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The Dark Ones Saga #3

Dark Surrender

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(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B01MXX7XCH.)

Never met a male siren before?
You're about to....

I grew up as a prince...
And lead the life of a King.
There isn't anyone or anything that doesn't want me, that isn't attracted to me. They can't help it. And I sure as hell don't want them to. I live for their lust, I crave touch like an addiction, I make them beg on their knees for one, simple, caress.
As a male siren it's my job to feed off emotion.
And I was happy to do it.
I am happy to do it.
What I'm not happy about? Being told I have to mate with some withering human and stay loyal to that one person for the next few centuries. There's a war coming and being the idiot I am--I offered to take one for the team in order to help a friend.
Now my sexual appetite is taking a freaking kick in the nuts.
And I'm left wondering if it's worth it.
If she's worth it, with messy hair and dirty human hands.
But I have a world to save.
A job to do.
Now, if only, she would just let me do it rather than fighting me at every turn. I've lived lifetimes as the most irresistible being on the planet.
Only to meet my match.
With one.
Measly.
Human.
They say hells hot. They're wrong.
Because Hope, my little human, is way hotter.
And before this is over--she may just singe me alive.

Complete Stand Alone / No Cliffhanger.

232 pages, ebook

First published December 12, 2016

263 people are currently reading
1872 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Van Dyken

177 books18.5k followers
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of mafia and contemporary romances.

Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
Profile Image for ✰ Liz ✰ .
1,433 reviews1,338 followers
December 20, 2016
"It felt like he was devouring my soul."
description

Dark Surrender is the third book in the The Dark Ones Saga. You can absolutely read this as a stand-alone. However, be forewarned I was so enraptured by the characters in this fantastical world that I immediately purchased book one and book two so that I could soak in the entire spectrum of the characters and romance from the whole series.
description
"He drank me. This wasn't kissing. My entire body clenched as his lips molded around mine, sucking, plundering as his tongue flicked, as he sucked until I thought I was going to pass out."
Alexander is a siren, and his beauty acts as a magnet to everything and everyone in his presence. When the time has come for him to find his mate, he selects a human girl named Hope. When Hope seems strangely unaffected by his greatness, Alex amps up his magical aura and makes every effort to woo her into his bed. As the two finally come together, Alex recognizes who Hope truly is, and he must come to terms with the feelings he has for her. When Hope discovers the truth about her past, she clings to her new family (and Alex) to survive! When life and death are on the line, is love between a siren and a human enough?

description
"Mine. I felt it. Her love."
Told in multiple POV, Dark Surrender is an absolute delight! Rachel Van Dyken has created a magical world with angels, vampires, wolfs, elves, spirits, and their human counterparts with ease! I was completely enraptured by the vibrant colors in this world. The intensity of the connection between these characters was quite addictive as the need for one's mate is imperative for survival. The passion is intense and the intrigue in the plot kept me on the edge of my seat the entire read.

description
The Dark Ones Saga is a completely new series for me, so I am completely giddy over discovering another paranormal romance series to explore! Dark Surrender was a perfect introduction to this world and as I stated earlier in my review, as soon as I finished reading I downloaded the first two books in the series on my Kindle. I highly recommend this series to paranormal romance fans and I look forward to reading more!

***The Dark Ones Saga***
The Dark Ones (The Dark Ones Saga, #1) by Rachel Van DykenUntouchable Darkness (The Dark Ones Saga, #2) by Rachel Van DykenDark Surrender (The Dark Ones Saga, #3) by Rachel Van Dyken

*ARC graciously provided via TRSOR in exchange for an honest review!*

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Profile Image for Sabrina.
4,316 reviews2,398 followers
October 25, 2017
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK



Dark Surrender was the biggest heart-pounding story of this series for me. I was left wondering about so much and had a ton of questions that I was dying to get the answers to throughout the book. I loved that it had me captivated even more than The Dark Ones did. And that's saying a lot because that book was insanely intriguing.

Alex was kind of an unknown character for me since I felt like we didn't really learn a ton about him in the previous books. I liked that we got to discover everything there was to know about him in his own book and see him for more than just his dazzling good looks and fun-loving personality.

Getting to see him not be able to use only his Siren abilities of seduction and completely out of his element was fantastic. He and Hope had a very antagonistic relationship in the beginning and we got to watch them grow from that. They kind of pushed each other until their real feelings were shown and I thought it added so much intensity to the story that they didn't just fall into each other easier.

I can definitely say this was my favorite book from the series, and will most likely end up being the most re-read. Alex and Hope just grabbed my attention right away and there was no way I couldn't love them.
Profile Image for Jilly.
1,838 reviews6,689 followers
November 13, 2017


Alex is a Siren and has been pretty hilarious in the past books. I was expecting his story to have tons of comedy hi-jinx. It was supposed to be a side-splitter. This is the guy who was giddy over putting a guy in their dungeon so he could post pictures on Instagram. He was chanting "dungeon, dungeon, dungeon" while doing it. That's fun, dammit!!


It isn't work if you love what you do.

But, in this book, his own book, he sucks. He's a moody ass. And, an UNfunny moody ass. I could have handled a little assishness if he was funny, but no. I was totally let down.

Also, his hair kept transforming into different colors and it was weird. I guess it was supposed to be pretty, but it was more like a unicorn puking on a rainbow throughout the book. I just didn't get it. His hair stayed the same colors in the other books. Suddenly it became the world's brightest mood ring.


No. It doesn't look good, and I don't think you need to start wearing more color.

So, the book was a disappointment, and yet I'm kind of interested in the overall story because there is a war coming. And, the next book is the werewolf's book. He has been absolutely adorable and fun throughout the series.
Profile Image for Princess under cover.
617 reviews319 followers
February 11, 2019
This one was 3.5 rounded to 4, might decide to take down to 3 by end of review let’s see...

I’ve always liked Alex’s humor and snark. It started out pretty well, fast and snappy as usual. I still don’t like the convoluted back stories but there’s not as much in this one. I also don’t like the author wasting my $ by writing one-word sentences for like pages and pages out of a not so long book!

Write damn it! And edit! OK taking down to 3 stars.

There were more sexy times. What one would expect in a book about the sexiest of all sexy beings. But this author’s sex scenes are REALLY tame. So it’s all relative.

There was one scene with a 3-some. With Mason, the wolf. Why is he always the one who’s the best friend of all the women and getting used by others to get off??? Poor mason.

Scene wasn’t all that hot tho. Weird is what I’d call it. This author can’t write sex scenes. Cover is misleading. And on zoom, cover guy is def not the most beautiful man I ever saw! Better to have not showed his face so Readers can fantasize.

Anyway, on to the next one. At least the series is coming back up again...
Profile Image for Christine (Shh Moms Reading).
1,454 reviews569 followers
December 12, 2016
Alex *le sigh*
need I say more <3


IT'S LIVE!!!
Dark Surrender by Rachel Van Dyken is LIVE!!! If you love paranormal reads - sirens, vampires, and werewolves (OH MY!) you will absolutely LOVE this new book! And it's only $1.99!!!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2hkcws3
Profile Image for  Linathebookaddict  .
1,568 reviews408 followers
December 15, 2016
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Image and video hosting by TinyPic


Title: Dark Surrender
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Category: Paranormal Romance
Series or Standalone: Part of a series but works as a standalone too
POV: Various PoVs
Plot: 4
Characters: 4
HEA: Not telling





Loved it!!! Alex & Hope almost melted my Kindle!!!
I love how Rachel Van Dyken can switch genres so easily!! With this book we enter the world of the Dark Ones and we learn more about Alex, the seductive Siren.
What Alex must do is choose a mate but he never expected Hope to be one of the candidates. Hope is different and her special bond with Alex will bring forth Alex's past and why he is the way he is.
If you love paranormal, then this saga is a must read! Great settings and a magical environment! I highly recommend it.


4 Stars

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Profile Image for Kelli C .
1,053 reviews358 followers
December 18, 2016
So I find myself surprised that I didn't love Alexander's story as much as the previous books. Things are moving fast for the immortals and that urgency played a. it too much into Alex and Hope's story so I lost the love connection that was needed. This was a HOT tale...temperature and tone...it was a lust filled need for survival for Alex and his little Elf but it was hard to see the mating as anything emotional as they were thrown together and boom...kinda married and not even really liking one another. There was a feel of manufactured intimacy and of course Alex being a Siren didn't help. I liked the story...I just needed more of Alex and Hope to "get" their relationship. Still patiently waiting for Mason...and a vampire? Fun times ahead!
Profile Image for Jacqueline's Reads.
3,106 reviews1,528 followers
May 28, 2018
3.5 – 4 Stars

I’m on a paranormal binge. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Rachel Van Dyken read and I figured, why not continue The Dark Ones series.

You can sort of read the books out of order, but there’s too many things that go on, I highly advise you to go against that. Not like typical paranormal romance book, this series is about a different creature for each book.

Book 1 – Is about a Vampire (so far it’s been my favorite one)
Book 2 – is about an angel. He was my favorite character, but sadly his book didn’t live up to my expectations.
Book 3 – this book is about a Siren (that’s a new one for me, I guess it’s like an incubus?)
Book 4 – werewolf.

I honestly didn’t have expectations for this book, but to my surprise it was a pleasant read. The first book will still be my favorite, but this one was slightly shorter and lighter.

I don’t read a lot of books about a siren, maybe it’s something the author made up. I feel like in these kind of worlds anything goes. I feel like some of the world building is a bit out there and I kind of wish the book had more steam. Don’t get me wrong, there is steam and kind of kinky steam (that was the best part of the book) but sadly the chemistry between the two main characters … well… kind of fell short for me.

I didn’t see anything but lust and it was hard to get wrapped into the “love” when the book was kind of short and there was a lot of stuff happening.

Dark Surrender does kind of make you feel for Mason (the werewolf) and I’m excited for his story.

I will continue with the story because I like Mason and I’m curious to where that will go, but I’m not sure if this series is my most favorite paranormal series. It’s very short, gets to the point and kind of light, so if you are in the mood for that then I think it’s for you.
Profile Image for Red Cheeks Reads.
2,281 reviews373 followers
December 19, 2016
‘This is what happened when you went to work early. You get sucked into weird immortal mating rituals.’

This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine amongst Rachel’s book. It has it all. A bit dark, a lot funny, plenty sexy and characters that completely suck you in. Everything about Dark Surrender was a win for me. Going in I was unsure how Rachel would make me love Alex, the siren. But she completely succeeded and with a beautiful complex story to boot.

‘I was picking a fight with a man who was basically ninety-nine percent archangel. Not one of my finer moments. But he was touching mine.’

Alex and Hope’s romance is an epic one and completely hard fought at times. From the beginning he is mean to her, like really mean, and yet neither can stand to be separated from the other. The story had so many layers and surprises. I stayed up all night desperately eager to see what would happen next and with each twist I was pulled in deeper and deeper. This book could be read as a standalone but I personally would recommend reading the series in order since it adds more depth to the story. The Dark Ones Saga is one that just keeps getting better and better. And on that note let me just say I need Mason’s book like yesterday!

~miranda
Profile Image for ren ♡ .
402 reviews1,008 followers
November 11, 2020
Not my favorite in the series but still, an alright read. Alex didn't have the same funny personality he had in the previous books which was a bit of a let down. Granted he is dealing with shit this time round, so I'll let it go. Hope was an alright heroine, I could empathise with her but I couldn't do much beyond that. Overall, I couldn't really connect with the main characters, I think Mason and Timber really stole the spotlight in this one.

Rating: 2.5/5
Profile Image for ★ Belle The Bibliophile ★.
876 reviews272 followers
January 1, 2017
I'm really not feeling this book. I picked it on whim when I saw some really great reviews--and I thought Okay. Let's see what it's all about.... Funny thing is I actually put off the second book because the first one didn't really stick with me but I was really hoping this one would work for me because MALE siren... Hello.

The first of the book is actually good, I genuinely enjoyed it. I loved the funny banter between Alex and Hope. Those two got me giggling alone in bed when I was supposed to study lol. But as the story progressed their relationship started to feel really shallow. The connection I was supposed to feel was absent--I just couldn't connect with them as a couple, in love.

Maybe if the book was longer, the author could do something in terms of the characters' personal development and their relationship build-up because it's sorely lacking. These two went from being all hot and bothered with each other to being hopelessly in love? Ahah. Not buying it. Not buying it at all. No thanks.

Also one thing that really bothered me in the end is that (huge spoilers ahead) but it fucking sucks okay. I'm not okay with that.
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,985 reviews210 followers
December 14, 2016
My friend, Christine, said it best when it comes to Alex. "Le Sigh."

Dark Surrender is Alex's story. He's the next immortal that needs to be mated in order for them to reach their full strength. If you've read the previous books, you will know that he volunteered himself so Mason could still mourn his mate. As Alex would call it - " It's the Immortal version of the Hunger Games." HAHA

Alex has to choose a human as his mate, as do all immortals. But he's a siren so choosing a mate and being able to find true love with them, for him that seems an impossible feat. Until Hope. But Hope isn't enchanted or bewitched by Alex's beauty. And he finds out quickly, she's not exactly human either. And that's something that both Alex and Hope are surprised by.

Rachel's stories, whether they are paranormal, romantic suspense or contemporary romance, she is able to suck you into their world. You can easily picture everything that is going on around you. And Dark Surrender is no different. I saw everything single moment play out before be as if I was watching a movie. And she's able to write the perfect mix of humor into some pretty damn serious situations. And it's not cheesy at all!

I don't think Rachel will ever be able to write a shitty story. There, I've said it. She's an extremely talented writer. There isn't a story of hers that I have no read and loved.

Another fantastic read to add to The Dark One Saga. I can't wait to read Mason's story next!!

Side note - you can read each book as a standalone. However, I HIGHLY recommend reading them in order to get the true understanding of each character and how they are all intertwined together. Plus there's an overall backstory involving every character that plays out in each book.
Profile Image for Marie Vasquez.
1,598 reviews78 followers
November 9, 2018
This series just get better and better. I'm ready for Mason's story now!!!

Alex was the comic relief of the group. As a siren he has sex on the brain 24/7, I never would have imagined his story would disclose so much destiny and potential he had awaiting him, and the peculiar human he has to ate with that can resist his charm was as equally charged with a destiny just a great as his!

Superb storytelling of a fantastical world where archangels, vampires, werewolves and sirens make up one happy, dysfunctional yet strong family.
Profile Image for Shazy.
478 reviews21 followers
December 17, 2016
3 siren stars

Disappointed, could have been better.
Profile Image for joyce.
89 reviews
July 16, 2024
stuck w it only for hope. alex can go to fucking hell. i despise cheaters. ik it was in his nature as a siren to seek sex but he wont even do it w hope bc of his fcking insecurities (he felt like he dont deserve her, well u surely dont!!) so he sought other women to have his itch scratched bc siren cant fucking survive in a day without sex and when he was supposed to protect hope and her family, he failed bc he was busy fucking another woman.

i hate how this was revealed around 70+% of the book and was totally glossed over bc there's a fucking war.

should i be proud of him not finding someone else to have sex w when hope left him in the present timeline when he couldnt even last a day without one in the past? hell no. too little, too late. i wished he suffered more.

i would've totally dropped this series if i wasnt alr invested w the war and how it'll end. will totally keep my expectations low bc men in this series are assholes (except cassius, well for now..)
Profile Image for Amy .
3,129 reviews
December 15, 2016
He tasted like rain, like water–life. I couldn’t kiss him hard enough, or get close enough.”

If you’ve been following this series for a while, you’re probably like me and have just been dying to get your hands on Alex’s story. Alex captured my interest from the very first moment his character was introduced, and I have to tell you, Alex’s story was everything that I needed it to be.

In Dark Surrender, we finally get Alex’s story. A war is coming and there is only one way to stop it. So, Alex decides to take one for the team, after all humanity and the world is at stake. But, he never thought that his actions would work against him…..Hope is the ultimate game changer. She gives Alex a run for his money and fights him at every turn. Only no matter how much she wants to fight him, fate has other plans for these two. Will Alex and Hope be able to save the world? And will Alex take a chance on the one thing he never thought he could have? There is only one way to find out…

Dark Surrender was a quick and enjoyable read. I loved the setting and the paranormal aspects. I was captivated by Alex and Hope’s story from the very beginning and found myself having a hard time putting this book down. I thought that Alex and Hope had amazing chemistry and I loved the pull they had for one another. The two of them shared some down right steamy scenes, but you could tell that there was more to them than just sexual chemistry. I really enjoyed visiting with characters from the previous stories and am excited about some new characters that were introduced. There is one character in particular that I am hoping story will be told next! Fingers crossed.

It should be mentioned that while this is the third book in the series, I do feel that it can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.

Dark Surrender is fast-paced and hit all the marks for me. It was fun and entertaining. It had the signature RVD humor that I can not get enough of. The plot was spellbinding and had me devouring the pages. I can not wait to see what adventure this author has in store for me next!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,417 followers
December 11, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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Dark Surrender is the third installment in the Dark Ones Saga and this time, the much anticipated story of Alex has arrived. Alex is a siren and not just any typical siren but he is a powerful one. He loves sex and looking for a place to belong. And so what happens when this siren falls hard and must surrender to his feelings for the one woman that he tries to distance himself from. Can a man who feeds and lives off on sex surrender his feelings for his destined mate?


While Dark Surrender can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend you to read the previous two books in order to understand the characters and the past history. Rachel Van Dyken beautifully weaves grit, sexy undertones, and raw emotions in this compelling paranormal romance. And of course, we cannot forget that RVD does her sprinkling of humor as well. So if you are looking for a PNR that is packed with entertainment, charismatic characters and love then get ready to surrender to RVD’s writing and of course, Alex.

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Profile Image for Meegz Reads.
1,530 reviews128 followers
November 28, 2022
*4 Stars*

Copy kindly received for an honest review.

This book captivated me from the start. I enjoyed Alex and Hope's story, and was wondering how all the pieces fit together. I wasn't expecting some things, and yet it all played out so well. Alex is a complex character and Hope is just pure goodness. I liked our other faves being there and I cannot wait for Mason's book next. Would recommend.

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Profile Image for David Maher.
275 reviews10 followers
December 14, 2016
Dark Surrender, the third in a series of interrelated standalone paranormal novels by Rachel Van Dyken started off in a manner that I didn't expect. One of the main characters, Alex, a male Siren would be known to readers of the first two books in the series, but his origins were never explored in them, and what we get in the prologue was at the same time fitting, developing the back story to a character and fleshing him out into a more complex and nuanced individual than the somewhat superficial treatment he'd received in the earlier books, but concurrently painting him, and his history in a light that was entirely alien to anything I might have imagined.

Then with the start of the story proper, we get onto more familiar territory. There's a war on the horizon. Immortals, like Alex, are more powerful when they're mated, bonded to a human capable of potentially bearing their immortal children in a bond that is more than just ceremonial, but magical as well. Real. Potent.

Ergo, Alex, as a leader amongst the immortals, has a duty to get married, and much as he might prefer to avoid being bonded for life to some weak human who couldn't possibly resist the attraction innate to his nature as a siren, leaving no window for any kind of genuine relationship based on them actually being attracted to him as a person, the other alternative is, well, the end of the world, so there's that.

Now, if you're anything like me, you'd probably be thinking at this point "Okay, I've got a handle on this, I can see where this is going", and the thing is? For me at least, I was wrong. So wrong. Not only that, but once I'd navigated the left turn Rachel threw into the narrative and started to once again feel like I had a hold on where the story was going, she did it again, and again, and again.

Despite being filled with the wit and humor that invariably accompanies Rachel's writing, the ever evolving plot lines kept me on my toes like few books I've read in recent memory.

Utilizing several different plot devices, flashbacks from a variety of time periods are incorporated into the narrative, revealing a hidden shame, a multitude of secrets, and bringing to the fore yet another character who might have been though to be just a bit player in the grand scheme being woven throughout the series, and bringing him to the fore in a way that sets everything the reader thinks they know on it's ear.

Oh, and amongst all of that, there's a romance story too (as if we could forget that) The girl who was never supposed to get caught up in the selection process for Alex's new mate ends up surprising everyone, not least herself and turns a story that's supposed to be magical, even without love, into a love story that's nothing short of spectacular.

Even though I don't really consider myself to be a paranormal fan, I'd have to say that the scope, originality and creativity I found in this story have embedded it as one of my favorites. A new favorite where I least expected to find one.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,631 reviews27 followers
December 12, 2016
4.5 stars

Alex must mate in order to ensure that Mason has more time to grieve, but Alex is not looking forward to tying himself to one weak human for the next few hundred years. His appetite is bigger than one human can satisfy, has ever been able to satisfy, and as a siren who feeds off emotion, getting too close to humans can spell death for the human.

Hope thought she would get to work early to prove her worth. Gardening for the Immortals would be a much easier job if she had a green thumb at all. Now that she is tied to Alex, she is even more confused than she was before. Things she thought she knew become foggy and she soon realizes she doesn’t know nearly as much about herself as she thought.

Alex is such a complex character. As a siren, it would be easy to make him such a sexual creature that he couldn’t do anything else. And certainly, he is looking for a mate who can see him as more than a sexual being. But he wants to be loved, he wants a family, he wants what he sees between Ethan & Genesis and Cassius & Stephanie. But as Cassius has forced Alex’s hand to mate, he figures he will not find the love he seeks.

As this series has established, what started as a hesitant relationship based solely on immortal mating tradition quickly grew to more though each held back their true feelings in order to protect from hurt. The first person narration with alternating points of view give readers a good insight into each of the main characters.

Watching them navigate the present while Alex tried to reconcile himself with his painful past kept me turning pages from very early on. I was surprised by the direction of this story simply because I thought I knew where it was going, until Hope’s background shifts into something other than a simple human upbringing. Even when it was hinted that she was “other” I was surprised at the way all the little details blended to create her story.

While this is officially a standalone, it took me a bit to sort through the situation at the beginning of the story and new readers to the series might wonder why Alex is being forced to choose between three humans in a locked room. But once into the story, this does tell Alex and Hope’s story in a complete package without a lot of necessary background knowledge needed.

This was a quick read, with great tie ins to the previous books in the series. I can’t help but look forward to Mason’s story, especially with the few new pieces of his past that are revealed in Dark Surrender. This is one of a very few paranormal series I have read recently and it still doesn’t fail to entertain with it’s fantastical elements and depth of lore.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for J.E. Benoit.
Author 2 books34 followers
December 13, 2016
Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict (www.bookboyfriendaddict.com). A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Nothing could have prepared me for her taste.
Or the hunger that it stirred in me, until it was too late.


In order to be as strong as possible for the upcoming war, it is imperative that the members of the Immortal Council mate. Ethan and Cassius have already found theirs, so that just leaves Alex, the siren and Mason, the werewolf to find theirs. With Mason still mourning the loss of his first mate, Alex agrees to take one for the team and be the next one to mate. Being a siren, a very powerful one at that, the idea of being mated to a human and staying loyal to them forever is not his idea of a good time. But he can’t deny that there is something about Hope that draws him to her and challenges him, even if she is a weak human. But when secrets are revealed and the past and present collide, will their connection be enough to see them through this war or will it end up being their downfall?

Dark Surrender is the third installment in Rachel Van Dyken’s paranormal Dark Ones Saga and even though it technically can stand alone, I think it’s best enjoyed if you start at the beginning. This story picked up right where Untouchable Darkness left off and a lot of mythology and world building happens in the first two books that I think you might be a bit lost if you only read this one. As it was, there were parts of this book that felt a little disjointed or confusing and if I hadn’t had the knowledge from the last two books to ground me, I might have been really wondering what was going on.

I liked this story, it wasn’t my favorite of the bunch so far, but it was still entertaining. I liked how things ultimately came together, it helped tie up the things that seemed confusing to me in a way that made sense and progressed the overarching plot. I wished that there had been a bit more of a focus on developing the relationship between Alex and Hope, I liked their banter and the way she challenged him, but it was few and far between. As always, I did enjoy the signature RVD humor and witty dialogue between the rest of the crew. Mason, Ethan and even Cassius are always good for a laugh when dealing with Alex. Honestly these moments are among my favorites in every book.

The end of this book sets up Mason’s story and I really can’t wait to finally get his story! I am already in love with the pinecone, berry and Disney loving werewolf and I am anxiously awaiting his book! If you’re a fan of RVD or just looking for a fresh take on paranormal romance, you should check out this book/series!
Profile Image for Jae Mod.
1,719 reviews220 followers
December 7, 2016
**ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review**

Absolutely love this series! 'Dark Surrender' by Rachel Van Dyken is the third book in The Dark Ones series and they just keep getting better and better! Rachel is one of my all time favorite authors and when I found out she had this paranormal series, I was all over it. Imagine my excitement when I was told I get to review this new one... Totally ecstatic!!

Alex is one of the strongest of the dark ones, but just doesn't know how strong yet. He's one of the last sirens and extremely egotistic since he believes everyone wants him and of course most do. He's being told by Cassius, he has to mate which shouldn't be hard since his life revolves around sex, but what he doesn't know is that there is a certain someone that he has to mate with. Imagine everyone's surprise when it comes to light the woman that he picks, not because he wants to, but because he is drawn to her for reasons he doesn't understand.

Hope is the flower lady for the immortal residence and cannot seem to understand why she is locked in a room with two other women. She was told by Cassius she was getting a promotion, but when the one person walks into the room that she hopes she won't be seeing, she loses all self control when her mind starts to think dirty things. She learns she is to mate with Alex and aside from having issues with it, she learns of a secret that has been kept from her for years... Her existence!

Aside from Mason, Alex is one of my favorites from this series. He's sexy, of course being a Siren helps, but he has an "I don't care attitude". He likes to try and convince Hope that if he doesn't constantly have sex he will die, which made me actually laugh! The back and forth with him and Mason within the story had me laughing because they work well together!

Since we can do 6 stars in here, this one is getting all 6! This is one of the best paranormal series I have read and I cannot wait for Masons story!

Jodi N.
Profile Image for Yi Le.
385 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2016
This is the third book in The Dark Ones Saga. I personally wouldn’t recommend reading this as a standalone, as there is a bigger plot connecting all the books in this series.

Alexander is one of the most powerful sirens to have ever been born. He can literally attract anyone with his power, and even houseplants can’t resist him. Content in his wandering ways, he’s recently been ordered to find a mate for himself. War is coming, and the immortals can only be at their strongest with their mates at their side. Hope intrigues him from the first time he laid his eyes on her. She’s weak as a newborn, but is somehow able to resist his charms. He’s always been a lover, not a fighter, but is he willing to fight for her?

It’s not often I read about an irresistible male siren. I swear Rachel Van Dyken can write about anything. There were many things I didn’t expect in this book that only made it more enjoyable. The reason why I didn’t give this a higher rating was that I found the story a little rushed. Alex went to not wanting Hope, to craving her, and then pushing her away because he loves her in a blink. I would have preferred it to be a more gradual process, or at least not so sudden, even if I kind of understand why it was done that way. There were some things that I struggled to understand as they were revealed. The book could have been longer with less abrupt developments. Still, it was entertaining as hell, and I can’t wait for the next book (I’m thinking about a pinecone-loving wolf).
Profile Image for Livia.
1,029 reviews41 followers
February 4, 2017
‘Sex with Alex had been out of this world.
Making love with Alex – was going to alter my world.
Then again, that was what love did, wasn’t it?’ ಌ Hope


Minor spoilers alert!!!

The Immortals gang rally around Alex as he and Hope, his half-human and half-elf mate, try to figure out why they seem so familiar to each other and if any of their attraction goes beyond the irresistible sway Alex’s siren abilities have on any living thing. On top of that, there's the ongoing dark versus light war to deal with which is also why the Immortals have to mate and how they are strengthen as a result. Some really surprising details and outcomes were revealed as the Immortals regained their memories of past events and survived to continue to fight on the side of light.

I really enjoyed the banter between Mason and Alex tons. And that kind of threesome scene between Alex, Hope and Mason was really cleverly done and didn't disgust me as it could've done. Overall, I liked the multiple character point of views, humor, sexy scenes, and how the informative flashbacks worked really well with the quick pacing of this third installment in the Dark Ones series. I’m looking forward to reading how Mason’s torment ends with his vampire mate in the next standalone novel in this series.
Profile Image for Jenna.
520 reviews22 followers
November 23, 2016
3.5 stars!!

I've been waiting for forever for Alex's story and while I enjoyed it, I found I didn't really connect with anyone in the story.

Alex is a siren and because of that he needs sex and is able to seduce anyone and anything. But that also makes him cocky and narcissistic. There is a war beginning with the Immortals and finding their mate is the only thing that will make them stronger, but Alex craves sex and finding a mate means being faithful to one person, forever. Faithful to a weak human.

Hope didn't intend to be mated with an Immortal, especially not self absorbed Alex, but sometimes things don't go as planned and Hope finds herself stuck with Alex and craving him even when she doesn't want to.

This book was extremely fast paced to me and I think that is why I struggled to connect with Alex and Hope. What saved this book for me was Rachel's ability to throw humor in. One thing I look forward to when going into a Rachel Van Dyken book is the humor I know she is going to sprinkle in.

While this one, unfortunately, isn't my favorite, I am looking forward to the next two books in this series.

***ARC provided in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!***
Profile Image for HeatherP.
1,054 reviews25 followers
December 11, 2016
I'm so glad Alex was next to get his own book. Besides Cassius's story the one I wanted to read was Alex. He had that full of life vibe to him and I couldn't wait to get more. Now Rachel has me wanting more Mason! There is a scene in here that surprised me and was super hot! Oh and now there is Timber, I could totally go for some more of him as well.

I love the family feeling that the group has now. I like that the group has become closer and that they are now fighting together. There is a little bit of everything in this book and it all blends together and works. Rachel has built a world here and did an outstanding job drawing me in and making me want to stay there while reading.

Alex and Hope got off to a bit of a rocky start but once they got together the sparks were flying. Alex just needed to find out who he really is and Hope needed to discover what she is. I couldn't get enough of this.

I think Rachel could write any genre and succeed at it. I still love her banter she puts in her books. She is so good at it that it just seems natural. I can't wait for the next book in this series. It's become one of my favorite PNR series.

ARC in exchange for honest review
Profile Image for Nancy Metsch.
1,368 reviews3 followers
November 22, 2016
AMAZING!!!
I honestly don't know if I have the words to give this book justice. Rachel took paranormal and made it even better. Humor mixed with sarcasm and some anger and you have the perfect book.
I have read vampire and werewolf books, but a siren is a whole different creature.
Alex swept me off my feet. Self proclaimed lover not fighter, he had the fight of him immortal life.
he wasn't over romantic, in fact he wasn't romantic at all. The guy was sex on a stick and he knew it. Enter Hope, I really liked her. Strong lady. No matter what she knew Alex was her everything
Profile Image for Clare.
1,310 reviews42 followers
November 20, 2016
Oh my gosh this was mine blowing, I loved it, This series is very different from what Rachel normally writes, It's a little dark and more dirty talk lol but one thing she always has in her books is humor, Many parts of this made me laugh out loud. Alex and Hope's story was one that starts a long time ago, Rachel's done an amazing job weaving there story. loved this from the start.
Profile Image for Huseina.
86 reviews43 followers
December 21, 2016
Loved it...!! Again an awesome story by Rachel.. Its like she can write whichever genre she sets her mind to.. I loved how each and every immortal being and their powers were explained,.. Also, it was lovely to read about Alex and Hope...

Worth Reading...!! Can't wait for Mason's story to be out...
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