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Claimed by Darkness
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬, 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐲 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐭...
The night Nora’s 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.
𝑨 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔. 𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒊𝒅𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔.
Saved by Kairos, a powerful celestial, who claims she’s 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 won’t go down without a fight.
To save the world—and the ones she loves—Nora must unlock the terrible truth of who she is. Even if it means binding herself to a dark king who promises love… 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.
𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦.
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 Nora’s 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.
𝑨 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔. 𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒊𝒅𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔.
Saved by Kairos, a powerful celestial, who claims she’s 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 won’t go down without a fight.
To save the world—and the ones she loves—Nora must unlock the terrible truth of who she is. Even if it means binding herself to a dark king who promises love… 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.
𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦.
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.
358 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 7, 2026
578 people want to read
About the author
S.R. Hartley
4 books116 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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Want to read
March 25, 2026~Pre-read~ Guess who just got the ARC??? Yep, I have been ogling this one for a while, I cant wait!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to S.R. Hartley, City Owl Press, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4.5 / 5 ⭐️ rounded up bc WOW.
HOOOOLY that was a wild ride.
Claimed by Darkness was an intense, spicy, multi-POV and dual timeline read.
I found myself having to stop and cover my mouth from time to time because honestly my jaw was on the floor for a lot of this book!
From the beginning, I was pretty hooked. But as I continued reading on, I just found myself unable to put it down! And when I did put the book down, I basically didn't stop thinking about what would come next.
I feel that Claimed by Darkness is honestly best enjoyed spoiler-free, so if you do plan on reading it I highly recommend going in mostly blind! For me, it made it so much more impactful.
The entire book was so well written and enjoyable! The worldbuilding, the plot, the characters.. My only gripe was some of the spice! But even then, it wasn't bothersome to the point I disliked it.
THAT ENDING THOUGH ugh. I was floored. I cannot wait for the next book. Please, S.R. Hartley, go easy on me because wow that was so intense. Also, I'm totally team Kairos hehe.
♡ pre-read ♡
THE COVER ART ugh I just know this one's gonna be so good.
4.5 / 5 ⭐️ rounded up bc WOW.
HOOOOLY that was a wild ride.
Claimed by Darkness was an intense, spicy, multi-POV and dual timeline read.
I found myself having to stop and cover my mouth from time to time because honestly my jaw was on the floor for a lot of this book!
From the beginning, I was pretty hooked. But as I continued reading on, I just found myself unable to put it down! And when I did put the book down, I basically didn't stop thinking about what would come next.
I feel that Claimed by Darkness is honestly best enjoyed spoiler-free, so if you do plan on reading it I highly recommend going in mostly blind! For me, it made it so much more impactful.
The entire book was so well written and enjoyable! The worldbuilding, the plot, the characters.. My only gripe was some of the spice! But even then, it wasn't bothersome to the point I disliked it.
THAT ENDING THOUGH ugh. I was floored. I cannot wait for the next book. Please, S.R. Hartley, go easy on me because wow that was so intense. Also, I'm totally team Kairos hehe.
♡ pre-read ♡
THE COVER ART ugh I just know this one's gonna be so good.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Omg where do I begin? I absolutely loved this book! I was lucky enough to receive it as an arc! It releases 4/7!! 6 ⭐️s!!!!! Its a romantasy novel about a women named Nora who has been reincarnated. She is finding out a year after her parents were killed that she had a past life a past mate and past enemies that are all coming back to haunt her now. She is torn between two men and there is a huge twist at the end!! I didnt see it coming at all! There is also a side story about her friend Hekate and Nyx and I absolutely love them. Definitely read this one! Its awesome!!
February 9, 2026
OMG I’m broken!!… My Heart!!….I NEED THE NEXT ONE!!!
This book will have you shouting at the pages! Sitting at the edge of your seat and holding your breath! You do not see the twists coming. I put this book down and looked around the room ready to shout whaaaat! At someone 😂
PRE ORDER THIS BOOK! And pick a team!
❤️ERE OR KAIROS?💙
WHAT WILL YOU BE?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️AND ITS SPICY🌶️
This book will have you shouting at the pages! Sitting at the edge of your seat and holding your breath! You do not see the twists coming. I put this book down and looked around the room ready to shout whaaaat! At someone 😂
PRE ORDER THIS BOOK! And pick a team!
❤️ERE OR KAIROS?💙
WHAT WILL YOU BE?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️AND ITS SPICY🌶️
February 12, 2026
I had the pleasure of reading Claimed by Darkness by S.R. Hartley as my first ARC read. From the very beginning of the book, it had my attention. It starts with a bang and continues to build up from there. There is love, romance, and tragedy with a dash of world building also. This book emerges you in the world of celestial beings and more. If you are looking for fantasy and romance in the most tasteful way, this is your book. It is definitely a 10 out of 10. All my fantasy/dark romance lovers, this one is for us.
Thank you S.R. Hartley ❤️
February 10, 2026
Claimed by Darkness by S.R Hartley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This ending had me in a chokehold 🤯
Get ready for all the lies, the betrayal & yearning this book was promised!
I can say that I saw a little of myself with Nora’s story - it talks quite a bit about mental health and it was beautifully written 🖤
I also was questioning every characters, who is truly ”good” or ”evil” 😭 I guess we’ll have to wait for the second book!!!
I saw a twist coming, but I really did not expect this outcome 🤯 I’m flabbergasted!
Releasing : April 7, 2026
🖤 fated mates
🖤 multiple POV
🖤 revenge
🖤 sapphic romance
🖤 darkness vs light
“No matter what you go through, I want to be there however you need me to be. I want you to use me. To abuse me however you please. All I want is you.”
THANK YOU for the ARC opportunity, I can’t wait to read the next two books in this trilogy! I need more answers 😭😂🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This ending had me in a chokehold 🤯
Get ready for all the lies, the betrayal & yearning this book was promised!
I can say that I saw a little of myself with Nora’s story - it talks quite a bit about mental health and it was beautifully written 🖤
I also was questioning every characters, who is truly ”good” or ”evil” 😭 I guess we’ll have to wait for the second book!!!
I saw a twist coming, but I really did not expect this outcome 🤯 I’m flabbergasted!
Releasing : April 7, 2026
🖤 fated mates
🖤 multiple POV
🖤 revenge
🖤 sapphic romance
🖤 darkness vs light
“No matter what you go through, I want to be there however you need me to be. I want you to use me. To abuse me however you please. All I want is you.”
THANK YOU for the ARC opportunity, I can’t wait to read the next two books in this trilogy! I need more answers 😭😂🖤
February 6, 2026
4.5⭐️
ARC Read!
Thank you so much S.R. Hartley for this ARC!
Wow.. just WOW. The storyline, the writing… 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 🫠😂
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 @%%^*}€£¥¥ !@*#]^%^*** $>?^]^*|£*{+%# happened?!
Again, I absolutely loved this but now I will be staring at a wall because what do you mean that’s how it ends 😭
ARC Read!
Thank you so much S.R. Hartley for this ARC!
Wow.. just WOW. The storyline, the writing… 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 🫠😂
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 @%%^*}€£¥¥ !@*#]^%^*** $>?^]^*|£*{+%# happened?!
Again, I absolutely loved this but now I will be staring at a wall because what do you mean that’s how it ends 😭
Currently reading
March 25, 2026✨ Claimed by Darkness (Broken Gods #1)
Thank you to City Owl Press, Tantor Media, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
📅 Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Thank you to City Owl Press, Tantor Media, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.
📅 Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
Claimed By Darkness - S R Hartley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
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 💜 during the promo, I let myself be claimed by Kairos 💙 at the last moment, and now I've read the book I'm still Team Kairos 🪽⚔️💙 but the spice with Erebus ❤️ is 👌🔥.
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 🪽⚔️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
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 💜 during the promo, I let myself be claimed by Kairos 💙 at the last moment, and now I've read the book I'm still Team Kairos 🪽⚔️💙 but the spice with Erebus ❤️ is 👌🔥.
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 🪽⚔️
Review of advance copy received from Author
My brain is still reeling after that ending. Honestly, screw you, Erebus. 💔 We get fated mates, lost memories, hidden identities, lots of spice, 3 POV'S. Nyx is my favorite, and I loved the snippets we got from her POV. Hekate & Nyx love story triumphed over Noras for me. It was powerful to see a "villain" battling darkness.
I felt the pacing was a little jagged for me, in addition to one of the relationships was hard to believe but, again, my own personal opinion.
I felt the pacing was a little jagged for me, in addition to one of the relationships was hard to believe but, again, my own personal opinion.
February 5, 2026
ARC Review
Claimed by Darkness by @s.r.hartley.author
Thank you for allowing me to read this beauty!
5/5 ⭐️
With some 🌶️
Available April 7,2026 Preorder now 🖤
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 you’re getting to know them personally. Nora feels so alone and broken. She can’t 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 she’s 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 can’t wait to see where it goes.
Also team Kairos 💙 my new book boyfriend.
Claimed by Darkness by @s.r.hartley.author
Thank you for allowing me to read this beauty!
5/5 ⭐️
With some 🌶️
Available April 7,2026 Preorder now 🖤
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 you’re getting to know them personally. Nora feels so alone and broken. She can’t 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 she’s 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 can’t wait to see where it goes.
Also team Kairos 💙 my new book boyfriend.
March 21, 2026
The Shadows Are Calling... 🌑✨
I just finished my ARC read of Claimed by Darkness by S.R. Hartley, and I am still completely submerged in the atmosphere of this world. There is something so hauntingly beautiful about a story that isn’t afraid to lean into the grit and the gloom. The writing is chefs kiss. It creates this visceral sense of tension that feels like a cold fog rolling in—you know something is lurking just out of sight, but you can’t look away.
The Story:
Ever since the night her parents were murdered, Nora has felt something ancient and malevolent calling to her from the shadows. Just as she’s ready to surrender to the darkness, she’s “saved” by Kairos—a powerful, winged celestial with burning green eyes who claims she is his fated mate.
Nora is thrust into a hidden world of ancient prophecies and an impending war between Heaven and Hell. To survive the demon queen Nyx and the coming God of Shadows, Nora must unlock the truth of her own past—even if it means binding herself to a dark king with deadly secrets.
I’m still reeling from that world-building and trying to process that ending. I need more!! If you’re looking for a story that wraps you in a dark embrace and leaves you questioning everything, this is the one. For now, I’ll be over here in my favorite reading nook, staring at a wall and trying to recover.🥀📖
4/5 black celestial wings.
I just finished my ARC read of Claimed by Darkness by S.R. Hartley, and I am still completely submerged in the atmosphere of this world. There is something so hauntingly beautiful about a story that isn’t afraid to lean into the grit and the gloom. The writing is chefs kiss. It creates this visceral sense of tension that feels like a cold fog rolling in—you know something is lurking just out of sight, but you can’t look away.
The Story:
Ever since the night her parents were murdered, Nora has felt something ancient and malevolent calling to her from the shadows. Just as she’s ready to surrender to the darkness, she’s “saved” by Kairos—a powerful, winged celestial with burning green eyes who claims she is his fated mate.
Nora is thrust into a hidden world of ancient prophecies and an impending war between Heaven and Hell. To survive the demon queen Nyx and the coming God of Shadows, Nora must unlock the truth of her own past—even if it means binding herself to a dark king with deadly secrets.
I’m still reeling from that world-building and trying to process that ending. I need more!! If you’re looking for a story that wraps you in a dark embrace and leaves you questioning everything, this is the one. For now, I’ll be over here in my favorite reading nook, staring at a wall and trying to recover.🥀📖
4/5 black celestial wings.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Claimed By Darkness delivers a solid dark romantasy premise with celestial stakes and fated mates tension, but lands at 3 stars for me overall. Nora’s parents were murdered the night something ancient stirred beneath the waves, leaving her haunted by darkness calling her name. Rescued on the Mackinac Bridge by powerful celestial Kairos—who claims her as his fated mate—she’s thrust into a celestial/demonic war where demon queen Nyx wants her soul and a shadowy god hungers for more.
The internal struggle between darkness and light, Kairos’ restrained yearning, and Nora’s grief-to-power journey created strong atmosphere and trope appeal. However, uneven pacing with a slow early setup, heavy exposition interrupting emotional beats, underdeveloped romance, and predictable moments kept it from clicking fully for me.
3 stars—promising dark fantasy romance with worldbuilding potential. Thank you S.R. Hartley for the ARC! Curious for book 2.
The internal struggle between darkness and light, Kairos’ restrained yearning, and Nora’s grief-to-power journey created strong atmosphere and trope appeal. However, uneven pacing with a slow early setup, heavy exposition interrupting emotional beats, underdeveloped romance, and predictable moments kept it from clicking fully for me.
3 stars—promising dark fantasy romance with worldbuilding potential. Thank you S.R. Hartley for the ARC! Curious for book 2.
February 28, 2026
3.5⭐️
“After all, I was born of darkness. In the end, into darkness I shall return.”
This was a very unique story with a modern aspect to the fantasy world that Nora lives in. Nora’s parents die from a horrific car accident which sends her in an institution from depression and, from what she believes, demons attacking her parents. She soon finds out that she is a reincarnated celestial being who is fated to be with Kairos, another celestial. But, Nora has no memory of her past life, and needs to get those memories back from the ruler of the underworld, Nyx, before she claims her with her darkness.
There’s a lot that happens in a short book. I absolutely loved Kairos and his pov chapters. He felt authentic and I loved his banter between him and Mio. Nora is a very easily manipulated FMC who occasionally falls into the insta-love trap with both Kairos and Erebus. Nyx definitely was the misunderstood villain and I hope for her redemption arc in the next book. Erebus was definitely a sweet talker and I really liked him too for the most part (iykyk). The ending I could not have guessed, and I am curious as to where the next book takes these characters.
While I found the world building was confusing at times, it was an enjoyable read. I would have liked to see more character development with Nora and hope future books in the series take this role.
“After all, I was born of darkness. In the end, into darkness I shall return.”
This was a very unique story with a modern aspect to the fantasy world that Nora lives in. Nora’s parents die from a horrific car accident which sends her in an institution from depression and, from what she believes, demons attacking her parents. She soon finds out that she is a reincarnated celestial being who is fated to be with Kairos, another celestial. But, Nora has no memory of her past life, and needs to get those memories back from the ruler of the underworld, Nyx, before she claims her with her darkness.
There’s a lot that happens in a short book. I absolutely loved Kairos and his pov chapters. He felt authentic and I loved his banter between him and Mio. Nora is a very easily manipulated FMC who occasionally falls into the insta-love trap with both Kairos and Erebus. Nyx definitely was the misunderstood villain and I hope for her redemption arc in the next book. Erebus was definitely a sweet talker and I really liked him too for the most part (iykyk). The ending I could not have guessed, and I am curious as to where the next book takes these characters.
While I found the world building was confusing at times, it was an enjoyable read. I would have liked to see more character development with Nora and hope future books in the series take this role.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love this story but Erubus you sus lil beep dodgy if i do say so myself. team Kairos has been fortified and will hold true through every and all storms. I love everything well except for one horned winged dodgy potential fated mate. i love the reveals and secrets still yet to come and in this case the ending was lovely i liked it alot and am excited to read more on the celestrial fight and love and war to come.
February 13, 2026
This has such a unique story but I just could not get invested in it. I feel like there was barely any world building. So much is not explained. I get that this story deals with memory loss, but things were unexplained to the point that I often had no idea what was going on. And I feel that this story is “tell don’t show”. So many choices were made by the characters without any build up. And the world building we did get felt so abrupt like it was just thrown in there.
The characters were so interesting. Nyx especially, that I just wish this had more of a foundation for them to work off of.
The characters were so interesting. Nyx especially, that I just wish this had more of a foundation for them to work off of.
February 23, 2026
I was able to read this book as an ARC reader, so I really wanted to love it. Unfortunately, most of the time while reading I was very confused.
It started out very strong and the prologue through chapter 1 really pulled me in. But the deeper I got the more it started to drag and leave me asking more and more questions that were left unanswered.
I did however really like how interesting the characters were, Nyx especially!!
It started out very strong and the prologue through chapter 1 really pulled me in. But the deeper I got the more it started to drag and leave me asking more and more questions that were left unanswered.
I did however really like how interesting the characters were, Nyx especially!!
March 2, 2026
I’m sorry there is NO WAY it ending like THAT🫠
I’m still shocked by the ending DAYS later. I also am stunned to say that I did in fact go from team Erebus to team Kairos. The book held my attention and kept me constantly guessing what was going to happen and in the end… I was very wrong😅 I will be sat for whenever book two comes out because there’s no way I can’t find out what happens next!
Huge thank you to the author for the opportunity to arc read!!
I’m still shocked by the ending DAYS later. I also am stunned to say that I did in fact go from team Erebus to team Kairos. The book held my attention and kept me constantly guessing what was going to happen and in the end… I was very wrong😅 I will be sat for whenever book two comes out because there’s no way I can’t find out what happens next!
Huge thank you to the author for the opportunity to arc read!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Claimed by Darkness is a dark romance that focuses on Nora, a young woman struggling to come to terms with the unexplained death of her parents. Everyone besides Nora claims it was a natural death and that her parents drowned... but Nora saw the body and she knows that there is something more going on. What that is she can't be certain but none of it seems right to her.
Upon reassuring her sister Olivia, her friend Katie, and her therapist that she is fine Nora goes to visit the last place she saw her parents. What happens next is beyond Nora's understanding at the beginning. She wakes up in a hospital told they found her in a forest but Nora recalls being at the last place she saw her parents and then falling... and then... and angel saving her.
Despite her struggles with depression and contemplation to end her life, Nora cannot help but question these strange occurrences going on around her. She begins to question more and as she spends more time with Katie, who happens to be a witch, the truth begins to unravel around her.
Katie reveals not only is she a witch but she is connected to the one that she claims is Nora's guardian angel. Kairos is Nora's guardian angel but not only that he is determined to have her realize and remember that she is his fated mate. As Kairos introduces her into the Realm of Darkness, Nora still stays on her threshold of uncertainty. She loves her boyfriend, Ere, and all of this seems all too much when it comes to believing it is real.
Still Kairos is not one to easily given up but as the story escalates into its third stage and part Nora starts to realize even more that all is not as it seems. Ere is not who he seems but Nora cannot deny the pull she has to him and always has had towards him. They are connected and she is determined to believe that Ere is truly her fated mate.
As if the love triangle isn't enough to get the reader's heart racing in its why choose balance of darkness over light, the story also tells of the love and loss between Hekate and Nyx. Nyx was perfect but her Darkness became that which consumed her and caused the love between Hekate and Nyx to dim and eventually die. Granted the pair never ceased to love each other but in the war that Nyx raises the question lingers if love is ever truly enough.
Those last few chapters were a whirlwind of betrayal, loss, shocking twists, lies, deceit, and heartbreak. The reader cannot help but be dragged in to Nora's heart and emotions as her life is woven through the pages of Claimed by Darkness. This is not just your average love story with trauma and drama but it is also a tale of many broken gods striving to be known and loved again.
I eagerly anticipate the second story and look forward to see what happens next. Until next time, happy reading!
Upon reassuring her sister Olivia, her friend Katie, and her therapist that she is fine Nora goes to visit the last place she saw her parents. What happens next is beyond Nora's understanding at the beginning. She wakes up in a hospital told they found her in a forest but Nora recalls being at the last place she saw her parents and then falling... and then... and angel saving her.
Despite her struggles with depression and contemplation to end her life, Nora cannot help but question these strange occurrences going on around her. She begins to question more and as she spends more time with Katie, who happens to be a witch, the truth begins to unravel around her.
Katie reveals not only is she a witch but she is connected to the one that she claims is Nora's guardian angel. Kairos is Nora's guardian angel but not only that he is determined to have her realize and remember that she is his fated mate. As Kairos introduces her into the Realm of Darkness, Nora still stays on her threshold of uncertainty. She loves her boyfriend, Ere, and all of this seems all too much when it comes to believing it is real.
Still Kairos is not one to easily given up but as the story escalates into its third stage and part Nora starts to realize even more that all is not as it seems. Ere is not who he seems but Nora cannot deny the pull she has to him and always has had towards him. They are connected and she is determined to believe that Ere is truly her fated mate.
As if the love triangle isn't enough to get the reader's heart racing in its why choose balance of darkness over light, the story also tells of the love and loss between Hekate and Nyx. Nyx was perfect but her Darkness became that which consumed her and caused the love between Hekate and Nyx to dim and eventually die. Granted the pair never ceased to love each other but in the war that Nyx raises the question lingers if love is ever truly enough.
Those last few chapters were a whirlwind of betrayal, loss, shocking twists, lies, deceit, and heartbreak. The reader cannot help but be dragged in to Nora's heart and emotions as her life is woven through the pages of Claimed by Darkness. This is not just your average love story with trauma and drama but it is also a tale of many broken gods striving to be known and loved again.
I eagerly anticipate the second story and look forward to see what happens next. Until next time, happy reading!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I think some books find you at the exact moment you're meant to read them.
Claimed by Darkness was one of those for me.
It carries this unsettling undercurrent from the very beginning. The kind of story that lives inside that feeling the French call l'appel du vide the call of the void. That quiet pull toward the edge that whispers your name even when you're trying to convince yourself you've healed.
Nora understands that feeling a little too well (and so do I).
The night her life shattered, something ancient noticed her. And even years later, the darkness hasn't stopped calling.
What I loved most about this book is how deeply it leans into that emotional tension. Nora isn't just fighting demons or celestial politics. She's fighting the parts of herself she's spent years trying to smother. Watching her slowly move from someone who thinks she might be losing her mind into someone who begins accepting even the darkest corners of herself was incredibly satisfying.
And then there's Kairos.
If you love fated mate stories built on yearning, he absolutely delivers that energy. He knows things about Nora that she isn't ready to understand yet, and you can feel how much it costs him to keep those truths to himself. She consumes him completely while she's still trying to figure out why being near him feels both terrifying and inevitable.
That tension carries through so much of the book.
The pacing in the beginning did feel slow for me. Not because nothing was happening, but because it took time for the emotional momentum to really lock in. I actually put the book down a few times. When I came back to it a few days later, though, something shifted. The tension tightened, the secrets started piling up, and suddenly I was completely pulled into the story.
The ending, though...left me conflicted.
Not because I didn't care.
But because I cared a lot.
Some choices frustrated me enough that I was skimming the final chapter just to see where things landed. But even with that frustration, this is still the kind of story that makes you want someone else to read it immediately so you can argue about it afterward (be that person for me).
I have a full spoiler free review up on on my blog if you want the deeper breakdown of everything that worked for me... and the things I'm still yelling about.
Thank you to the author and The Nerd Fam for providing me with an eARC to read and review.
Claimed by Darkness was one of those for me.
It carries this unsettling undercurrent from the very beginning. The kind of story that lives inside that feeling the French call l'appel du vide the call of the void. That quiet pull toward the edge that whispers your name even when you're trying to convince yourself you've healed.
Nora understands that feeling a little too well (and so do I).
The night her life shattered, something ancient noticed her. And even years later, the darkness hasn't stopped calling.
What I loved most about this book is how deeply it leans into that emotional tension. Nora isn't just fighting demons or celestial politics. She's fighting the parts of herself she's spent years trying to smother. Watching her slowly move from someone who thinks she might be losing her mind into someone who begins accepting even the darkest corners of herself was incredibly satisfying.
And then there's Kairos.
If you love fated mate stories built on yearning, he absolutely delivers that energy. He knows things about Nora that she isn't ready to understand yet, and you can feel how much it costs him to keep those truths to himself. She consumes him completely while she's still trying to figure out why being near him feels both terrifying and inevitable.
That tension carries through so much of the book.
The pacing in the beginning did feel slow for me. Not because nothing was happening, but because it took time for the emotional momentum to really lock in. I actually put the book down a few times. When I came back to it a few days later, though, something shifted. The tension tightened, the secrets started piling up, and suddenly I was completely pulled into the story.
The ending, though...left me conflicted.
Not because I didn't care.
But because I cared a lot.
Some choices frustrated me enough that I was skimming the final chapter just to see where things landed. But even with that frustration, this is still the kind of story that makes you want someone else to read it immediately so you can argue about it afterward (be that person for me).
I have a full spoiler free review up on on my blog if you want the deeper breakdown of everything that worked for me... and the things I'm still yelling about.
Thank you to the author and The Nerd Fam for providing me with an eARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There’s something deliciously addictive about a story that drags you into the dark and dares you to enjoy it and Claimed by Darkness by S.R. Hartley does exactly that.
From the very first chapter, Nora’s grief and desperation set the tone for a story that feels heavy with fate, prophecy, and something ancient lurking just beneath the surface. The opening alone hooked me. A woman standing on the Mackinac Bridge, haunted by whispers only she can hear? I knew immediately this book was going to wreck me in the best way.
What I loved most about Nora is that she isn’t instantly powerful or fearless. She’s fractured, grieving, and trying to make sense of a darkness that has followed her since the night her parents were murdered. Watching her get pulled into a hidden world of celestial beings, demons, and ancient wars felt like peeling back layers of a mystery that only kept getting deeper.
And then there’s Kairos. Protective, powerful, and convinced Nora is his fated mate, he pulls her into a world she never asked for, but one she may have been destined for all along. Their chemistry had that perfect balance of tension, devotion, and danger that makes paranormal romance so addictive.
But the real brilliance of this book is the way the secrets are layered.
Throughout the story I had this lingering feeling that Ere wasn’t exactly what he appeared to be. Something about him felt off. The kind of character that makes you lean closer to the page because you know there’s more hiding beneath the surface.
And then we get to the last quarter of the book… and BAM.
The reveal hits like a lightning strike. Everything suddenly clicks into place in a way that made me want to flip back through earlier chapters just to see all the clues I missed. It’s the kind of twist that completely reframes the story without feeling forced, and I absolutely loved it.
The stakes escalate beautifully toward the end as heaven and hell collide and Nora is forced to confront the terrifying truth of who and what she might become. The tension between destiny, love, and darkness is handled so well that I genuinely felt torn right alongside her.
If you love stories where the line between light and darkness is razor thin, and the most dangerous truths are the ones hiding in plain sight, Claimed by Darkness is absolutely worth the ride.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next book because that ending left me needing more.
From the very first chapter, Nora’s grief and desperation set the tone for a story that feels heavy with fate, prophecy, and something ancient lurking just beneath the surface. The opening alone hooked me. A woman standing on the Mackinac Bridge, haunted by whispers only she can hear? I knew immediately this book was going to wreck me in the best way.
What I loved most about Nora is that she isn’t instantly powerful or fearless. She’s fractured, grieving, and trying to make sense of a darkness that has followed her since the night her parents were murdered. Watching her get pulled into a hidden world of celestial beings, demons, and ancient wars felt like peeling back layers of a mystery that only kept getting deeper.
And then there’s Kairos. Protective, powerful, and convinced Nora is his fated mate, he pulls her into a world she never asked for, but one she may have been destined for all along. Their chemistry had that perfect balance of tension, devotion, and danger that makes paranormal romance so addictive.
But the real brilliance of this book is the way the secrets are layered.
Throughout the story I had this lingering feeling that Ere wasn’t exactly what he appeared to be. Something about him felt off. The kind of character that makes you lean closer to the page because you know there’s more hiding beneath the surface.
And then we get to the last quarter of the book… and BAM.
The reveal hits like a lightning strike. Everything suddenly clicks into place in a way that made me want to flip back through earlier chapters just to see all the clues I missed. It’s the kind of twist that completely reframes the story without feeling forced, and I absolutely loved it.
The stakes escalate beautifully toward the end as heaven and hell collide and Nora is forced to confront the terrifying truth of who and what she might become. The tension between destiny, love, and darkness is handled so well that I genuinely felt torn right alongside her.
If you love stories where the line between light and darkness is razor thin, and the most dangerous truths are the ones hiding in plain sight, Claimed by Darkness is absolutely worth the ride.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next book because that ending left me needing more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4⭐️
3🌶️
The ending had my mind blowing 🤯
Thank you to NetGalley and City Owl Press for an e-arc of this book!
I’ve been following the author on TikTok with the teasers for this book and I was excited to dive in.
I will admit, it took me a while to really get into this. It’s a bit of a slow start for me. We’re setting the scene and Nora’s world and her grief she deals with on a daily basis. The middle it picked up a bit more but the ending was wild! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, curve ball! 🤯
Two men claim to be her fated mate…but one of them is lying…
When Nora lost her parents a year ago, the grief settled in her like nothing she’s ever felt. She knows what she saw that night but no one else did. The darkness was there and has been lurking with her ever since, urging her to join it in death. Nora has always believed in magic and other beings, but when those things reveal to have been around her all along, she doesn’t quite know what to think.
Kairos enters her life, saying she is his fated mate and reincarnated of his great love, giving them a second chance at love and saving their realms from Nyx, the fallen queen of the Underworld. He’s tall, tattooed, and undeniably attractive but Nora has a great love in her life already…or so she thought.
But what if what Kairos is telling her is all a lie. Another comes forth saying that everything the celestials know and believe are wrong and warped, and that THEY are the love that was written in the stars in the darkness.
And in the center of it all is Nyx, the villain…or so she thinks? Is she truly evil as she shows or just a pawn in a bigger game?
Who’s telling the truth? Who claims Nora’s heart? And just when you thought you’ve made it through one zig, it zags all over again.
Once this story really picked up, I couldn’t put it down. I definitely guessed certain things in the stories and others threw me WAY off guard! And that’s what makes a story gripping. If it wasn’t for a slower start to the book, it honestly could have been a 5 star but there were points in almost put it down but I’m glad I didn’t.
We have both some MF spice 🌶️ and FF (not FMC) spice in this story 🌶️ and honestly, I can only see it increasing next book. The intensity these characters have for one another is huge and when it finally reaches boiling point for a couple characters, watch out 🥵
I’m interested to see where the next book goes from here. That ending was wild!
3🌶️
The ending had my mind blowing 🤯
Thank you to NetGalley and City Owl Press for an e-arc of this book!
I’ve been following the author on TikTok with the teasers for this book and I was excited to dive in.
I will admit, it took me a while to really get into this. It’s a bit of a slow start for me. We’re setting the scene and Nora’s world and her grief she deals with on a daily basis. The middle it picked up a bit more but the ending was wild! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, curve ball! 🤯
Two men claim to be her fated mate…but one of them is lying…
When Nora lost her parents a year ago, the grief settled in her like nothing she’s ever felt. She knows what she saw that night but no one else did. The darkness was there and has been lurking with her ever since, urging her to join it in death. Nora has always believed in magic and other beings, but when those things reveal to have been around her all along, she doesn’t quite know what to think.
Kairos enters her life, saying she is his fated mate and reincarnated of his great love, giving them a second chance at love and saving their realms from Nyx, the fallen queen of the Underworld. He’s tall, tattooed, and undeniably attractive but Nora has a great love in her life already…or so she thought.
But what if what Kairos is telling her is all a lie. Another comes forth saying that everything the celestials know and believe are wrong and warped, and that THEY are the love that was written in the stars in the darkness.
And in the center of it all is Nyx, the villain…or so she thinks? Is she truly evil as she shows or just a pawn in a bigger game?
Who’s telling the truth? Who claims Nora’s heart? And just when you thought you’ve made it through one zig, it zags all over again.
Once this story really picked up, I couldn’t put it down. I definitely guessed certain things in the stories and others threw me WAY off guard! And that’s what makes a story gripping. If it wasn’t for a slower start to the book, it honestly could have been a 5 star but there were points in almost put it down but I’m glad I didn’t.
We have both some MF spice 🌶️ and FF (not FMC) spice in this story 🌶️ and honestly, I can only see it increasing next book. The intensity these characters have for one another is huge and when it finally reaches boiling point for a couple characters, watch out 🥵
I’m interested to see where the next book goes from here. That ending was wild!
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
7/10 ⭐
The author provided me with a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
🗣️ 1st person, multi POV
🟰 2 timelines
⚫ Dark fantasy
☠️ Intrusive thoughts
🔮 Fated mates
🪽 Angels/Celestials, demons, witches, gods
🌓 Light vs. darkness
🌫️ Shadow daddy
🌪️ Memory loss
❤️🔥 Love triangle
💞 MF and FF romance
⚔️ Revenge and secrets
🥵 “Good girl”
🌶️ Spice (1/5)
What it is about:
When Nora’s parents die, nobody questions that it was an accident - except Nora. She saw the darkness surrounding their death, and ever since, that darkness hasn’t left her mind.
After several attempts to end her life, Nora is saved by Kairos, a winged Celestial who claims she is his fated mate. He tells her that Nyx, the demon queen, stole everything from Nora - including her memories.
Torn between Kairos and her mortal boyfriend Ere, Nora must confront Nyx to uncover the truth and reclaim what was taken from her.
This is the second book by S.R. Hartley I’ve read so far, and I really enjoy her straightforward writing style. Nothing is over-explained and everything is easy to follow - so you flow through the pages easily.
I don’t want to say that it starts slow, because there is a lot of stuff happening, but I only really got fully invested once Kairos finally officially introduced himself to Nora (around the 45 % mark). Because of that, the book felt a bit too long to me. There were several chapters focused on Nora swooning over Kairos or Ere, or debating who to trust. Personally, I prefer stories that move to the main plot a bit faster.
That said, I really liked the concept of the story. The overall idea is intriguing, and there were a few twists I genuinely didn’t see coming. The ending especially had me on the edge of my seat and definitely made me curious about what happens next.
S.R. Hartley clearly knows how to write green flag MMCs - I loved Kairos! I also really enjoyed the setting of his empire, the Realm of Darkness, and Mio was a fun side character. As Nora slowly warms up to them, the banter between the three of them becomes really entertaining and made me want to spend more time in their world.
The spice was well written and not overdone in my opinion. The yearning is definitely there.
If you're looking for a darker, slightly urban fantasy that keeps you questioning almost every character, this one is for you.
The author provided me with a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
🗣️ 1st person, multi POV
🟰 2 timelines
⚫ Dark fantasy
☠️ Intrusive thoughts
🔮 Fated mates
🪽 Angels/Celestials, demons, witches, gods
🌓 Light vs. darkness
🌫️ Shadow daddy
🌪️ Memory loss
❤️🔥 Love triangle
💞 MF and FF romance
⚔️ Revenge and secrets
🥵 “Good girl”
🌶️ Spice (1/5)
What it is about:
When Nora’s parents die, nobody questions that it was an accident - except Nora. She saw the darkness surrounding their death, and ever since, that darkness hasn’t left her mind.
After several attempts to end her life, Nora is saved by Kairos, a winged Celestial who claims she is his fated mate. He tells her that Nyx, the demon queen, stole everything from Nora - including her memories.
Torn between Kairos and her mortal boyfriend Ere, Nora must confront Nyx to uncover the truth and reclaim what was taken from her.
This is the second book by S.R. Hartley I’ve read so far, and I really enjoy her straightforward writing style. Nothing is over-explained and everything is easy to follow - so you flow through the pages easily.
I don’t want to say that it starts slow, because there is a lot of stuff happening, but I only really got fully invested once Kairos finally officially introduced himself to Nora (around the 45 % mark). Because of that, the book felt a bit too long to me. There were several chapters focused on Nora swooning over Kairos or Ere, or debating who to trust. Personally, I prefer stories that move to the main plot a bit faster.
That said, I really liked the concept of the story. The overall idea is intriguing, and there were a few twists I genuinely didn’t see coming. The ending especially had me on the edge of my seat and definitely made me curious about what happens next.
S.R. Hartley clearly knows how to write green flag MMCs - I loved Kairos! I also really enjoyed the setting of his empire, the Realm of Darkness, and Mio was a fun side character. As Nora slowly warms up to them, the banter between the three of them becomes really entertaining and made me want to spend more time in their world.
The spice was well written and not overdone in my opinion. The yearning is definitely there.
If you're looking for a darker, slightly urban fantasy that keeps you questioning almost every character, this one is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 Stars 🌟
Thank you to the author for this ARC! ❤️
YALL where do I even start?!? I've been WAITING to dive into this for forever, so finally having time to dive in was so exciting! I loved every single second of this book, and it's undoubtedly a new Top 5 book for me as well as taking over as my favorite read for this year so far.
The lies! The betrayal!!! The absolute emotional turmoil that the last few chapters put me through. I was so confused. I swear that I went through every single emotion possible all at once. The writing was absolutely beautiful! This multi-pov, fated mates, magical story full of badass women and hot, winged men who are pining over the same woman was every single bit of the perfection that I had hoped it would be. After reading, I was left with SO. MANY. HIGHLIGHTS. I quoted so many things, but S.R. Hartley's beautiful storytelling made that very easy to do!
Through most of the story, I honestly felt bad for Nora. Between navigating her grief and struggling with darker thoughts, I felt for her. Adding everything else on top of it that turned her entire life upside down? That has to be rough, but she honestly ended up handling it well in the end. One thing that I found clever was the way we learned Nyx's backstory. Her story was sad and tragic. She deserved so much better than what she had to go through. Most of them do, honestly. Getting her story told through her own chapters was definitely the way to go!
Because I am 100% delusional over this fictional man, yall KNOW I'm giving Kairos his own little shootout paragraph. I'm proud to say that I've been Team Blue 💙 from the start, now more than ever! Literally 2 seconds into meeting him, and I was already fan-girling. He is an absolute king of a man who deserves the world. It's been a very long time since I've met a new character that pulled me in immediately the way that Kairos has. ANDDD, this is irrelevant, but I share a birth month and favorite flower with him. Yall best believe that I was over the moon!
Genuinely, I HIGHLY recommend this story. It's absolutely everything I had hoped for and more. Between the beautiful storytelling and characters you can't help but to love and feel for, this book was phenomenal. I cannot wait to see where the next book will go! 👀🖤
Thank you to the author for this ARC! ❤️
YALL where do I even start?!? I've been WAITING to dive into this for forever, so finally having time to dive in was so exciting! I loved every single second of this book, and it's undoubtedly a new Top 5 book for me as well as taking over as my favorite read for this year so far.
The lies! The betrayal!!! The absolute emotional turmoil that the last few chapters put me through. I was so confused. I swear that I went through every single emotion possible all at once. The writing was absolutely beautiful! This multi-pov, fated mates, magical story full of badass women and hot, winged men who are pining over the same woman was every single bit of the perfection that I had hoped it would be. After reading, I was left with SO. MANY. HIGHLIGHTS. I quoted so many things, but S.R. Hartley's beautiful storytelling made that very easy to do!
Through most of the story, I honestly felt bad for Nora. Between navigating her grief and struggling with darker thoughts, I felt for her. Adding everything else on top of it that turned her entire life upside down? That has to be rough, but she honestly ended up handling it well in the end. One thing that I found clever was the way we learned Nyx's backstory. Her story was sad and tragic. She deserved so much better than what she had to go through. Most of them do, honestly. Getting her story told through her own chapters was definitely the way to go!
Because I am 100% delusional over this fictional man, yall KNOW I'm giving Kairos his own little shootout paragraph. I'm proud to say that I've been Team Blue 💙 from the start, now more than ever! Literally 2 seconds into meeting him, and I was already fan-girling. He is an absolute king of a man who deserves the world. It's been a very long time since I've met a new character that pulled me in immediately the way that Kairos has. ANDDD, this is irrelevant, but I share a birth month and favorite flower with him. Yall best believe that I was over the moon!
Genuinely, I HIGHLY recommend this story. It's absolutely everything I had hoped for and more. Between the beautiful storytelling and characters you can't help but to love and feel for, this book was phenomenal. I cannot wait to see where the next book will go! 👀🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 3.5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: fated mates with a twist; keeps you guessing until the end; interesting world and characters; a lot of unanswered questions; weird plot holes
Huge thanks to S.R. Hartley for the title! This gesture in no way altered or impacted my read of or review for this book.
But I’m here, too. And the thing about being friends with darkness is that no matter how hard it tries, it cannot steal your soul or break you entirely unless you let it, because you know all of its little tricks. It will not win. I will be here in the background, watching and waiting to tear them apart from the inside out however I can. I will not go quietly. I will fight.
Fear will not rule me.
This was an interesting read filled with fated mates, written in the stars destinies, and a bushel full of plot twists. The characters are uniquely detailed and will leave you wanting to peel them apart layer by layer just to see what really lies within. This journey will take you in what feels to be a rollercoaster ride... and leave you questioning everything at the end.
As much as I enjoyed this read, though, there were some things I found hard to ignore. For instance-- there were many times where Nora absolutely vowed to do or not to do XYZ thing... only to turn around in the next sentence and do or not do that very thing. There were a lot of plot holes, as well-- places where I felt I, as the reader, needed to be clued in just a little bit more to fully understand the whys, hows, and whats of this world building. Even at the end, with the big reveal, I did not feel as if it answered any of the questions I had been asking.
Even those who appear innocent enough sometimes have secrets they’d do anything to keep in shadow.
Still, this was a fun dark romance that explored some of the darker aspects of humanity (please be aware of the triggers). I am curious to see where book 2 will lead these characters... and whether all will be righted in the end. I recommend this to lovers of dark romance, fated mates, and otherworldly beings. Will you be Claimed by the Darkness, Penguins... or will you claim it instead?
Quick Reasons: fated mates with a twist; keeps you guessing until the end; interesting world and characters; a lot of unanswered questions; weird plot holes
Huge thanks to S.R. Hartley for the title! This gesture in no way altered or impacted my read of or review for this book.
But I’m here, too. And the thing about being friends with darkness is that no matter how hard it tries, it cannot steal your soul or break you entirely unless you let it, because you know all of its little tricks. It will not win. I will be here in the background, watching and waiting to tear them apart from the inside out however I can. I will not go quietly. I will fight.
Fear will not rule me.
This was an interesting read filled with fated mates, written in the stars destinies, and a bushel full of plot twists. The characters are uniquely detailed and will leave you wanting to peel them apart layer by layer just to see what really lies within. This journey will take you in what feels to be a rollercoaster ride... and leave you questioning everything at the end.
As much as I enjoyed this read, though, there were some things I found hard to ignore. For instance-- there were many times where Nora absolutely vowed to do or not to do XYZ thing... only to turn around in the next sentence and do or not do that very thing. There were a lot of plot holes, as well-- places where I felt I, as the reader, needed to be clued in just a little bit more to fully understand the whys, hows, and whats of this world building. Even at the end, with the big reveal, I did not feel as if it answered any of the questions I had been asking.
Even those who appear innocent enough sometimes have secrets they’d do anything to keep in shadow.
Still, this was a fun dark romance that explored some of the darker aspects of humanity (please be aware of the triggers). I am curious to see where book 2 will lead these characters... and whether all will be righted in the end. I recommend this to lovers of dark romance, fated mates, and otherworldly beings. Will you be Claimed by the Darkness, Penguins... or will you claim it instead?
March 17, 2026
I received an ARC from the author and NetGalley to read and review. Here are my thoughts.
I knew from the very first chapter that I was going to love this book—and it did not disappoint.
Claimed by Darkness opens with Nora’s parents dying in a tragic accident… except it’s clear almost immediately that something isn’t right. That hook alone had me locked in, but then you layer in the grief, the mystery, and Nora trying to find her footing again—and I was already invested. And then… enter the winged men?? Yeah, I was done for.
This book has everything I love in a dark romantasy. The pacing is spot on, and the multiple POVs are woven together so seamlessly that it just pulls you deeper into the story. I never felt lost—only more intrigued with every chapter. It also strikes that perfect balance between plot, romance, and action, which is honestly hard to do, but this delivers.
And let’s talk about the romance for a second… the tension? immaculate. The banter? chef’s kiss. The spice? so good and completely worth the build-up.
The characters are another standout. They feel real, layered, and complex, with internal struggles that make you want to keep peeling back their stories. Nora especially is someone you can’t help but feel for—you’re rooting for her the entire time.
And just when you think you’ve figured things out… the last quarter hits. HARD. The twists, the reveals—I was fully sitting there like “okay nope, I was completely wrong.” I didn’t see half of it coming, and I loved every second of it.
This book truly has it all: tension, emotional depth, that “fuck it” moment, I would burn the world down for you energy, a horned winged shadow daddy, a lightning-wielding, tattooed celestial (and yes, somehow you don’t even care that he’s blonde), the charming and funny side character, a powerful witch queen—and a story that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.
If you grew up loving angel/paranormal YA, this feels like the grown-up, darker, spicier version of that nostalgia—and it HIT.
I absolutely devoured this and will be recommending it to anyone who will listen.
I knew from the very first chapter that I was going to love this book—and it did not disappoint.
Claimed by Darkness opens with Nora’s parents dying in a tragic accident… except it’s clear almost immediately that something isn’t right. That hook alone had me locked in, but then you layer in the grief, the mystery, and Nora trying to find her footing again—and I was already invested. And then… enter the winged men?? Yeah, I was done for.
This book has everything I love in a dark romantasy. The pacing is spot on, and the multiple POVs are woven together so seamlessly that it just pulls you deeper into the story. I never felt lost—only more intrigued with every chapter. It also strikes that perfect balance between plot, romance, and action, which is honestly hard to do, but this delivers.
And let’s talk about the romance for a second… the tension? immaculate. The banter? chef’s kiss. The spice? so good and completely worth the build-up.
The characters are another standout. They feel real, layered, and complex, with internal struggles that make you want to keep peeling back their stories. Nora especially is someone you can’t help but feel for—you’re rooting for her the entire time.
And just when you think you’ve figured things out… the last quarter hits. HARD. The twists, the reveals—I was fully sitting there like “okay nope, I was completely wrong.” I didn’t see half of it coming, and I loved every second of it.
This book truly has it all: tension, emotional depth, that “fuck it” moment, I would burn the world down for you energy, a horned winged shadow daddy, a lightning-wielding, tattooed celestial (and yes, somehow you don’t even care that he’s blonde), the charming and funny side character, a powerful witch queen—and a story that keeps you hooked from beginning to end.
If you grew up loving angel/paranormal YA, this feels like the grown-up, darker, spicier version of that nostalgia—and it HIT.
I absolutely devoured this and will be recommending it to anyone who will listen.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Claimed by Darkness
By: S.R. Hartley
5⚡️
As always, first and foremost Thank You to S.R. Hartley for allowing me the opportunity to read your book!
WOW!!! Let’s just start with that 🤯 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 “broken” 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 let’s 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 🤔 is this a fight she really wants to have?
Two men claim to be Nora’s 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
5⚡️
As always, first and foremost Thank You to S.R. Hartley for allowing me the opportunity to read your book!
WOW!!! Let’s just start with that 🤯 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 “broken” 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 let’s 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 🤔 is this a fight she really wants to have?
Two men claim to be Nora’s 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
Overview:
A story about fated mates, two men who claim to be hers, but one is lying. Both have wings, both are immortal. Light vs. Dark. This book will grip you from page one and not let go. As the story unfolds, truths and lies are spun together, and you don’t know who to believe.
The main characters:
After Nora’s parents die, she feels a dark presence within that takes control of her thoughts. Fortunately, there’s a guardian angel watching her and keeping her safe, rescuing her when she succumbs to the darkness’s thoughts of ending her life. (Watch your triggers. I thought it was written well, but be warned.) Nora wants answers, and she’s willing to risk her life to get them.
Kairos is a fallen angel, wings turned black, who is in charge of keeping Nora alive and deleting the demons Nyx sends to Earth. He has a tortured past and thinks he finally found his fated mate in Nora. There’s a pull between them, and he makes her feel whole again, brings out the light within Nora. Kairos will do everything to make her his, kill anyone in his way.
Erebus is the King of the Underworld, a shadow daddy, and when he gets his hands on Nora, he tries to convince her that he, not Kairos, is her fated mate. He makes Nora feel at peace with her darkness, feel alive, setting her soul on fire. He is a powerful god and will do anything to get what he wants.
Ending feels:
The twists. The revelations. The deception. As this story unfolds, everything unravels. As the past is discovered, it leaves more questions in its wake. I was afraid to turn the page and see what happened, yet I couldn’t put the book down. Hands down a six-star read for me. The end will break you (in a good way), and you will join the chorus as we scream for book 2!
Tropes:
💞Fated Mates
🪽Winged Immortal Beings
🌶️ MF and FF spice
☀️Light vs. Darkness 🌌
😈Celestials, demons, witches, gods
🔪 Revenge & deception
🧠 Mind games
🖤 Shadow daddy dark god
A story about fated mates, two men who claim to be hers, but one is lying. Both have wings, both are immortal. Light vs. Dark. This book will grip you from page one and not let go. As the story unfolds, truths and lies are spun together, and you don’t know who to believe.
The main characters:
After Nora’s parents die, she feels a dark presence within that takes control of her thoughts. Fortunately, there’s a guardian angel watching her and keeping her safe, rescuing her when she succumbs to the darkness’s thoughts of ending her life. (Watch your triggers. I thought it was written well, but be warned.) Nora wants answers, and she’s willing to risk her life to get them.
Kairos is a fallen angel, wings turned black, who is in charge of keeping Nora alive and deleting the demons Nyx sends to Earth. He has a tortured past and thinks he finally found his fated mate in Nora. There’s a pull between them, and he makes her feel whole again, brings out the light within Nora. Kairos will do everything to make her his, kill anyone in his way.
Erebus is the King of the Underworld, a shadow daddy, and when he gets his hands on Nora, he tries to convince her that he, not Kairos, is her fated mate. He makes Nora feel at peace with her darkness, feel alive, setting her soul on fire. He is a powerful god and will do anything to get what he wants.
Ending feels:
The twists. The revelations. The deception. As this story unfolds, everything unravels. As the past is discovered, it leaves more questions in its wake. I was afraid to turn the page and see what happened, yet I couldn’t put the book down. Hands down a six-star read for me. The end will break you (in a good way), and you will join the chorus as we scream for book 2!
Tropes:
💞Fated Mates
🪽Winged Immortal Beings
🌶️ MF and FF spice
☀️Light vs. Darkness 🌌
😈Celestials, demons, witches, gods
🔪 Revenge & deception
🧠 Mind games
🖤 Shadow daddy dark god
Review of advance copy received from Author
Claimed by Darkness by S.R. Hartley is a seductive plunge into a world where danger and desire are inextricably linked. From the moment you open the pages, the book wraps you in a smoky haze of tension, power, and irresistible attraction that’s both dark and intoxicating. The writing is sharp, with an undercurrent of menace that makes every touch, every glance, feel loaded with meaning and craving.
The chemistry between the characters is off the charts, the kind that burns slow and hot until it explodes in the most deliciously dangerous ways. The intensity of their connection is palpable, and their dark, twisted dynamic gives the story an edge that will have you on edge. The spicy moments are scorching—not just physically, but emotionally too. It’s a potent mix of passion and pain, and Hartley knows exactly how to turn up the heat without losing the depth of the connection.
The pacing is relentless, with moments of brutal intensity followed by quiet, tension-filled lulls that only make the next explosion that much more satisfying. The world itself is drenched in shadows, danger lurking around every corner, and it all adds to the sense that nothing—and no one—is safe. But that danger? It makes the stakes even higher, and the stakes make everything hotter.
If you like your fantasy dark, your romance dangerously addictive, and your spice with a side of shadows, Claimed by Darkness is exactly what you’re looking for. This book is a wicked, wild ride, full of lust, power, and a touch of madness. It’s a story you won’t be able to forget, long after the last page is turned. Easily five stars, and a must-read for anyone craving something intense and unapologetically bold.
The chemistry between the characters is off the charts, the kind that burns slow and hot until it explodes in the most deliciously dangerous ways. The intensity of their connection is palpable, and their dark, twisted dynamic gives the story an edge that will have you on edge. The spicy moments are scorching—not just physically, but emotionally too. It’s a potent mix of passion and pain, and Hartley knows exactly how to turn up the heat without losing the depth of the connection.
The pacing is relentless, with moments of brutal intensity followed by quiet, tension-filled lulls that only make the next explosion that much more satisfying. The world itself is drenched in shadows, danger lurking around every corner, and it all adds to the sense that nothing—and no one—is safe. But that danger? It makes the stakes even higher, and the stakes make everything hotter.
If you like your fantasy dark, your romance dangerously addictive, and your spice with a side of shadows, Claimed by Darkness is exactly what you’re looking for. This book is a wicked, wild ride, full of lust, power, and a touch of madness. It’s a story you won’t be able to forget, long after the last page is turned. Easily five stars, and a must-read for anyone craving something intense and unapologetically bold.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐️
Where to begin with Claimed by Darkness!!? 😍
There was so much I loved about this book!
I’ll start with the hype that SR Hartley created leading up to even receiving the book. Before even starting it, I was hooked on the plot and in love with the characters.
Once I started the book, I was not disappointed. I really appreciated the way the modern world was blended into the fantasy realms. It felt seamless and real! The characters were done really well also! The portrayal of Nora and Ere’s mental health issues like depression, suicide and addiction were done very respectfully and I appreciated that so so much! It added another layer of emotion to the story!
I loved the side romance with Nyx. I found myself rooting for her after all she’d been through even though she was the villain destroying everything!
I originally was team Erebus but after meeting Kairos and watching how he treated Nora and how he felt about her, I must say I may have switched teams! 🥹
“He locks my hair between his fingers, shakes his head and mutters “fuck it,” then softly brushes his lips against mine, just a gentle stroke up and nothing else, but it’s enough to set my entire soul on fire.”
Let me just say the twists and little Easter eggs in this book had me reeling! 😱I don’t want to give anything away but the amount of times I had to put the book down and audibly gasped at what was revealed!! *chefs kiss*
I will admit there was a few times I was a little confused on what was happening and who was doing what but that’s a me problem! 😊
I can’t wait to continue on this journey with Nora and see how it plays out after how this one ended!!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this early and for my gifted eARC!! 🫶🏻
Where to begin with Claimed by Darkness!!? 😍
There was so much I loved about this book!
I’ll start with the hype that SR Hartley created leading up to even receiving the book. Before even starting it, I was hooked on the plot and in love with the characters.
Once I started the book, I was not disappointed. I really appreciated the way the modern world was blended into the fantasy realms. It felt seamless and real! The characters were done really well also! The portrayal of Nora and Ere’s mental health issues like depression, suicide and addiction were done very respectfully and I appreciated that so so much! It added another layer of emotion to the story!
I loved the side romance with Nyx. I found myself rooting for her after all she’d been through even though she was the villain destroying everything!
I originally was team Erebus but after meeting Kairos and watching how he treated Nora and how he felt about her, I must say I may have switched teams! 🥹
“He locks my hair between his fingers, shakes his head and mutters “fuck it,” then softly brushes his lips against mine, just a gentle stroke up and nothing else, but it’s enough to set my entire soul on fire.”
Let me just say the twists and little Easter eggs in this book had me reeling! 😱I don’t want to give anything away but the amount of times I had to put the book down and audibly gasped at what was revealed!! *chefs kiss*
I will admit there was a few times I was a little confused on what was happening and who was doing what but that’s a me problem! 😊
I can’t wait to continue on this journey with Nora and see how it plays out after how this one ended!!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this early and for my gifted eARC!! 🫶🏻
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