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The Blackness #1-2
Blackness Takes Over & Blackness Awaits
The combined first two books in the Blackness Series.
Blackness Takes Over & Blackness Awaits fall outside the norm of romance novels carving a path for a new motif within the genre…a leading lady that truly leads. This is the story of a woman, not a damsel in distress or a naïve young woman brought into her own by an alpha male. Shannon Kelly is a woman unlike those in current popular romance. She is the fighter in her life, the guide to her own strength, and the center of her personal battles. While allowing an escape for readers into a fictional tale, the Blackness Series feels equally real and inspiring as the characters bring the story to life. These are the kind of books that can make readers laugh, cry, scream, and cheer right along with the story. The fight that Shannon exudes and the love and support she receives make for a cathartic read that leaves you wanting more.
Blackness Takes Over & Blackness Awaits fall outside the norm of romance novels carving a path for a new motif within the genre…a leading lady that truly leads. This is the story of a woman, not a damsel in distress or a naïve young woman brought into her own by an alpha male. Shannon Kelly is a woman unlike those in current popular romance. She is the fighter in her life, the guide to her own strength, and the center of her personal battles. While allowing an escape for readers into a fictional tale, the Blackness Series feels equally real and inspiring as the characters bring the story to life. These are the kind of books that can make readers laugh, cry, scream, and cheer right along with the story. The fight that Shannon exudes and the love and support she receives make for a cathartic read that leaves you wanting more.
- GenresDarkContemporary Romance
680 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2014
9 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Norma Jeanne Karlsson
10 books373 followersOriginally from Kansas City, Missouri, Norma Jeanne recently found herself relocating to the United Kingdom. Now living in Belfast, she took hold of the opportunity to kick the 9-5 job for a chance to become an author. The best part: working from her home office, she gets to spend more time with her cast of crazy characters (written and real).
In her free time Norma Jeanne is a voracious reader and consumes books as readily as meals. She is a people watcher by nature and uses her experiences in life, observed or otherwise, to build the worlds and characters that thrive in her books. A believer in the strength of the human spirit, Norma Jeanne writes the stories of people that persevere when all appears to be lost.
In her free time Norma Jeanne is a voracious reader and consumes books as readily as meals. She is a people watcher by nature and uses her experiences in life, observed or otherwise, to build the worlds and characters that thrive in her books. A believer in the strength of the human spirit, Norma Jeanne writes the stories of people that persevere when all appears to be lost.
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September 2, 2014
Blackness Takes Over:
Shannon Kelly begins in her first day in college after barely turning 17. In her first class, she meets three young men, who rush to be the first one to speak to her. They see a young beauty but they quickly learn that she doesn’t put up with their crap, and puts them in their place. They invite her to their place for a party that night, but when other young men give her looks, they immediately change and become her protectors. The night ends with such horrible trauma, that the lives of the 3 boys and Shannon are forever entwined.
While Shannon recuperates from a traumatic assault, the 3 young men, Aaron Kavanagh, Brian O’Sullivan, and Ryan Callaghan are never far from her. They ask her to move in with them, wanting to keep her safe but also because she has helped each of them. Each of the boys have events in their lives that have affected them (loss of a mother, etc.) and Shannon manages to give each of them some sort of peace and comfort. She immediately starts calling them by nicknames – Kavy, Sully, and Cally. They tell her “You’re the missing piece to our puzzle Kid, you just fit.” They decide to get tattoos, all somewhat similar with the Celtic knot at the center, which means family and love. The boys meet Shannon’s Uncle Mick and she meets their families. The three O’Sullivan, Kavanagh, and Callaghan families only have boys and Shannon becomes the daughter they all wanted.
Shannon and the boys (her words) bicker and snark, tease and pull pranks, watch and play sports, and support each other. As one states to Shannon, “Where you go, we all go.” I laughed so much with the comments made to each other, they were like siblings and yet not. They joked about sex, their physical appearances, and Kavy slept with Shannon almost every night for many years after the assault, and intermittently thereafter. It may seem odd that a grown gorgeous man would sleep with a gorgeous woman and keep it platonic. You can only understand the relationships as you read the story and see how the family connections develop.
Shannon’s nickname becomes Kid, since she is so young. They spend the next four years of college living together and end up at Stanford Law. Each has their respective interests – criminal law, contracts, and family law for Shannon. They open a practice together in Kansas City where Kid grew up with her Uncle Mick from age 8 – 17. They all live together in her Uncle’s large house and include Aiden, another brother as a private investigator. The large extended family includes physicians, attorneys, and police between Chicago and Kansas City.
Kid finally has a real, although extremely large family – 3 fathers, 2 mothers, 9 brothers, and cousins. She realizes that family doesn’t have to be about blood, there can also be family of the heart, which can be even better.
Looking back on Shannon’s childhood, she lost her father at age 8 and goes to live with her Uncle. He teaches her survival skills and definitely has an unorthodox view on teaching her life skills. He never gives her any reason other than girls need to keep their wits about them, stay calm, and learn every skill they possibly can to protect themselves.
The present day part of the story begins after Kid and the boys have known each other for 13 years. They still live and work together and spend almost all of their time together. I loved the way they cared for each other and the boys would all jump if they thought Shannon/Kid was hurt or in trouble and I’m somewhat envious of the closeness they share. Kid becomes a confident, strong, strong-willed, gorgeous woman, and yet somehow broken from past painful experiences. She is also fierce, loyal, and loving.
The story becomes very suspenseful with criminals and threats. Shannon/Kid goes to the hospital to spend time with Mia, initially in her guardian ad litem capacity, but she falls in love with the child and spends time reading to her and playing with her hair. At one visit, a man is in the room and she immediately becomes the fierce protector and wants to know who he is and why he is there. Dylan Kellerman has come back to town and knew Mia when she was young. Kid decides she can’t call him Kelly, since that is her last name, so she calls him Kel.
Kid is surrounded by gorgeous men and the descriptions of them throughout the story are just mouth-watering! Kel and Kid seem to click whereas Kid has never had a relationship before. She dated but never spent much time with any one man. I loved seeing this new facet of Kid’s life and she is amazed also. She never expected to feel so much for a man.
Kel isn’t quite sure what to think of Kid’s relationship and connection with her boys. He soon realizes they are a part of her life and she wasn’t changing that connection for anyone.
Some readers may have comments about the amount of extreme events in the story, the number of gorgeous men, the love and adoration Kid receives, but in the end, it is Fiction. Some of it is over-the-top but the journey was so enjoyable. I love true-to-life stories, but I also want and need some fantasy in my life, and this book definitely fulfilled that need!
I especially like this book with the amount of great dialogue. I love descriptive scenery, etc., as much as anyone but find myself skimming books at times to get to the dialogue or action. There was no skimming with this book and the bantering was just so entertaining. And the ‘House Rules’ were so funny and evidently needed with the antics.
As a brief warning, if you are offended by the ‘f-word’, it is used ALOT. It doesn’t offend me and in most cases, you understand that teenage boys and men into their early 30s may use a lot of curse words. But Shannon/Kid doesn’t hesitate to curse either, which I think helps her fit in with all of the males. Kid is not a ‘girly girl’, has strong opinions, she doesn’t hesitate to take control when needed, and it’s just part of her personality. You will become so enmeshed in the story that you will almost overlook the profanity.
Ms. Karlsson has written a lengthy story, one filled with so many events and emotions, and excellent character development. Intricate details are interwoven throughout the story that further the plot and give a better idea of events in the past.
I was so engrossed in this first story, that I couldn’t bear to stop and write a review, and I had to immediately begin the second book, Blackness Awaits. This book ends in a definite cliffhanger, which I usually don’t care for, but I loved the characters, the storyline, the emotions, and just had to keep reading.
After completing the second book, I was so overwhelmed with the story, that I couldn’t think what to write. And I was so addicted to the characters that I couldn’t go to sleep at night and just had to start reading the books again. I finished the second read of this first book last night, so that may be why I had trouble getting to sleep again. The characters pop into my head when I awake at night/morning and driving to work. I’ve had very few stories that linger much after a day or two, not that the stories aren’t good, but I read one book after another. This book and the second has caused such a ‘book hangover’ that I can’t seem to move past them yet. I hope that you take a chance on this book and fall in love with the characters also.
Blackness Awaits:
I was left in a panic at the end of Blackness Takes Over, and couldn’t stop long enough to write a review. I wanted to find out what was happening and NOW! You must read the first book to know what is going on in this book and boy is there a lot going on. There are threats, kidnappings, shootings, vehicle accidents, and so much more. The story is intriguing, compelling, and addictive. I have found a new-to-me author and am addicted to the lives of the characters.
After Kel is terribly beaten, based on some miscommunication, we then find out that Kid has been kidnapped, even though she has a bodyguard. Kel , the boys – Kavy, Sully, and Cally, Taylor the bodyguard, and others are immediately caught up in trying to figure out who has Kid and where she has been taken. Kel is just broken with the loss and won’t take time for anything except working to help find Kid, especially when they realize the type of kidnappers and life threatening situation for Kid. Kid brought him to life and without her he knows he will never be the same.
Kid wakes up trying to figure out where she is and trying to heed her Uncle Mick’s words to stay calm and focus. She has lived through some drastically life altering events and she definitely needed the skills taught by Uncle Mick. This was very difficult for me reading some of the things that happened to her, and yet it could have been so much worse. People seem to think she should know some details from when she was 8 and she and her father were shot. Someone from her distant past arrives and tries to help with this overwhelming situation, but there are injuries and casualities.
Also, a cousin Kieran, who met her when she moved in with the boys, uses his criminal connections to find out more about Kid’s kidnappers and her location. There was so much going on and I was hanging by a thread, waiting to see what would happen next.
There was one event that I kept hoping wouldn’t be true and go another direction but, nope, Ms. Karlsson just had to keep me in suspense and take the devastating and emotional route. BUT, after weeks of hurt and separation, the story for Kel and Kid takes a turn for the better. The boys surround Kid and Kel and it was so emotional, I couldn’t help but tear up. All of this family just extends more and more love and support to each other. Kid amazes me with her ability to give more of herself, in an unusual situation.
Once everyone has returned home and a semblance of a schedule is resumed, Kid becomes ill and is rushed to the hospital. While in the hospital, more of the suspenseful events occur and you just think these things will never end and let these people find peace! Kid’s assistant Karl, who is crazy funny and devoted to Kid, shows up at the hospital with some of the rest of this large group. The doctor and nurses are bug-eyed with the large family and the various relationships given – just to get access to Kid immediately. There are definitely some funny scenes with the hospital staff trying to figure out time lines, fathers, husbands, etc.
About the time you think it will be smooth sailing for a while, the rollercoaster begins again with more events, some good, some not so good, but all enthralling and emotional. You will definitely get your money’s worth with the length of these stories, the depth of the storyline, and the character development. Intricate details continue to come to light throughout this book, which explains portions of Kid’s past.
As always, Kid and the boys still snark and bicker, tease and pester, and are just so funny. I went from tears of sadness in some scenes, to tears of laughter in others.
Kel wonders sometimes how 4 alpha males can get along living together with Kid – but they all revolve around her. If Kel was unable to accept her relationship with the boys, his relationship with Kid just wouldn’t work – she’s not giving up her connection and time with the boys. They’ve been together 13-14 years at this point, and they are her only family. The boys realize that they like Kel, he is funny, easy to be around and is crazy about Kid. Kel does tend to let his ‘caveman’ tendencies take over but Kid just calls him out on it.
Again, if you are easily offended by the ‘f-word’, be prepared but the story tends to overshadow any profanity. Profanity doesn’t offend me and at times, it was really funny.
At the end of book 2, Shannon/Kid/Kiddo/Shanny, realizes that what she had previously thought would be a good life, has become more than she ever dreamed and can’t believe the happiness she has found.
Until I finished reading the first two books, I was unaware that there are additional books in this series and can’t wait to read more about Kid, Kel, and the boys. The third book is about Kieran, a beyond-the-law type of person, but he definitely gets results in this story. Without him, I doubt the results would have been as positive.
In many series, the first couple of books are the best and as others are written about, they sometimes lose steam. I didn’t realize there were more books but already love those characters (Kieran and Nicky) from these 2 books, so can only believe that they will just as engrossing and entertaining.
Again, the story and characters have burrowed into my heart and mind, and I haven’t slept well. I go to sleep thinking about them, I wake up in the night or driving to work, and they continue to stay active in my mind and heart. I read a lot and usually one book after another, so sometimes I don’t recall all of the details of one story, when I read several books a week. I started reading the first and second books about 4-5 days ago, and haven’t been able to move on. I started writing some notes, just not sure what to say in a review to portray how much I enjoyed these stories. I just HAD to re-read the first book late yesterday and will read this story again also.
Ms. Karlsson smoothly wove an intricate story of kidnappings, shootings, torture, and heartbreak, into one that also included love, family, and deep connections. This was an entertaining, emotional and sometimes poignant story, and my favorite, included plenty of dialogue. This series takes you on a ride that you don’t want to end. I hope that you will enjoy this book and series as much as I have.
Shannon Kelly begins in her first day in college after barely turning 17. In her first class, she meets three young men, who rush to be the first one to speak to her. They see a young beauty but they quickly learn that she doesn’t put up with their crap, and puts them in their place. They invite her to their place for a party that night, but when other young men give her looks, they immediately change and become her protectors. The night ends with such horrible trauma, that the lives of the 3 boys and Shannon are forever entwined.
While Shannon recuperates from a traumatic assault, the 3 young men, Aaron Kavanagh, Brian O’Sullivan, and Ryan Callaghan are never far from her. They ask her to move in with them, wanting to keep her safe but also because she has helped each of them. Each of the boys have events in their lives that have affected them (loss of a mother, etc.) and Shannon manages to give each of them some sort of peace and comfort. She immediately starts calling them by nicknames – Kavy, Sully, and Cally. They tell her “You’re the missing piece to our puzzle Kid, you just fit.” They decide to get tattoos, all somewhat similar with the Celtic knot at the center, which means family and love. The boys meet Shannon’s Uncle Mick and she meets their families. The three O’Sullivan, Kavanagh, and Callaghan families only have boys and Shannon becomes the daughter they all wanted.
Shannon and the boys (her words) bicker and snark, tease and pull pranks, watch and play sports, and support each other. As one states to Shannon, “Where you go, we all go.” I laughed so much with the comments made to each other, they were like siblings and yet not. They joked about sex, their physical appearances, and Kavy slept with Shannon almost every night for many years after the assault, and intermittently thereafter. It may seem odd that a grown gorgeous man would sleep with a gorgeous woman and keep it platonic. You can only understand the relationships as you read the story and see how the family connections develop.
Shannon’s nickname becomes Kid, since she is so young. They spend the next four years of college living together and end up at Stanford Law. Each has their respective interests – criminal law, contracts, and family law for Shannon. They open a practice together in Kansas City where Kid grew up with her Uncle Mick from age 8 – 17. They all live together in her Uncle’s large house and include Aiden, another brother as a private investigator. The large extended family includes physicians, attorneys, and police between Chicago and Kansas City.
Kid finally has a real, although extremely large family – 3 fathers, 2 mothers, 9 brothers, and cousins. She realizes that family doesn’t have to be about blood, there can also be family of the heart, which can be even better.
Looking back on Shannon’s childhood, she lost her father at age 8 and goes to live with her Uncle. He teaches her survival skills and definitely has an unorthodox view on teaching her life skills. He never gives her any reason other than girls need to keep their wits about them, stay calm, and learn every skill they possibly can to protect themselves.
The present day part of the story begins after Kid and the boys have known each other for 13 years. They still live and work together and spend almost all of their time together. I loved the way they cared for each other and the boys would all jump if they thought Shannon/Kid was hurt or in trouble and I’m somewhat envious of the closeness they share. Kid becomes a confident, strong, strong-willed, gorgeous woman, and yet somehow broken from past painful experiences. She is also fierce, loyal, and loving.
The story becomes very suspenseful with criminals and threats. Shannon/Kid goes to the hospital to spend time with Mia, initially in her guardian ad litem capacity, but she falls in love with the child and spends time reading to her and playing with her hair. At one visit, a man is in the room and she immediately becomes the fierce protector and wants to know who he is and why he is there. Dylan Kellerman has come back to town and knew Mia when she was young. Kid decides she can’t call him Kelly, since that is her last name, so she calls him Kel.
Kid is surrounded by gorgeous men and the descriptions of them throughout the story are just mouth-watering! Kel and Kid seem to click whereas Kid has never had a relationship before. She dated but never spent much time with any one man. I loved seeing this new facet of Kid’s life and she is amazed also. She never expected to feel so much for a man.
Kel isn’t quite sure what to think of Kid’s relationship and connection with her boys. He soon realizes they are a part of her life and she wasn’t changing that connection for anyone.
Some readers may have comments about the amount of extreme events in the story, the number of gorgeous men, the love and adoration Kid receives, but in the end, it is Fiction. Some of it is over-the-top but the journey was so enjoyable. I love true-to-life stories, but I also want and need some fantasy in my life, and this book definitely fulfilled that need!
I especially like this book with the amount of great dialogue. I love descriptive scenery, etc., as much as anyone but find myself skimming books at times to get to the dialogue or action. There was no skimming with this book and the bantering was just so entertaining. And the ‘House Rules’ were so funny and evidently needed with the antics.
As a brief warning, if you are offended by the ‘f-word’, it is used ALOT. It doesn’t offend me and in most cases, you understand that teenage boys and men into their early 30s may use a lot of curse words. But Shannon/Kid doesn’t hesitate to curse either, which I think helps her fit in with all of the males. Kid is not a ‘girly girl’, has strong opinions, she doesn’t hesitate to take control when needed, and it’s just part of her personality. You will become so enmeshed in the story that you will almost overlook the profanity.
Ms. Karlsson has written a lengthy story, one filled with so many events and emotions, and excellent character development. Intricate details are interwoven throughout the story that further the plot and give a better idea of events in the past.
I was so engrossed in this first story, that I couldn’t bear to stop and write a review, and I had to immediately begin the second book, Blackness Awaits. This book ends in a definite cliffhanger, which I usually don’t care for, but I loved the characters, the storyline, the emotions, and just had to keep reading.
After completing the second book, I was so overwhelmed with the story, that I couldn’t think what to write. And I was so addicted to the characters that I couldn’t go to sleep at night and just had to start reading the books again. I finished the second read of this first book last night, so that may be why I had trouble getting to sleep again. The characters pop into my head when I awake at night/morning and driving to work. I’ve had very few stories that linger much after a day or two, not that the stories aren’t good, but I read one book after another. This book and the second has caused such a ‘book hangover’ that I can’t seem to move past them yet. I hope that you take a chance on this book and fall in love with the characters also.
Blackness Awaits:
I was left in a panic at the end of Blackness Takes Over, and couldn’t stop long enough to write a review. I wanted to find out what was happening and NOW! You must read the first book to know what is going on in this book and boy is there a lot going on. There are threats, kidnappings, shootings, vehicle accidents, and so much more. The story is intriguing, compelling, and addictive. I have found a new-to-me author and am addicted to the lives of the characters.
After Kel is terribly beaten, based on some miscommunication, we then find out that Kid has been kidnapped, even though she has a bodyguard. Kel , the boys – Kavy, Sully, and Cally, Taylor the bodyguard, and others are immediately caught up in trying to figure out who has Kid and where she has been taken. Kel is just broken with the loss and won’t take time for anything except working to help find Kid, especially when they realize the type of kidnappers and life threatening situation for Kid. Kid brought him to life and without her he knows he will never be the same.
Kid wakes up trying to figure out where she is and trying to heed her Uncle Mick’s words to stay calm and focus. She has lived through some drastically life altering events and she definitely needed the skills taught by Uncle Mick. This was very difficult for me reading some of the things that happened to her, and yet it could have been so much worse. People seem to think she should know some details from when she was 8 and she and her father were shot. Someone from her distant past arrives and tries to help with this overwhelming situation, but there are injuries and casualities.
Also, a cousin Kieran, who met her when she moved in with the boys, uses his criminal connections to find out more about Kid’s kidnappers and her location. There was so much going on and I was hanging by a thread, waiting to see what would happen next.
There was one event that I kept hoping wouldn’t be true and go another direction but, nope, Ms. Karlsson just had to keep me in suspense and take the devastating and emotional route. BUT, after weeks of hurt and separation, the story for Kel and Kid takes a turn for the better. The boys surround Kid and Kel and it was so emotional, I couldn’t help but tear up. All of this family just extends more and more love and support to each other. Kid amazes me with her ability to give more of herself, in an unusual situation.
Once everyone has returned home and a semblance of a schedule is resumed, Kid becomes ill and is rushed to the hospital. While in the hospital, more of the suspenseful events occur and you just think these things will never end and let these people find peace! Kid’s assistant Karl, who is crazy funny and devoted to Kid, shows up at the hospital with some of the rest of this large group. The doctor and nurses are bug-eyed with the large family and the various relationships given – just to get access to Kid immediately. There are definitely some funny scenes with the hospital staff trying to figure out time lines, fathers, husbands, etc.
About the time you think it will be smooth sailing for a while, the rollercoaster begins again with more events, some good, some not so good, but all enthralling and emotional. You will definitely get your money’s worth with the length of these stories, the depth of the storyline, and the character development. Intricate details continue to come to light throughout this book, which explains portions of Kid’s past.
As always, Kid and the boys still snark and bicker, tease and pester, and are just so funny. I went from tears of sadness in some scenes, to tears of laughter in others.
Kel wonders sometimes how 4 alpha males can get along living together with Kid – but they all revolve around her. If Kel was unable to accept her relationship with the boys, his relationship with Kid just wouldn’t work – she’s not giving up her connection and time with the boys. They’ve been together 13-14 years at this point, and they are her only family. The boys realize that they like Kel, he is funny, easy to be around and is crazy about Kid. Kel does tend to let his ‘caveman’ tendencies take over but Kid just calls him out on it.
Again, if you are easily offended by the ‘f-word’, be prepared but the story tends to overshadow any profanity. Profanity doesn’t offend me and at times, it was really funny.
At the end of book 2, Shannon/Kid/Kiddo/Shanny, realizes that what she had previously thought would be a good life, has become more than she ever dreamed and can’t believe the happiness she has found.
Until I finished reading the first two books, I was unaware that there are additional books in this series and can’t wait to read more about Kid, Kel, and the boys. The third book is about Kieran, a beyond-the-law type of person, but he definitely gets results in this story. Without him, I doubt the results would have been as positive.
In many series, the first couple of books are the best and as others are written about, they sometimes lose steam. I didn’t realize there were more books but already love those characters (Kieran and Nicky) from these 2 books, so can only believe that they will just as engrossing and entertaining.
Again, the story and characters have burrowed into my heart and mind, and I haven’t slept well. I go to sleep thinking about them, I wake up in the night or driving to work, and they continue to stay active in my mind and heart. I read a lot and usually one book after another, so sometimes I don’t recall all of the details of one story, when I read several books a week. I started reading the first and second books about 4-5 days ago, and haven’t been able to move on. I started writing some notes, just not sure what to say in a review to portray how much I enjoyed these stories. I just HAD to re-read the first book late yesterday and will read this story again also.
Ms. Karlsson smoothly wove an intricate story of kidnappings, shootings, torture, and heartbreak, into one that also included love, family, and deep connections. This was an entertaining, emotional and sometimes poignant story, and my favorite, included plenty of dialogue. This series takes you on a ride that you don’t want to end. I hope that you will enjoy this book and series as much as I have.
September 22, 2014
Shannon Kelly meets 3 young men, Aaron Kavanagh, Brian O’Sullivan, and Ryan Callaghan on her first day of class. When she is assaulted the boys and their respective families become the family of her heart. The grow together and all become a piece of each other. The story is so very well written and I look forward to the next in the series.
I have fallen in love with the Irish boys and their families.
Norma Jean Karlsson has written a great story, filled with so many events and emotions, and wonderful characters. The events in the past. It's taken me several days to attempt to figure out what to write because I was so emotionally drained. Please know that it ends with a cliffhanger and I have had to wait to write my review until I finished the next book. Please give the series a go. They are all like a part of the family of my heart now and hope they will become part of yours as well.
Book 2 picks up where the first one ended. Keeping you riveted to your chair. I would note that it doesn't make a lot of sense if you have not read the first book in the series "Blackness Takes Over". Shannon is kidnapped and thinks the man she is in love with has betrayed her. Will she have the strength to survive, mend her heart and live her life to the fullest, will her family find her (they may not be blood but they are definitely a family!). The kidnapper is the very last person you would think of I still sit her stunned by it. The characters continue to mature and grow both within themselves and with each other. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Very few sequels keep me interested Norma Jean's stunning story line will keep you wanting more!
I have fallen in love with the Irish boys and their families.
Norma Jean Karlsson has written a great story, filled with so many events and emotions, and wonderful characters. The events in the past. It's taken me several days to attempt to figure out what to write because I was so emotionally drained. Please know that it ends with a cliffhanger and I have had to wait to write my review until I finished the next book. Please give the series a go. They are all like a part of the family of my heart now and hope they will become part of yours as well.
Book 2 picks up where the first one ended. Keeping you riveted to your chair. I would note that it doesn't make a lot of sense if you have not read the first book in the series "Blackness Takes Over". Shannon is kidnapped and thinks the man she is in love with has betrayed her. Will she have the strength to survive, mend her heart and live her life to the fullest, will her family find her (they may not be blood but they are definitely a family!). The kidnapper is the very last person you would think of I still sit her stunned by it. The characters continue to mature and grow both within themselves and with each other. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Very few sequels keep me interested Norma Jean's stunning story line will keep you wanting more!
June 11, 2020
Terribly repetitively soppy
The story line was interesting but was way too long with way too many long-winded sappy moments of "I love you, no I love you, no I love you more.... bla bla bla" hard to get through. I was ready for it to be over by part 3 but wanted to see how it ended. Wasn't worth it.
The story line was interesting but was way too long with way too many long-winded sappy moments of "I love you, no I love you, no I love you more.... bla bla bla" hard to get through. I was ready for it to be over by part 3 but wanted to see how it ended. Wasn't worth it.
September 4, 2014
Blackness Takes Over and Blackness Awaits describes this realistic storyline perfectly, however in the early stages you may be confused.
Keep reading, it gets hotter, sexier, crazier, funnier!!!
I was graciously gifted a copy for an honest review.
After reading this I was so emotionally conflicted that I couldn't even think of what to write for my review.
Two days later it's on:
Shannon who is the definition of “Hard Knock of Life” has anything but a normal past, present and possibly future, getting knocked down by other’s actions, struggling thru the consequences and getting right back up to kick it in its face. She’s a strong willed fighter, tough as nails, extremely loyal and says it how it is. A lethal Wonder Woman! Being raised like a town boy made her who she is today.
Two life altering events have changed the course of her life. Leaving her no choice but to adapt to Ever-changing life.
A path she’s lived for thirteen has given her the love and safety of family, a career she loves.
Her first day as a college sophomore, Shannon meets three gorgeous men-who are strangers to her-and agrees to attend one of their parties. Unbeknown, this one night, something heinous happens changing all their lives.
Decisions made, rules set and living arrangements are in order. Let the fun begin!!
Kavanaugh AKA Kav, O’Sullivan AKA Sully, Calllaghan AKA Cally and Shannon AKA Kid, all form an unconventional friendship who loves one another unconditionally. An unbreakable bond of family ties, hence the no blood relation thing.
These men think she’s the hottest, sexiest woman EVER but refuses to act. She’s the sister neither had. They fight, scream and make up, just like any other family. Only now they protect her something fierce.
The interaction between these characters are hilarious at times, the humor, sarcasm & comments back and forth really made this book super enjoyable to continue my readathon mission......
Anyway back to my review: After college they remain living together, same careers, still involved in each other’s daily interactions.
A day at the office has Shannon making a trip to see Mia at the hospital only shocked at WHO this unknown man is. During their meet and greet he explains he was Mia’s next door neighbor at the time of the attack. He goes on to talk about Mia’s relationship with him and his father, who has a passion for crime.
Dylan AKA Kel is immediately drawn to Shannon when they meet, and she definitely feels something but unsure of what it is. She’s never felt she’d find love or become romantically involved with anyone, but Kel is different and wants to see where it goes.
Kel changes Kid’s view on all this, hoping to have relationship, maybe a future together. As they spend more time together the emotions they evoke on one another is truly soul-touching. As time goes by they know they’ve found their forever.
However as Shannon gets further involved with Mia’s case, things start to happen causing Shannon’s entourage of alpha protectors on high alert, going as far as hiring a bodyguard.
Sometimes people are not who they say they are.
Out of anyone’s control a series of events take place causing mayhem.
How can one move on after being kidnapped, tortured, almost raped and beat to near death?? During Shannon's hospital stay she's made aware of a few facts regarding Kel.
We watch as Shannon struggles once again to put her life together and move on. Unsure if Kel will even want her damaged soul. However once Kel reassure his feeling for her and reveals his bombshell of news, will this coupe make it?
They've been thru hell and back, not as individuals but as a couple.
When is enough enough?? To call it quits??
I have to say, I was extremely happy with how it all played out.
You'd think reading over 600 pages in two days I'd be sick of reading and about
Kid & Kel...... But I want more!!
Keep reading, it gets hotter, sexier, crazier, funnier!!!
I was graciously gifted a copy for an honest review.
After reading this I was so emotionally conflicted that I couldn't even think of what to write for my review.
Two days later it's on:
Shannon who is the definition of “Hard Knock of Life” has anything but a normal past, present and possibly future, getting knocked down by other’s actions, struggling thru the consequences and getting right back up to kick it in its face. She’s a strong willed fighter, tough as nails, extremely loyal and says it how it is. A lethal Wonder Woman! Being raised like a town boy made her who she is today.
Two life altering events have changed the course of her life. Leaving her no choice but to adapt to Ever-changing life.
A path she’s lived for thirteen has given her the love and safety of family, a career she loves.
Her first day as a college sophomore, Shannon meets three gorgeous men-who are strangers to her-and agrees to attend one of their parties. Unbeknown, this one night, something heinous happens changing all their lives.
Decisions made, rules set and living arrangements are in order. Let the fun begin!!
Kavanaugh AKA Kav, O’Sullivan AKA Sully, Calllaghan AKA Cally and Shannon AKA Kid, all form an unconventional friendship who loves one another unconditionally. An unbreakable bond of family ties, hence the no blood relation thing.
These men think she’s the hottest, sexiest woman EVER but refuses to act. She’s the sister neither had. They fight, scream and make up, just like any other family. Only now they protect her something fierce.
The interaction between these characters are hilarious at times, the humor, sarcasm & comments back and forth really made this book super enjoyable to continue my readathon mission......
Anyway back to my review: After college they remain living together, same careers, still involved in each other’s daily interactions.
A day at the office has Shannon making a trip to see Mia at the hospital only shocked at WHO this unknown man is. During their meet and greet he explains he was Mia’s next door neighbor at the time of the attack. He goes on to talk about Mia’s relationship with him and his father, who has a passion for crime.
Dylan AKA Kel is immediately drawn to Shannon when they meet, and she definitely feels something but unsure of what it is. She’s never felt she’d find love or become romantically involved with anyone, but Kel is different and wants to see where it goes.
Kel changes Kid’s view on all this, hoping to have relationship, maybe a future together. As they spend more time together the emotions they evoke on one another is truly soul-touching. As time goes by they know they’ve found their forever.
However as Shannon gets further involved with Mia’s case, things start to happen causing Shannon’s entourage of alpha protectors on high alert, going as far as hiring a bodyguard.
Sometimes people are not who they say they are.
Out of anyone’s control a series of events take place causing mayhem.
How can one move on after being kidnapped, tortured, almost raped and beat to near death?? During Shannon's hospital stay she's made aware of a few facts regarding Kel.
We watch as Shannon struggles once again to put her life together and move on. Unsure if Kel will even want her damaged soul. However once Kel reassure his feeling for her and reveals his bombshell of news, will this coupe make it?
They've been thru hell and back, not as individuals but as a couple.
When is enough enough?? To call it quits??
I have to say, I was extremely happy with how it all played out.
You'd think reading over 600 pages in two days I'd be sick of reading and about
Kid & Kel...... But I want more!!
just-could-not-get-through
July 25, 2016Title: The Blackness Takes Over
Author: Norma Jeanne Karlsson
Series: The Blackness
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
DNFed. I had two issues:
Overall I disliked the writing style. There is quite a bit of repetitive language, the use phrases over and over again to describe something, with no variability. A TON of telling rather than showing. The pacing was off (I got about 20% through and there was still no plot, just backstory on the main characters). On a positive note, I really loved Mugs of Love by this author, which has some of these peeves mentioned above, but overall was a real improvement on the writing style of this author. This makes me super excited to keep up with her.
My other issue was Shannon. I really didn’t like her. I get that a lot of people were all about the strong, take-no-shit heroine, but she didn’t come off that way to me. Yeah she was tough, but she was also a bitch. She has these guys all doting on her, and she purposely wears provocative clothing to piss them off and make them realize they don’t own her. She simultaneously realizes that the dress she wears to a club is going to get her attention and also hates the attention. She passes judgement on every woman she encounters (slutty club girls, etc.) and hates most of them anyway. She just acts like a 16 year old rather than a 30 year old successful lawyer.
Author: Norma Jeanne Karlsson
Series: The Blackness
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
DNFed. I had two issues:
Overall I disliked the writing style. There is quite a bit of repetitive language, the use phrases over and over again to describe something, with no variability. A TON of telling rather than showing. The pacing was off (I got about 20% through and there was still no plot, just backstory on the main characters). On a positive note, I really loved Mugs of Love by this author, which has some of these peeves mentioned above, but overall was a real improvement on the writing style of this author. This makes me super excited to keep up with her.
My other issue was Shannon. I really didn’t like her. I get that a lot of people were all about the strong, take-no-shit heroine, but she didn’t come off that way to me. Yeah she was tough, but she was also a bitch. She has these guys all doting on her, and she purposely wears provocative clothing to piss them off and make them realize they don’t own her. She simultaneously realizes that the dress she wears to a club is going to get her attention and also hates the attention. She passes judgement on every woman she encounters (slutty club girls, etc.) and hates most of them anyway. She just acts like a 16 year old rather than a 30 year old successful lawyer.
October 15, 2014
Erin's Review
I started this story one night and couldn't put it down. It sucked me in almost immediately.
Shannon Kelly isn't your typical book girlfriend, she's badass, kicks ass and takes no prisoners. To say that she's been through hell wouldn't give her story justice. She's clawed her way to the top and fought for every inch. She isn't broken, but she isn't whole either. Surrounded by her "family" Shannon is in the fight of her life and no one is safe.
To say there is a supporting cast would seriously undermine the importance of the characters. These men are just as important to the story as Shannon is. Each one brings something different to the table and you will love each one of them. I'm torn between Kav and Kieran. There's something about the cocky bad boy and the black sheep!
Be prepared to laugh, cry and be on the edge of your seat citing your nails with this story. It really comes alive and you become very vested in the characters and I cannot wait to see what's next for our crew. A solid 4.5 starts for me and a must read for any lover of romantic suspense.
I started this story one night and couldn't put it down. It sucked me in almost immediately.
Shannon Kelly isn't your typical book girlfriend, she's badass, kicks ass and takes no prisoners. To say that she's been through hell wouldn't give her story justice. She's clawed her way to the top and fought for every inch. She isn't broken, but she isn't whole either. Surrounded by her "family" Shannon is in the fight of her life and no one is safe.
To say there is a supporting cast would seriously undermine the importance of the characters. These men are just as important to the story as Shannon is. Each one brings something different to the table and you will love each one of them. I'm torn between Kav and Kieran. There's something about the cocky bad boy and the black sheep!
Be prepared to laugh, cry and be on the edge of your seat citing your nails with this story. It really comes alive and you become very vested in the characters and I cannot wait to see what's next for our crew. A solid 4.5 starts for me and a must read for any lover of romantic suspense.
September 23, 2014
I am giving the review for author Norma Jeanne Karlsson. This is book from the Blackness series by the author.
Shannon Kelly is strong, determined, independent and can usually take care of herself but as she starts her first year in college she finds out that plans and paths in life can change on a dime. Now enter the 3 men who make up her new family as they try to all keep each other safe and to be there for one another no matter what.
I have read books with strong female lead characters but Shannon is like no other character I have seen before because she really is a strong female character and it shows in how the author wrote her story lines. I can not say anything about about anything in this book set.
This is a set of kinda dark romance and 1 that should be in your library if you like a strong female lead character in your story.
Shannon Kelly is strong, determined, independent and can usually take care of herself but as she starts her first year in college she finds out that plans and paths in life can change on a dime. Now enter the 3 men who make up her new family as they try to all keep each other safe and to be there for one another no matter what.
I have read books with strong female lead characters but Shannon is like no other character I have seen before because she really is a strong female character and it shows in how the author wrote her story lines. I can not say anything about about anything in this book set.
This is a set of kinda dark romance and 1 that should be in your library if you like a strong female lead character in your story.
October 10, 2016
WOW
Loved this book! Strong characters both the alpha males and female lead. The story kept me attentive all the way to the end. Plus I caught myself laughing out loud a lot. Will definitely keep this author in my sites for future reading.
Loved this book! Strong characters both the alpha males and female lead. The story kept me attentive all the way to the end. Plus I caught myself laughing out loud a lot. Will definitely keep this author in my sites for future reading.
September 23, 2014
3.5/4 stars
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