Toma

The Dark Shadows #2

by Ariel Marie

For centuries, the Dark Shadows have been charged with protecting the Vampire nation. Necromancers, their mortal enemies, are growing bolder and stronger in their attempt to destroy the vampires.

Anika Massey, best friend to the vampirian princess, has lusted after her friend’s older brother, Toma, for years and he doesn’t seem to even notice she exists. At least, she didn’t think the Dark Shadows warrior did, until the necromancers turned their focus on her.

He noticed her. One touch and Toma Olaru knew he wouldn’t be able to give her up. Since their first meeting he could not get the curvy human female off of his mind. He knew it wasn’t right for him to have feelings for his sister’s best friend, but fate had decided that she’s his mate. She’s human and according to Vampire laws, he cannot have her and should have never touched her.

Anika understands the ways of the vampires and knows she must let Toma go, but will Toma be willing to let her go?

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Romance, Paranormal

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 2016

About the author

Cleveland-born and raised, Ariel Marie has been delighting readers for over a decade with her signature blend of pulse-pounding action, steamy romance, and paranormal thrills. From shifters and vampires to fae and witches, she spins worlds where supernatural forces collide with intense emotion—and readers can't get enough.

Many of Ariel’s devoted fans appreciate her ability to transport them into richly imagined worlds, returning again and again to the characters they love. She’s proud to be an indie author, cherishing the freedom to deliver stories on her terms—and it shows in the passion behind every page.

When she’s not writing, you’ll find Ariel curled up planning her next novel—often inspired by a lifelong love of storytelling.

Reviews

[Laura Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.

I loved this book just as much as I loved the first. Toma is exactly as I imagined him to be and so much more. Thanks to the author's creative writing style you are able to feel every single raw emotion that occurs between Anika and Toma. I even found myself calling Toma every name under the sun because though he feels like he's trying to do right by Anika he is still a jerk at times.

This read is full of action and steamy sex. The plot is strong and well written and the characters are to die for. Be forewarned that once you start reading this book you won't want to put it down and I say this because I stayed up late to finish it.

I cannot wait to read the next book!

Merged review:

I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.

I loved this book just as much as I loved the first one. Toma is exactly as I envisioned him to be and so much more. Thanks to the author's creative writing style you are able to feel every single emotion that Anika and Toma experience. I even found myself calling Toma not so many nice names because though he is trying to do the right thing at times he also is being a jerk. Be forewarned that once you start reading this book you won't want to put it down and I say this because I stayed up late to finish.

I cannot wait to read the next installment.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read and enjoyed the previous book 'Princess' back in January and decided since it had been a while and there's been so many books in between I'd best re-read it before I started this one. As it turns out that was a mistake because this book recaps all the relevant information which I didn't expect especially it's a series, but anyway.
We know from 'Princess' that Anika is best friends with Nadira the vampire princess and she secretly has a huge crush on Nadira's brother Toma.
As it turns out Anika is Toma's mate and he's struggled with his attraction since the first moment he laid eyes on her but he's kept this to himself.
The dark Necromancers led by Xalak are after Nadira who's been hidden by magic, in a desperate attempt to find her they threaten Anika, in order to keep safe Anika moves into the same house as the Olaru's.
While this is an entertaining read and I like all the characters I have to be honest and say that I didn't love this mainly because Toma decided to try and ignore the fact that Anika was his mate. One of the things I liked best about 'Princess' was that Nadira knew Zac was her mate and fought for him and it annoyed me that Toma would try to cheat fate, any idiot could see it wouldn't work and no matter how much I tried I just couldn't get past this and it spoilt the book for me.

[Samantha Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first book to read by Ariel Marie. I was not disappointed in the least. Toma is hard headed and strong willed refusing to accept the truth of his fate. Anika is an amazing heroine that risks her life to save others. The characters had great chemistry and Ariel Marie really made them come to life.

The twists and turns will keep you on your toes and waiting for more. This is a great read with a HEA ending. I look forward to seeing what else Ariel Marie puts out for us.

[Martyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I did not read the first book in the series but the author did a good job of recapping so I did not feel lost. It's a fast easy read. I look forward to the next book.

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is How You DO It!

It was not my plan to read this book in one setting. I had edits to get through, errands to run, dinner to cook – all of which didn’t happen. Again. LOL!

Instead, I got lost in Toma and Anika’s story…as well as the rest of the Olaru family, Cooper, the Dark Shadows, necromancers and their versi, kidnappings, threats, a vampire ball, and, of course, Xalak. (Sucks to be you, Xalak!) Toma is in big time denial about his future…or lack of one…with Anika, as Xalak and his army pull out all the stops to get to Nadira.

Ariel Marie has done an amazing job with the continuing story of the Olaru family and the Dark Shadows. Tension is present from the beginning as the Dark Shadows are determined to hunt down the necromancers and keep Nadira safe. When Nadira’s best friend, Anika, is attacked by Xalak, Toma, already frustrated by not being able to claim his fated mate, is barely capable of controlling his rage. Plans to keep Anika safe go slightly awry when she and Toma grow closer. Too many secrets and words unspoken lead Anika to turn away from Toma…and become Xalak’s hostage. (Where is Idris?)

The author’s descriptive emotions are spot on! I felt Toma’s frustration and rage, Anika’s heartbreak, Nicu’s anger, and even Xalak’s malevolence. Queen Alin is still regal and elegant, but I found out she is definitely a force to be reckoned with. With each scene, the tension grows…as each act of disrespect and violence is more foul than the last. By the time the group reach the cemetery, I was on the edge of my seat! My heart was breaking for the wounded Anika, but when two Olarus go missing, I was ready to join the Dark Shadows! LOL! (Okay, I get a bit over-invested.) There’s some pretty cool supporting characters in this installment – Brian, Cassia, Selena…Idris. (Where is Idris?) Might there be a future pairing in that group?

While the Olarus prevail (where is Idris?), a new evil has been unleashed that just might hate their family more than Sodan Magnus.

I definitely love the pairing of Toma and Anika, and hope to see more of them as this family saga unfolds. The emotional and physical price they each paid, not to mention the sacrifice they were each willing to make, is the true heart of this story.

I highly recommend “Toma (The Dark Shadows Book 2)” – go ahead and 1-click!

Enjoy!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geez. I read Princess earlier and just finished this one in 1 setting too! Yup...that good! I gotta admit I liked this one slightly better because it flowed better and it was more developed than the first book. Sorta how it goes sometimes in series. This is a very good series and its interesting and she draws you in. There were times in book 1 that it got a little slow but not this one. Ohhh I really wanted to slap the **** outta Toma a few times. He didnt act like he hated her or anything. More like ignoring her and indifference to Anika. Like she meant nothing and treated her as such. She was his mate and knew for years and because of "rules" he knew he could never claim her because she's human. When she's attacked and brought to their mansion...he basically uses her for sex at night time and totally ignores she even exists during the day. Ouch! My heart broke for her. He continually hurt her because he was an idiot and in denial. Once you find your mate no matter if she's human or vampire etc. You MUST claim her or you eventually die. Duh...lol. I do admire that she put a stop to it after a couple weeks when she found out about his having to mate a vampire. She showed a backbone there. He never even told her she was his mate. That evil bastard told her. There are some things that arent followed through in this book though. Like what happened to Idris? Last thing we knew he was hanging from chains and boom thats it. So, yeah a few smallish issues but otherwise a great read. We are supposed to get Teague next in book 3. I sure know that Nicu's story will be interesting once we get it. He's second in line for the throne. Gonna take someone special for him and his grumpy butt! :) Can't forget Adrian as well.

[Sharon Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toma: The Dark Shadows 2 by Ariel Marle
5 stars

The first thing I want to say is take a really good look at the hottie on the cover. Got it, good. Now just remember that look he has on (psst, peak again I won't tell) as you read this awesomely frustrating book, lol.

Meet Toma Olaru, one of the Dark Shadow Vampires. His little sister Nadira also the princess and bff to Anika Massey who's a human. Anika is under the princesses family protection since being attacked, from the first book I take it, Anway...

Toma knew at first meeting Anika was who the fates deemed his mate, crap. She his sister's best friend, can you say taboo for not just that but knowing that she is but also knowing he can never claim her. She's not a vampire.

Anika is attacked in her home a and asked one question.. Where is she, Nadira? was the last thing she heard before it all went black.Now under safety at Nadira's family home, Anika must put up with the grouchy Toma. ( peek at cover) But dam he's hot..hehe

Anyway... Toma in the story shows how some men, vamps included, can be such a idiot when trying to get a woman off their mind. It never ends well. His frustration is hilarious to me yet so dang touching in a strange sort of way. Sigh, peek at cover again.

When Anika is taken by Xalak, the necromancer kings son, yes their Evil. Rage like you have never seen is about to take over Toma. The truth is about to come out.

Intense, Riveting, Heart pounding hotness and a HEA or Not ending to boot. Woo Hoo. Psst. One last peek at cover, lol.

Great PNR book for mature audiences.

This book was given to me through instafreebie.com. I have offered a review for thanks.

I apologize for such a lengthy review, I kept losing my train of thought, Toma.

Reviewer for Nook Books and More

[Jennifer Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toma by Ariel Marie is book 2 in the Dark Shadows series. Each book in the series are written as stand alone novels though so you can read them out of order.

Anika is one of the few humans who have the privilege of knowing that vampires exist. She is best friends to Nadira, the vampire Princess and the considered to be a second daughter to the King and Queen. Toma is a vampire and one of Nadira’s 4 older brothers. He has known since the day he met Anika that she is his fated mate. Vampire politics has kept him from claiming her, but when she is attacked and goes to live in his families mansion, the pull to her is to great for him to resist. Can they make it work?

In this book, you get to see the darker side of vampire nature. As Toma continues to deny his claim on Anika, he slides further and further into that darkness. Poor Anika doesn’t have a clue why he’s treating her that way. She is already a self conscious girl and him refusing to acknowledge her in public only chips away more at her self esteem. The plot with the necromancers continues to thicken and a new element will be introduced. Add in more steamy romance the story just keeps getting better and better.

It only took me a day to read this book. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read the rest! This is a must read! Don’t forget to pick up the first book Princess as well.

[Timothy Bateson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review.

Nadira, Princess of the vampires, has been rescued from the clutches of the Necromancers, and her location has been hidden by powerful magics, thwarting the plans of the vampire's enemies.
Now the Necros turn their attentions to her best friend, Anika, who just happens to have ties to the vampire family that go beyond her friendship with Nadira.
Toma is a good follow-up to Princess, and continues the story where the first book in the series left off. This time we follow the story through the eyes of Toma and Anika, and watch as the two of them start to recognize something between them that goes against vampire law.
The story is faster moving than Princess was, and the excitement builds quickly, as we learn more about the background behind the war between the vampires and Necros. Even more interesting are the constantly changing stakes that will keep you reading, and waiting for the next twist in the tale.
I loved Princess, and Toma is a well deserved follow-up. I can't wait until the third book comes out, because.... [spoilers]

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh! I read the last ~75% of this in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down! I didn’t think it would be possible, but I actually liked this one a lot better than I liked book 1! This one was intense with the perfect mix of romance, action, and even a bit of mystery thrown in (well, maybe mystery’s not the right word for it, but it’s the best I can come up with to describe it).
The characters – oh boy did I love the characters! Anika and Toma... I was pretty “meh” about them in the first book, but in this one they really came to shine in the spotlight. They were perfect, but in a good way. They had strengths and weaknesses and come out perfectly well rounded. I felt for them as I followed their emotional roller coaster ride, and wished they were real so I could hug them more than once.
Related to that (I think), the writing is much improved from book 1. I still noticed some errors, but they didn’t bother me much at all compared to the ones in the first book. Maybe it’s just that I was too caught up in it all to really care about it, but that would only make it stronger.
Definitely looking forward to the next book!!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will try not to give spoilers! LOVED this book! I read Princess right before this one, and wasn't sure that Toma's character was the story I wanted to read, but WOW. I was really drawn to the down to earth nature of Anika and loved how much I pictured her in my head. She has this wonderful personality and I could really relate to her and got really involved in her life as she developed this relationship with Toma. Toma, on the other hand, was the vampire in this case yet still resonated as a typical male and it was so easy to get emotionally involved in his story! Nearly every chapter I wanted to yell at the book and tell him what to do, and would have to laugh at myself because my husband would listen no better than Toma would. It really hit upon the same issues we make in real life relationships and miscommunications, but you can really feel how these characters are drawn to each other and you just spend the whole book trying to will them to get it right. I had no problems keeping myself interested in it from page one through the end. I can't wait for the next one in the series!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hell, I loved this book. This was my first book by Ariel Marie, and I am now a die hard fan. I will be going back to read book 1and catch up. I also can't wait for book 3.

Toma is one of the vampire princes. He has known from the first day that he met his sisters best friend,Anika, that she was his mate. He also knew that because she was human that it could never be. So, he treated her like she didn't exist. That all changed one day when she was attacked and was brought to stay at the Royal house.

Toma told her they could have a strictly sexual relationship. And then when the light of day hit, he acted like he didn't even know her. It hurt her immensely. He never told her, or anyone else for that matter, that she was his mate. That all changes one day when Anika is taken. It's a wild hunt to find her, and Toma is losing his mind over it. His family figures it out and forces him to confess.

From here, you will be on the edge of your seat to see where the story will go. I know I was. I absolutely loved this book be will be impatiently waiting for book 3.

[Christina Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Warning from the book.
"Due to the explicit language and graphic sexual scenes, this book is intended for mature (18 years +) readers only. If things of this nature offend you, this book would not be for you. If you like a good action story with hot steamy scenes with vampires, then you have chosen wisely…"

Toma is the broody older brother of Nadira, and Anika Massey is her spunky best friend. Both have deep feelings for each other, but due to their connection with Nadira and Vampirian laws neither are willing to admit their feelings.
When Anika is attacked by a necromancer it hits Toma in his core. While his family is trying to protect his sister and Anika from Xalak and the other necromancers it becomes harder for Toma to keep his hands off of Anika.
In order to find out what happens pick up a copy due out February 20, 2016.

[Donna Peebles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted an Arc by the author in return for an honest review.

An amazing continuation from Princess...
Toma is book two in the dark shadows series.

Tomas story was absolutly brilliant, Toma must fight his connection to Anika, Council law states a male vampire must wed a female vampire to continue the bloodline and keep the vampire nation growing strong, however Toma's mate is Human and he is finding it soo hard to resist her.

Anika has trouble at her back as the Necromancers want Toma's mate to bring them Princess Nadira and they will kill anyone who stands in the way...can Toma find Anika and make the bond and be with her forever....

Tantalising story of pain, angst, fear, love, passion, hunger and above all family..

[Michelle Ferrari-Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely in Love with this book! I received an arc in exchange for an honest review and I can not emphasize how amazing it is!
A lot of times you start a series, love the first book and struggle through the next one. I started this book a few hours ago and here I am writing it's review!
Ariel Marie has a winning series flying from her fingertips.
Toma is the brother of Nadira, the vampire Princess, who finds his mate to be his sister's BFF, and a human. He has avoided Anika for years and has acted indifferent towards her trying to ignore the call of his true mate.
I can not express enough how well written and adventurous this story is.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book! I won a Arc for an honest review and to be honest I got hooked. page turning non-stop until I finished it that same night.... well early morning. toma is hot! hot! hot! and very lethal. he is a prince and he can't control his feelings any longer for anika his true mate. anika is voluptious and phat (pretty, hot, and tempting) and she seduces toma, but hurts her feelings when he ignores her.... awesome story.... then you have the necromancers they are still looking for Nadira because she has something they want.... you go deep in the story that you feel what the characters feel such as sadness, love, cry, laughter, and ready to kick some *ss!!! I totally recommend it!! :)

[Isiris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow. I'm not a fan of vampires and "romance" books, so I was sceptical about "Toma" but decided to keep an open mind and give it a try. This book has changed my view on this whole genre and now I am a huge fan of it and "The Dark Shadows" series. I finished the book in one sitting and I found it very entertaining and well written.Maybe because I didn't read the first book, but I had to reread a few paragraphs when it came to the whole "mate" thing because I kept thinking that they were Australian. LOL. I highly recommend this book.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[A.M. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my!
I totally loved Princess and was just as pleased with Toma.
I really enjoyed reading this book, I found that it was very well written, nicely descriptive and flowed with a nice pace, which made it an easy read.
Wicked characters, Alpha Vampires who are brothers and make for one hell of an interesting read.
I love Toma!
Alpha Vampires, Necromancers, Versi, Hot sex..
What more can you ask for..
Book 3, that is what I can ask for Book 3!
Cannot wait!!

I received this book, from the author, for free, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Suszet Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, the author did not disappoint. Fast, riveting, the drama and suspense had you emotionally invested. At times I wanted to punch Toma for what he put Anika through, he had always known that Anika was his fated mate, but due to duty kept denying it. It wasnt until a powerful enemy captured Anika that Toma realized he would do anything for her. The sensuality was of the charts, loved how this book was a continuation of the first yet can be read as a standalone. Highly recommend

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was an amazing book and well written. I loved it. This is a fast paced book and I didn’t want to put it down. (Don’t start this book on a lunch break at work.) Toma needs to find a mate. Only problem the one he wants is a human. Will they be able to overcome that? Will Toma be able to claim what is his? Guess you will have to read to find out. I would have given this more than 5 stars if possible.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing Princess I started reading Toma, and again found I couldn't stop until it was finished. Building on from Princess and carrying on with the Olaru family stories, it has me eager to read what else is going to happen with the next book in the series. I hope I don't have to wait too long.

[McKayla Schutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

Started reading after Princess and finished in two days. Couldn't put the book down. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a sexy vampire romance. :)

Merged review:

Started reading after Princess and finished in two days. Couldn't put the book down. Sexy Toma and Anika were great characters. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a sexy vampire romance. :)

[Melissa Basnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tina is a sexy dominant vampire that Anika has had a crush on since she met him. He feels the same way about her, but since she is human he does not want to pursue the relationship. Great romance and mystery. I can't wait for the next book in the series. All the books have been great so far and I love following the stories for the rest of the characters.

[Renee]

I loved this book even more than the first book in the series which was really good!! Toma and his brothers are definitely swoon worthy!! I really enjoyed the action in this book along with the romance. I really cannot wait until book 3 comes out!!

[Chell · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars !!! Just like the first book of this series an absolutely amazing read . I finished this book 3 hours after receiving it , I could not put it down !!! Amazing . I'm so stoked for the next book I can't wait . Great job

[Emma Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could have sworn I left this review already.


But daaaaang! Hot and action packed. I loved toma and Anika sooo much! I can't wait for the next book!

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

TomaToma by Ariel Marie is Book 2 of The Dark Shadows series and a Paranormal Romance

Nurse Anika Massey goes home after a 12 hour shift without a vampire guard for the first time since her best friend vampire princess Nadira Olaru had been attacked. Anika makes it safely home but there's an intruder in her condo looking for Nadira. Vampire prince and Dark Shadows warrior Toma Olaru is filled with fear when he finds out the curvy and beautiful Anika is injured after an attack by necromancers. Anika is Toma's mate and has haunted his dreams but he avoids her because she's human and the vampire council want the vampire princes to mate with other vampires. Anika has crushed on panty melter Toma ever since she met him but knows that he can only be the star of her dirty fantasies as he's never shown any interest in her. Nadira and Toma visit Anika in the hospital and Nadira insists that Anika moves in with them when she's cleared to be released. Nadira has Anika put in the guest suite in the same wing as Toma's suite. With Anika living in such close proximity to Toma, will Toma still be able to resist Anika?

Toma is action-packed, suspenseful, and steamy. Ariel Marie has paired an exciting story with engaging characters for a book that I could not put down.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book about the Olaru family that I have read. It is a continuation of the overall story of necromancers vs vampires. Toma is the strong, silent one of the brothers. He found his mate years ago when he met his sister's best friend, Anika Massey, a human. He kept his distance from her since he was expected to mate with a vampire to produce a royal heir. Once Anika was hurt by the necromancers, since her security detail was cancelled, things changed. Toma's protectiveness kicked in and he couldn't stay away from her. Thing is, she feels the same way. I hated the way he slept with her at night and ignored her during the day and she never called him on it. When she was kidnapped and Toma lost it, I wasn't sure they would make it out alive or as a couple. I really like the Olaru's, but there is more going on here. I can't wait to read the other brothers' stories and how they deal with the new drama. I recommend this book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Sophie Koufes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Description: Book 2 in the Dark Shadows Series
Olaru Family - Vampires
Neocromancers & their Versi
Xalak - Necromancer Prince
Queen - Ali Olaru
Toma Olaru - Vampire part of Dark Shadows & charged with protecting the Vampire Nation.
Anika Massey - Human & Best friend to Vampire Princess Nadir Olaru
I am in love with this series. A creative writing style that is intriguing & keep's you on your toes. A remarkable novel with a captivating plot & compelling character's. Supporting characters add a good mix as we watch The Olaru Family Saga unfold. A page turning novel that I could not put down & scrumptiously devoured. A perfect ending that leads into the next novel. I am so excited to read the next novel in this sensational series. A must read novel & series that will leave you breathless. I volunteerly reviewed an advanced reading copy of this book.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and enthralling romance and adventure. He has found his mate, but has kept it a secret for years. She is human and the one male she is drawn to hates her and treats her coldly. But when she is threatened he will be there for her. But ignoring the pull of his mate may just make him go crazy.

A romance with lots of fighting of vampires against rogues and necros. There are plenty of hot and steamy scenes as well. If you enjoy paranormal romance with a definite bite, then you will love this book and series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book.