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Claimed by Darkness
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ฌ, ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐ฒ ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ฅ, ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ก๐๐ฏ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ญ...
The night Noraโs parents were murdered, something ancient and malevolent stirred beneath the waves-and it never let go. No one else felt it. But Nora did... she still does.
The darkness whispers her name, curls through her thoughts, tempts her with release. On the edge of the Mackinac Bridge, Nora is ready to surrender. But fate has other plans.
๐จ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐. ๐พ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐. ๐จ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.
Saved by Kairos, a powerful celestial, who claims sheโs his fated mate, Nora is thrust into a hidden world of otherworldly beings and ancient prophecy. Her past-wiped away. Her future-bound to a war that began long before she was born.
A century ago, the demon queen Nyx stole everything from Nora. Now she wants her soul. But Nora wonโt go down without a fight.
To save the worldโand the ones she lovesโNora must unlock the terrible truth of who she is. Even if it means binding herself to a dark king who promises loveโฆ and carries deadly secrets.
As Heaven and Hell collide, Nora must choose between the mate who holds her heart and the darkness that calls her name.
๐๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐ . ๐๐ง๐ ๐ก๐ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ง'๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฉ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ ๐ฌ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ก๐ข๐ฆ.
The Book of Azrael meets A Curse This Cruel & Lovely in this stunning romantasy debut full of spice, morally gray characters, mental health rep, and jaw-dropping twists, perfect for fans who delight in the dark side.
The night Noraโs parents were murdered, something ancient and malevolent stirred beneath the waves-and it never let go. No one else felt it. But Nora did... she still does.
The darkness whispers her name, curls through her thoughts, tempts her with release. On the edge of the Mackinac Bridge, Nora is ready to surrender. But fate has other plans.
๐จ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐. ๐พ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐. ๐จ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.
Saved by Kairos, a powerful celestial, who claims sheโs his fated mate, Nora is thrust into a hidden world of otherworldly beings and ancient prophecy. Her past-wiped away. Her future-bound to a war that began long before she was born.
A century ago, the demon queen Nyx stole everything from Nora. Now she wants her soul. But Nora wonโt go down without a fight.
To save the worldโand the ones she lovesโNora must unlock the terrible truth of who she is. Even if it means binding herself to a dark king who promises loveโฆ and carries deadly secrets.
As Heaven and Hell collide, Nora must choose between the mate who holds her heart and the darkness that calls her name.
๐๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐๐๐จ๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐ . ๐๐ง๐ ๐ก๐ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ง'๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฉ ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ ๐ฌ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ก๐ข๐ฆ.
The Book of Azrael meets A Curse This Cruel & Lovely in this stunning romantasy debut full of spice, morally gray characters, mental health rep, and jaw-dropping twists, perfect for fans who delight in the dark side.
- GenresDark Romance
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 7, 2026
44 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
S.R. Hartley
3ย books103ย followersS.R. Hartley writes dreamy contemporary romance and haunting dark romantasy full of emotion and spice. She lives in a small town in Ohio and works night shift as a registered nurse, using her stories as an escape. She enjoys writing about light vs. darkness to find ways to bring mental health issues to light, and to help readers relate to her words or heal old wounds. Her characters are real, flawed, and a bit damaged, because nothing makes her happier than seeing a lost soul finally get their happily ever after.
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Review of advance copy received from Author
Claimed By Darkness - S R Hartley
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
๐ถ๐ถ๐ถ
Publication Date: 7 April 2026
I have officially been Claimed by this book. I was lucky enough to get this as an ARC read from the author and what a book to start February with!
When Nora's parents were murdered, an ancient and malevolent force stirred, grapsing Nora and never letting her go. As the darkness whispers her name, and winds its tendrils through her thoughts, Nora is ready to surrender and find release and peace at last...but fate intervenes, saved by Kairos, and thrust into a world she has no memory of, Nora must unlock the truth of who she is or lose all those she loves and Nora is left with an impossible choice...her fated mate or the darkness that calls her name.
This book was OUTSTANDING, its a MASTERPIECE. Everything about this book is just perfection. The plot, the characters and the world building, I was captivated from the prologue and even now I've finished this book still holds my heart and soul in its grip.
The characters in this are so well written and so well developed. Nora (FMC), is a marvel. I felt every ounce of her grief, her pain, the way the darkness calls to her and wrapped around her. I felt like I was right beside her on that bridge, feeling the pull of the abyss and the promise of release. I've been Nora and seeing her strength and how she fights everyday, even when the darkness calls to her, and promises safety and that feeling of freedom and being at home in the dark truly stuck with me. Both Kairos and Erebus (MMCs) are excellent representations of the sides of Nora. Kairos representing the light and Erebus representing the dark. Both claim to be her fated mate, leaving her with the reality that one of them is lying and knowing that she loves both of them, whatever her path will bring pain. While I was Team Kai-bus ๐ during the promo, I let myself be claimed by Kairos ๐ at the last moment, and now I've read the book I'm still Team Kairos ๐ชฝโ๏ธ๐ but the spice with Erebus โค๏ธ is ๐๐ฅ.
Even our villain Nyx ruined me. I was expecting someone inherently evil, but the truth is much more tragic and really showed just how darkness can consume a soul.
The mental health rep in this is strong and does not shy away from the heavy themes of depression and suicide. So please bear this in mind when reading.
The world building is beautiful, its vividly explained and brought the story to life. I'm usually a skim reader when it comes to world building, because as someone with aphantasia I can't picture what's being described, so world description/character description is lost on me, but this was done well so I understand the worlds.
And when I tell you the twists in this...HOLY. HELL. I'm still reeling from the plot twist in this. The cliffhanger this ended on has left me desperate for the next book. Darkness Guide Me, Gods Save Me while I wait for Book 2 ๐ชฝโ๏ธ
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
๐ถ๐ถ๐ถ
Publication Date: 7 April 2026
I have officially been Claimed by this book. I was lucky enough to get this as an ARC read from the author and what a book to start February with!
When Nora's parents were murdered, an ancient and malevolent force stirred, grapsing Nora and never letting her go. As the darkness whispers her name, and winds its tendrils through her thoughts, Nora is ready to surrender and find release and peace at last...but fate intervenes, saved by Kairos, and thrust into a world she has no memory of, Nora must unlock the truth of who she is or lose all those she loves and Nora is left with an impossible choice...her fated mate or the darkness that calls her name.
This book was OUTSTANDING, its a MASTERPIECE. Everything about this book is just perfection. The plot, the characters and the world building, I was captivated from the prologue and even now I've finished this book still holds my heart and soul in its grip.
The characters in this are so well written and so well developed. Nora (FMC), is a marvel. I felt every ounce of her grief, her pain, the way the darkness calls to her and wrapped around her. I felt like I was right beside her on that bridge, feeling the pull of the abyss and the promise of release. I've been Nora and seeing her strength and how she fights everyday, even when the darkness calls to her, and promises safety and that feeling of freedom and being at home in the dark truly stuck with me. Both Kairos and Erebus (MMCs) are excellent representations of the sides of Nora. Kairos representing the light and Erebus representing the dark. Both claim to be her fated mate, leaving her with the reality that one of them is lying and knowing that she loves both of them, whatever her path will bring pain. While I was Team Kai-bus ๐ during the promo, I let myself be claimed by Kairos ๐ at the last moment, and now I've read the book I'm still Team Kairos ๐ชฝโ๏ธ๐ but the spice with Erebus โค๏ธ is ๐๐ฅ.
Even our villain Nyx ruined me. I was expecting someone inherently evil, but the truth is much more tragic and really showed just how darkness can consume a soul.
The mental health rep in this is strong and does not shy away from the heavy themes of depression and suicide. So please bear this in mind when reading.
The world building is beautiful, its vividly explained and brought the story to life. I'm usually a skim reader when it comes to world building, because as someone with aphantasia I can't picture what's being described, so world description/character description is lost on me, but this was done well so I understand the worlds.
And when I tell you the twists in this...HOLY. HELL. I'm still reeling from the plot twist in this. The cliffhanger this ended on has left me desperate for the next book. Darkness Guide Me, Gods Save Me while I wait for Book 2 ๐ชฝโ๏ธ
February 6, 2026
4.5โญ๏ธ
ARC Read!
Thank you so much S.R. Hartley for this ARC!
Wow.. just WOW. The storyline, the writingโฆ BEAUITFUL! This story gave everything that it promised- the YEARNING, the betrayal, the LIES. My mind is flabbergasted because the twists and turns in this book had my jaw hanging, some things I saw coming but others were a complete curve ball and I was like oh my gawddd! The mental health in this story was not only beautifully written but very well represented, and at times I saw myself in Nora. Darkness can be beautiful too! This book was amazing in every way. 2 chili peppers, because it was more plot than spice, which was VERY refreshing! This is my 2nd book by S.R. Hartley and she just has this way with her words of locking you in right from the beginning. She is going to be a BIG player in the game, I can feel it!
Ps. That ending took me out ๐ซ ๐
Honestly, before reading this I was team Red-Erebus all the way, but now I am unwell and I may now be team Blue- Kairos because whatttttt do you mean @%%^*}โฌยฃยฅยฅ !@*#]^%^*** $>?^]^*|ยฃ*{+%# happened?!
Again, I absolutely loved this but now I will be staring at a wall because what do you mean thatโs how it ends ๐ญ
ARC Read!
Thank you so much S.R. Hartley for this ARC!
Wow.. just WOW. The storyline, the writingโฆ BEAUITFUL! This story gave everything that it promised- the YEARNING, the betrayal, the LIES. My mind is flabbergasted because the twists and turns in this book had my jaw hanging, some things I saw coming but others were a complete curve ball and I was like oh my gawddd! The mental health in this story was not only beautifully written but very well represented, and at times I saw myself in Nora. Darkness can be beautiful too! This book was amazing in every way. 2 chili peppers, because it was more plot than spice, which was VERY refreshing! This is my 2nd book by S.R. Hartley and she just has this way with her words of locking you in right from the beginning. She is going to be a BIG player in the game, I can feel it!
Ps. That ending took me out ๐ซ ๐
Honestly, before reading this I was team Red-Erebus all the way, but now I am unwell and I may now be team Blue- Kairos because whatttttt do you mean @%%^*}โฌยฃยฅยฅ !@*#]^%^*** $>?^]^*|ยฃ*{+%# happened?!
Again, I absolutely loved this but now I will be staring at a wall because what do you mean thatโs how it ends ๐ญ
Review of advance copy received from Author
Claimed by Darkness
By: S.R. Hartley
5โก๏ธ
As always, first and foremost Thank You to S.R. Hartley for allowing me the opportunity to read your book!
WOW!!! Letโs just start with that ๐คฏ I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! Such a great story, I loved the multiple POVs and how it gives you a more rounded knowledge of the inner workings of all the characters.
Nora- she starts out as your โbrokenโ FMC and is just trying to survive the loss of her parents and manage her depression, but the darkness has another plan. Her sister and best friend are so supportive and overall they are doing the best they can. I adore how her boyfriend tries to help her heal all the broken parts of her by accepting the darkness as apart of who she is. But then she meets a mysterious man with wings who was selected to be her guardian (for reasons that are unknown to Nora) she lost all her memories of her previous life and has no clue what is in store for her!
Kairos is a celestial being that was sent to protect Nora when her parents died from a demon attack. When he was kicked out of his realm, he lost his fated mate (who he now believes is Nora) and has been doing everything he can to keep her safe. This man has been waiting a century, (gah!! I love the yearning!!) and he will wait as long as it takes. I love his dedication and unwavering love for her! He will stop at nothing to prove himself. Such a well written character, S.R. Hartley makes you want to yearn for him!
Nyx- wow, um letโs see she has had a rough time in life (I had all the feels for her struggles, you might too). Becoming the queen of darkness was her fate. But as I read along, I had to wonder ๐ค is this a fight she really wants to have?
Two men claim to be Noraโs fated mate, one is her true fated mate and one is lying!! Who do you think is the villain? Read the book and find out who wins (or loses in the end)
By: S.R. Hartley
5โก๏ธ
As always, first and foremost Thank You to S.R. Hartley for allowing me the opportunity to read your book!
WOW!!! Letโs just start with that ๐คฏ I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! Such a great story, I loved the multiple POVs and how it gives you a more rounded knowledge of the inner workings of all the characters.
Nora- she starts out as your โbrokenโ FMC and is just trying to survive the loss of her parents and manage her depression, but the darkness has another plan. Her sister and best friend are so supportive and overall they are doing the best they can. I adore how her boyfriend tries to help her heal all the broken parts of her by accepting the darkness as apart of who she is. But then she meets a mysterious man with wings who was selected to be her guardian (for reasons that are unknown to Nora) she lost all her memories of her previous life and has no clue what is in store for her!
Kairos is a celestial being that was sent to protect Nora when her parents died from a demon attack. When he was kicked out of his realm, he lost his fated mate (who he now believes is Nora) and has been doing everything he can to keep her safe. This man has been waiting a century, (gah!! I love the yearning!!) and he will wait as long as it takes. I love his dedication and unwavering love for her! He will stop at nothing to prove himself. Such a well written character, S.R. Hartley makes you want to yearn for him!
Nyx- wow, um letโs see she has had a rough time in life (I had all the feels for her struggles, you might too). Becoming the queen of darkness was her fate. But as I read along, I had to wonder ๐ค is this a fight she really wants to have?
Two men claim to be Noraโs fated mate, one is her true fated mate and one is lying!! Who do you think is the villain? Read the book and find out who wins (or loses in the end)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wowsers, this had me in a chokehold. Put it down? Yeah I don't think so, well at least I never wanted to let's put it that way.
The characters in this were so multi layered with such intense personalities you couldnt help actually love them all. Even the ones that were portrayed as evil. Take Nyx for example she had an incredible backstory with a sapphic love only dreams can imagine yet she is mostly evil in this story. I'd absolutely love to read what came next for her once she went through that portal... if you've read it you will know. Nore had the most toughest journey in this story & at times my heart absolutely broke for her especially right at the end that absolutely devastated me & no I'm sharing zero spoilers ๐
The world building is incredible, its vivid & the imagery was bought to life as the story was narrated never failing to amaze me. This imaginary world so different to our own felt so thrilling & despite being dark was so majestic.
Tropes found that you may love..
๐ค Characters that felt inspired by Greek mythology
๐ค Fated Mates
๐ค Demons, Witches, God's & Celestials
๐ค Revenge
๐ค Deception
๐ค Sapphic love & Spice
๐ค Spicy scenes
๐ค Multiple POV'S
๐ค Dual timeline
๐ค Winged Beings.
Now tell me your not going to pre-order this & I'll share even more reasons to want to. Honestly best book of my year so far.
Thank you to SR Hartley for providing a digital ARC. All thoughts are my own.
The characters in this were so multi layered with such intense personalities you couldnt help actually love them all. Even the ones that were portrayed as evil. Take Nyx for example she had an incredible backstory with a sapphic love only dreams can imagine yet she is mostly evil in this story. I'd absolutely love to read what came next for her once she went through that portal... if you've read it you will know. Nore had the most toughest journey in this story & at times my heart absolutely broke for her especially right at the end that absolutely devastated me & no I'm sharing zero spoilers ๐
The world building is incredible, its vivid & the imagery was bought to life as the story was narrated never failing to amaze me. This imaginary world so different to our own felt so thrilling & despite being dark was so majestic.
Tropes found that you may love..
๐ค Characters that felt inspired by Greek mythology
๐ค Fated Mates
๐ค Demons, Witches, God's & Celestials
๐ค Revenge
๐ค Deception
๐ค Sapphic love & Spice
๐ค Spicy scenes
๐ค Multiple POV'S
๐ค Dual timeline
๐ค Winged Beings.
Now tell me your not going to pre-order this & I'll share even more reasons to want to. Honestly best book of my year so far.
Thank you to SR Hartley for providing a digital ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review: Claimed by Darkness by S. R. Hartley๐๐ชฝโ๏ธ
Rating:โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Available โก๏ธ April 7, 2026
โจ๏ธI've officially been claimedโจ๏ธ
This book was OUTSTANDING! Hartley really outdid herself with the plot, writing, characters and everything else that made up this story.
This book is the darkest book I have read in a hot minute! I'm normally reading light romance, but I am happy with the change of pace. It's nice to experience a plot that explores heavier topics and the more serious parts of life.
Fated mates is my absolute favorite trope of all time! There's just something about two people being made for eachother that ignites the romantic in me. And the yearning in this book is unmatched! I love when an MMC is just absolutely head-over-heels for our FMC.
As you read through the story, the question of what makes someone "good" or "evil" pops up multiple times. I love when the heroes and villians of a story have multiple layers and are not just black or white. All of the characters had so much depth that I was immediatly invested in their lives.
Just when you think you know what's happening, everything gets shaken up again.
Ten out of ten, would read this book again!
๐Tropes:โค๏ธ
โข Fated mates
โข Winged Immortals
โข 3 POV'S
โข 2 Romance Storylines
โข MF & FF Spice
โข Blood Bonds
โข Light vs. Darkness
Rating:โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Available โก๏ธ April 7, 2026
โจ๏ธI've officially been claimedโจ๏ธ
This book was OUTSTANDING! Hartley really outdid herself with the plot, writing, characters and everything else that made up this story.
This book is the darkest book I have read in a hot minute! I'm normally reading light romance, but I am happy with the change of pace. It's nice to experience a plot that explores heavier topics and the more serious parts of life.
Fated mates is my absolute favorite trope of all time! There's just something about two people being made for eachother that ignites the romantic in me. And the yearning in this book is unmatched! I love when an MMC is just absolutely head-over-heels for our FMC.
As you read through the story, the question of what makes someone "good" or "evil" pops up multiple times. I love when the heroes and villians of a story have multiple layers and are not just black or white. All of the characters had so much depth that I was immediatly invested in their lives.
Just when you think you know what's happening, everything gets shaken up again.
Ten out of ten, would read this book again!
๐Tropes:โค๏ธ
โข Fated mates
โข Winged Immortals
โข 3 POV'S
โข 2 Romance Storylines
โข MF & FF Spice
โข Blood Bonds
โข Light vs. Darkness
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't even know where to start with this because I'm still recovering from the plottwists and the emotional rollercoaster this book was. It's been a while since I felt THIS much after reading a book! I spent weeks looking forward to this ARC only to finish it in a single day lol but it was so worth it.
First of all, I love that this book does not shy away from the darkness that comes with suffering from depression and trauma. It's heavy on the mental health rep and those who suffered similar struggles will recognize themselves in Nora - I know I did. I expected to be team Erebus from the promo but somehow, throughout the book, I quickly became team Kairo (I can't say too much without spoiling the twists) even though the spice with Erebus was ๐๐ป๐๐ป
As someone who loves the villains, it was Nyx's story that gripped me the most (it was also the character art of her that instantly convinced me to sign up for the ARC). Throughout the whole book, I was rooting for her and my heart ached for her. I don't blame Hecate for still loving her despite everything she did because I would do the same.
The worldbuilding is also amazing and really thought-through and I'm saying this as someone who usually skims through heavy worldbuilding, but not this time. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next book!
First of all, I love that this book does not shy away from the darkness that comes with suffering from depression and trauma. It's heavy on the mental health rep and those who suffered similar struggles will recognize themselves in Nora - I know I did. I expected to be team Erebus from the promo but somehow, throughout the book, I quickly became team Kairo (I can't say too much without spoiling the twists) even though the spice with Erebus was ๐๐ป๐๐ป
As someone who loves the villains, it was Nyx's story that gripped me the most (it was also the character art of her that instantly convinced me to sign up for the ARC). Throughout the whole book, I was rooting for her and my heart ached for her. I don't blame Hecate for still loving her despite everything she did because I would do the same.
The worldbuilding is also amazing and really thought-through and I'm saying this as someone who usually skims through heavy worldbuilding, but not this time. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Claimed by Darkness
By S. R. Hartley
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Excuse me while I pick up the peaces of my chattered heart. After finishing this book, I had to take some time to compose myself in order to write this review.
Claimed by Darkness is an absolute knockout!! Well deserving of its 5/5 star review. For anyone who loves their romantasy with a side of high-stakes celestial war and soul-shattering tension. The story follows Nora, a woman haunted by an ancient malevolence ever since the night her parents were murdered. Just as sheโs on the brink of surrendering to the darkness at the Mackinac Bridge, she is saved by Kairos, a powerful celestial with midnight wings and burning green eyes who claims she is his fated mate.
Hartley does a phenomenal job blending Noraโs internal struggle with a massive, otherworldly prophecy involving a vengeful demon queen named Nyx. Watching Nora navigate this hidden world while trying to unlock the "terrible truth" of her own identity kept me glued to the pages. Between the God of Shadows closing in and the forbidden magic pulling her in two different directions, this book is a wild ride from start to finish. Donโt think for one minute that you can predict whatโs going to happen next or how this story will end. Youโll be surprised.
10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.
By S. R. Hartley
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Excuse me while I pick up the peaces of my chattered heart. After finishing this book, I had to take some time to compose myself in order to write this review.
Claimed by Darkness is an absolute knockout!! Well deserving of its 5/5 star review. For anyone who loves their romantasy with a side of high-stakes celestial war and soul-shattering tension. The story follows Nora, a woman haunted by an ancient malevolence ever since the night her parents were murdered. Just as sheโs on the brink of surrendering to the darkness at the Mackinac Bridge, she is saved by Kairos, a powerful celestial with midnight wings and burning green eyes who claims she is his fated mate.
Hartley does a phenomenal job blending Noraโs internal struggle with a massive, otherworldly prophecy involving a vengeful demon queen named Nyx. Watching Nora navigate this hidden world while trying to unlock the "terrible truth" of her own identity kept me glued to the pages. Between the God of Shadows closing in and the forbidden magic pulling her in two different directions, this book is a wild ride from start to finish. Donโt think for one minute that you can predict whatโs going to happen next or how this story will end. Youโll be surprised.
10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Iโve never screamed at a book beforeโฆ but thereโs a first time for everything.
"Claimed By Darkness" opens with a tragic story centered around Nora, a main character consumed by grief and darkness, yet surrounded by people who claim to love her. In this world, however, things are rarely what they seem. Secrets are kept. Lies are told. And sometimes theyโre told in the name of protectionโฆ or so weโre meant to believe. Nora may be more than she appears. Possibly a reincarnation of someone deeply lovedโฆ or deeply hated. And looming over everything is Nyx, a truly malevolent villain who will stop at nothing to bring Nora down.
At the heart of it all is an impossible choice. Erebus or Kairos. Both claim to be her fated mate, and neither path is without pain. This story is not a walk in the park. Itโs more like walking barefoot through a bed of roses, beautiful and brutal all at once. I canโt say much without spoiling the twists (and trust me, there are twists), but this book put me through every emotion in the best way. I devoured it, screamed, gasped, and immediately wanted more.
I'm so grateful to have received this ARC and to be part of this incredible authorโs street team. The book hasnโt even been released yet, and I already need the next one.
"Claimed By Darkness" opens with a tragic story centered around Nora, a main character consumed by grief and darkness, yet surrounded by people who claim to love her. In this world, however, things are rarely what they seem. Secrets are kept. Lies are told. And sometimes theyโre told in the name of protectionโฆ or so weโre meant to believe. Nora may be more than she appears. Possibly a reincarnation of someone deeply lovedโฆ or deeply hated. And looming over everything is Nyx, a truly malevolent villain who will stop at nothing to bring Nora down.
At the heart of it all is an impossible choice. Erebus or Kairos. Both claim to be her fated mate, and neither path is without pain. This story is not a walk in the park. Itโs more like walking barefoot through a bed of roses, beautiful and brutal all at once. I canโt say much without spoiling the twists (and trust me, there are twists), but this book put me through every emotion in the best way. I devoured it, screamed, gasped, and immediately wanted more.
I'm so grateful to have received this ARC and to be part of this incredible authorโs street team. The book hasnโt even been released yet, and I already need the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ๐ซ
๐ถ๐ถ๐ถ๐ถ๐ถ
Releasing April 7th!
๐คFated mates
๐คParanormal
๐คRomantasy
๐คMagic
๐คPossession
๐คLGBTQ+
๐คMultiple POV
๐คDark themes, including suicide and depression. As always, know your triggers prior to consuming any content. Your mental health matters.
@s.r.hartley.author there better be a sequel because what the actual ... did you do to me?!
Full of twists and turns, this paranormal, fated mates, dark romantasy had me smiling and thinking and yelling like the characters could hear me. I had all the feels through what is essentially two main stories seamlessly meshed together.
Because of S.R. Hartley's incredible writing I saw a lot of the twists coming but there was one... oooohhh there was one that's going to stick with me for awhile. This was captivating and written so well that you won't want to put it down.
You'll NEED to know who is lying and who isn't? Can you figure it out before the FMC?
Will you be claimed by darkness?
Thank you to author @s.r.hartley.author and her publisher for the ARC of this incredible book! All thoughts and feelings are my own.
#ClaimedByDarkness #darkromantasy #paranormalromance #fatedmates #fatedmatesromance
๐ถ๐ถ๐ถ๐ถ๐ถ
Releasing April 7th!
๐คFated mates
๐คParanormal
๐คRomantasy
๐คMagic
๐คPossession
๐คLGBTQ+
๐คMultiple POV
๐คDark themes, including suicide and depression. As always, know your triggers prior to consuming any content. Your mental health matters.
@s.r.hartley.author there better be a sequel because what the actual ... did you do to me?!
Full of twists and turns, this paranormal, fated mates, dark romantasy had me smiling and thinking and yelling like the characters could hear me. I had all the feels through what is essentially two main stories seamlessly meshed together.
Because of S.R. Hartley's incredible writing I saw a lot of the twists coming but there was one... oooohhh there was one that's going to stick with me for awhile. This was captivating and written so well that you won't want to put it down.
You'll NEED to know who is lying and who isn't? Can you figure it out before the FMC?
Will you be claimed by darkness?
Thank you to author @s.r.hartley.author and her publisher for the ARC of this incredible book! All thoughts and feelings are my own.
#ClaimedByDarkness #darkromantasy #paranormalromance #fatedmates #fatedmatesromance
Review of advance copy received from Author
โจARC Reviewโจ
Spice: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
Five stars doesnโt even begin to cover how this book made me feel.
This story consumed me in the best, most haunting and beautiful way. Noraโs grief, her darkness, the way the whispers wrapped around herโฆI felt every ounce of it. Standing on that bridge with her, I could feel the pull of the abyssโฆ and then him. The flash of green eyes. The wings. The fate she never asked for.
Kairos wrecked me. His protection over Nora, and the unwavering love he has for her, absolutely broke my heart. The prophecy gutted me. And the tension between light and darkness? Absolutely intoxicating.
But what truly stayed with me was Noraโs strength, and the way she fights even when the darkness feels like home. The ache of loving someone celestial while being tethered to something wicked. Leaving her with the impossible choice between heart and power, salvation and ruin.
This book doesnโt just tell a story about dark and light collidingโฆit makes you feel the war inside a girl who was never meant to survive it.
I devoured it. I adored it. But my heart is shattered. And Iโm still thinking about that ending.
Spice: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
Five stars doesnโt even begin to cover how this book made me feel.
This story consumed me in the best, most haunting and beautiful way. Noraโs grief, her darkness, the way the whispers wrapped around herโฆI felt every ounce of it. Standing on that bridge with her, I could feel the pull of the abyssโฆ and then him. The flash of green eyes. The wings. The fate she never asked for.
Kairos wrecked me. His protection over Nora, and the unwavering love he has for her, absolutely broke my heart. The prophecy gutted me. And the tension between light and darkness? Absolutely intoxicating.
But what truly stayed with me was Noraโs strength, and the way she fights even when the darkness feels like home. The ache of loving someone celestial while being tethered to something wicked. Leaving her with the impossible choice between heart and power, salvation and ruin.
This book doesnโt just tell a story about dark and light collidingโฆit makes you feel the war inside a girl who was never meant to survive it.
I devoured it. I adored it. But my heart is shattered. And Iโm still thinking about that ending.
February 5, 2026
ARC Review
Claimed by Darkness by @s.r.hartley.author
Thank you for allowing me to read this beauty!
5/5 โญ๏ธ
With some ๐ถ๏ธ
Available April 7,2026 Preorder now ๐ค
Trying not to spoil because you need to read this!
This book was amazing. It kept me on my toes the whole time. The raw emotions throughout it made me cry for these characters. So many POV you actually feel like youโre getting to know them personally. Nora feels so alone and broken. She canโt find the light and slowly accepting darkness. Her feels are so real I feel for her cause I understand being in the dark. Her sister and best friend are always there for her. Her boyfriend loves her even if she is accepting the darkness within. Things turn with a wonderful beautiful being Kairos comes to her claiming sheโs his fated mate and wants to save her from the darkness. Will Nora accept him or stay with her boyfriend? It does end on a cliffhanger and I just canโt wait to see where it goes.
Also team Kairos ๐ my new book boyfriend.
Claimed by Darkness by @s.r.hartley.author
Thank you for allowing me to read this beauty!
5/5 โญ๏ธ
With some ๐ถ๏ธ
Available April 7,2026 Preorder now ๐ค
Trying not to spoil because you need to read this!
This book was amazing. It kept me on my toes the whole time. The raw emotions throughout it made me cry for these characters. So many POV you actually feel like youโre getting to know them personally. Nora feels so alone and broken. She canโt find the light and slowly accepting darkness. Her feels are so real I feel for her cause I understand being in the dark. Her sister and best friend are always there for her. Her boyfriend loves her even if she is accepting the darkness within. Things turn with a wonderful beautiful being Kairos comes to her claiming sheโs his fated mate and wants to save her from the darkness. Will Nora accept him or stay with her boyfriend? It does end on a cliffhanger and I just canโt wait to see where it goes.
Also team Kairos ๐ my new book boyfriend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well i did not see that coming.
This book has everything that I enjoy about stories. There are demons and celestials, and Gods, which I adore anything to do with Greek Gods. I will admit I was side-eyeing the new lore surrounding the Gods in this, but that's a personal thing because they already have such a rich history that some of the changes had been side-eyeing.
It was also an incredibly difficult read; again, this is not on the author, she delivers exactly what she says she's going to, which is grief and the effect it has on a person in its most raw, broken way, and watching Nora deal with the loss of her parents and everything that came with that was gut-wrenching. Seeing her struggle was hard.
The side characters and their relationships are awesome, and there are so many twists and turns that I got a little whiplash in the best way because it meant I didn't overly see things coming. And good lord that ending.
Team Kairos always.
This book has everything that I enjoy about stories. There are demons and celestials, and Gods, which I adore anything to do with Greek Gods. I will admit I was side-eyeing the new lore surrounding the Gods in this, but that's a personal thing because they already have such a rich history that some of the changes had been side-eyeing.
It was also an incredibly difficult read; again, this is not on the author, she delivers exactly what she says she's going to, which is grief and the effect it has on a person in its most raw, broken way, and watching Nora deal with the loss of her parents and everything that came with that was gut-wrenching. Seeing her struggle was hard.
The side characters and their relationships are awesome, and there are so many twists and turns that I got a little whiplash in the best way because it meant I didn't overly see things coming. And good lord that ending.
Team Kairos always.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First I want to thank the Author for sending me an ARC copy for Review! <3
This book did not come to play but in fact came to suplex me, whisper secrets in my ear and then shove me straight into the void with a smile. I genuinely lost count of how many times my mouth left was hanging open.
The duel timeline and multiple POV structure worked exceptionally well giving chapters from the villains perspective with Nyx being fascinating, unsetting and magnetic in a way that makes it impossible to stop reading. The portrayal of our FMC and her mental health representation was handled beautifully and added so much depth to the story.
The ending left me staring into the abyss for several minutes, questioning everything I thought I knew, and I am desperately looking forward to book two. The cliffhanger is cruel, brilliant, and completely intentional.
I am not okay, I too have been claimed by darkness.
This book did not come to play but in fact came to suplex me, whisper secrets in my ear and then shove me straight into the void with a smile. I genuinely lost count of how many times my mouth left was hanging open.
The duel timeline and multiple POV structure worked exceptionally well giving chapters from the villains perspective with Nyx being fascinating, unsetting and magnetic in a way that makes it impossible to stop reading. The portrayal of our FMC and her mental health representation was handled beautifully and added so much depth to the story.
The ending left me staring into the abyss for several minutes, questioning everything I thought I knew, and I am desperately looking forward to book two. The cliffhanger is cruel, brilliant, and completely intentional.
I am not okay, I too have been claimed by darkness.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh. My. Gosh. This is a hauntingly beautiful story that will take over your entire life.
This book has so much absolutely beautiful mental health rep and I couldn't love that more then I already do. Its dark and twists and grips you entirely. The world building is vivid but not overwhelming and is easy to understand once you get a grasp.
Our two MMCs? Both are beautiful in their own ways and the YEARNING?! Chefs kiss m. These characters are developed and feel completely real and fleshed out. The emotion is so well written that you can feel the scenes as they play out.
This book had me wanting to neglect all my adult responsibilities to keep devouring it. What an absolutely beautiful job. Highly recommend. My top read of 2026 so far!
This book has so much absolutely beautiful mental health rep and I couldn't love that more then I already do. Its dark and twists and grips you entirely. The world building is vivid but not overwhelming and is easy to understand once you get a grasp.
Our two MMCs? Both are beautiful in their own ways and the YEARNING?! Chefs kiss m. These characters are developed and feel completely real and fleshed out. The emotion is so well written that you can feel the scenes as they play out.
This book had me wanting to neglect all my adult responsibilities to keep devouring it. What an absolutely beautiful job. Highly recommend. My top read of 2026 so far!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my gods! This was such a great story but be warned it can be dark and heavy at times but its worth it.
Nora was a fantastic FMC and I fell in love with her almost immediately shes been through so much and is willing to give even more of herself if it keeps the people she cares about safe.
Our two MMC Kairos and Erebus there's something for everyone between the two of them. Whether you like dark haired shadow daddies or blonde tatted Celestials.
The story is heartbreaking and full of twists and the ending is... I needed time to just sit with it after reading it. It was so good I'm already obsessed and will be counting down the days to book two.
Nora was a fantastic FMC and I fell in love with her almost immediately shes been through so much and is willing to give even more of herself if it keeps the people she cares about safe.
Our two MMC Kairos and Erebus there's something for everyone between the two of them. Whether you like dark haired shadow daddies or blonde tatted Celestials.
The story is heartbreaking and full of twists and the ending is... I needed time to just sit with it after reading it. It was so good I'm already obsessed and will be counting down the days to book two.
February 4, 2026
Angles? Demons ? Are celestials even real ? Nora an immortal is stuck between her own darkness and an unknown that is yet to come . Trying to decipher grief from reality she is torn between her own mind and the lies that come to claim her. If you love fated mates, dark illusions , lies and deception, you will be wondering what is real? Will Nora overcome her darkness that fills her ? Will she learn the truth about who is she ? Or will she be stuck to a life of torment ? If you love a book that keeps you guessing and on your toes give this book a read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Claimed by Darkness by S. R Hartley 5 stars!
I would rate it higher if there was a rating higher than 5.
S. R Hartley wrote an amazing book, the twists and turns in this book had me wanting and waiting for more. Nora is the FMC, ah what a fiery red head. She has such love and loss in this book.
Hekate and Nyx have a love like I've never heard about before.
This book brought out all my emotions! I am reeling from what I read.
Please check the trigger warnings.
(Arc reader from the author S. R Hartley, thank you for choosing me to read this book before the masses)
I would rate it higher if there was a rating higher than 5.
S. R Hartley wrote an amazing book, the twists and turns in this book had me wanting and waiting for more. Nora is the FMC, ah what a fiery red head. She has such love and loss in this book.
Hekate and Nyx have a love like I've never heard about before.
This book brought out all my emotions! I am reeling from what I read.
Please check the trigger warnings.
(Arc reader from the author S. R Hartley, thank you for choosing me to read this book before the masses)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Take a moment before diving into this captivating story because it's all you'll think about and even when it's finished, you'll want more from this author. From twists and turns in and out of darkness, Kairos, Eres, and Nora unveil their connections as something deeper. But can Nora determine what's right and wrong? A page turner with love, lust magic and betrayal, Claimed by Darkness is an incredible new addition to the genre of romantasy for 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Author
guys this book was on a total different level than your normal book you think about with dark romance and gods. you're going to think you have a team you really are you going to set aside this one character and that's going to be who you pick at the end, but you're wrong I don't care who you pick you are wrong this book brought out so many plots and so much emotion that I didn't know what to do and I can't wait for more
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have absolutely no words for this book, except wow. It was PHENOMENAL!
I loved Nora, Kairos and Erebus in equal measure. I loved the twists and turns and was not expecting any of them. I adored that it was split into 3 parts! And I was thoroughly shocked by the ending! I need more immediately.
I loved Nora, Kairos and Erebus in equal measure. I loved the twists and turns and was not expecting any of them. I adored that it was split into 3 parts! And I was thoroughly shocked by the ending! I need more immediately.
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