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Shifting in Darkness Duet #1
Marked by Khaos
Violet
Coddled. Sheltered. A porcelain doll, hidden and locked away behind the packhouse gates.
I was born to be bartered. I was groomed to breed.
I was part of a legacy. A bloodline.
I had a duty to perform.
Mate with power. Bear heirs. Smile sweetly, even though my soul is slowly withering.
There is no love. Fated mates are lies we tell pups to help them sleep.
In my world, the choices were made long before I was born. I'm a mere pawn in the game.
Khaos
I am the story whispered in the dark.
The evil you warn your children about.
A nightmare alphas pray never cross their borders.
My past is soaked in blood. Littered with ripped throats, shattered packs, and bodies left as a warning.
I won't mate. I can't love.
But I can hunt. And I can take.
She wants to run. Hide. Resist.
She wants to play the game.
I've tasted violence my whole life. So even if it means slaughtering everyone she's ever loved, she will be mine.
Coddled. Sheltered. A porcelain doll, hidden and locked away behind the packhouse gates.
I was born to be bartered. I was groomed to breed.
I was part of a legacy. A bloodline.
I had a duty to perform.
Mate with power. Bear heirs. Smile sweetly, even though my soul is slowly withering.
There is no love. Fated mates are lies we tell pups to help them sleep.
In my world, the choices were made long before I was born. I'm a mere pawn in the game.
Khaos
I am the story whispered in the dark.
The evil you warn your children about.
A nightmare alphas pray never cross their borders.
My past is soaked in blood. Littered with ripped throats, shattered packs, and bodies left as a warning.
I won't mate. I can't love.
But I can hunt. And I can take.
She wants to run. Hide. Resist.
She wants to play the game.
I've tasted violence my whole life. So even if it means slaughtering everyone she's ever loved, she will be mine.
459 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2026
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Johnson
10 books151 followersJ.M. Johnson is a UK based author, often writing books set in her home of Yorkshire.
She writes dark romance that are very, very spicy, with morally grey men, and strong female leads. With a profound love of sarcasm (that's the British in her!) her books are always filled with it, as well as sprinkling humorous banter throughout.
All of the books come with trigger warnings like a shopping list, but are also plot heavy.
When she's not writing, she's either practicing her special effects makeup, or spending time with her three children, her fiance and her two dogs.
She writes dark romance that are very, very spicy, with morally grey men, and strong female leads. With a profound love of sarcasm (that's the British in her!) her books are always filled with it, as well as sprinkling humorous banter throughout.
All of the books come with trigger warnings like a shopping list, but are also plot heavy.
When she's not writing, she's either practicing her special effects makeup, or spending time with her three children, her fiance and her two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book follows the tragic story violet and khaos in their toxic and tragic love. The majority of the book focuses on just them finding a way to love each other. It is toxic love with lots of arguments and making up, they are both traumatised in their own way, khaos more so. It is devastating beyond belief and their is definitely no happily ever after.
I found that the inner monologue went on a bit too much at the beginning, rather than giving context through speach and action.
I found that the inner monologue went on a bit too much at the beginning, rather than giving context through speach and action.
Review of advance copy received from Author
JM Johnson absolutely thrives in writing relationships that are toxic, feral, and emotionally devastating, and *Marked by Khaos* is no exception.
Violet is heartbreaking from page one. She has been coddled and sheltered not out of love, but control. Raised as a bargaining chip, groomed to breed, and stripped of choice before she ever had a chance to want something for herself, her entire existence feels like a cage dressed up as duty. Her quiet desperation bleeds through every chapter.
Then there is Khaos.
This man is walking trauma wrapped in claws and rage. He is unpredictable, volatile, and so deeply scarred by his past that even the smallest trigger can send him spiraling. Violet spends most of this book experiencing emotional whiplash, never knowing which version of him she is going to get, and honestly, same. The mate bond keeps pulling them together, and while Violet is saying “okay, one more chance,” I was already mentally packing her bags and pointing her toward the hills.
That said, when Khaos’s past is finally laid bare, it is brutal. The way his “mother” spoke to him made my stomach turn, and learning that his biological mother was not any better only added another layer of devastation. This man truly never stood a chance, and as much as I wanted to throttle him at times, my heart still broke for the child he once was.
This book is an emotional hurricane. It is chaotic, painful, and relentless. JM Johnson does not soften the damage these characters inflict on each other, and because of that, the promise of a HEA feels complicated. The author says it is there, but after everything that happens, I genuinely struggled to see how healing is possible from this point forward.
Still, if you enjoy dark romance with morally gray characters, intense trauma, and relationships that make you whisper “this is wildly unhealthy but I cannot stop reading,” this one will absolutely sink its claws into you.
Enter at your own risk and maybe keep snacks nearby for emotional support.
Violet is heartbreaking from page one. She has been coddled and sheltered not out of love, but control. Raised as a bargaining chip, groomed to breed, and stripped of choice before she ever had a chance to want something for herself, her entire existence feels like a cage dressed up as duty. Her quiet desperation bleeds through every chapter.
Then there is Khaos.
This man is walking trauma wrapped in claws and rage. He is unpredictable, volatile, and so deeply scarred by his past that even the smallest trigger can send him spiraling. Violet spends most of this book experiencing emotional whiplash, never knowing which version of him she is going to get, and honestly, same. The mate bond keeps pulling them together, and while Violet is saying “okay, one more chance,” I was already mentally packing her bags and pointing her toward the hills.
That said, when Khaos’s past is finally laid bare, it is brutal. The way his “mother” spoke to him made my stomach turn, and learning that his biological mother was not any better only added another layer of devastation. This man truly never stood a chance, and as much as I wanted to throttle him at times, my heart still broke for the child he once was.
This book is an emotional hurricane. It is chaotic, painful, and relentless. JM Johnson does not soften the damage these characters inflict on each other, and because of that, the promise of a HEA feels complicated. The author says it is there, but after everything that happens, I genuinely struggled to see how healing is possible from this point forward.
Still, if you enjoy dark romance with morally gray characters, intense trauma, and relationships that make you whisper “this is wildly unhealthy but I cannot stop reading,” this one will absolutely sink its claws into you.
Enter at your own risk and maybe keep snacks nearby for emotional support.
Review of advance copy received from Author
JM gets me every time!! This book is amazing 🥹 Super emotional and really pulled into some personal things for me. I can't wait to see where this story goes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This author has a way of writing such passionate, tragic, so emotionally captivating stories.
Fantastic storyline, please be aware there are triggers it doesn't go into full details just brushes over what happened.
The story is a tragic fated mates, with revenge, people not what they seem. There is some spice, bratish behaviour. Really well written heartbreaking story that I highly recommend.
Fantastic storyline, please be aware there are triggers it doesn't go into full details just brushes over what happened.
The story is a tragic fated mates, with revenge, people not what they seem. There is some spice, bratish behaviour. Really well written heartbreaking story that I highly recommend.
December 22, 2025
I think this book broke me. So much sadness and heartbreak. I can’t wait for book two! This is a romantic tragedy (although the romantic tragedy isn’t what broke my heart the most), but the second book is said to end on an HEA.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, JM Johnson sure knows how to break a girl's heart. Im definitely looking forward to book 2. Marked by Khaos is not your typical romance. You don't get your HEA in book 1. But it is coming.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
check the triggers before reading, as this book details a lot of trauma for the mmc. this book does not end with an hea. stay tuned for book two.
SYNOPSIS:
violet has spent her entire life groomed & pampered for the elite lifestyle. her mother ensured she attended every social event & never had a broken nail. she was suffocated & used as a golden ticket for her mother’s social standing within the pack. looks meant everything.
khaos only ever knew heartache, betrayal, abuse & humiliation. at ever turn from the moment he was born, he was broken apart, piece by piece. no one ever stood up for him, protected him, or showed him that he mattered in any way.
finding your fated mate was a rare shot in the dark, so most werewolves chose their mates, severing the possibility of ever finding their true fated mate. as luck would have it though, before her mother could trade her off to the highest socialite, violet soon discovers that things aren’t always as they seem. she has no choice but to trust herself & make the best out of a difficult situation, further altering the life that she thought would be set out for her.
THOUGHTS:
i fell into this book head first. i’m a sucker for a damaged, possessive alpha-hole🤷🏻♀️ was their relationship toxic as hell? absolutely. was it annoying at times how quickly their emotions flipped? without a doubt. but i’d be lying if i said it wasn’t also entertaining at times. i love a strong fmc that won’t put up with a man’s bs, but it was also over-the-top at times. some parts were a little confusing (was that the wolf or the human talking? did mmc leave fmc, or the other way around?), but i enjoyed reading their story.
khaos deserved so much better in life, but he also used his trauma to fuel his anger/revenge & create toxic environments around him. violet was a spoiled, sheltered young woman with little experience in life, yet had no qualms commenting on every possible thing khaos did wrong. while they were awful to each other & couldn’t make up their minds on whether or not they wanted to even be mates & take it seriously, i am excited for book two bc i can’t handle cliffhangers very well😂
TROPES:
•enemies to lovers
•fated mates
•touch her & die
•virgin fmc
•tortured, morally gray mmc
•(werewolf) shifter
•grumpy/sunshine
check the triggers before reading, as this book details a lot of trauma for the mmc. this book does not end with an hea. stay tuned for book two.
SYNOPSIS:
violet has spent her entire life groomed & pampered for the elite lifestyle. her mother ensured she attended every social event & never had a broken nail. she was suffocated & used as a golden ticket for her mother’s social standing within the pack. looks meant everything.
khaos only ever knew heartache, betrayal, abuse & humiliation. at ever turn from the moment he was born, he was broken apart, piece by piece. no one ever stood up for him, protected him, or showed him that he mattered in any way.
finding your fated mate was a rare shot in the dark, so most werewolves chose their mates, severing the possibility of ever finding their true fated mate. as luck would have it though, before her mother could trade her off to the highest socialite, violet soon discovers that things aren’t always as they seem. she has no choice but to trust herself & make the best out of a difficult situation, further altering the life that she thought would be set out for her.
THOUGHTS:
i fell into this book head first. i’m a sucker for a damaged, possessive alpha-hole🤷🏻♀️ was their relationship toxic as hell? absolutely. was it annoying at times how quickly their emotions flipped? without a doubt. but i’d be lying if i said it wasn’t also entertaining at times. i love a strong fmc that won’t put up with a man’s bs, but it was also over-the-top at times. some parts were a little confusing (was that the wolf or the human talking? did mmc leave fmc, or the other way around?), but i enjoyed reading their story.
khaos deserved so much better in life, but he also used his trauma to fuel his anger/revenge & create toxic environments around him. violet was a spoiled, sheltered young woman with little experience in life, yet had no qualms commenting on every possible thing khaos did wrong. while they were awful to each other & couldn’t make up their minds on whether or not they wanted to even be mates & take it seriously, i am excited for book two bc i can’t handle cliffhangers very well😂
TROPES:
•enemies to lovers
•fated mates
•touch her & die
•virgin fmc
•tortured, morally gray mmc
•(werewolf) shifter
•grumpy/sunshine
January 26, 2026
This is a romance with a tragic ending. It ends in a heartbreaking way and it leaves us begging for book two!
I can't begin to describe everything this book made me feel. Surprise, love, sadness, disgust, rage. It was a rollercoaster in the best way!
But check all the TW. It is a dark romance and it may be sensitive to some.
To me? Well.. I loved it! It was chaos (get it? 🤭)
This story takes the meaning of toxic relationship to a whole new level. Ohhh, boy of it does. The hot and cold, the love and the hate, the care and the hurt they cause each other. They are perfect for each other in their own so imperfet way!
Violet is a little protected woman that has been groomed to be an Alpha'wife. Her mother always instructed her thet her looks were the only thing about her that mattered and she grew up in a gilded prison. She lashed out in secret and had her way of rebelling but always in secret.
When she is about to be paraded to several aphas to get a mate, she finds her true fated mate. But it the last wolf she could think of.
Khaos is a broken man. He suffered at the hands of those who shulould love him and protect him and that left him a very dangerous and unhinged man.
He has several sweet spots (Violet, his pack membrers, and other friends/allies..) even if he doesn’t believe so. And in those interactions we see a man starved for love and who is scared to love but does so very fiercely.
We see them try to break one another and at the same time learn to love and protect each other. Even broken they know how to love (in a twisted way), and they do everything to protect each other.
But they have so many enemies and they take advantage of a moment of weakness. And in that moment they loose everything including each other.
I can't wait for book two and for their future and to see rhem gain their HEA.
I can't begin to describe everything this book made me feel. Surprise, love, sadness, disgust, rage. It was a rollercoaster in the best way!
But check all the TW. It is a dark romance and it may be sensitive to some.
To me? Well.. I loved it! It was chaos (get it? 🤭)
This story takes the meaning of toxic relationship to a whole new level. Ohhh, boy of it does. The hot and cold, the love and the hate, the care and the hurt they cause each other. They are perfect for each other in their own so imperfet way!
Violet is a little protected woman that has been groomed to be an Alpha'wife. Her mother always instructed her thet her looks were the only thing about her that mattered and she grew up in a gilded prison. She lashed out in secret and had her way of rebelling but always in secret.
When she is about to be paraded to several aphas to get a mate, she finds her true fated mate. But it the last wolf she could think of.
Khaos is a broken man. He suffered at the hands of those who shulould love him and protect him and that left him a very dangerous and unhinged man.
He has several sweet spots (Violet, his pack membrers, and other friends/allies..) even if he doesn’t believe so. And in those interactions we see a man starved for love and who is scared to love but does so very fiercely.
We see them try to break one another and at the same time learn to love and protect each other. Even broken they know how to love (in a twisted way), and they do everything to protect each other.
But they have so many enemies and they take advantage of a moment of weakness. And in that moment they loose everything including each other.
I can't wait for book two and for their future and to see rhem gain their HEA.
January 4, 2026
JM Johnson is a go to author for me and once again I was not disappointed. Her ability to write traumatic/ abusive storylines and back stories in a way that is truly gripping and heart wrenching never fails to have me coming back for more.
I went into Marked by Khaos knowing there wasn’t a HEA and instead a tragic cliffhanger ending, but also knowing it’s part one of a duet where we’re told there is the ending we want but I still wasn’t prepared…
Marked by Khaos follows the building relationship between fated mates Violet and Khaos.
Violet is the pampered princess who has been raised to fit into a mould of her mother’s design, suppressing and hiding her real self.
Khaos is the tall, dark, dangerous Alpha with a history of horrific trauma and abuse of unimaginable proportions.
Although suited in so many ways, their own past traumas mean their relationship is a toxic love; its explosive, its passionate, its possessive, its hurtful and painful but it’s beautiful and has you rooting for them regardless.
Their story had me hooked from the start, they stuck their claws in and didn’t let go! It truly is a thoroughly emotional journey that had me kicking and screaming (and yes crying!) I simply couldn’t put it down. True to her word, the ending is tragic and has left me desperate for part 2.
You have been warned, if you’re after a ‘typical’ shifter romance with a HEA this is not the book for you. If you’re after a gripping telling of trauma, with an explosive steamy relationship, willing to accept a tragic ending here and hold out for that happiness eventually then jump in, you won’t regret it!
As always, please check the triggers and welcome to a world of Khaos!
I went into Marked by Khaos knowing there wasn’t a HEA and instead a tragic cliffhanger ending, but also knowing it’s part one of a duet where we’re told there is the ending we want but I still wasn’t prepared…
Marked by Khaos follows the building relationship between fated mates Violet and Khaos.
Violet is the pampered princess who has been raised to fit into a mould of her mother’s design, suppressing and hiding her real self.
Khaos is the tall, dark, dangerous Alpha with a history of horrific trauma and abuse of unimaginable proportions.
Although suited in so many ways, their own past traumas mean their relationship is a toxic love; its explosive, its passionate, its possessive, its hurtful and painful but it’s beautiful and has you rooting for them regardless.
Their story had me hooked from the start, they stuck their claws in and didn’t let go! It truly is a thoroughly emotional journey that had me kicking and screaming (and yes crying!) I simply couldn’t put it down. True to her word, the ending is tragic and has left me desperate for part 2.
You have been warned, if you’re after a ‘typical’ shifter romance with a HEA this is not the book for you. If you’re after a gripping telling of trauma, with an explosive steamy relationship, willing to accept a tragic ending here and hold out for that happiness eventually then jump in, you won’t regret it!
As always, please check the triggers and welcome to a world of Khaos!
Review of advance copy received from Author
J.M. Johnson always pulls at the strings of my little black heart. Call me crazy but I don't always need the HEA. I understand one is coming in book 2 and I'm definitely looking forward to how this story plays out, but for now, my heart is broken and I'm living for the hurt. Book one of this duet is a romantic tragedy between Violet and Khaos, wolf shifters and fated mates. They come from two completely different family pack dynamics. Violet's life has been carefully curated for her by her parents, specifically her mother, since her birth. She was groomed to be a perfect Luna and mated to an Alpha of a pack with high standing that allows more power and strength for her own family. She doesn't get to choose her life as it's been chosen for her. Before she can be choice mated, she meets her fated mate, Khaos. Khaos has a reputation that instills fear. He is brutal, a murderer of his own kind, he shows no mercy, never loses, and always get what he wants. His family history is critical to who he is so I won't mention much so that you can read it for yourself. They couldn't be more different and yet they can both provide what the other needs. Violet needs freedom to be herself and Khaos wants to be worthy of love. Their dynamic is toxic and unironically very chaotic. Their journey is a rollercoaster of emotions that bring on decisions that open the door for tragedy to strike. I love an alpha-hole antihero and Khaos is perfect in this role. Violet, as many of J.M.'s FMC's, is strong and has a mouth that doesn't quit. These two are bittersweet and I'm looking forward to book 2.
January 5, 2026
What a cliffhanger!
Wow, what a ride this book was!
Having read and loved the authors other series, The Devils Disciples, which is a dark motorcycle club romance, I was well aware that she writes dark, angry and some would say, slightly unhinged characters really well and this book was no different.
The relationship between the 2 main characters is raw, gritty and at times, downright toxic and as a reader, you will have a front row seat to all of that. And whilst our main characters are pivotal to the whole story, the side characters are not to be underestimated...there is some pretty twisted, narcissistic shenanigans with them too.
Fair warning, this book is trigger heavy and even if you think you don't have any triggers, please check them beforehand anyway.
Overall this was a brilliant, well paced and plot driven book with a delicious element of spice and further cements JM Johnson as an automatic author for me.
Wow, what a ride this book was!
Having read and loved the authors other series, The Devils Disciples, which is a dark motorcycle club romance, I was well aware that she writes dark, angry and some would say, slightly unhinged characters really well and this book was no different.
The relationship between the 2 main characters is raw, gritty and at times, downright toxic and as a reader, you will have a front row seat to all of that. And whilst our main characters are pivotal to the whole story, the side characters are not to be underestimated...there is some pretty twisted, narcissistic shenanigans with them too.
Fair warning, this book is trigger heavy and even if you think you don't have any triggers, please check them beforehand anyway.
Overall this was a brilliant, well paced and plot driven book with a delicious element of spice and further cements JM Johnson as an automatic author for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all this was 5 star read for me it had me hooked from the first chapter it’s dark and gripping…. This is a dark fantasy wolf shifters book and I love the mmc khaos in this story let’s just say he had a really terrible up bringing by the 2 people that was ment to care for him ….. and then he meets his fated mate violet she is stubborn and firey and pushes his buttons daily he was a soul that needed to be loved and she was a soul that needed to be free to live how she wanted this doesn’t have a hea which is refreshing loved the banter and the story 5 star read for me and I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC but I would buy this book and recommend this book over and over and I can’t wait for the next one amazing as always Joanne love your writing
January 30, 2026
JM Johnson is fast becoming my favourite author!
I was gripped immediately and struggled to put it down.
Violet has lived a protected life with her superficial mother who believes appearance and status is everything. Having everything controlled it's like living in a cage.
Khaos has literally had a life full of chaos and trauma. Putting the two together seems like a recipe for disaster but oh my god what a ride. I was captured thoroughly watching them navigate a toxic relationship, trying to break eachother and struggling with their mixed emotions. This was written with so much passion and was a hell of an emotional rid. I've got a pretty icy heart but it melted and this broke me!
It cannot end like this and I can't wait for book 2...please.....
I was gripped immediately and struggled to put it down.
Violet has lived a protected life with her superficial mother who believes appearance and status is everything. Having everything controlled it's like living in a cage.
Khaos has literally had a life full of chaos and trauma. Putting the two together seems like a recipe for disaster but oh my god what a ride. I was captured thoroughly watching them navigate a toxic relationship, trying to break eachother and struggling with their mixed emotions. This was written with so much passion and was a hell of an emotional rid. I've got a pretty icy heart but it melted and this broke me!
It cannot end like this and I can't wait for book 2...please.....
January 3, 2026
Love this book! I honestly loved this story so much and Violet and Khaos reminded me so much of Rachel and Dante (iykyk)! The arguments and toxicity, but also the deep love for one another and their little family. I can’t wait to read how their story ends and I need it like, right now!! I’m not sure I’ll be able to wait until spring for the next book!!! Definitely need something to keep me entertained until then!! Thank you to the author for another great arc book!
January 15, 2026
JM has smashed it again. You want toxic, burn this world for them love, you are in the right place. Everytime!!
This just hits you in the feels, Khaos absolutely plays up to his character of terror but inside he is so much more, he has been through such awful things and when there is finally some light at the tunnel, boom.
This definitely wasn’t the ending I was expecting even knowing it was a duet! I need the next part immediately!
This just hits you in the feels, Khaos absolutely plays up to his character of terror but inside he is so much more, he has been through such awful things and when there is finally some light at the tunnel, boom.
This definitely wasn’t the ending I was expecting even knowing it was a duet! I need the next part immediately!
January 11, 2026
ah I am unwell!! I should have known she was going to leave us with that torture!! the pain and grief in here is unreal. such a strong connection with these two. the story is incredible the devastation hits so hard. I cant even imagine where she will take us from here but I so want the next book. please Moon Goddess give them a miracle 🙏
February 6, 2026
Amazing
JM Johnson has done it again and blown me away with their amazing story writing ability. Every book so far has been 5 stars. This book had me in a chokehold, laughing, crying, angry and also excited i cannot wait for book 2 to see how this story continues. Keep being an awesome writer x
JM Johnson has done it again and blown me away with their amazing story writing ability. Every book so far has been 5 stars. This book had me in a chokehold, laughing, crying, angry and also excited i cannot wait for book 2 to see how this story continues. Keep being an awesome writer x
December 23, 2025
Once again an exceptional book by The author. What a rollercoaster of emotions. Truly heartbreaking but beautifully written. I can’t wait for book two!
That’s all I’m going to say you just need to read it for yourself but check the trigger warnings.
That’s all I’m going to say you just need to read it for yourself but check the trigger warnings.
January 8, 2026
This book is such an emotional roller coaster of a read and so gripping and Khaos is now a fav character! Really can't wait for book 2 (just to be aware there isn't a Hea in book one very dark so look up triggers)
January 31, 2026
As always please read your trigger warnings!
This is a beautifully written dark romance novel, one which I ate up!
This is a toxic but delicously tempting love between Violet and Khaos, it is the perfect blend of touch her and d!e romance!
We see their love story develop, with plenty of pain, sorrow & bl00dshed.
This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride with plenty of trauma mixed in!!
This storyline will sink it's claws into you and keep you captured!
This is not the first novel of this author I have read and I can hands down say it will not be the last of her books I'll read!
This book has plenty of twists and turns with lots of trigger warnings and darker themes.
This is a beautifully written dark romance novel, one which I ate up!
This is a toxic but delicously tempting love between Violet and Khaos, it is the perfect blend of touch her and d!e romance!
We see their love story develop, with plenty of pain, sorrow & bl00dshed.
This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride with plenty of trauma mixed in!!
This storyline will sink it's claws into you and keep you captured!
This is not the first novel of this author I have read and I can hands down say it will not be the last of her books I'll read!
This book has plenty of twists and turns with lots of trigger warnings and darker themes.
January 11, 2026
Another superb story from JM Johnson. This author really knows how to pull on this heart strings!! What an emotional rollercoaster. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews