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Darkness #1
Darkness Awakened
4 hrs 55 mins
Years ago he ended things between them to protect her…
As leader of one of the fiercest werewolf packs in the south, Finn Stavros is in full battle mode 24/7. He has no choice—he’s one of the few beings strong enough to fight the Akkadian demons, whose mysterious escape from hell threatens the entire world. With the battle turning bloodier by the second, Finn is ready for anything…until his vampire long lost love shows up on his doorstep in desperate need of his help, sending his heart into a tailspin. He agrees to help her, unaware that she carries a shocking secret that will turn his life upside down.
This time, he’s not letting her go…
Vampire Lyra Marius curses the day she met Finn. The ruthless werewolf promised to love her forever, but he rejected her instead—before she could share her life altering news. Pregnant, kicked out of her coven, and cast aside by the love of her life, Lyra struggled to raise their rare shifter-vampire daughter Vega alone among humans. When the 16-year-old is kidnapped and used to fulfill a frightening prophecy, Lyra swallows her pride and turns to Finn for help. But how long can she fight her feelings for him and keep him from guessing the truth about who Vega really is? As they race against the clock to save their daughter, they must defeat the lethal threat imposed by demons infiltrating the human world and a hell gate that could not only reveal their existence to mankind, but destroy the world in the process.
Years ago he ended things between them to protect her…
As leader of one of the fiercest werewolf packs in the south, Finn Stavros is in full battle mode 24/7. He has no choice—he’s one of the few beings strong enough to fight the Akkadian demons, whose mysterious escape from hell threatens the entire world. With the battle turning bloodier by the second, Finn is ready for anything…until his vampire long lost love shows up on his doorstep in desperate need of his help, sending his heart into a tailspin. He agrees to help her, unaware that she carries a shocking secret that will turn his life upside down.
This time, he’s not letting her go…
Vampire Lyra Marius curses the day she met Finn. The ruthless werewolf promised to love her forever, but he rejected her instead—before she could share her life altering news. Pregnant, kicked out of her coven, and cast aside by the love of her life, Lyra struggled to raise their rare shifter-vampire daughter Vega alone among humans. When the 16-year-old is kidnapped and used to fulfill a frightening prophecy, Lyra swallows her pride and turns to Finn for help. But how long can she fight her feelings for him and keep him from guessing the truth about who Vega really is? As they race against the clock to save their daughter, they must defeat the lethal threat imposed by demons infiltrating the human world and a hell gate that could not only reveal their existence to mankind, but destroy the world in the process.
5 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 28, 2013
541 people are currently reading
5228 people want to read
About the author
Katie Reus
164 books3,244 followersKatie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 503 reviews
April 26, 2016
4 - 4-5 Stars... Review later...
Ummmm, how the hell have I never heard of this series before?
If this doesn't have my name all over, I don't know what does.
Dropping everything to tackle this.
Ummmm, how the hell have I never heard of this series before?
If this doesn't have my name all over, I don't know what does.
Dropping everything to tackle this.
March 15, 2017
That was a nice surprise!
Sometimes I like to experiment. Well, I did not know anything about the story when I jumped in the book and I did not expect much. BUT a lot I got…
There are three main themes in this book.
1. The paranormal aspect. There is a little bit of almost every paranormal creature: Wolves, vampires, demons, hybrids (i.e. half demons-half humans and half wolves-half vampires), ghouls, even a dragon.
2. The forbidden love aspect. An Alpha wolf (Finn Stavros) and a vampire of a royal line (Lyra Marius) fell in love 17 years before the events of this book. Apparently in that world vampires are not supposed to have relationships with wolves. Their story ended badly back then. Finn broke up with Lyra because he wanted to protect her from his dangerous uncle and Lyra never told him that she was with child.
3. The second chance romance aspect. Nowadays Lyra’s daughter has been abducted and desperate Lyra asks for Finn’s help, but she is hiding the fact that Vega is his daughter too. Both Finn and Lyra are crazy in love with each other, although they were apart all this years. Soon they will jumb into the bed to remember the old times.
“Make me sleep. Make me forget”
Of course Finn is crazy also from jealousy and he cannot understand how Lyra could go and have a child with someone else.
The truth will come out at some point. Oh, all this drama! I loved it.
“I love you, Lyra. I never stopped.”
Although this is not a long length novel, it is packed with the right elements of a good PNR adventure. There are:
-an interesting complete story with beginning, middle and end
-hot sex scenes,
-battles between wolves and demons, demons and vampires, vampires and wolves
-treason and loyalty and
-a good number of interesting secondary characters that could be further developed and have their own book in the future.
Sometimes I like to experiment. Well, I did not know anything about the story when I jumped in the book and I did not expect much. BUT a lot I got…
There are three main themes in this book.
1. The paranormal aspect. There is a little bit of almost every paranormal creature: Wolves, vampires, demons, hybrids (i.e. half demons-half humans and half wolves-half vampires), ghouls, even a dragon.
2. The forbidden love aspect. An Alpha wolf (Finn Stavros) and a vampire of a royal line (Lyra Marius) fell in love 17 years before the events of this book. Apparently in that world vampires are not supposed to have relationships with wolves. Their story ended badly back then. Finn broke up with Lyra because he wanted to protect her from his dangerous uncle and Lyra never told him that she was with child.
3. The second chance romance aspect. Nowadays Lyra’s daughter has been abducted and desperate Lyra asks for Finn’s help, but she is hiding the fact that Vega is his daughter too. Both Finn and Lyra are crazy in love with each other, although they were apart all this years. Soon they will jumb into the bed to remember the old times.
“Make me sleep. Make me forget”
Of course Finn is crazy also from jealousy and he cannot understand how Lyra could go and have a child with someone else.
The truth will come out at some point. Oh, all this drama! I loved it.
“I love you, Lyra. I never stopped.”
Although this is not a long length novel, it is packed with the right elements of a good PNR adventure. There are:
-an interesting complete story with beginning, middle and end
-hot sex scenes,
-battles between wolves and demons, demons and vampires, vampires and wolves
-treason and loyalty and
-a good number of interesting secondary characters that could be further developed and have their own book in the future.
November 5, 2013
Vampires and werewolves were natural born enemies.
They didn't sleep together, much less fall in love.
Until he and Lyra had.
Note: Read the blurb, seriously if you read the blurb you'll understand why I'm not going to tell you what this book is about. Otherwise what would be the point of you reading it?
Characters:
Lyra: A female vampire of royal lineage. Finn's love interest. Was involved in a forbidden love affair with Finn 17 years ago, until he cast her aside. Kicked out of her coven because she was pregnant with a hybrid baby. Daughter is taken by an unknown enemy.
Finn: Alpha to one of the fiercest werewolf packs in the south. Lyra's love interest. Helps Lyra find her daughter, who has been taken by an unknown enemy. Does not no that Vega is his daughter.
What I liked:
I haven't read a lot of books in this genre (urban fantasy), but I really did enjoy this one. It had an element of suspense which appealed to me, the description of the surroundings or paranormal world were really good. The fight scenes were amazing, the author really does have a great imagination. Character development was really good for such a short book. I really enjoyed the kidnap element and the fact that Lyra and Finn had to work within time constraints. I really love the whole get to her before time runs out plot line.
I loved that I started thinking everyone was a suspect.
What I didn't like:
Lyra comes to Finn asking for help, her daughter has been taken. He agrees to help her, but when he asks for a picture of her she tells him she doesn't have one and he accepts this. He's looking for someone he's never seen before, this hurt the story's credibility a lot! I struggled to connect with Finn and Lyra in the beginning, I really didn't feel their love. I also didn't understand why it was so easy for Finn to just allow Lyra back into his life again.
The entire mystery surrounding Lyra and the secret she was keeping didn't make sense. Her rationale was off, she was keeping secrets but by doing this she was hindering their search for Vega. This contradicted her "I would do anything for my daughter" mantra.
Final Thoughts
Bit of a shaky beginning but all in all an enjoyable read!
ARC kindly provided by author via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
May 3, 2016
Oh, I'm on a one-star rating roll tonight! I'm naming names. I'm taking no prisoners. I've sat in a hospital room for two fucking days and was made to suffer by only having crap books that made me homicidal. This is one of them.
So, it's a forbidden romance of a vampire and werewolf. Yawn. They were together when they were younger but he pushed her away to protect her. Yawn. She had his child and never told him. (Not a spoiler). Now, the kid's been kidnapped and she goes to him for help. But, oh no! what if he discovers this is his own child? Would he still help her? Or, would he be angry at the woman that he pushed away after he ruined her life and never saw her again since she didn't call up this ass who broke her heart and let him know she was preggers? How could she?
So, other than this being such an old, used trope, the book was not able to overcome its lack of creativity with funny dialogue, great characters, or awesome writing. Nope. The dialogue is terrible and doesn't feel remotely realistic. The characters are boring, one-dimensional, and not believable. The writing is so boring that I wanted to blind myself just to avoid continuing to read this.
So, it's a forbidden romance of a vampire and werewolf. Yawn. They were together when they were younger but he pushed her away to protect her. Yawn. She had his child and never told him. (Not a spoiler). Now, the kid's been kidnapped and she goes to him for help. But, oh no! what if he discovers this is his own child? Would he still help her? Or, would he be angry at the woman that he pushed away after he ruined her life and never saw her again since she didn't call up this ass who broke her heart and let him know she was preggers? How could she?
So, other than this being such an old, used trope, the book was not able to overcome its lack of creativity with funny dialogue, great characters, or awesome writing. Nope. The dialogue is terrible and doesn't feel remotely realistic. The characters are boring, one-dimensional, and not believable. The writing is so boring that I wanted to blind myself just to avoid continuing to read this.
June 21, 2020
2.5 stars
Underwhelming. Skimmed a lot.
Underwhelming. Skimmed a lot.
June 8, 2020
The synopsis promises too much. I expected Lyra and Finn to strategize and battle throughout the book to prevent a horde of demons from ravaging the human world while searching for their daughter. But by the end of Darkness Awakened, we only get to find out whether Lyra and Finn are able to retrieve their daughter and whether hell is (literally) unleashed on the world. I was also disappointed by the hollow romance when I expected a second-chance romance; there was zero depth in Lyra and Finn's relationship.
I was hoping to read more about hell's gates and the Akkadian demons or at least the coven, but Reus never gets into that. The demons, who are used only as pawns, don't serve any other purpose but to give the antagonist a motive for actions. It also seems like the author inserted randomly interspersed fight scenes with demons for the sake of adding more action scenes; I like action-packed stories but I prefer fight scenes that are linked to the actual plot.
The MCs are one-dimensional and the romance falls flat. The world building is unimpressive, and is just enough to allow readers to make sense of the story.
Darnkess Awakwned is fast-paced and action-packed but is mediocre at best. It lacks in character development, plot development, and world building. Considering the length of the book/novella, I suppose the flaws are acceptable. I'm giving this one a 2.5 star rating only because the novella doesn't get boring and doesn't drag, so it wasn't a waste of time.
Recommend this for readers who want to kill time but not for readers who want a well-developed story with complex characters and relationships.
2.5 ☆
I was hoping to read more about hell's gates and the Akkadian demons or at least the coven, but Reus never gets into that. The demons, who are used only as pawns, don't serve any other purpose but to give the antagonist a motive for actions. It also seems like the author inserted randomly interspersed fight scenes with demons for the sake of adding more action scenes; I like action-packed stories but I prefer fight scenes that are linked to the actual plot.
The MCs are one-dimensional and the romance falls flat. The world building is unimpressive, and is just enough to allow readers to make sense of the story.
Darnkess Awakwned is fast-paced and action-packed but is mediocre at best. It lacks in character development, plot development, and world building. Considering the length of the book/novella, I suppose the flaws are acceptable. I'm giving this one a 2.5 star rating only because the novella doesn't get boring and doesn't drag, so it wasn't a waste of time.
Recommend this for readers who want to kill time but not for readers who want a well-developed story with complex characters and relationships.
2.5 ☆
November 26, 2016
I am having a hard time with this rating. I liked all the elements of the story. And I liked the characters. But something was missing. I am not sure what. Maybe it was not steamy enough. But I am not sure that is it. So I am copping out with a 3.5 stars.
Anywho, I loved Finn. I really loved Lyra. I am intrigued by the next book because the Dragon is already so growly over his mate.
safety gang
Anywho, I loved Finn. I really loved Lyra. I am intrigued by the next book because the Dragon is already so growly over his mate.
safety gang
May 23, 2019
Re-read 22nd - 23rd May 2019
I enjoyed it just as much the second time.
4.5*
Why have I waited so long to read this series?
I mean seriously this book has been sitting on my kindle for ages.
I’m late to this party and there’s tons of reviews already. Plus I’m moving straight onto the next book with no time to waste. So I’m skipping my usual summary and just briefly giving my opinion.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked all the characters (especially Finn). The females are strong and intelligent (always a plus) and it’s a fabulous read if you like shifter romances.
If you enjoy a paranormal romance and you haven’t read this yet you should be asking yourself why?
I enjoyed it just as much the second time.
4.5*
Why have I waited so long to read this series?
I mean seriously this book has been sitting on my kindle for ages.
I’m late to this party and there’s tons of reviews already. Plus I’m moving straight onto the next book with no time to waste. So I’m skipping my usual summary and just briefly giving my opinion.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked all the characters (especially Finn). The females are strong and intelligent (always a plus) and it’s a fabulous read if you like shifter romances.
If you enjoy a paranormal romance and you haven’t read this yet you should be asking yourself why?
September 3, 2019
Finn is the Alpha of his pack. He's a wolf shifter and he is one of the strongest Alpha's around. Lyra is a born vampire that is not only rare, but also from a royal blood line. Finn and Lyra had a short fling 17 years prior and are reunited again when Lyra's daughter is kidnapped.
I'm not the biggest fan of second chance but the reason Finn broke it off with Lyra was something I could stand behind and understand. It also helped learning that as soon as the reason for their separation was over, he immediately started to search for her again.
I really liked this couple. He was intense and super protective. She was a strong heroine who didn't hesitate to put her daughter first by going to the man who hurt her years before. Even with nothing settled between them, they worked very well together.
There are a lot of great side characters in this that I am looking forward to reading in the rest of the series. Drake was so intriguing. I want to jump right into his book!
I'm not the biggest fan of second chance but the reason Finn broke it off with Lyra was something I could stand behind and understand. It also helped learning that as soon as the reason for their separation was over, he immediately started to search for her again.
I really liked this couple. He was intense and super protective. She was a strong heroine who didn't hesitate to put her daughter first by going to the man who hurt her years before. Even with nothing settled between them, they worked very well together.
There are a lot of great side characters in this that I am looking forward to reading in the rest of the series. Drake was so intriguing. I want to jump right into his book!
May 24, 2016
Nothing super new in pnr, but not bad. A very quick read and I think others in the series might be better. 2.5 stars. I'm rounding up because there was a dragon in this and it wasn't a lame dragon. That's worth something these days.
April 17, 2018
★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Wonderfully narrated by Jeffrey Kafer! His voice added to the story.
Story-line of this novella had a big impact. Tons of romance and action. Unlike me, you might not adore the “secret baby” theme, but not to worry; this one is well done. And filled with mythic characters! Such as werewolves, vamps, a rare hybrid shifter, demons and .... a dragon. There is a dark, forgotten prophecy and a race against time.
Well done.
Story-line of this novella had a big impact. Tons of romance and action. Unlike me, you might not adore the “secret baby” theme, but not to worry; this one is well done. And filled with mythic characters! Such as werewolves, vamps, a rare hybrid shifter, demons and .... a dragon. There is a dark, forgotten prophecy and a race against time.
Well done.
February 16, 2015
4 - Their affair had been short, intense, and completely forbidden. Stars!
I am gradually building a list of authors who write PNR, the way I want to read it. Katie Reus added herself to that list with Darkness Awakened. I like my PNR to be about the story and its characters, and not so much about the logistics of how they got to be who they are, or why they can do what they do. I accept that they are different, I enjoy what they do and I don’t need a breakdown of how it came to pass.
This book did that perfectly, and I was grabbed with Finn and Lyra’s story from the first chapter. The mix of characters is diverse and broad, and the scope for future books is long and lengthy.
”There’s been no one.”
Great start, to what looks promisingly like being an excellent series.
I am gradually building a list of authors who write PNR, the way I want to read it. Katie Reus added herself to that list with Darkness Awakened. I like my PNR to be about the story and its characters, and not so much about the logistics of how they got to be who they are, or why they can do what they do. I accept that they are different, I enjoy what they do and I don’t need a breakdown of how it came to pass.
This book did that perfectly, and I was grabbed with Finn and Lyra’s story from the first chapter. The mix of characters is diverse and broad, and the scope for future books is long and lengthy.
”There’s been no one.”
Great start, to what looks promisingly like being an excellent series.
September 11, 2014
Shape shifter/vampire romance? Yes please!! Loved it, Finn is such a swoonworthy alpha male without being an alpha-hole. Paired with a strong, take-no-crap h in Lyra and you have a fabulous couple.
First time read of this author and it won't be my last, I 1-clicked the next book in the series before I had even finished this. The next book is set up nicely in this one ..... Dragon and wolf shifters, yum!
4.5 fab stars
First time read of this author and it won't be my last, I 1-clicked the next book in the series before I had even finished this. The next book is set up nicely in this one ..... Dragon and wolf shifters, yum!
4.5 fab stars
July 30, 2017
I enjoyed this! Finn and Lyra were both great. I loved Vega, Victoria, and Drake!
July 18, 2017
I did enjoy this and thought it a very good start to a new series.....I just wish it had been a bit longer to allow for character building and a bit more romance!
August 3, 2022
Great start to a "new to me" series.
I'm very picky about my PNR books because I tend to get bored. This story a lot of action with shapeshifters, vampires, demons and more. Can't wait to jump into book 2
I'm very picky about my PNR books because I tend to get bored. This story a lot of action with shapeshifters, vampires, demons and more. Can't wait to jump into book 2
October 12, 2019
Werewolves, vampires, and dragons...oh my.
They are all serious hot and yummy. Finn and Lyra have a past. Finn let her go, ruthlessly, for a good reason, but didn't know she was pregnant when he did. Lyra went home to her family, didn't let her stay. Fast forward 16 years, and they meet again to save their daughter. Their love for each other hasn't changed, and while fighting to save Vega it is rekindled.
Lots of werewolves, dragons, and vampires to get HEAs.
They are all serious hot and yummy. Finn and Lyra have a past. Finn let her go, ruthlessly, for a good reason, but didn't know she was pregnant when he did. Lyra went home to her family, didn't let her stay. Fast forward 16 years, and they meet again to save their daughter. Their love for each other hasn't changed, and while fighting to save Vega it is rekindled.
Lots of werewolves, dragons, and vampires to get HEAs.
January 1, 2018
I read this series out of order but I loved Finn and Lyra. Am in love with KR’s group of bad ass supernaturals 💖
100% Safe
Will be back to write a real review soon! Happy New Years everyone!!
100% Safe
Will be back to write a real review soon! Happy New Years everyone!!
February 24, 2017
It looks like a charming series, passes the basic line and doesn't really annoy. Yup I have high expectations It feels like the knockoff series Psy/Changeling from Nalini Singh. I am enjoying the angst, the characters nor the plot points seem to be developed beyond the basics but it is a good time pass. I liked the h, not too whiny..
January 29, 2016
Review to come...
August 1, 2017
Great start to a fantastic series.
December 4, 2022
I actually enjoyed this one. I love forbidden romance. With Finn being all sexy Alpha and Lyra being a fierce vampire, there were lots of battles to be fought. My only hangup was the 'secret baby who's now on the verge of adulthood' thing.
I'm not sure if I'm interested enough in this one to give the others a try. I guess we'll see some day :)
I'm not sure if I'm interested enough in this one to give the others a try. I guess we'll see some day :)
July 3, 2022
Reread July 3, 2020
I'm glad to know I still like this story. Happy reading!
Original Review
March 6, 2015
Wow!! I loved it! Great start to a PNR series. Wolf, dragon, and various other shifters, vampires, hybrids, demons, fantastic. Two very likeable main characters. Family hanging in the balance. I love a second chance at love story. I'm sure I read the next one very soon. Happy reading!!
PS. Even though I like this book cover, I don't think it goes with the book at all. Just my opinion :) not that it matters.
I'm glad to know I still like this story. Happy reading!
Original Review
March 6, 2015
Wow!! I loved it! Great start to a PNR series. Wolf, dragon, and various other shifters, vampires, hybrids, demons, fantastic. Two very likeable main characters. Family hanging in the balance. I love a second chance at love story. I'm sure I read the next one very soon. Happy reading!!
PS. Even though I like this book cover, I don't think it goes with the book at all. Just my opinion :) not that it matters.
January 20, 2023
Update
I have moved the whole series to the Limbo shelf and Avoid it like is poison Ivy. Book 3 made me realize these stories are not for me after all.
————————————————————————————
Preface
Shifter romances still have me in a choke hold. What would 16 year old me think about this? Or 12 year old me who liked Jacob in New Moon (before he turned into a limited edition a-hole)? I dunno but I think she would aprove. This a short story, alas it is well written.
The hero and heroine have to find the heroine’s daughter. It is not as easy as it looks. 17 year old secrets have a way of coming out when you have to seek help the person you are keeping them from…
————————————————————————————
RATINGS:
Plot : 2.5 📚📚💫 Some + some more. The was a lot going on for a novella sized book.
World Building(Immersion): 2 🌎🌎 Dipped half my body.
Angst : ❎ No angst. I could smell the HEA from a mile away.
Funniness: ❎ No funny moments.
Scariness: ❎ Not scary. It has demons yet after Supernatural I’m kind of desensitized to them.
Romance: 3 💖💖💖 Aw, it was cute. (Fated mates is one of the best tropes).
Spice: 3 🌶🌶🌶 Explicit, but not a big part of the story.
Goriness: 2.5 🫀🫀 💫 Someone died and I kinda witnessed it.
Sadness: ❎ No sadness.
Overall star rating : 2 ⭐️
————————————————————————————
🚨🚨🚨 MILD SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨
Romance Safety:
Safe. There was a separation of 17 years. The H and h were both celibate during this separation. However the H admitted to trying to move on - his wolf wouldn’t let him. No cheating. It is what I would consider a HFN with allusions to a HEA in the future (it is a series, I don’t yet know if the other books will impact their happiness).
I have moved the whole series to the Limbo shelf and Avoid it like is poison Ivy. Book 3 made me realize these stories are not for me after all.
————————————————————————————
Preface
Shifter romances still have me in a choke hold. What would 16 year old me think about this? Or 12 year old me who liked Jacob in New Moon (before he turned into a limited edition a-hole)? I dunno but I think she would aprove. This a short story, alas it is well written.
The hero and heroine have to find the heroine’s daughter. It is not as easy as it looks. 17 year old secrets have a way of coming out when you have to seek help the person you are keeping them from…
————————————————————————————
RATINGS:
Plot : 2.5 📚📚💫 Some + some more. The was a lot going on for a novella sized book.
World Building(Immersion): 2 🌎🌎 Dipped half my body.
Angst : ❎ No angst. I could smell the HEA from a mile away.
Funniness: ❎ No funny moments.
Scariness: ❎ Not scary. It has demons yet after Supernatural I’m kind of desensitized to them.
Romance: 3 💖💖💖 Aw, it was cute. (Fated mates is one of the best tropes).
Spice: 3 🌶🌶🌶 Explicit, but not a big part of the story.
Goriness: 2.5 🫀🫀 💫 Someone died and I kinda witnessed it.
Sadness: ❎ No sadness.
Overall star rating : 2 ⭐️
————————————————————————————
🚨🚨🚨 MILD SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨
Romance Safety:
Safe. There was a separation of 17 years. The H and h were both celibate during this separation. However the H admitted to trying to move on - his wolf wouldn’t let him. No cheating. It is what I would consider a HFN with allusions to a HEA in the future (it is a series, I don’t yet know if the other books will impact their happiness).
June 28, 2015
The story begins with seeing Finn fighting some bad demons, and we see a certain bond he has with one of his closest friends and protector. We see the fun bantering and quick-witted humor between these two and the level of friendship they have. Then when Lyra enters Finn’s life again, he has no clue that he has a 17-year-old daughter. He doesn’t suspect a thing, but Lyra gets a bit devious and changes the age of her daughter so he doesn’t suspect. Now this is a “secret baby” themed trope, but the circumstances makes it seem endearing and you get captivated instantly. What I enjoyed was seeing how these ex lovers were able to connect almost instantly, even after all the time that has passed for them. The supporting characters were so fun, and a plus we get on possessive dragon shifter that comes into the mix (his book is next…SO THRILLED because he sure was delicious) We see some engaging members of Finn’s pack, and boy did Lyra stand her ground with them and win their loyalty, which is pretty fantastic considering that vampires and shifters are mortal enemies. Toward the last half of the book, we get an insight into Vega and what she is dealing with. We see how insane Lyra’s brother really is, crazed with power and being the leader of the clan, and how he promotes fear to get his people to do what he wants them to do. Vega is just like her parents though, strong and stands on her own. What we see happen in this story especially toward the latter half of the story, was a tear jerker, just broke me up inside, seeing Finn and Lyra be honest with each other, and finding their daughter together. So many great moments in this story that made it an astounding read for me (despite its shorter length, only 200 pages), but it didn’t feel that short. The plot is well-balanced, the characters written in a way where we see their strengths and weakness and how they face opposition, the romance short and sweet, but definitely strong in emotion and engaging till the end. What I most enjoyed was how the style of this author’s writing captivated me from the beginning, she draws you into the story in such a way that you can’t put it down, she creates a scene at the beginning which is exciting and full of action and then pumps you with emotion that you have to keep reading more, a intense page turner.
November 18, 2019
3.5/5.0
This was actually a really good, quick paranormal story! Even with the shorter length, the author was able to incorporate all the elements that make a story great. There wasn’t enough page time to allow for a lot of depth but what there was was handled very well. And, the plot and suspense were excellently done. Overall, it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary but was still a very enjoyable escape. I have only one complaint...
Would someone please, PAHLEASE tell me that IF a man I was desperately in love with and had a fabulous relationship with, broke up and walked out on me, leaving me pregnant with his child AND I didn’t see or hear from him again for SEVENTEEN YEARS - that I am not the only woman on this planet that could actually retain some brain matter in my head and not jump on him for sex within hours of meeting him again. OR for FREAKING goodness, I could fall asleep that first night after seeing him without him “taking care of me”. Honestly, the female species HAS to have more intelligence than that or we are all doomed for sure. *sigh - rolling eyes*. Just sayin, folks...
This was actually a really good, quick paranormal story! Even with the shorter length, the author was able to incorporate all the elements that make a story great. There wasn’t enough page time to allow for a lot of depth but what there was was handled very well. And, the plot and suspense were excellently done. Overall, it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary but was still a very enjoyable escape. I have only one complaint...
Would someone please, PAHLEASE tell me that IF a man I was desperately in love with and had a fabulous relationship with, broke up and walked out on me, leaving me pregnant with his child AND I didn’t see or hear from him again for SEVENTEEN YEARS - that I am not the only woman on this planet that could actually retain some brain matter in my head and not jump on him for sex within hours of meeting him again. OR for FREAKING goodness, I could fall asleep that first night after seeing him without him “taking care of me”. Honestly, the female species HAS to have more intelligence than that or we are all doomed for sure. *sigh - rolling eyes*. Just sayin, folks...
July 1, 2017
In love. I kennat.
November 18, 2023
3.75 stars
Premise: Seventeen years after Finn (a werewolf) pushed her away, Lyra (a vampire) turns to him to help find her daughter who has been kidnapped in his territory.
With the forbidden vampire/werewolf pairing, second chance romance, and secret baby trope, I was expecting angst to the max but this turned out to have more romantic suspense vibes.
The story moved along at a fast pace and was very readable, but I wanted to be put through the wringer. Still enjoyable though, and I liked the ending.
Premise: Seventeen years after Finn (a werewolf) pushed her away, Lyra (a vampire) turns to him to help find her daughter who has been kidnapped in his territory.
With the forbidden vampire/werewolf pairing, second chance romance, and secret baby trope, I was expecting angst to the max but this turned out to have more romantic suspense vibes.
The story moved along at a fast pace and was very readable, but I wanted to be put through the wringer. Still enjoyable though, and I liked the ending.
December 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
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