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Key #1.5
Embracing Darkness: Key Series, Short Story 1.5
Key Series, Short Story 1.5. Available FREE.
After a hellish ordeal suffered at the hands of evil, Zoey wants only to live a normal human life. Yet, demons haunt her every step and a power grows inside her that she does not understand and cannot control. If she is to win her life back, she’ll need to trust in a fallen with a hidden agenda.
Rafe’s war with the hellspawn of Las Vegas has dragged on for centuries. He needs an edge to take out the demon boss once and for all. The girl may be the answer, but to gain her trust, he’ll have to use all of his powers of seduction and stop at nothing to win her heart…even if it means losing his own.
Now, as the stakes rise, Zoey and Rafe must put their faith in each other to heal the wounds of the past and overcome the challenges in the present. Only by discovering their strength together can they find peace, not by running from the night, but by embracing darkness.
After a hellish ordeal suffered at the hands of evil, Zoey wants only to live a normal human life. Yet, demons haunt her every step and a power grows inside her that she does not understand and cannot control. If she is to win her life back, she’ll need to trust in a fallen with a hidden agenda.
Rafe’s war with the hellspawn of Las Vegas has dragged on for centuries. He needs an edge to take out the demon boss once and for all. The girl may be the answer, but to gain her trust, he’ll have to use all of his powers of seduction and stop at nothing to win her heart…even if it means losing his own.
Now, as the stakes rise, Zoey and Rafe must put their faith in each other to heal the wounds of the past and overcome the challenges in the present. Only by discovering their strength together can they find peace, not by running from the night, but by embracing darkness.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2014
7 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Yelena Casale
9 books55 followersYelena Casale is an award-winning author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
Yelena was born in Kiev, Ukraine and moved to New York at 13. Being very curious and inquisitive, she has been a devoted reader and writer since childhood. As a 2nd degree black belt and instructor in Shotokan karate, an avid traveler and history and art enthusiast, she weaves universal themes with martial arts philosophies into her stories. She lives with her amazing, super supportive husband and the best Siamese cat. In her spare time, she reads, paints, watches cool shows on TV and tries to get more sleep.
Like the samurai of the old, as well as the ultimate Renaissance man and Yelena's favorite historical figure, Leonardo da Vinci, she believes that nothing is greater than mastery of oneself.
Yelena was born in Kiev, Ukraine and moved to New York at 13. Being very curious and inquisitive, she has been a devoted reader and writer since childhood. As a 2nd degree black belt and instructor in Shotokan karate, an avid traveler and history and art enthusiast, she weaves universal themes with martial arts philosophies into her stories. She lives with her amazing, super supportive husband and the best Siamese cat. In her spare time, she reads, paints, watches cool shows on TV and tries to get more sleep.
Like the samurai of the old, as well as the ultimate Renaissance man and Yelena's favorite historical figure, Leonardo da Vinci, she believes that nothing is greater than mastery of oneself.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 20, 2014
"5 out of 5 stars! Loved the buildup for this story and how they quickly grew into their feelings for one another (especially with how they quickly accepted it without fear -- which is a rare trait to read). I really liked Rafe & Zoey's "easy" relationship; I am interested to see in how their relationship will grow from here."
I read this short story as a part of " Love Is... " Check out my full review and teaser from this short story will be included (along with OVER FORTY more teasers): http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2014/09/made-grade-love-is-by-40-authors-from.html
To read more of/about my reviews go to: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com
I read this short story as a part of " Love Is... " Check out my full review and teaser from this short story will be included (along with OVER FORTY more teasers): http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2014/09/made-grade-love-is-by-40-authors-from.html
To read more of/about my reviews go to: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com
August 12, 2021
Embracing Darkness, The Key Series: Short Story 1.5 by Yelena Casale and Tina Moss (2014)
Reviewed by: Patricia M. Muhammad
Date: August 05, 2021
This book review was originally posted on LibraryThing: https://www.librarything.com/work/175...
*CONTAINS SPOILERS*
**I received this ebook in exchange for a an honest review**
Embracing Darkness is paranormal novelette set in New York. The story outlines an epic battle between good and evil. The focus is on the proliferation of demons which primarily seem to inhabit New York City. An ancillary character, Cassie, has great power. She is part demon and part human. Her fully human friend who was present at the spiritual fray becomes affected by a touch of this power. Zoey is now haunted by demons wherever she goes.
She has nightmares about them. Zoey attempts to fend them off. Whatever she does she is unable to avoid them. In one instance she is stuck in an alley. The demons appear in human form. They always do. She, however, has the ability to discern who is demon and who is human by looking at their eyes. There is a blackness that permeates them. An evil depth which she attempts to avoid. They approach her incessantly from wayward directions. Zoey reaches for mace. In the chaos she is confronted by an inhuman. She initially does not recognize him. He takes her away from the scene, but not before she remembers that Rafe, this fallen being was there "that night". He was present when Cassie was battling the demons, somehow transferring power to Zoey. This, Rafe believes, is the reason why Zoey is attracting the demons. She has power that she has never used nor understands how to wield.
Rafe is attracted to her. He is aware of Zoey's power from what the demons have reported to him at the beginning of the story. Rafe seeks to ravish her. There is something about Zoey that draws him to her as well. He promises to protect her though he initially desires to obtain her powers in exchange. Zoey only desires a normal life and the author implies that she does not mind being relieved of the source of her demonic haunt. Rafe keeps his word and drives Zoey to Long Island. He takes her to his home in the Hamptons where he promises to keep her safe. She wonders why this place is so special and how Rafe will be able to safeguard her. He brings her to a point of the beach where the sands meet the waters. The area has a different feeling to it. It contains a sort of energy. This is where Rafe reveals that he was among the fallen angels. Zoey can sense the parameters in which the ethereal shield of safety protects them. Rafe desires to be intimate with Zoey and she wishes for the same. Neither denies their attraction to one another. They become especially intimate. Rafe realizes that what he truly wants is to have Zoey. He no longer craves her power. Zoey accepts that as long as she is with Rafe, this being that has encompassed her heart, she will be safe. Neither knows what is left for them in the world, but they both agree that whatever it is, they will confront it together.
Embracing Darkness contains some graphic material. It is a shorter story wherein the author highlights a battle between good and evil. She revisits the issue when Rafe questions his intent towards Zoey. It is she who makes him want to be a better inhuman.
Reviewed by: Patricia M. Muhammad
Date: August 05, 2021
This book review was originally posted on LibraryThing: https://www.librarything.com/work/175...
*CONTAINS SPOILERS*
**I received this ebook in exchange for a an honest review**
Embracing Darkness is paranormal novelette set in New York. The story outlines an epic battle between good and evil. The focus is on the proliferation of demons which primarily seem to inhabit New York City. An ancillary character, Cassie, has great power. She is part demon and part human. Her fully human friend who was present at the spiritual fray becomes affected by a touch of this power. Zoey is now haunted by demons wherever she goes.
She has nightmares about them. Zoey attempts to fend them off. Whatever she does she is unable to avoid them. In one instance she is stuck in an alley. The demons appear in human form. They always do. She, however, has the ability to discern who is demon and who is human by looking at their eyes. There is a blackness that permeates them. An evil depth which she attempts to avoid. They approach her incessantly from wayward directions. Zoey reaches for mace. In the chaos she is confronted by an inhuman. She initially does not recognize him. He takes her away from the scene, but not before she remembers that Rafe, this fallen being was there "that night". He was present when Cassie was battling the demons, somehow transferring power to Zoey. This, Rafe believes, is the reason why Zoey is attracting the demons. She has power that she has never used nor understands how to wield.
Rafe is attracted to her. He is aware of Zoey's power from what the demons have reported to him at the beginning of the story. Rafe seeks to ravish her. There is something about Zoey that draws him to her as well. He promises to protect her though he initially desires to obtain her powers in exchange. Zoey only desires a normal life and the author implies that she does not mind being relieved of the source of her demonic haunt. Rafe keeps his word and drives Zoey to Long Island. He takes her to his home in the Hamptons where he promises to keep her safe. She wonders why this place is so special and how Rafe will be able to safeguard her. He brings her to a point of the beach where the sands meet the waters. The area has a different feeling to it. It contains a sort of energy. This is where Rafe reveals that he was among the fallen angels. Zoey can sense the parameters in which the ethereal shield of safety protects them. Rafe desires to be intimate with Zoey and she wishes for the same. Neither denies their attraction to one another. They become especially intimate. Rafe realizes that what he truly wants is to have Zoey. He no longer craves her power. Zoey accepts that as long as she is with Rafe, this being that has encompassed her heart, she will be safe. Neither knows what is left for them in the world, but they both agree that whatever it is, they will confront it together.
Embracing Darkness contains some graphic material. It is a shorter story wherein the author highlights a battle between good and evil. She revisits the issue when Rafe questions his intent towards Zoey. It is she who makes him want to be a better inhuman.
August 31, 2023
In this quick yet captivating novelette, I found myself immersed in a world that seamlessly fuses heart-pounding action with sizzling romance. While I dived into this installment as a standalone, I couldn't help but yearn for the backstory that led up to these events. Despite my initial confusion about the characters and their motives, the sheer entertainment value of the narrative kept me thoroughly engaged.
The author's skilled craftsmanship shines through in the way they deftly weave together a tale of intrigue and desire. At the center of it all is Zoey, a character who has endured unspeakable horrors at the hands of malevolence. Her relentless quest for a normal life is hampered by the relentless pursuit of demons, drawn to the enigmatic power simmering within her. It's this very power that sets the stage for an unexpected alliance with Rafe, a fallen angel harboring his own enigmatic agenda.
Rafe's centuries-long war against the forces of darkness in Las Vegas provides a gritty backdrop to the unfolding drama. Seeking an advantage to finally overcome the demon boss, he discovers an unlikely solution in Zoey. Yet, gaining her trust demands the full deployment of his seductive prowess – a strategy that risks not only Zoey's heart but his very soul.
As the stakes surge higher, Zoey and Rafe's journey becomes a testament to the strength found in mutual reliance. Their entanglement grapples not just with present challenges but also seeks to mend the scars of their pasts. Can they harness their collective power to reconcile with their own darkness and discover a shared peace?
This charming short story effortlessly blends danger, desire, and compromise. The evolution of Rafe's agenda throughout the narrative offers a glimmer of hope for a future of growth and connection. The narrative's fluidity makes it a breeze to digest, even as it delves into complex themes. The tale's ability to kindle intrigue while fanning the flames of passion is a testament to the author's prowess.
In the end, I found myself spellbound by the chemistry between Zoey and Rafe. Their journey reminds us that sometimes, the path to light necessitates navigating the shadows. This novelette, expertly penned and effortlessly enjoyable, left me eager to explore more of this world and its enchanting characters.
The author's skilled craftsmanship shines through in the way they deftly weave together a tale of intrigue and desire. At the center of it all is Zoey, a character who has endured unspeakable horrors at the hands of malevolence. Her relentless quest for a normal life is hampered by the relentless pursuit of demons, drawn to the enigmatic power simmering within her. It's this very power that sets the stage for an unexpected alliance with Rafe, a fallen angel harboring his own enigmatic agenda.
Rafe's centuries-long war against the forces of darkness in Las Vegas provides a gritty backdrop to the unfolding drama. Seeking an advantage to finally overcome the demon boss, he discovers an unlikely solution in Zoey. Yet, gaining her trust demands the full deployment of his seductive prowess – a strategy that risks not only Zoey's heart but his very soul.
As the stakes surge higher, Zoey and Rafe's journey becomes a testament to the strength found in mutual reliance. Their entanglement grapples not just with present challenges but also seeks to mend the scars of their pasts. Can they harness their collective power to reconcile with their own darkness and discover a shared peace?
This charming short story effortlessly blends danger, desire, and compromise. The evolution of Rafe's agenda throughout the narrative offers a glimmer of hope for a future of growth and connection. The narrative's fluidity makes it a breeze to digest, even as it delves into complex themes. The tale's ability to kindle intrigue while fanning the flames of passion is a testament to the author's prowess.
In the end, I found myself spellbound by the chemistry between Zoey and Rafe. Their journey reminds us that sometimes, the path to light necessitates navigating the shadows. This novelette, expertly penned and effortlessly enjoyable, left me eager to explore more of this world and its enchanting characters.
May 9, 2021
Embracing Darkness - Yelena Casale and Tina Moss
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review thanks to City Owl Press.
After a hellish ordeal suffered at the hands of evil, Zoey wants only to live a normal human life. Yet, demons haunt her every step and a power grows inside her that she does not understand and cannot control. If she is to win her life back, she’ll need to trust in a fallen with a hidden agenda.
Rafe’s war with the hellspawn of Las Vegas has dragged on for centuries. He needs an edge to take out the demon boss once and for all. The girl may be the answer, but to gain her trust, he’ll have to use all of his powers of seduction and stop at nothing to win her heart…even if it means losing his own.
I have read this book as a standalone.
As this book is supposed to be a sequel, there is no introduction to either the characters or the paranormal. This is a very short book, packed with details that will hold your attention.
Very well written and definitely worth a read if you have already read the first book in the series!
Rating 3/5
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review thanks to City Owl Press.
After a hellish ordeal suffered at the hands of evil, Zoey wants only to live a normal human life. Yet, demons haunt her every step and a power grows inside her that she does not understand and cannot control. If she is to win her life back, she’ll need to trust in a fallen with a hidden agenda.
Rafe’s war with the hellspawn of Las Vegas has dragged on for centuries. He needs an edge to take out the demon boss once and for all. The girl may be the answer, but to gain her trust, he’ll have to use all of his powers of seduction and stop at nothing to win her heart…even if it means losing his own.
I have read this book as a standalone.
As this book is supposed to be a sequel, there is no introduction to either the characters or the paranormal. This is a very short book, packed with details that will hold your attention.
Very well written and definitely worth a read if you have already read the first book in the series!
Rating 3/5
March 21, 2022
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this ebook by Owl Press in exchange for an honest review.
To be fair, this book is outside my preferred genres and as a .5 short story there was much I was missing. With that said, I can only imagine that for readers who enjoy the paranormal worlds of fallen angels and such alongside a quick and dirty romance its an excellent treat.
I enjoy a short story romance/erotica from time to time and this was a diverting tale. The characters most certainly were flushed out more in the previous book and most likely subsequent as well. There wasn't much to gravitate towards in this vignette of their lives and relationships but I also didn't dislike them either. They felt authentic and skirted some tropes well.
The writing didn't feel stunted or overly descriptive, it just isn't a book in my preferred alley of hot and heavy romance.
To be fair, this book is outside my preferred genres and as a .5 short story there was much I was missing. With that said, I can only imagine that for readers who enjoy the paranormal worlds of fallen angels and such alongside a quick and dirty romance its an excellent treat.
I enjoy a short story romance/erotica from time to time and this was a diverting tale. The characters most certainly were flushed out more in the previous book and most likely subsequent as well. There wasn't much to gravitate towards in this vignette of their lives and relationships but I also didn't dislike them either. They felt authentic and skirted some tropes well.
The writing didn't feel stunted or overly descriptive, it just isn't a book in my preferred alley of hot and heavy romance.
Read
December 28, 2021I read this short story as a gift from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun quick read, and I imagine it would have made a lot more sense if I'd read the novel first that these characters are from. That said, I understood enough of the world to enjoy the story, and it definitely made me want to pick up the first book.
This was a fun quick read, and I imagine it would have made a lot more sense if I'd read the novel first that these characters are from. That said, I understood enough of the world to enjoy the story, and it definitely made me want to pick up the first book.
January 21, 2022
A quick read that is steamy and action packed. I read this novelette as a standalone, but wish I had read the book that came before this. I was a little lost as far as the characters and their intent but was entertained none the less. The writing is well done and the characters are very interesting. A nice quick read! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
Want to read
November 18, 2020🎁FREE on Amazon & on Apple Books today (11/18/2020)!🎁
November 19, 2023
Definitely a should have read the first book first to know what's going on.
A short, spicy read.
A short, spicy read.
June 23, 2022
Thanks to City Owl Press for this free copy. I'm happy that I finished it in one seating since it's less than 50 pages LOL! Though it's only a short story, I don't feel at a lost and it sure entices me to continue the rest of the Key series! A very smart move indeed! I don't really go for paranormals but I might look for the rest of this series when I'm not as tied up :-)
August 3, 2020
Zoey had a hellish ordeal at the hands of evil and just wants to live a normal human life, but demons are haunting her every step mainly because there is a power growing inside her that she does not understand and cannot control. It seems if she wants to win her life back she will have to trust a fallen angel with a hidden agenda. Rafe has been at war with the hellspawn in Las Vegas for centuries and he just needs an edge to take the demon boss out. Zoey might be the answer but to gain her trust he'll need to use all of his powers of seduction in order to gain her heart - the problem being it might well mean losing his own. The stakes are rising and Zoey and Rafe need to put their faith in each other to heal wounds from the past as well as face the challenges of the present. Can they find their strength together to find peace even if it required embracing darkness?
This was a sweet short story that had the necessary ingredients of danger, lust and compromise. I liked the way Rafe started off with one agenda but finished with a completely different one (which gives hope for any relationship that they have in the future). It was well written and easy to read and understand.
This was a sweet short story that had the necessary ingredients of danger, lust and compromise. I liked the way Rafe started off with one agenda but finished with a completely different one (which gives hope for any relationship that they have in the future). It was well written and easy to read and understand.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews