Northbrooke is ruled by The Registry. Here, the wealthy own everything– even people.
When my father defaulted on his loans, I became an Asset: stripped of my rights, assigned a number, and auctioned off to one of the wealthy elite. But that’s just the beginning.
My Guardian is deemed an enemy of the state, and his blood offers me a chance to run. I do, and when The Registry’s Enforcers can’t bring me in, they hire someone who never fails to collect.
Talon Riggs– the Repo Man. A ruthless mercenary who doesn’t just track his prey, he savors the hunt.
To him, I’m just another assignment, but I’d rather die fighting than be returned to The Registry. What he thought would be an easy payout becomes a relentless chase, blurring the lines between collection and claim.
Northbrooke is full of monsters, and I’m not sure which of them are worse– The Registry that owns me, or the Repo Man that’s determined to reclaim what was never his.
Reclaimed is a dark dystopian romance containing numerous dark themes and situations that may be triggering or disturbing to some readers. Please review the content warning prior to reading. It can be found inside the book and on the authors website.
Reclaimed is a standalone novel in the Dark Star Series. This novel has no cliffhangers and does have a HEA.
Darma Day is an American indie author who loves reading steamy romance novels as much as she does writing them.
Writing relatable characters in multiple genres (including paranormal, mafia, and more to come) she continues to write the stories that live rent-free in her head.
When she isn’t reading or writing, she is busy with her full-time job in industrial sales, being a wife, dog mom, and coffee connoisseur.
If you’ve happened upon this, know that I truly appreciate that you are here reading my works.
You can follow @Darma_Day on Instagram for updates on her latest works.
Oh this one hit the right spot. Reclaimed had me hooked right from the start, I was angry reading what Jersey went through. The way women were treated. The way this can be our future, it's disgusting. I understood her pain but it wasn't until C9 where I needed to put this down and take a breath. Darma Day did such an amazing job emphasizing the way women are just seen as property without allowing Jersey to lose herself. One thing that stood out to me were the chapter titles. When Jersey was free, it was titled 'Jersey' but when she was claimed, it was her asset number.
Data Center placement played a big part in the creation of this future and it will always be scary how authors can connect something we are currently seeing into their work. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment and see what the other authors have to offer.
I really enjoyed this book! It’s part of the Dark Star series with focus on Aquarius! I thought there would be something about the zodiac signs in the premise of the book since the whole series is based on each of the zodiacs, but it was never mentioned specifically in this dystopian world. I did enjoy the world and corrupt government aspects of the story! It was sooo good the revenge at the end too🙌🖤
Reclaimed by Darma Day Standalone apart of the, Dark Star Series Rating - ⭐️4.5 🌶️3.5
I was unable to put down this dark, dystopian romance. The plot had me completely invested and the undeniable tension between Jersey and Talon had me hooked from beginning to end.
🔪Feisty & Stubby FMC 🖤Morally Dark MMC 🔪Hunter/Prey 🖤Touch Her & Melt
This book definitely takes you on a journey and that journey is very bleak, very dark, very “no thank you, I’ll pass on that”. It is absolutely an experience.
The detailed explanations of how things work, how they came to be and the clever ways the registry (the bad guys) managed to set things in motion to make the rich people richer and the poor people become assets/property when they inevitably default on loan payments was all well done. You truly hate the system and the people that have assets since they treat them like absolute garbage.
Actually, some garbage may be treated with more respect. This was all well written and executed. The violence, the lack of autonomy of women’s bodies, the tools that the powerful people have in place so that nobody can escape, all of that is deeply depressing but you definitely get a good idea of what it is like for the characters.
The romance part is where things fell flat for me. I have read some other dystopian dark romance books and loved them (even with a lot of darkness, violence and details). However, the way that this happens and evolves made it hard for me to believe they had feelings for each other at all and as a result I wasn’t super invested in them as a couple.
**may be considered a minor spoiler?**
There is a range between insta-lust/love and slow burn and this makes insta-lust seem like a slow burn. He essentially likes her because she has some defiance left in her despite being a slave for the last 7 years. I don’t recall any point here where they actually talk to each other or get to know each other in any capacity. It’s basically, “she’s not docile like the rest, I like when they have fight in them”, becomes obsessed with her and she goes hmmm he gave me an orgasm and so I like him now.
This doesn’t really scream romance to me, and I don’t have an issue with morally grey, possessive MMCs but he does things here that make it hard for me to see how he is supposed to be better than the very bad guys we don’t like.
All in all, it’s not bad, I just think that if we had more character development and time where they spent with each other genuinely building a bond this would have been a better experience. I don’t think I know much about either of the main characters by the end.
3⭐️ 2🌶️
Thank you to Book Sirens and to the author for this advanced reader copy of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I got the privilege to be an ARC reader for RECLAIMED BY DARMA DAY. Unfortunately life happened and i was able to finish the book before release date but nonetheless i finished it and here is my short and direct review. Hope you take the chance like i did and read this great read 😃
Jersey or known as Asset A311 she was sold as an asset at age 14 and for the past 7yrs she has been the property of Commander Martin and since the governing body does not enforce any guideliness on how to treat your asset. When Commander Martin is unalived she takes the opportunity to escape before she's taken and sold to someone else. The problem is that Talon is the one assigned to capture her is the best at what he does and she won't be getting too far. Talon is part of the Mercenary Syndicate he accepts any offer the registry sends out as long as the money is good, when he gets Jersey's bounty something in him pools him to her and he will do whatever he has to catch her and make her his. These two were meant to be together but fate has taken them the long route to each other. I loved how they both tried to resist the pull they felt but at the end giving in was the only option. I definitely enjoyed how Talon never tried to change her or see her any different for what she went thru before she was with him. Overall the spice was 🌶🌶.5 in my opinion but it was still good and i enjoyed it and i gave it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Can't wait to read more of this author and the rest of these interconnected books..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“I’m the Repo Man - a monster for hire. The bastard rich pricks pay to do their dirty work - extort, kill, or reclaim.”
I was graciously given an ARC of this book and i was obsessed immediately. I’ve been waiting for the Dark Stars Series to come out & i am so happy to be able to ARC read this one 🤘🏻🖤 Thank you @darma_day ✨
Okay, now into the review - dude. This book gave DARK Shatter Me and Daggermouth vibes and i was immediately enthralled. We all know how much i loved Shatter Me AND Daggermouth.
I LOVED Jersey as a character. Her fire, her sass, her attitude, all of it. She was everything we love about a stabby FMC. And Talon - lawwwd! The Repo Man! 🤌🏻
When Jersey’s Guardian is eliminated, she takes her chance to run, no longer wanted to be owned by The Registry.. so here is where Talon Riggs comes into play - he’s accepted the mission to retrieve and return her to The Registry, ALIVE. But when they meet.. there’s an immediate spark and tension that neither can deny.. and Talon realizes at that moment that he’d do anything to have Jersey for himself. Including murder, betrayals, and all kinds of other crimes - to include mild stalking 🫣👀🤌🏻 But what The Registry wants, The Registry gets.. so, how can the two of them ever have a future where they’re free, especially when one is considered “property” of The Registry? Can they outsmart this corrupt government? Or will Jersey be taken back once and for all?
Jersey For the past 7 years she has been commander Martins property. She was taken at the age of 14 and sold as an assest and the governing body does not enforce any guidelines on how to treat your asset. When the enforcers unalive commander Martin she takes that as her opportunity to escape before having to be resold to someone new. Her only down fall is the one assigned to her capture is the best at his job.
Talon He is apart of the Mercenary syndicate, he accepts any offer the registry has as long as the money is worth it. He accepts the job of hunting her down and returning her back to the enforcers. He thought it would be an easy capture but she is determined to make it interesting. He definitly did not expect to be drawn to her or to care what ends up happening to her. Even once he turns her in he should have been able to focus on the next task but instead he’s focused on who she’s gonna end up with.
“I’m the only one who gets to fucking touch her now. Her pain, her pleasure, every desperate moan- it’s all mine.”
These two were meant to be together fate just made them take the long route to each other. I loved the concept of this book. Watching him fall for her when he knew he really shouldn’t. I do feel bad for all that Jersey had to endure but I’m glad she got a happy ending. She had been chasing freedom for so long that it never seemed to be an obtainable ending.
Northbrook city and its people are governed by the Registry and elites. When Jersey's father was unable to cover his debts, he paid them off with his life. As a consequence, Jersey became the property of the Registry and will be auctioned off to a wealthy person who will act as her Guardian. After the Registry finds out that her Guardian wasn't trustworthy to them, Jersey sees this as a chance to flee. Since the Enforcers were unable to recover her, the Registry assigned Talon Riggs, a mercenary, to capture her and return her to them.
Jersey is a strong, sassy, and smart girl who is not afraid to express her thoughts. When she turns into an Asset, her life completely changes.
Talon is a ruthless, sharp, patient, and grumpy man who takes pleasure in completing different assessments. He enjoys hunting and tormenting his prey.
Jersey's bravery and sassiness captivate Talon right away. There is tension and banter in every interaction they have. Their chemistry is deep and intense. Unknowingly, they make each other whole. Talon follows Jersey constantly and doesn't give up easily on her. The plot is fast paced and the writing of everything that occurs in the city is amazing. The characters and the events are evolving in an incredible way. Darma's creation of this dystopian world is fantastic, and I wished to see more of it.
Book sirens had sent me an email that they were looking for some readers and I think I actually got it after it was published, but I saw the name and I had the pleasure of meeting this author at vixen and villains book Con in Orlando right after I had finished run little killer and I was obsessed with that book and I had to buy in special edition. I didn’t really get to talk to her as much as I would’ve liked cause it was crazy but I was like oh I definitely wanna pick up more so when I saw the opportunity for this arc, I said absolutely Yes. Darma is becoming one of my new favorite Insta reads ! In this one, I really loved Jersey and Talon. The relationship ship was edged. She has a way of creating these unique characters and the way that she writes you can really tell the depths of their souls. This was not an easy light hearted book, it is deep and dark and gritty the way I like it.the spice is good. I don’t know how much romance we can expect in a dystopian novel where people are treated so poorly there won’t be puppy dogs, rainbows or flowers and shit like that and I really like dark and gritty books and this one gave me all of those vibes and it’s definite yes for me and I think there’s going to be others in this series along the same line, so I will be keeping my eyes open.
This is a world where the rich have all the power, where nepotism and elitism is out of control, and people even children can become assets (other people's property).
Jersey, or A311 as she is known as an asset, is owned by an older man, and she became an asset due to a bogus loan her father took to save them, but could not pay back. Her life as an asset is full of abuse, and you get a front row seat (please check your triggers if you have any). When the opportunity arrives to flee she takes it.
Talon takes the job to hunt her down, but finds himself liking to hunt her, but Jersey is property.
This author gives it all to you, nothing is barred. The read is dark, twisted, gory, smutty and the MCs are neither black nor white, they are fully grey. There is both smut and plot, and for what it was, a short book with a plot, it worked. The only thing I missed were the emotional bond with either MC, you know heart pounding, tears, laughter any real body response to what was read, and it did not get me there, therefore not the last to get 5 ⭐.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A dark dystopian cat and mouse romance where fate clearly wanted these two together, it just forced them to take the longest and harshest road to get there. Watching Talon fall for Jersey even when he knew he should not was addictive, and seeing Jersey finally reach the freedom she has chased for so long was satisfying.
Northbrooke is a brutal world ruled by wealth, elitism, and the Registry’s control. Jersey, reduced to Asset A311, is hunted by Talon, a mercenary shaped by a violent past. Their chase is tense, gritty, and engaging, and Darma’s worldbuilding makes the corruption feel real.
The story is dark, twisted, gory, and fully morally grey. The plot works well for a shorter read, with both tension and spice woven in. The only thing missing for me was the emotional punch, I never reached that deep heart pounding connection with either main character, which kept this from being a full five stars.
A fast and feral dystopian romance perfect for readers who love danger, revenge, and a relentless chase.
Thank you to the author for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a fantastic kickoff to the start of a collective series. It is darker than a book I've previously read by this author, and I loved it. Very few characters are actually innocent. The world is cruelly twisted. Females are treated more like cattle and/or slaves, scored for value and purpose, and sold to the highest bidder. Jersey becomes a prized possession in many ways. She is mentally and physically beat down, but never surrenders her hope for freedom. The things she is forced to endure… Gah! The mercs in this story operate under an interesting set of "rules", and Talon is well-versed in running his knife right through those rules. His obsession of Jersey, which he repeatedly denies having to himself and others, sets in motion a storm for the people harming Jersey. These two characters fight and bicker against each other so well. Yet, they also fit perfectly into each other's lives. The epilogue was poetic justice, but there is still a loose string I hope gets resolved in future books. And yes, the trigger warnings are real. Please pay attention to them!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a dark one. Reminded me of Red Rabbit.
The premise is interesting but heartbreaking. When the background of the FMC is revealed I stopped for a minute and felt so sad. I got so into the book at the start and was really hoping for a white knight. We absolutely do not get one.
It’s touch her and die but don’t expect any good guys. Everyone is out for themselves in this not so apocalyptic tale.
Our FMC never gives up and it’s good to see as so many main characters ‘give up’. While she does give it up for our MMC - obviously - I would have wanted more build up.
Living the life she did, I get it. But it’s a sad life that I wish she got some more TLC.
Our MMC remains a mystery to me really. But it’s a short book so I didn’t look into it too much.
Overall the plot is interesting, the characters intriguing and the steamy scenes between the MCs are good.
This book could be absolutely fleshed out and it’s a missed opportunity that it wasn’t.
“You were made for me, little stray,” I say, pumping my fingers in and out to punctuate every word. “Your pain. Your pleasure, it’s all fucking mine.”
I got to beta read this book and I am so happy I got to. I was so wrapped into this book that I forgot to add my comments lol. She’s property. She serves her guardian. When Jersey (A311) guardian is removed form the picture. Jersey (A311) runs for her life, but with a bounty on her head she can’t run fast enough. Especially with Talon Riggs on her trail. Read the book to find out more- This book had me hooked. From the first chapter to the last chapter. I love the banter between the two characters. Jersey is a badbutt girl, who stands her ground. And Talon is a tall and obsessed lol, he would do anything for her. Which is what I like. I do recommend you check out this book, as always Darma day does amazing creating a story and bringing it to life.
Yet another book I picked up and became instantly invested 🤭
Jersey - A311 cos yes she’s been dehumanised to a number, sold in an auction to an abusive man but still her little flame simmers below the surface waiting to spring an attack and to be fair to her she does that beautifully 🤣🤣 Her escape is short lived, after she is caught by repo man though her fight hadn’t left her. From here we learn about the inside of The Vanguard, a part of The Registry and what happens within these walls. Except for Jersey, Repo man, Talon has taken an interest in her…
Darma packed a lot into this story, it flowed perfectly giving the reader a sense that you were there, she also throws in a few twists that interconnect the characters and I kind of liked that fact. Jersey herself never gives up her feistiness right to the end. This is Aquarius in the Dark Star Series a shared world, so I’m looking forward to reading the other star signs.
The Sasquatch and the Stray 🖤 This was an amazing dystopian romance that could be made into a gore movie. Summary: In a dark, grotesque and terrifying society, Jersey loses everything, including her identity. The Registry, will consider her an asset and assign her a bounty order to “repossess” her when she tries to run from the system. Unfortunately, she doesn’t run far when the bounty hunter brings her back to the Registry. But Jersey is not the same girl, she will fight tooth and nail for her freedom. Talon is no hero, but is not a villain either; he is questionably, morally grey. He will find a way to keep Jersey for himself setting a game for survival and safety in motion. Read the TW list, but you should expect: thrilling action, high doses of anxiety, anger, horrific deaths, violence, spice and unconventional HEA.
Received the ARC version of the book and leaving my honest opinion.
I love a good dark romance and this book did not disappoint.
It is my first book by Darma Day and I thoroughly enjoyed myself reading this book.
This books contains dark themes so I would suggest you read the trigger warnings.
Considering what Jersey (FMC) has been through and being kept as an asset, she is still strong-willed and willing to fight for herself. She adapts to her settings as part of survival instincts. Talon (MMC) is a mercenary and knows exactly how to track his prey and that’s exactly what Jersey becomes as well as his obsession. While Talon scares Jersey, he also thrills her and she enjoys the fact that he sees her as a person and not just an asset. Talon is obsessed enough that anyone who tries to touch Jersey will end up dead. Their interactions are laced with sexual tension and a lot of banter. I’m definitely going to give the other books in the The Dark Side series a read.
Would recommend this book if you're into dark romances with primal play
Well this fell close to home I must say. We have a distopian world where the middle class are taken advantage of by the rich, where government aide isn't really aide, women's bodily autonomy and choices are stripped away, and the rich are sick bastards that do unspeakable things to said women. Hmmmm.... well done Darma!! Aside from painting that vivid picture, I loved our FMC Jersey. Even though everything was structured to bring her down and break her she kept her fire and inner strength and that ending, perfection!! The only thing that left me wanting was Riggs parentage..... maybe I missed a clue somewhere but I wanna know! I really enjoyed how Darma started with all these characters that started off separate, but as the story continued she intertwined there lives from beginning to end seamlessly.
Darma Day did a fantastic job as always and I am a huge fan of her writing. This was a new take on the dystopian world for me and I really liked it – hated the idea of it happening – but the plot was solid. I love Riggs and Jersey’s push pull dynamic. While it wasn’t overly emotional, I felt that was in line with the story and how Riggs and Jersey didn’t know how to respond to or even comprehend the feelings that they had regarding one another. I’m not sure if the other books in the series will carry any of the same characters here or not, but I would LOVE to see a story on Slade and/or Kenzie.
Highly recommend RECLAIMED if you like dark romance, though I’d strongly encourage you to check your triggers because this one is gory for sure and has content that could easily trigger some readers.
“Nobody touches what’s mine.” “But I wasn’t yours,” “Yeah you were…You just didn’t know it yet.”
ARC Review for Reclaimed by Darma Day **Available on KU**
What in the fucking torturous slow-burn did I read?!?! Oh.My.GOD!!! The pain, palpable. The spice, delectable. The banter, absolutely amazing. **I Need a Kenzie and Slade spin off…I’m just saying** I’m not usually one for a blonde MMC, but Talon changed my mind ENTIRELY. And Jersey is one of the most amazingly resilient FMC’s I’ve read in a long time. She never gives up, never quits fighting and NEVER loses her sass (a b*tch after my own heart). Thank you so much Darma for putting up with my multiple ARC applications…because I am so in love with these two it’s obnoxious.
Tropes: 🖤 Dystopian world 🖤 Hunter v. Prey 🖤 Forced proximity 🖤 Size difference (6’4” x 5’3”) 🖤 Aquarius MMC 🖤 Stabby FMC
Darma has a way of immersing a reader into her stories. I absolutely love dark dystopian world building stories and this one was a hook & sinker from the start.
I absolutely love how strong, a lil stabby and fierce Darma’s FMC are always portrayed. Jersey is chefs fkn kiss, she’s a slave A311 but she’s not broken, she’s a fighter and Talon is that monster repo man mercenary you expect him to be, hired to track her down after an opportunity presents it asked and she takes it.
Talon had me believing he’s exactly who he says he is .. I did miss out on their chemistry/romance a bit but was it believable, yes, in her Darma Day fashion.
The plot was plotting and the smut was smuttin.. add primal hunt and size difference (I’m 4’10 so I’m a sucker for a 6’0 plus MMC)🥵🔥🥵
Jersey never wanted the life she has, she belongs to a man as an asset, asset A311 to be exact. When her father died she was taken as an asset and given to a man who used her body. Talon is a mercenary, a rough childhood lead to a rough career choice. When he gets an order to "repo" Jersey after her owner dies, he's intrigued by how crafty she is. She escaped and now he has to find her. But he's not prepared for what he finds. Talon and Jersey play an interesting game of cat and mouse in this book. A push and pull power dynamic with a whole lot of tension neither of them ever saw coming. Talon wants to claim her, and for the first time ever, Jersey feels wanted, but it's completely off balance. A dark dystopian romance with lots of action and spice.
This is a dark, gritty and oh so ADDICTIVE dystopian romance and I DEVOURED IT.
PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. It is very dark.
Darma builds a detailed dystopian world that feels so real and threw me right into the middle of the story. I could FEEL Jersey's emotions and I was rooting for this litte stray until the very end. The way I connected with her, felt for her and was rooting for her hooked me and made the story so so so good! Kudos to Darma for this immersive, terrifying and spicy story.
Also, hello Talon Riggs. He can hunt me down any day of the week. IYKYK.
Looking for a dark dystopian romance with revenge, primal play and extremely spicy spice!? This one is for you.
In Northbrook the rich are the elites and if your not rich you are basically out of luck. Dont pay your debts become an asset, this is how we meet jersey, her father was unable to pay his debt and she became an asset of the registry. Darma built a great world with this one and gave detailed information on how it all works. Jersey has an opportunity to run, but she doesn't make it very far because the repo man Talon is brought in to track her down, and once he sees her he basically becomes obsessed. Jersey wants out of the world she was forced into and does everything she can to do so. Talon is crazy and ruthless and likes the chase and the torture that comes with being the hunter. together these two were wild and unhinged.
I really enjoyed this!!! I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down! This kept me invested and left me wanting more! Jersey is a strong willed FMC that never let her circumstances completely break her. After an incident with her “guardian” she runs. Talon is is assigned to bring her back to the registry. Little did he know he’d be obsessed at first sight. He brings all the dark romance MC vibes to the table and I was here for it. I throughly enjoyed the banter and loved how it all came together. I do feel a This was a quick read literally only took me a couple hours. Definitely give this a shot! This is part of the Dark Stars Series and I can’t wait to read the others in the.
Maybe freedom is impossible. Maybe every road I take leads me to the same place. But that ugly little bit of hope still clings inside me, because I’ve never been a quitter.
“Nobody touches what’s mine.” “But I wasn’t yours,” “Yeah you were, You just didn’t know it yet.”
It feels like vengeance, it tastes like justice. And goddamn, is it sweet.
Maybe that's why the destination doesn't matter as much as creating distance; a separation from the world designed solely for people like me to fight to survive in, never to thrive.
4.5⭐️ I loved exploring the corrupt world that is Northbrooke through Jersey and Talon’s eyes, and how their life collied on multiple occasions. Seeing Jersey get her happy ending was so heartwarming after everything she’s been through.
“A set of icy blue eyes lock onto mine as the Repo Man’s lips curl into a devious grin that sends a ripple of terror through me.”
“She’s fucking mine. He doesn’t have to understand. No one does. But I see it every time we collide–in the subtle way her features soften, in the way the fire in her eyes burns brighter as fury warps to lust. Whatever demons she has, they were born to dance with mine.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is my second Darma Day book and I wasn’t disappointed. Dystopian, grim setting.
Our FMC Jersey becomes a number “asset” after her father can not pay debts owed to “The Registry” the wealthy elitist “government “. When her current guardian is found to be traitorous, she finds an opportunity for freedom. She runs. No help to be found, she is own her own. Enter Talon Riggs… but he’s not her salvation. He is the best at what’s known to be a “Repo man” and he is hired to bring her back so she can be auctioned off; since she is an asset. But, he ends up with more than he bargained for with Jersey.
📖Touch her and ☠️ 📖Enemies to Lovers 📖Primal Play 📖Hunter Vs Prey 📖Revenge 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a dystopian game of cat and mouse. The hunter and the hunted if you will. Jersey is sold at auction and becomes Asset 311. After years of being under her “guardian” she has the chance to run. Talon Riggs is a repo man and takes the job to reclaim Asset 311. Jersey is feisty and a fighter, she doesn’t go down easy. Talon loves the fight in her and wants her for himself. Their chemistry is hot and spicy and I very much enjoyed the push and pull between them. I read this in one sitting and couldn’t put it down.
My oh my! I haven't read many dystopian type books. The ones I have read have been fantasy, not dark romance. When I tell you Darma knocked this one out the park, it is not an exaggeration. This book was so good and hooked me from the beginning. There was so much corruption and elitist bull, but man it made revenge that much sweeter. Jersey girl definitely had it rough, but she remained tough and resilient. Talon is everything! Morally grey doesn't even cover it, but I wouldn’t have liked him any other way. Highly recommend!