
Goddess, I never wanted to be tied to anyone but I’d crawl behind her like a chained dog if it made her happy.
This was a poetic masterpiece honest to freaking god.
Everything, i felt everything i felt anger, happiness, anxiety, sadness, pain, the beating of my hard, the flutters in my stomach, I got the giggles and been kicking my feet.
The rage, the happiness, but also relief and ease.
You have to be one queen of a writer to get me this all.
Beside the emotions, i was screaming, crying, laughing and gushing throughout the whole book.
And i say it again, the writing is just so poetic.
She’s a fucking miracle, a force of nature beyond the laws that rule this or any other universe. She’s the moon that governs my tides and the seas in which I sail, and she’s unafraid. Unapologetic. Fucking unstoppable.
June 14, 2025
Obsession and power
A PNR enemies to lovers where she cannot reach her wolf? *grabby hands*
A Duel with Darkness is all about obsession and power. This shifter romance is one of the ones where the wolf and human are a separate souls inside one body. The book begins with the k!dnapping of Nia by a rival Alpha who has a past with her.
It is, as the title suggests, dark. It is very violent at times, and the spice is extremely spicy. There are zero doors. None at all. I strongly advise you to check your trigger warnings because this book will absolutely not be safe for everyone. For those who treat content warnings as a shopping list - run, don’t walk.
All up, I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
A PNR enemies to lovers where she cannot reach her wolf? *grabby hands*
A Duel with Darkness is all about obsession and power. This shifter romance is one of the ones where the wolf and human are a separate souls inside one body. The book begins with the k!dnapping of Nia by a rival Alpha who has a past with her.
It is, as the title suggests, dark. It is very violent at times, and the spice is extremely spicy. There are zero doors. None at all. I strongly advise you to check your trigger warnings because this book will absolutely not be safe for everyone. For those who treat content warnings as a shopping list - run, don’t walk.
All up, I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
April 26, 2025
I was gifted this book as an ARC and was thoroughly impressed! This was my first ever ARC read (THANK YOU!!!) and WOW! This book kept me entertained throughout and the smut (😅🥵). THE SMUT🥵. I can’t even explain it. The smut was so so good. The plot was incredible. There were very few spelling/grammar errors and zero plot holes. I loved how the author tied in smaller characters and the growth of Nia and Lyall. I personally felt that the last few chapters could have started the next book (not sure if there will be a next book based on Nia and Luke) so it would make sense that the author wanted to tie those in for us readers for closure. I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely be reading more by this author!
May 4, 2025
From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The writing is excellent, crafting a narrative that is genuinely gripping and holds your attention throughout the entire story. I found myself deeply invested in the well-developed characters, making the journey even more compelling. This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and I'm now eagerly looking forward to diving into more books by this talented author. If you're looking for a well-written, engaging story with great characters, I highly recommend picking this one up!
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