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Darkness #1-3

The Darkness Series, #1-3

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From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Katie Reus, the first three books in her Darkness series in one boxed set:

Darkness Awakened

Years ago he ended things between them to protect her…

As leader of one of the fiercest werewolf packs in the south, Finn Stavros is in full battle mode 24/7. He’s ready for anything—until his vampire long lost love shows up on his doorstep in desperate need of help.

Pregnant and kicked out of her coven, Lyra struggled to raise their rare shifter-vampire daughter Vega alone among humans. When the 16-year-old is kidnapped Lyra swallows her pride and turns to Finn. But how long can she keep him from guessing the truth about who Vega really is? As they race against the clock to save their daughter, they must defeat the threat imposed by demons infiltrating the human world and a hell gate that could destroy the world.

Taste of Darkness

He spent more than a thousand years imprisoned in Hell…

Drake is an ancient dragon shifter, one of the most powerful beings in existence, but over a millennium trapped in utter darkness has left him ill-equipped for modern society. If it wasn’t for Victoria, the sweet female brave enough to befriend him, he’d be lost. She’s smart and gorgeous and everything he never dared dream of during his years of agonizing loneliness. He may not have anything to offer her, but one thing he knows for sure: he’d die to keep her safe.

Only to fall into the heaven of her touch.

Victoria is a wolf shifter, healer of the Stavros pack. She’s seen a lot, but she’s never met anybody quite like Drake, the fiery, fascinating shifter who can blaze through the skies unseen by mere mortals. He’s lost, dangerous, and the last male she should fall in love with, but the more time she spends helping him navigate modern life, the deeper—and hotter—their connection becomes. She’s thrilled when they finally locate his family, but reuniting with his people plunges them both into unimaginable danger. It's a race against the clock trying to figure out who wants them dead and who they can trust, especially when the threat is closer than they ever imagined.

Beyond the Darkness

Now that she has her freedom, she’s not giving it up.

Dragon shifter Keelin Petronilla spent centuries in forced hibernation dreaming of one thing: freedom. Now she’s living life on her terms—she’s ditched her clan for an unruly wolf pack, she tends bar for a half-demon, and she’s loving it…until a powerful supernatural being targets her. She intends to handle the mysterious attacks on her own…without the help of dragon Alpha Bran Devlin. Sure, he’s sexy in that hot, scowling possessive way, but Keelin wants to live her own life in her own way.

Now that he’s found his mate, he’s not letting her go.

Former black ops agent Bran Devlin is a born dragon Alpha and leader of a fierce clan. Getting mated was never part of his plan—until a feisty dragon princess gets under his skin in a big way. The hell of it is, she doesn’t want a mate; she just wants to have a good time. He plays along, but when a dark and powerful being marks her for death, he’s determined to stay by her side in spite of her protests. Now that he’s found his mate, he means to keep her safe no matter what the cost…even if he has to risk it all.

584 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 28, 2015

91 people are currently reading
216 people want to read

About the author

Katie Reus

164 books3,244 followers
Katie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

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5 stars
115 (50%)
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80 (34%)
3 stars
26 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,841 reviews496 followers
May 28, 2019

This is a fabulous series.

Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 37 books93 followers
January 4, 2016
Book: The Darkness Series Boxed Set: Volume 1
Author: Katie Reus
Publication Date: 12/28/2015
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars


REVIEW

Darkness Awakened Book 1

If I could give this book 10 stars I would gladly !!!!!
This was one of the best paranormal romance books I've read in a long time.
We have Finn Stavros Alpha Pack Leader who 17 years ago fell in love with Lyra Marius they were each
others firsts. But in order to protect Lyra he had to leave her . Well he didn't know at the time that she
wanted to tell him something big but never was able to .

Roll forward 17 years and they are in a battle with Akkadian Demons who came out and about because of a
prophecy about mixing of the races and Lyra's evil brother.

Lyra has come to ask Finn for his help although she doesn't tell him the
details of it but her daughter Vega has been kidnapped.
And the battle begins .

Lots of Action, and Romance and vamps, weres, demons, and a dragon shifter named Drake to the rescue and
he has his sights on one of the pack named Victoria !!! And Hybrids !!!! I can not say enough about how terrific this book is and I hope to read more in this series !!!!!!!!!!!

Review copy provided by: copy provided for my honest review

Taste Of Darkness Book 2
This is the 2nd book in the Darkness series by Katie Reus.
I am beyond excited to have gotten the chance to read it as I am a AVID Dragon shifter lover and
True to form Katie Reus does not disappoint. This book was FANFREAKING TASTIC !!!

This is Drake and Victoria’s Story.
Drake is the dragon shifter who came out of the opening to hell when it opened in New Orleans . Finn Stavros pack leader to the wolf shifters accepted Drake into his pack. Immediately after coming out of the gates of hell into the graveyard Drake scented Victoria.

Wow good things to come in this series folks . I think this is a stand alone book but I’d recommend grabbing book 1 Darkness Awakened so you learn who everyone is J

And Katie has left us wondering whose book will be next.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review

Beyond The Darkness Book 3
Keelin is determined to live life to the fullest since she came out of the centuries long hibernation her parents had placed on her. Her brother is now married and although she knows she should be with a dragon pack she stayed on with Finn Stavros's wolf shifter pack.

Bran the Alpha of the Dragon pack has come to town for undercover work but also because he can not seem to stay away from Keelin. He accepts Finn's invitation to stay at the packs place. Although both Alpha males they will work around it.

When getting off of work at Bo's place Keelin is attacked unsure who they are. But it’s Bran to the rescue this time.
The 2nd time well it is Bo who intervenes.

What exactly is going on?
Who is wanting to cause Keelin harm?

And what is going on with Bo and Nyx? This is a story I hope to read some day soon.

Will Keelin finally accept that she has a mate?

Fantastic book I love reading dragon shifter books but Author Katie Reus always adds that extra element of bringing characters from previous stories into the mix.
I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review
Katie Reus
Profile Image for Carlise.
502 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2017
Loved all 3 books..

Well, what can I say..I'm late to the party. I've only just been introduced to the Darkness series via this bundle and I have to say..I've enjoyed these paranormal books immensely.

Darkness Awakened

Finn (wolf shifter) and Lyra (vampire) were secret lovers years ago..Finn sent her away when it became evident that he'd have to kill his uncle and take over the pack. Lyra left without Finn knowing she was pregnant. Fast forward 15 years..Lyra is back and in need of Finns help to find her kidnapped daughter. They still have the same spark and love for each other..can they find their way back to each and past the lies, threat, and knowledge of other supernatural beings.- this book is the beginning and what a beginning it is.. hot sex, sexy paranormals, sci-fi stuff. You can't help but route for the merging of wolves and vampires, but the introduction of dragons..even better.

Taste of Darkness

Drake (dragon) and Victoria (wolf) find attraction and love, but can they fight the fact that Drake doesn't remember who he was before being sentenced to hell 1500.years ago..he's trying to learn this new modern world and figure out who sent him to hell..Victoria is tired of being treated as the baby of the pack..she's strong and knowledgable and wants to be treated as an equal. Can she help Drake piece together his life and build one with her?- I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Drake trying to navigate the new world was funny..he lost so much time, but he's optimistic about building a life with Victoria. Victoria was patient and gentle with Drake helping him remember and deal with all of his new sensations. Watching these two come together reminded you of young love blossoming. The action was intense..loved it.

Beyond the Darkness

Keelin has been sheltered by her parents for centuries. She's out and ready to build and enjoy life. She will not be stopped even if it is to mate. Bran is from another den of dragons and once he aligned with Keelins brother den and caught her scent, he's been hooked. How can he tie her down when she is hell bent on leaving him, trying to figure out who is trying to kill her, and watch her hide from her parents all at the same time.- Bran has the patience of Job..he is on Keelins trail and refuses to allow her to stay away from him. She can fight the mating call all she wants but he is going to protect her whether she likes it or not..even if a supernatural being is out to kill her. Keelin doesn't stand a chance against the sexy alpha dragon..watching her try is hysterical, but once the danger becomes known, Keelin finally understands herself enough to know that the strongest people always have help from friends and family. Loved this story a well.

This series is a must read.
Profile Image for Sony.
382 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2018
Such a great series!!

What can I say! This series is so good. All three hero's are sexy alphas, so dominant, and shifters to boot. How I love shifters! The author did a great job with the back stories on all three couples. I liked that the heroines are just as strong as the males. I love how they work together as partners and not just because they have to. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Debi.
333 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2017
All Smiles Here

Good solid paranormal romance! Just as I said before. A lightly built world that doesn’t leave me guessing. Sizzling Romance that is not disgusting! Thank God! I hate it when a book with a good storyline takes the dive into raunchy.

I will definitely pick those series up again when I’m in the need of a solid Romance that doesn’t take up much brain power.
Profile Image for Barbara Stewart.
681 reviews
March 14, 2017
Great set of books. Read them long time ago but will say read them they r good. Can't remember all but will say that they r worth reading. Loved the series..
Profile Image for Beth.
2,909 reviews26 followers
March 14, 2017
Book 3: Great character development, anti climatic ending

This third book in the Darkness series picks up the relationship between Alpha Bran and dragon shifter Keelin that was begun in an earlier book. The part of the story that deals with the growth of their relationship is well done and the villain part of the story is a new one. That story allows us to find out more information about another character who becomes Bo's live interest and no doubt they will be the subject of another book.

However the villain's story is weakly told and the what should be the big, suspenseful conclusion is ridiculously anti-climatic. After the big build up I had to deduct a star for that ending.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,229 reviews41 followers
March 15, 2017
The first 3 books were fantastic supernatural reads I loved each one
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,252 reviews208 followers
March 17, 2016
4.25 stars----THE DARKNESS SERIES 1-3 by Katie Reus

•••••

4 stars---DARKNESS AWAKENED is the introductory storyline in Katie Reus’s new paranormal adult series-Darkness. This is Finn Stavros (Alpha wolf shifter) and Lyra Marius’s (pureblood vampire) story and one that began seventeen years earlier.

Darkness Awakened is a story about forbidden love and second chances for two people from different species that have more in common than anyone could have known. It has been close to seventeen years since Lyra was pushed away by the only man she has ever loved and the hurt has only increased in the ensuing years. But Finn knew that to enter into a permanent relationship with a vampire could bring about her death at the hands of his then pack alpha and uncle. To protect Lyra, Finn walked away without explanation and Lyra suffered additional rejection when her vampire coven threw her out.

Katie introduces a cast of secondary characters from pack and coven members to a long forgotten species that is larger than life. When the portal to Hell opens, it will take a tentative peace between shifters and vampires to ensure that the world in which they both live is safe for everyone. The reader is pulled into a world where the paranormal is real and the lives of everyone are threatened when a vampire takes control of a young woman whose only sin was to go looking for the father she never knew.

If you are a fan of the paranormal; stories with a little bit of mystery and suspense; and a sensual romance between two people that are perfect for each other than Katie’s new DARKNESS series and DARKNESS AWAKENED is the perfect read.


••••••


4.5 stars: TASTE OF DARKNESS is the second instalment in Katie Reus’s adult, contemporary DARKNESS paranormal romance series. This is dragon shifter Drake and wolf shifter/healer Victoria’s storyline. We were first introduced to Victoria and Drake in Darkness Awakened where Drake was revealed asVega’s protector in Hell. Although TASTE OF DARKNESS is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone.

We are introduced to a number of secondary characters including Drake’s siblings, extended family and a host of enemy clans who are all vying for control. With the introduction of several new dragons, there appears to be several potential matings on the horizon.

Katie Reus adds another imaginative and intense storyline to her repertoire of romantic paranormal novels. TASTE OF DARKNESS takes the reader on a passionate journey, a captivating love story, and an entertaining view of life as a paranormal shifter.


••••••••••

4.25 stars--BEYOND THE DARKNESS is the third installment in Katie Reus’s contemporary adult Darkness paranormal romance series. This is Devlin Clan dragon alpha and former black ops agent Bran Devlin, and dragon shifter princess Keelin Petronilla’s storyline. Keelin is the sister of Drake Petronilla from book two-Taste of Darkness. Told from third person point of view, Beyond the Darkness can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Katie invites the reader into her amazing and fascinating world of shifters, vampires, dragons and demons. Her heroes are alpha male, a little bit over protective, but only have eyes for the woman of their heart. There is always plenty of testosterone when the alpha males move in to protect the females and their mates. Katie knows how to get your blood pumping.

Profile Image for Sarah.
438 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2021
I Really liked this series! Unfortunately it's been a few weeks since I read it so I can't remember if it had lots of smut...I think it must have had some descriptive scenes as I only gave it 3 stars. Good story lines and I might read more from this author.
Profile Image for Crissy.
2,801 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2016
Darkness Awakened
Lyra shows up at Finn’s house wanting help to find her daughter Vega who was kidnapped because of a prophecy. Finn finally comes face to face again with his long lost love he has been searching for years to find, so when she needs his help he won’t turn her away. There love was once forbidden; vampires and werewolves aren’t supposed to fall in love and now that Lyra is back in Finn’s life and he’s determined to keep her there no matter what. When he finds out Vega is his daughter there is nothing and no one who will stop him from finding her; he must protect the daughter he never knew existed, once he has done that he must do what he should have done years before.

Taste of Darkness
Drake is a dragon that has been literally trapped in hell for most of his life. He saves Victoria and is accepted into her wolf pack as a member. Drake remembers nothing of his previous life and the question that remains is how did he end up in hell? Drake’s need to let off steam gives him unwanted attention and the attention of someone who wants revenge. Strangers approach Drake claiming they are his family; where was his family when he was in hell and are they truly who they claim to be? Danger seems to follow Drake wherever he goes and how much is he willing to risk to get the answers he need. Taste of Darkness is a paranormal read full of mystery, suspense, revenge and romance.

Beyond the Darkness

I knew from the chemistry between Bo and Nyx in previous books that when they finally decide to stop fighting against what they feel and come together it would be off the charts. Friendship between the two turns to love but with a past like Bo’s could Nyx really accept him fully? Nyx owes a favor to her mother and her mother has come to cash in on that favor. Nyx knows what her mother asks of her is too simple but it must be done or Nyx will be at the mercy of her father. Nyx and Bo are in for the journey of their lives and that journey leads them to quite a few surprises along the way. Nyx knows she is powerful but she’s still unsure of her full potential. However, she will definitely learn a few things along the way. I love the way characters from the previous books are always included in the next book and along the way we get a few new characters which leads to more surprises. I cannot wait to see who the next story will be about. This series is a definite recommendation for paranormal book lovers as this book has a little of everything; vampires, dragons, fae, shifters, demons, goddesses and more.

This series is perfect for all paranormal lovers who enjoy reading about all types of "creatures" because this series has it all. I've enjoy this series a lot and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I recommend readers reading the series in order so you don't miss anything going on with the characters because all of the characters introduced in the first book appears in every book.
Profile Image for JoRead.
365 reviews39 followers
March 18, 2016
Oh my dragon shifters! I love, love, love this series and it just keeps getting better and better. I normally don’t like a series where there are that many paranormal creatures thrown into the mix because I get all confused but to my surprise on this particular series I actually don’t mind! The author knows how to craft her paranormal world and how to keep it straightforward and engaging.

I read each story as they came out and I absolutely recommend them to anyone that likes PNR perfectly blended with a sense of adventure, passion, and urban fantasy.
2,130 reviews46 followers
March 18, 2016
This three book bundle from Katie Reus is a treasure of paranormal romances. Her writing is powerful and so compelling. I love that her characters are loyal and protective of family and friends. When they love, they give their whole heart. The action is non-stop and filled with many twists and turns. The stories kept me on the edge of my seat. These three books are keepers. I loved each and every one.

230 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2016
The Darkness series is another win for Katie. The suspense always keeps you guessing as to what will happen next and once you start reading, you don't want to stop until you are finished. The characters are well developed and you are sure to always fall in love with the hero and heroine.
Profile Image for Victoria.
1,188 reviews94 followers
June 12, 2016

Book One:
3.5 RATING- Outside the norm from what I normally read but I liked it. Overall, a good start to a series with potential. I'll read the second book and see what I think.
Book one ends at approximately 25%

Book Two:



Book Three:
2,133 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2016
Holy Hot Shifters...

An awesome box set. Mystery, suspense, passion, swoon worthy sex and add in shifters. These books can stand alone but put them together it makes happiness in words. Ms. Reus keep writing such awesomeness.
80 reviews
April 22, 2017
This was a great collection that just makes me want to read the rest of the books in this series. I like that each couple thus far has their own unique story and the author does a good job of introducing new characters. The story of Drake and Victoria (book 2) made me want to learn more about this world and the budding alliances between the different species. I will continue to read whatever Ms. Reus has to offer in this series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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