Unholy

Dark Delights #2

by KT Yarrow

He thought he was better off alone. Then a demon found the way to his heart.

After the traumatizing loss of his demon hunting squad, Paladin Luke Morgan swears he’s better off alone. He knows all too well what it’s like to lose the people he cares about, and he won’t go through it again. He keeps his heart shuttered, focuses on the job, and avoids looking at his scarred reflection in the mirror.

When a red-eyed demon named Malachi gives him a tip about a child-killing monster, Luke expects it to be a trap, but he goes anyway, against his commander’s orders. And when he learns it’s not, he’s more confused than ever about Malachi’s motives for helping him.

The truth is, Malachi has been watching Luke for weeks. The moment he saw him, he knew Luke belonged to him. In an effort to get close to him, he approaches with an offer Luke can’t the chance to save innocent lives. He’s determined to chip away at Luke’s carefully crafted armor. They belong together, and he’ll make Luke see it.

But the closer they grow, the more dangerous their love becomes. The Paladin Guild will never allow them to be together. Luke will have to choose, sooner or later. But how can he decide between duty and happiness?

Genres: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, M M Romance, Fantasy, Magic

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2024

Reviews

[Audi♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww! the guys are forming a lil demon fuckers club. Love this series.

[Marina Garnica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say this is a 4.5 stars book. The story is getting us ready for the bigger picture. A war is brewing and each story brings us a romance that shows that there are always 2 sides of things. On this one in particular we have the consequences of someone leaving the guild from the inside, and how the more he gets to know about halflings by what he learns by meeting them is way different than what the guild knowledge has provided him throughout his life.
Can't wait to see the next one!

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two have difference of what happening around them. when you carry the guilt baggage all the time. can he be open to the possibly with a halfling

[Olive · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of unholy had potential, combining elements of action, forbidden romance, and supernatural intrigue. However, it fell short for me. While the idea of a paladin and a demon forming an unlikely connection was interesting, the execution didn’t hold my attention.

Overall, this story wasn’t for me, I found myself speed reading to finally get to the smut. It felt flat to me..but readers who enjoy paranormal romance I would still recommend to look at.

(This review is my opinion of an ARC copy of book)📕

[Chi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book, but it fell short. There was insta-lust/insta-love and hardly any build-up to Malachi and Luke's relationship. It was mainly smut with a little bit of plot thrown in there, and that's what disappointed me. I love smut, but I prefer when there is more plot than smut. There was so much potential for this story to be fantastic.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unholy is the second book in the Dark Delights series and follows Paladin Luke as he meets and ultimately falls in love with the possessive and charming Halfling Malachi. Along the way he begins to uncover the darker side of the guild that he has called home his entire life and begins to question the motives of the people who lead the paladins. There are some implications that as we move forward in this series this will take on a larger role in the story.

In my opinion, this book is a stronger installment than its predecessor. Fallen had much heavier undertones of manipulation and questionable consent that this book lacks. While Malachi is possessive and is seemingly content to stalk Luke to exhaustion, he does still appear willing to set boundaries that were not present with Talon and Alex’s story. Luke consents and is an enthusiastic participant in all sexual encounters that occur and has a slightly better support system in place than Alex ever did.

My biggest peeve about this story is a grievance I have with a few other books that Yarrow has published: there are many threads that appear to be leading towards interesting plot points but lack any follow-through. I would have liked to see more counseling sessions, more time spent with Isaac and other paladins, more of the magic system that Luke used to summons Malachi early on. Without them Luke’s story felt largely parallel with Alex’s, further cemented by the ending where he learns that demon blood can make him functionally immortal. I thought the end was an exciting twist but after the multiple references to Malachi’s past as a human I was fully anticipating that Luke would die and then have to sacrifice his humanity to come back as a halfling in order to stay with Malachi. I think that this could have been a much more compelling finale than the two paragraphs that we were worried about Luke’s survival before learning that he can just be saved by drinking some blood.

Nonetheless, I am really looking forward to seeing what book three has in store. While the main characters have not been revealed it is briefly implied that the next focus will be on Ira. If so I am excited to see the story play out from the perspective of a prophet instead of yet another paladin. I am hopeful that we will get to learn more about the prophecies that they create and the magic system that Luke touched on briefly in Unholy. It will also be interesting to see how the guild reacts to more and more of its members defecting and how the growing conflict plays out.

[Linda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating demon and human gay romance with intrigue
I wish I had read the first book in this series. It is not necessary for understanding this one, but I think I would like to have watched Talon and Paladin Alex get together. In this book another Paladin, 34yo Luke Morgan meets his forever demon in Malachi who is a “halfling” which means that he was human, died, went to hell and was returned as an immortal demon. He does not have the same advanced powers as Talon but he is far superior to a human. The moment Malachi saw Luke, he knew that Luke was his. So, every night when Luke goes on patrol, he is there to protect him. On one such night Malachi’s skills were needed to save Luke from inevitable death by demon. From that point on Luke accepts Mal into his life albeit limitedly. If a Paladin and demon are associated, the Paladin will be banished as proven by Alex who himself was a former Paladin. Luke and Mal are forced to hide their blossoming affair. Will that keep the Guild, Luke’s only home as he was adopted and raised by them since he was 2yo, from spying on Luke or Mal? When a resolution seems to be eminent, things go very awry.
There appears to be a story arc that may go into book three which I definitely plan to read. (I do not trust Sloan.) Who wouldn’t want to know how a bartender in a demon club meets a Guild Prophet? Sounds intriguing. If you like paranormal, intriguing gay romance, read this book. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Gay Romance Reviews. Loved the cover!

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised by his desire

Paladin Luke is just going through the motions all alone. After the tragic events that cause him to lose his entire team and almost his own life he can no longer stand the possibility of losing more people so he is now working alone.

Malakai is a halfling who though it was absolutely ridiculous when a human fell for a demon. However, standing outside a human club when he catches sight of a human he finds himself drawn to. He doesn't understand this pull but finds himself following this hunter around.

After taking down a demon one night he is randomly approached by a halfling whom he is suddenly attracted to and that baffles him. However, this demon has come to tell him about a demon stealing children that he should investigate.

This random meeting puts him in an unexpected place. How could he possibly be drawn to a demon?

This book was absolutely fantastic. I also loved seeing the characters from the first book again. I actually love these guys story more than the first. There was something so pure and unexpected. Luke needed someone to finally see him beyond his scars and job.

There was a very interesting interaction with a profit in this one that really makes you wonder what we will see next. I feel like the draw is them being fated mates even though it hasn't been stated.

Who will be the next to fall for a demon? Will that demon be the bouncer or maybe the bar tender? I'm super excited to see what comes next.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paladin Luke Morgan was forever changed when he lost his squad to demons while he was left with lasting scars, both physical and mental. Now he prefers to work alone to avoid losing people he cares for. When a red-eyed demon gives him a tip about give him a tip about a child killing demon, Luke knows he must check it out even if he was told not to by his commander. Expecting a trap, he finds it was a good tip. Unbeknownst to him, Malachi, the red-eyed demon, has been following Luke for weeks. His first glimpse of Luke let Malachi know that Luke belonged to him. Unfortunately, pursuing a relationship comes with lots of danger.

Being a Paladin is not easy. Meeting and spending time with demons is forbidden. Some Paladins watch known demon hangouts including their favorite club. When Luke is seen with Malachi, it is reported back and Luke is reprimanded. But both of them cannot stay away. It is so hard when love has so many consequences. However, neither man was capable of letting go. Watching them fall in love was amazing. The consequences were sad and quite over the top. If you enjoy paranormal and danger with a few surprises in your books, this one’s for you. It was excellent.
I received a complimentary copy and am grateful for the opportunity to voluntarily review this book.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment of the Dark Delights series. Although it works fine as a standalone, I do wish I had started with the first book as I would have liked to have had the background, plus I would have like to know how Talon and Paladin Alex get together. I am, however, going to go back and restart this series from the beginning, especially since I suspect there will be at least a third book coming along.

I am a huge fan of this type of fantasy and one that puts together a Paladin with a demon - gimme, gimme! I definitely enjoyed reading this - it has elements of fantasy, romance, action/adventure and it really works for me. Luke, who was basically adopted into the Paladins since being orphaned at age 2, has more recently lost his team and now he is leery of working with anyone else and having emotional ties. However, one night Luke himself is in a situation where he is almost killed, and Malachi, a halfling demon, saves him. Malachi also gives him information about some bad stuff that's been happening...but a Paladin spending time with a demon is unheard of....is Luke willing to risk the life he's known for Malachi? Let me just say...I know what I'd choose, haha - Malachi is the best.

I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alex's Books and Brews · Rating 5 out of 5]

ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨
𝕌𝕟𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕪
𝕂𝕋 𝕐𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕠𝕨

𝕆𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝𝕝 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ℙ𝕝𝕠𝕥 📚📚📚📚📚
𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Unholy picked up perfectly from Fallen and gave me exactly what I wanted in a continuation. Since I was already familiar with the bigger plot, I could really focus on what felt like the emotional core of this book: the relationship between Luke and Malachi, which is as complex as it is compelling.

What stood out most to me was Luke’s trauma. His isolation as a coping mechanism was heartbreaking, and watching him slowly let Malachi in was beautiful. There was something so powerful about seeing Luke begin to accept kindness and care—especially as he came to realize that he had never truly felt wanted before. That hit me hard.
I absolutely loved their partnership. Malachi was exactly the right person to help Luke start building a sense of self-worth, and I really appreciated how thoughtfully that was written. Their connection felt raw and real, and I was completely invested in them from start to finish.

I’m still loving this series—which honestly started off feeling like a small, intimate story but has grown into something much bigger. And now, with the threads about the Paladians starting to unravel, I’m more intrigued than ever. I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in series (Dark Delights), can be read as a standalone but better if read in order. Paranormal. Adversaries to lovers. Forbidden relationship. Dual POV.

Luke is a dedicated Paladin, hunting demons and protecting innocents, but he lives a very solitary life especially after losing his squad years ago. The first time demon Malachi sees Luke he feels a forever connection, he will follow and protect Luke no matter what, and if he can convince Luke to give him a chance he will cherish him as well.

I really enjoyed that Luke and Malachi’s relationship did not start out angry or violent even though Luke is supposed to kill all demons, his conflicted feelings about his attraction to Malachi and his dedication to the Paladin are understandable. Malachi is so sweet in his dedication and patience toward Luke, and Luke is wonderfully open to Malachi willing to give them a chance, when they are together it is swoony and also have plenty of steam together. Both Luke and Malachi are capable, determined, and loving, and as the overarching series continues I am invested in the demon/Paladin connections. 4.5 rounded up

[Inanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unholy is the second installment of this series. I ARC read this one and the first book, Fallen. I very much enjoyed Fallen and Unholy was even better. The story flows well... so well I read it in one sitting.

This story is about Luke, a paladin that's been with the guild since he was two years old and the halfling demon, Malachi, that's decided Luke is his. Malachi, like Talon from the first book, is the boyfriend we all wish we could meet and fall in love with. He's caring, protective, strong, tender only with Luke, and absolutely perfect in dealing with Luke's PTSD and self-esteem issues.

Luke's life is in limbo, routine training, routine patrolling, existing in a lonely vacuum since his team was killed by demons in the past. Malachi helps pull him out of that and realize he's worth so much more than his job with the guild. One by one he kisses his physical and emotional scars until Luke can actually see a future for himself - one with Malachi.

Their story intersects with Alex and Talon from the first book, along with with others from club In Extremis, but doesn't require you read the first book (although you should!) I'm very much looking forward to the third book.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second Dark Delights story, another Paladin finds love and acceptance in the arms of a Demon. Paladin Luke has been with the guild since he was two. After his entire team is wiped out, he's had PTSD and just going through the motions of life. He also works solo, which is frowned upon by the guild. Malachi is a halfling demon. When he meets Luke, there's an instant attraction. Malachi does a little stalking and he provides information on a demon attack. Which the guild wants to ignore.
Their affair is full of steam and sizzle. And it has the support of Alex and Talon from book one. The worldbuilding is excellent. There are a few story tangents and teasers which will hopefully be resolved in the books to come. As I suspected in book one, there's something wrong, evil wrong, with the guild. A prophet sets up the premise for the next book.
A quick, keeps you on the edge of your seat, type story. I love this world that Yarrow has created for us. Can't wait for the next paladin/ halfling pairing.
I received an advanced copy from GRR and this is my review.

[Emilyrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
This is another captivating read that I just couldn't put down until I'd finished it in one sitting. Malachi and Luke had fantastic chemistry and, like book 1, they had to believe in each other to know what the right path forwards was. The world building was just as good as book 1 and I enjoyed seeing some familiar faces at In Extremis. The romance part of the book flows strongly throughout but I feel like the wider plot across the series is a slow burn - it's definitely building up to something big and there were a few moments in this one I didn't see coming so I'm definitely intrigued about what will happen next. I also really hope we get Ira's story at some point! Overall, another great book by this author that I would definitely recommend.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Sandra Sanches · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to start with a praise for an excelent playlist, fits perfectly with the story!
Luke is with the Paladin's Guild since he was two years old,and his devotion is strong ,much more since he lost his squad.
Until one day he mets a halfling,Malachi...
Their connection is instant but their love is forbidden and the Guild is unforgiving.
Even their path being hard, they have unexpected help from Talon and Alex,that we've met in Fallen.
A beautiful tale of love and fight against prejudice with the eternal fight between evil and good being the premisse of the story .
And the author leaves a hint to the next book by the words of the prophet.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unholy is the second book in the Dark Delights series. It can be read as a stand alone, but in my opinion it's best to read the series in order. This is the story of Luke a Paladin who lost his demon hunting squad and Malachi a demon halfling. I felt this book was better than the first one but it still left out somethings that would I liked. We are building up to a war that's coming. I love how we learn more with each new story in the series. I think Malachi is the perfect boyfriend most would secretly want possessive, supportive, and charming. I can't wait to see what comes next in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

'He’d been on Earth for hundreds of years, but he’d never seen a human he so desperately wanted to sink his teeth into. Not to maim or kill, but to keep.'

I really enjoyed this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. The story was suspenseful from the start, and the level of danger and time sensitive situation, I was hooked. I loved both Luke and Malachi. Malachi knew at first sight that Luke should be his. But a halfling demon and a paladin would never be accepted by the Guild that was Luke's family. I liked the way their relationship developed. This was the first book I've read by this author and I will be reading more. 4 stars

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story about Luke and Malachi gives us more insight into the world of the Paladin, things that are being hidden and addition paranormal beings and their powers. Malachi recognizes Luke as his fated mate at first sight but has work to do to convince Luke to trust him. Each of them sets themselves against their own kind to be together and to work on figuring out just who can be trusted and what is going on in this world. Just as good as the first book and I might have enjoyed it just a bit more.

[Alexandra Kjær · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another well written story of Dark Delights. A good blend of demon-fighting, romance and steamy scenes.

I found it a bit slow in the beginning, but it quickly catches up and gets captivating.

The MC's are cute and dangerous, and I love that some well known characters become more and more involved the further you get in the book!

The plot thickens in a most delightful way, and I am very excited for the next one.

[Ashley Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the intense hostility and fight scenes between the paladins and demons—it truly appealed to my love of horror. I only wish there had been even more of these thrilling moments. Forbidden relationships are one of my favorite tropes, and this book delivered on that front. This is the second book involving demons I’ve read recently, and I’m excited to add more to my list after this one. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series! 🖤

[Amanda Grange · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I’ll be your shadow until the day you die, because everything else is just noise.”


So I really liked Talon and Alex. I did not think Malakai and Luke would compare but omg! Luke is so emotionally broken. He has so much to work through to heal and Malakai loves him harder than any human ever could. It's very sweet and a little sad but, man, I'm hooked on this series of love and, hopefully, the fall of the Guild.

[Clary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what it is about this series but it is so captivating I just can't help but fall in love with these characters. I thought book 1 was great but this one was even better in my honest opinion. I loved the action and the spice. Luke and Malachi were just pure perfection. I could not get enough of them. Another great MM romance by KT!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way that Malachi knew that Luke was his and only his, but moved slowly to keep Luke comfortable while dealing with his self-confidence and other issues was just *swoon*

I love the way that this storyline followed along with the first book so I didn't feel lost

I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the series and is another great addition, I really enjoyed the first book in this series which was the first I’d read by this author and again this one kept my attention from the start to the finish, I really liked Luke and Malachi as characters and can’t wait for the next book in this series.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I am loving this series! This was another captivating read as this time we follow Malachi and Luke's journey. The underlying plot continues to grow along with their relationship development. Such great chemistry between them. A true rollercoaster storyline leaving me avidly awaiting the next book!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to KT Yarrow for allowing me to read a copy of this book. I absolutely loved reading about Mal and Luke's story, even though Luke's story made me tear up at times. Mal's devotion was something that was heartwarming and this was a quick read as well. I have loved this series so far and will continue to love it. These books are great reads.

[Apples · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed this book, but I was concerned while reading that this series was just going to be more of the same, since this seemed so similar to the first book. I was definitely wrong. Keep reading! The arc of the series really starts to come together, and it has me dying that the last book won't come out for months still.

[Readingbks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing addition to this series! I enjoyed reading Luke and Malachi's story! Engaging story and wonderful characters! I read an advanced copy of this story and this is my unbiased review!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He has lost so much that he decided he should be alone but he is for a surprise. A demon has been watching him for weeks knowing he is their mate. They offer him a clue to a missing child and offer him a deal he cannot refuse. See just what is going to happen and they get the man they are after