Dark Desires

Pure/Dark Ones #3

by Aja James

Ryu Takamura is the Dark Ones’ Assassin. He has never missed his target…until now. Until her.

Ava Monroe is a talented geneticist who holds the key to the vampire race’s future…and perhaps her own as well.

Their attraction is explosive from the first. She would do anything to have him. He would sacrifice all to protect her.

But will their love triumph over seemingly impossible odds as they battle enemies new and old? Especially the demons from Ryu’s past? And deep within his heart?

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Adult

331 pages, ebook

First published April 5, 2018

About the author

https://aja-james.blog/

Best-selling author, Aja James, just completed the Pure/ Dark Ones paranormal-fantasy romance series in 2020. If you want your heart battered, bruised, shattered and skewered, then put back together in the most glorious ways, check out the series below. Every couple gets an HEA, but they fight like hell for it on the way.

Aja is now working on her new series, Dragon Tails, because dragons are her favorite shifters of all!

Check out Aja's expanded distribution of the Pure/ Dark Ones series on Google, Apple, Kobo and Barnes & Noble Books.

Visit Aja's blog or join her reader-started Addicts group to learn more:

https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

She loves to hear from readers. Email her at:
megami771@yahoo.com

Reviews

[Princess under cover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE RYU!!! All over again I am reminded of how much I (LUST) LOVE the Hero of this book! There's something overwhelmingly sexy about a very unknowable, black-leather-clad, motorcycle racing Ninja Assassin... I dunno, maybe it's just me...

ya think???? What's not the love??? Oh, AND he's hung like a stallion. I rest my case.

(Oh yeah, and heart of gold and wicked smart, blah blah blah :P)

Here comes round two. Reading with buddy group. Hopefully we get to read the entire series together cuz this is FUN!

All right, so here are my thoughts on round two.



After having just finished a highly-rated and popular novel (I do love to go against the grain) about immature emotional angst and a completely turn-off heroine, I am happy to say I LOVE Ava! The heroine of Dark Desires. She might be my fav h in the entire Pure/ Dark series actually. Just so huggable and lovable and KNOWS WHAT SHE WANTS and boy does she ever go after what she wants.



Some of my fav moments:

Bzzz... bumble bee



Dark Chocolate Fudge Arabian Stallion



Better than a turbo charged rabbit habbit



Ava's wonderful mom Ana Lucia



This one cracked me up. Still some pretty intense, steamy, dark bits. But I just loved Ryu and Ava's chemistry :)

First read review below.

**ARC from author**
I think Dark Desires might be my favorite thus far in the Pure/ Dark, even though, for those readers who like a lot of world building, it might not be as popular as Pure Healing or Dark Longing, Books 1 and 2.
I like Dark Desires best because it's fully encapsulated in of itself. There are references to the other Dark Ones and even to Pure Ones, but minimal. And it introduces new characters too, which is great. (I especially want to read the story- hope there is one- of the tortured prisoner who is the narrator of the prologue and epilogue!)



I LOVE the setting, which is Tokyo, Japan. I've always wanted to visit Asia, and Japan in particular. So this was a real treat to read for the setting alone, because it's so vivid and memorable and enticing.



I LOVE the relationship between the Hero and Heroine, Ryu and Ava. This is the only book in the series thus far that I laughed out loud. It's a pretty intense series otherwise. I'd love to see more of this side of Ms. James' writing. But it goes to show the range of her style, which is pretty impressive.



You'll just have to read for yourself!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

[ren ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d give my life for you, she heard his voice in her head, in her blood, as he continued to hold her gaze. I have never known love before you. Never loved in return. And I never shall love any woman but you.

Aja James delivers yet again another story filled with fast paced action, brilliant characterization and a romance filled with so much depth and longing. I’m so happy I don’t need to go searching for books to read for a while because this series is the real deal.

Ryu Takamura, The Assassin, was just so SEXY, MYSTERIOUS and so damn PERFECT. How does Aja James continue to write vulnerable tortured heroes without it getting old? What kind of sorcery…? Anyways, Ryu is definitely my new fav now. I can never resist the strong silent ones. Did I mention he’s a badass motherfucking ninja? And he rides a motorcycle! I’ve never really thought motorcycles were that hot until Ryu came along… He’s one of a kind.

Out of all the heroines so far, I think Ava Monroe might be new my favorite too. Her high IQ and social awkwardness made her such a fun and lovable character – I really enjoyed her word vomiting. And she’s so damn accomplished too! I loved when she geeked out and got all passionate about science. Too bad, I’m too stupid to understand half the things she said.

All in all, Ryu and Ava were so perfect for each other. They really balanced each other out like yin and yang. The way Ryu likened her to a bumble bee cracked me up and the way Ava was so enamoured with his ‘scent’ was so endearing! Their little quirks made this couple really special. I also had mad respect for Ava, for knowing her worth and being upfront about not being played around with. But what I loved most, was Ryu’s protectiveness and how he was always showing up to save her ass. Needless to say, the chemistry was EXPLOSIVE. All their scenes had me fangirling and grinning like a deranged woman!

I was super happy to see Inanna and Gabriel again (and hearing about Rain!). I’m also really intrigued with the set up and the introduction of Medusa… Although there’s still so much about the Pure and Dark Ones we don’t know, I feel like Aja James does a great job in balancing the mystery without making me feel frustrated.

I hope Ryu and Ava make frequent appearances in the series because I’m going to miss them so much. It might be too early to say, but Ryu and Ava are definitely my favorite couple so far. This series just keeps getting better and better!

Rating: 5/5

[Starr (AKA Starrfish) Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m Back to 5 full-hearted stars for this book! Omg, I love Ryu and Ava so much!! I ❤️ their chemistry, their banter, their opposites attract thing, his coolness +her warmth, his aloofness + her proactive directness... LOVE IT ALL!!! If there was a poll on the “coolest Hero” in the series, it would have to be Ryu! Head-to-toe black leather on a racing motorcycle... sigh....

My second read with buddy group: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

On the second read, given that my buddy group is making our way through the entire series from Book 2 (some started from Book 1), and because I just finished Book 2, I have some new impressions:

1. Because I just finished Dark Longing I want to know more about Inanna and Gabriel right away! Like what's the whole deal about her being the light bringer?. So I'm kind of disappointed that the story doesn't continue where it left off, or exactly where I want it to go. But then again, this is a mark of Aja James' writing - Book 1 left off at one place, Book 2 picked up at another, and ended at a 3rd place, book 3 picks up at yet another. It's not a linear story. It has many threads going at the same time, and on the one hand, I love the suspense and mystery, on the other, I WANT TO KNOW!!! I can't decide whether I'm loving the suspense more or hating that I'm not getting what I want RIGHT NOW.



Thankfully, having read ARCs for Books 4-6, I know how some of those threads come together in this complex tapestry AJ is weaving, but certainly not all of the threads. And it's like she knows which threads the readers want most to come together, and is purposely keeping us on the edge of our seats, which kinda frustrates me! Dock 1/2 star.



2. Tokyo and Ninja assassins. I fell in love all over again with the amazing new world AJ took us to. Every book is different. Book 1 had ancient Rome and China and modern Boston, Book 2 had ancient Akkad and modern NYC, Book 3 is modern and ancient Tokyo. I mean, talk about transported to different worlds! It's like getting on a plane and time machine every time you read her book. I love it! I want to go to Tokyo! I'm planning to watch some Japanese anime this weekend just because this book put me in the mood. So, add back 1/2 star.



3. Ava and her mother are prob my fav characters thus far in the series. I love how they balance out the intensity and darkness of Ryu and his past. It's a much lighter side to AJ's writing. Still very dark and intense at times, but also witty and humorous, and my buddy group noted that it's a good thing she has range. You get so many different treats when you read her books. So I appreciate this aspect of Book 3.

4. But also because there's less of that focused intensity, the raw passion and star-crossed love type of drama, this book feels lighter, in the sense that Book 2 leaves you wrung-out in a very good way like you just had the best full-body massage in your life followed by a steaming sauna, and this books is like you just had a great foot massage and facial. Satisfying but not at a deep tissue level.



So given that, I'd probably give this book 4.5 stars on the second read.

First read review:

LOVE. THIS. BOOK!!!! Every book I read in the Pure/ Dark series is my favorite when I read it, but I think Dark Desires might just be my fav of all.
I got the ARC from the author - whom I kind of stalk, to be honest with you - a couple of weeks ago but didn't get to it until last night, and then I read it in 4 hours and didn't go to sleep until 2AM, that's how good it was.
What I love about it:
The pace, the action, the signature HOTT sex scenes that are more about 2 people connecting emotionally than sex itself. The different narratives. THE HERO and THE HEROINE. Ryu and Ava are probably my fav couple of ALL the paranormal romances I've read. And I like books that are interracial . This one is between a man of apparently Japanese ancestry and a woman of Latinish ancestry.
I love the setting - Tokyo, Japan. The novel is almost like a Japanese anime/ manga, which I'm also a huge fan of.
What I don't love about it:
That it ended!!!!!! When am I going to get Book 4??? There's a teaser at the end of the copy I received and I want to click buy now, but of course there was no such button.
Back to stalking author for more ARCs.

[Deborah Obida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Desires is the third book in the Pure/Dark Ones series. Just like the second book this book is also about a dark one. This series has lots of qualities that I like in PNR. It's fast paced, average dose romance, the romance didn't overpower the plot, the both walked hand in hand, plot continuation and amazing characters. I like that even though the main characters are different in each book the main plot still continues. I like the change of scenery, each book is set in different cities, this one is set in Japan, Ryu is a Japanese which is awesome.

The only Pure Ones in this book are Gabriel and Inana and they were just in the ending of the book. The book is written in multiple narratives of the main characters and some supporting characters.

Ava is a lovable character, I like that she is confident and believes in herself, I hate when female characters are insecure. I also like that she is a weirdo like me.

Ever since she was a child she always felt like she didn’t quite fit in. She had the looks on the outside, but on the inside, her brain worked in unusual ways.

She is beautiful and smart but social conventions are mysterious to her.

Ryu is the assassin of the Dark Ones, he has lots of self worth issues, he's not that damaged but he's broken. I love the way he's backstory is included into the book.

The only issue I have with this series is that the guys are the broken ones, I liked it in book one but this is book 3, I need another reason why they can't be together.

The plot picked up from where Dark Longing ended. Ryu is sent on a mission to Japan because the fight clubs continued there and also they are some scientists that is trying to make their own vampires in the lab. He's job is to stop them. Ava is one of those scientists but she thought she was finding cures to terminal diseases.

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. Am. TELLING YOU... read this series!!

There's Ryu, a shadow assassin and member of the Queen's Chosen. He's tasked with annihilating the threat to his kind that has popped up in Japan. Ava is his way in, a target, and someone he didn't expect to affect him so strongly.

"What do you want from me?" he rasped huskily, his mouth a hair's breadth from hers.
She thought of saying something flippant or flirty, but couldn't come up with anything but the truth:
"Everything," she whispered.
A sharp indrawn breath, and then —
Heaven.
As his mouth covered hers, hot and delicious.

I absolutely adored the way the author explored these characters. Ava is a socially awkward genius who speaks her mind, even when it's cause for embarrassment. Ryu is a sweet, broken man who can't see how truly worthy he is. Ava brings out the best in him and he in her. Their love is almost instantaneous and energetic and profound. Their connection was brilliant and I enjoyed every moment spent with them and experiencing their firsts.

I'd give my life for you, she heard his voice in her head, in her blood, as he continued to hold her gaze. I have never known love before you. Never loved in return. And I never shall love any woman but you.

My only regret was that Ryu's mom's death wasn't a prolonged, tortuous affair. That woman deserved no mercy!

While this book gave me some answers (YES TO INANNA FINDING HER FATHER), I'm still left with so many questions, such as:
* Will Tal get his sight back?
* Again... is the glamoured Mama Bear Inanna's mom/Tal's mate? I remembered this burning question because Tal featured so heavily here.
* Will Tal reunite with his mate (so he doesn't decline and die) or will she turn him away?
* WTH is going on with Ryu's dad? Will we see him again? Will he remain an enemy?
* This Medusa chick... how is she around, doing her thing, and NO ONE knows her? These ancient beings have never come across her? How???
* The Creature didn't feature, but I'm still questioning if he's Inanna's lost brother. I would love a family reunion (mom, dad, sister, brother).

Honestly, I'm sure I have more questions and concerns burrowed in my subconscious, but it doesn't even matter. I WILL be reading the next book. I WILL be seeking more and more answers. I WILL fall deeper and deeper in love with this series and these characters. If you're a fan of paranormal romance, sick action scenes, and combustible chemistry between glorious people, you need to read these books!

Find my full review HERE

[Azet · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALRIGHT,IT`S HAPPENING AGAIN!I am in love...
Fast-paced plot with hardcore action,mystery,dark fantasy and a sizzling romance with main-characters to die for!In "Dark Desires" the third instalment in the Paranormal "Pure/Dark Ones"-series the author takes us to Tokyo Japan with the quirky scientist Ava Monroe and the Dark One assassin Ryu Takamura who has the mission to destroy anything related to Ava`s science project.It will make for a stimulating and unforgettable adventure!Aja James already from the first page lured me into her world and made me never want to leave it.Ahh this author sure knows what she is doing and i really love her for it!

Ava Monroe is passionate,bright and so bubbly and fun!She is very much intelligent and passionate about her work of science and truly want to make the world better with the help of it.I adored her from the first page,she is one of those heroines who wears her heart on her sleeve and isn`t afraid to get after what she wants.Once she knows she wants Ryu and that he wants her back,she never gave up.She was stubborn and fierce in her feelings about him and dared him to love her and showed that he was worthy of love.The way she openly lusted after Ryu made me snicker with laughter all over the place,especially when they were on that plane together!GOD could she have been more obvious,LOL!Her chemistry with Ryu is the high-light in this story for me!Every glance,word and touch literally burned me alive and made me fan all over.

Have i ever mentioned that the name Ryu is my favourite name in japanese dramas and anime?Probably haven`t but its the truth.Ryu Takamura had spent his human child-hood on a brothel and later on trained as a ninja until he got turned into a vampire by his master.In this story he is one of the Chosen guards of the Dark One Queen and a lethal assassin capable of mastering sex and elimination.He was very cool and aloof,distrustful and also tortured.There was this rubbing pain in him that was obvious when he tried to deny himself of loving Ava.When his past got mentioned i feared for the innocent boy he had been who loved his mother unconditionally.The inhuman way she tried to use him made me want to murder that bitch and i am so relieved that the author didn`t make that scene graphic as she did in "Pure Healing".Ryu and Ava were opposites,he was cold while she was warm and while he didn`t trust their connection she eagerly accepted it.The scene where he tells her that she looks like a bumble bee made me laugh off my bed and swoon afterward since Ryu love bumble bees!How cute is that! Ryu never could turn his back on Ava or deny her and i loved that.It was also cute seeing how flustered he was by Ava`s mothers attention.There is something special about japanese heroes and Ryu was no exception.I loved how deadly and badass he was,his possessiveness and protective nature when it came to his Ava and his fierce longing and passion for her!Ryu and Ava made me sigh with happiness and that ending made me cry happy tears for them!

I did suspect that the prisoner was Inanna`s father and god do i feel sorry for him.I also wonder if his mate,Inanna`s mother is alive?It was fun watching Gabriel and Inanna fight side by side as true partners.I became very giddy when Rain and Valerius got mentioned,gahhh i miss these two.Devlin is another color-ful character i want to get to know and i am happy to see that his book is next!How happy i am that i have so much to look forward to read!

[❦O❦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What do you want from me, Ava?”
He’d asked her this before. She remembered her answer then. She gave the same answer now.
“Everything.”
He finally looked at her, let her see for herself the naked answer in his eyes. The aching, the longing.
His dark desires.
I’d give my life for you, she heard his voice in her head, in her blood, as he continued to hold her gaze. I have never known love before you. Never loved in return. And I never shall love any woman but you.”

✨5 Ava + Ryu stars!✨

This is by far my favorite book in the series. I devoured this book in one day and couldn’t get enough of Ryu and Ava, and the magical world Aja James has created in this series.
I have a lot of assignments due this month, and i really want to write the full and detailed review Ava and Ryu deserve, but i would rather jump into the next book for now, because i need my next dose of this AJ crack.

So Full RTC soonish i hope.

[~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright... I'm feeling way too much right now after reading this one. Trying to get my head together..

I gotta be honest and say it took me a minute to actually become invested with what was going on here. I wasn't feeling all the technical aspects/jargon with this one. It felt in certain areas, for me, to be throwing me out of the flow of the story; even though it was central to Ryu & Ava's story. But because of this fact, I quickly got over it. Especially when the pacing of everything began to pick up. I knew it was a point to all of it, and that's what kept me going :D

I fell in love with the way Ryu's story unfolded. Past and present. How it was all woven so well together. There were some hard truths here that had me physically & emotionally unbalanced. I was crying ALOT of tears here. Tears of heartbreak. Tears of pure joy, & tears of anger & impotent frustration with certain things that occurred. There was an instance where I was so emotional I actually
screamed.. So yeah, I was extremely in my feelings with this one. I'm a sensitive soul anyway, but when an Author can cause me to feel every emotion across the spectrum, whether I come away loving the book or not; I feel the writer has done their job. When doing this they force me to face it. Roll with it. Figure out how I'm feeling as I'm being swept away. This is an AWESOME thing & if you don't know by now, I love this story because of it.

I LOOOOOOOVE Ryu & Ava together & individually. Their interactions with one another just had this sort of raw, pureness to it. It was on an elemental level that you literally got to see and feel as it occurred. Watching how things unfolded and progressed with them, broke my heart & put it back together beautifully all at once. It was great.. I loved how throughout this they remained who they were to their core, while trying to figure out how to be what they needed to be for one another. I'm a big fan of loving completely without losing yourself in the process. So this spoke to me on that level.

That Epilogue *sighs* I am just beside myself.

[MG *Bury Me with My Kindle.. & a REALLY Long Charger* · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars

In a word: wowza!

What to even say...? I've read the first 3 books in this series, and thus far, they keep getting better and better!

This book centers around Ryu, a Dark One nicknamed "The Assassin." Ryu was born to a human mother in Japan in the 15th century; as he was raised in the western world's equivalent of a high-class brothel of the time, he was shown little affection and did not know his father's identity during his decidedly difficult childhood. As a pre-adolescent, he trained as a ninja, and studied under an entity simply known as "The Master" for many years where he learned that attachments to other beings were weaknesses that he must avoid at all costs. Enter Ava (~500 years later), a smart and sassy scientist who has been brought onto a team to study biological samples that show tremendous promise in the fight against disease and aging... but they aren't like any human cells she has ever seen before. In order to participate in this ground-breaking research, she is sworn to secrecy (and to not ask questions!), which doesn't sit well with her, but she is driven by a personal mission to help her father who is suffering from Parkinson's Disease.

Ryu and Ava "meet" on the plane ride from NYC (where they both reside) to Tokyo (site of Ava's research and a place that holds many memories for Ryu). Ryu has been instructed by the Dark Ones' Queen to determine what biological materials they are using, to confiscate them, and to destroy any research that may have been performed on them.... along with the researchers themselves. Sparks immediately fly between the two, and Ryu has to wrestle with emotions he thought he had long buried.

What I liked about this book:
- HOT chemistry from the start!
- Ava is a sassy, no-holds-barred woman who asks for what she wants
- Ryu is definitely the "strong silent" and mysterious type, which made the story more fun because of the contrast between the 2 main characters
- The action was fantastic!
- We learn more about other characters we have met in the previous books

What I didn't like as much:
- Not so much that I didn't like it, but there were a couple of parts that seemed incomplete (specifically about one of the "good guys" who was undercover and the other researchers on the team)

This was another fabulous installment of a hard-to-put-down series that I cannot wait to continue reading about!!

Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 5/5
Steam Level --- 3.5/5
Language --- Not egregious
Violence --- Some (action sequences and flashbacks)
POV --- 3rd person throughout

[Sweet and Salty Reviews by DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

James continues to build a stellar series!

Ryu and Ava’s story answered a lot of questions from the previous novels and after completing this now there are many more to be answered. James is quite gifted with stories contained inside stories which is addictive.

This story for me lacked an alpha type hero and heroine but it is still fantastic. I did like Ava’s lack of a filter which gave me a giggle at times. Although not necessarily a strong character she was quiet funny. Ava fell in love far to fast for me. The push and pull of the relationship is something that has always pulled me in and their relationship lacked that.

Another great addition to a fantastic series!

Happy reading! DD💕

[⚜️Charlotte⚜️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 fabulous Stars...

Review later! 😉

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This books had me at times filled with such heartbreak, but I loved how in the end everything all came together. It was amazing and honestly I was grinning from ear to ear at the end! Amazing!

*************************************************************

After reading it the second time I’ve realized this one was just to short too! 😂 I feel like I need to make this longer as well. This books is another amazing one from the series. As along with all others it will leave you on the edge of your seat begging for more!

Ryu Takamura to me has the most awesome job title ever! Assassin like whoa how cool! And being a former ninja before becoming a dark one that is also beyond awesome! His story will take you on a amazing and also heartbreaking ride! This guy along with others of this series has been dealt so much and still has a heart of gold which is beautiful to me!

Then along comes Ava Monroe! A woman who is super super smart and has the best way I can say it word diarrhea! It’s really hard not to love Ava! She is such a pure and loving person, and is willing to stand by the people she believes in. She will have you laughing with her verbal diarrhea, and her sassy attitude that she let’s come out when called for. Plus I love that she is trying to help humankind by coming up with cures for diseases and anything that is debilitating.

This series is just really.... 🥰 I don’t have enough words. Not enough stars for rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I still can’t get enough of the series! I will never not want to read this series I love it so much! Thank you Aja for the Pure one/Dark ones series!! I can’t wait to restart the next one!

Happy reading! 🖤🖤

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Dark Desires is a story that packs a punch and I am so loving this series and the writing quality of this author, I am really beginning to see why so many on Goodreads especially, are raving about this author here, and with each book, I am respecting this author so much more. And one of the main aspects that really shocked me in this story was the humor that was placed in this book. Because I don't remember laughing hardly in the previous two books, but in this one, I don't know, there was something so humorous added into the dialogue between our hero and heroine and it was utterly delightful. I was captivated from their first meeting, and the smile on my face never left my face, from the first to last page, I was highly entertained and engrossed in this tale that enticed and intrigued me with each chapter. This author is definitely giving me all of the vibes I am in the mood for this season.



Dark Desires is a thrilling, edgy yet highly lively story to set your heart afire that features:



Ryu Takamura -trained in the martial arts, vampire, an assassin for the Dark Ones, a "lone wolf", believing he has half a soul and cursed.



Ava Monroe- Fun loving, scientist looking to cure disease, has a heart of hope and love for others. She is shy and awkward around men.

To desire was to want. To want was to expose oneself to weakness. Weakness that could be used to bring endless pain and torment. And it all began with pleasure. Pleasure was addictive. Pleasure spawned desire. Ryu felt deep in his bones that Ava Monroe was pleasure incarnate. She should wear a sign that said: “This way lies folly. Trespass at your own risk.” She was dangerous to his peace of mind. He could not afford to be distracted by her. Not when he might need to end her life.

Dark Desires is a story that starts off with our "meet cute" where Ryu and Ava first meet, which is on an airplane. And from the first moment that their eyes meet, there is instant chemistry, the type of chemistry that is beyond normal and average, it pierces deep for both Ryu and Ava. Ava is a scientist, flying to Japan to look for cures for human diseases and is human. She has never felt such sexual energy from being attracted to anyone before but she knows that Ryu is different, but she is awkward around him and clumsy and doesn't know how to act around him. Ryu is the assassin for the Dark Ones, he was once human but turned vampire against his will and believes that he has half a soul, and his life is full of killing and death and that is all he knows until Ava. He knows that she is the key to their enemy, but he senses the same attraction and knows that Ava could be his greatest weakness if he lets her get too close. But despite her awkwardness around Ryu at first, she is determined to fight for the man she knows he is, even if he doesn't believe he is worthy of her. She sees goodness and light within him and is determined to fight for Ryu and prove to him he is worthy of love.

I believe that if someone was stronger than others, it is his duty to share his strength, to protect the weak. Never to take advantage. No one has more right to survival than anyone else

Dark Desires was a story that BLEW MY MIND and I just wanted to see more of it. I honestly never wanted their story to end because with each chapter I was captivated by their story and their intense connection. Now, this is an instant love connection with a mix of Grumpy Sunshine and I actually really enjoyed this. Now I did think that Ava, might have fallen in love too quickly, so it definitely felt more insta lust but halfway through the story, it definitely felt so much deeper than that, and I could definitely see the feelings that go deeper than just their sexual attraction that they have to each other. This was quite an interesting dynamic actually. And their interactions with each other were so hilarious. Ava is such a dork, haha and I am saying that out of love and affection but she is. She is a bit of a science and medical geek and doesn't know how to really react around men especially around Ryu who has a certain sexual aura about him. And Ryu well he likes to have fun with Ava and tease her about her clumsy moments around him. For example, he likes to tease her when she blurts out things she thinks she is only thinking sexually about him and I can't tell you how entertaining it is. But ironically, it slowly helps her become more comfortable and at ease with him.

“What do you want from me?” he rasped huskily, his mouth a hair’s breadth from hers. She thought of saying something flippant or flirty, but couldn’t come up with anything but the truth: “Everything,” she whispered. A sharp indrawn breath, and then— Heaven.

Ava is a heroine that I instantly related with, there was something so sweet and soft about her character yet she has a spine of steel when it's needed. She is a ray of sunshine, always seeing the good in others. Then we have Ryu, who is quite opposite of her. He has had a rough life, and never was raised with love or affection, and only knows fighting and death. But Ava teaches him about intimacy and love and seeing how she shows him how a relationship works is so beautiful. You see how lost Ryu is at times in dealing with Ava, but despite her lack of experience, she is eager and energetic and loves him deeply, and is willing to fight for him. One of my favorite aspects of a heroine is seeing a woman fight for her man in such an intense way. Even when Ryu reveals himself to her, while her reaction isn't normal, I was grateful for it because it definitely fits with her personality. She is so unconditionally loving (and this is very rare in heroines actually) where she fully accepts Ryu instantly and just loves him for who he is and doesn't want to change him. Seeing these two connect on such a deeply intimate level was such a delight. Then moving on we have the plot of the story and this really kicked booty in every way. I loved the intensity, the intrigue, the action, and seeing how some things come together that was teased in from the first book. We do get a couple from Dark Longing which was perfect, I wanted to see more of them and was happy to see them working with Ava and Ryu in this one. And the way that this story leaves off, while it definitely has a happy ending to bring you to tears, it also teases you enough to make you want to read the next book.

“You’re made just for me, Ryu Takamura. I want to claim you for my very own.”

Overall I found Dark Desires to be a read that takes you on a journey of lively delights, sparkling dialogue, and a thrilling plot to deliver in every aspect that this author is capable of and more!

[Aja James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't write reviews for myself, but if I did, OF COURSE I'm the best writer and this is the BEST BOOK ever!!! :P

Seriously, I thought I'd use this forum to share a bit of what went into writing this book, because of all of the books in the series, this might be the one I liked writing the best. It's also the one that took the least amount of time to write because it was just flowing out of me like it insisted on being told.

The reason I like writing about it is because it's the only book in the series, the only novel I've ever written PERIOD that was inspired by a real person. Not so much the REAL person, but at least the looks and persona of the actor I was "slightly" obsessed with.

For those of you who visit my blog and follow me on FB and twitter, you might know which actor I'm talking about. I've written about this subject before. The actor himself is not the obsession, it's the aura, the look he projects in some of his works. And of course the voice and the way he walks.

The inspiration for Ryu Takamura is actually a South Korean actor/ model. Can you guess who he is?

Happy reading!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 'My prisoner in the tower' stars

I had a hard time deciding how to rate this book. There were parts that I really enjoyed, parts that were ok and parts that made me roll my eyes. So here we have the good, the bad and the amazing.

Let's start with the good. I guess that all the books in the series have flashbacks from the distant past, considering more than half the cast of characters counts their years in centuries or millennia. In Dark Longing I wasn't a fan of those flashbacks because they pulled me from the present story too much. But Ryu's past was very intriguing. I wished that more of the story would be from the 15th century. I mean, who doesn't like badass ninjas. Also, I actually prefer Ryu from the past. I don't know, I had a feeling that his characters used to be more alive or more real back then.

The bad was, unfortunately, the heroine. I just didn't like Ava. I thought I could warm up to her over the time but it didn't happen. She is supposed to be this super smart scientist with sky-high IQ but she acts like a total nuts. I stopped counting how many times she is thinking about something and then spoking it out loud without realizing she's doing it. Seriously, please, kill me now. That's not socially awkward, that's brain damage or something. I just couldn't stand it. And I didn't feel any real chemistry between her and Ryu. She was constantly throwing herself at him which I didn't find even remotely romantic. I hope their relationship improves in the following books.

And now the amazing. My beloved prisoner who is my favorite character so far. Honestly, he was the reason I kept going when Ava drove me crazy. I wished he would have a more prominent role but since he has his own book, I guess I shouldn't be so greedy. I only need to be patient now and not jump to his book immediately. And I want that very badly. I haven't paid much attention to the prologue and epilogue of the previous book but loose ends are starting to fall into right places. At least if I guessed correctly who that person is, I really can't wait for their book *grining like a happy lunatic*

However, I decided to return to the beginning and read the first book which I skipped before. It has a former gladiator in it and I skipped it. What a crime.

[Kate V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read 3/11/2020 - 5 bzzzzzillion stars!

"I’d give my life for you, she heard his voice in her head, in her blood, as he continued to hold her gaze. I have never known love before you. Never loved in return. And I never shall love any woman but you."

Every time I see a bumble bee I will think of this book now. This story seemed to be a little lighter yet still packed a punch. I loved Ryu and Ava. Ava is a woman that knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it.

Ryu is...gah...just perfect. Silent but deadly. I love the men Aja writes. There was so much action in this story and more extraordinary world building and back story. Really enjoying this series.

[Luana ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. What a book. This was so good that I even forgot to update the previous book and just jumped right into this one.

I am speechless. This story was so entertaining that I basically read the whole book in one sitting. I loved all characters, this story was inteligente, dynamic, adventurous, funny and the more we get into the story, the more pieces of the puzzle we are starting to connect and make guesses or understanding the treads. Since the previous book I am quite sure about who the villain is, but if it is who I think it is, its just mind blowing all the cruelty and chaos and violence that the villain is creating not only globaly but also to her/his own race.

I am so obsessed with this series. She's a fantastic writer, you can clearly feel the difference between characters, cultures, background etc and she keeps her characters in a line. If her character is selfish for example, every action will emphasize that trade until the end. It's hard to keep constancy in characters like she does so beautifully, specially if the series is this long. Only the intimate times sounds a lot like the same in each book.

Anyway, this was a 5+ star book!

[Debra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purch Amazon Oct 31, 2018
Dark Desires by Aja James
Genres; Adult, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Suspense.
4.75 Stars

I am so impressed I don't know where to begin. I have put this review off for a full day & still my mind boggles at the amount of creativity Ms. Aja James shows in her writing.
The world build alone is beyond intriguing and beautifully complex. It keeps you on your toes. You just never know what mysteries each and every book will reveal. You are always pleasantly surprised.

Up to this point, all the mc's of each book has been Completely different. While all the stories are linked, each story has been Unique .

Ryu Takamura is our sexy and intriguing male lead. He is a Dark One. And wow! That so describes him. Dark & moody. Shy and so naive when it comes to the ways of the heart, yet so world-weary. So damaged.

Ava Monroe is our amazing and funny female lead. She is human & has an iq over 2oo. A genius. Socially awkward. A sexy but geeky scientist.

Together they break our hearts and make us laugh.

The suspense and action is fantastic. Ryu got some moves baby! Be it a catwalk or a wall or a ceiling! That may not make sense until you read this book. He uses those moves to kick some butt.

Who some of their enemies are is surprising to say the least.

The romance between Ava & Ryu is adult and explosive. That is putting it mildly.

I am actually writing this review on the quick side. I have to get to the next book in the series and can't do that till I get this done. I feel like an addict and I need my Pure/Dark Ones fix! I must read more. I can not get enough.

*Note to author (if you ever read this).
Please, PLEASE don't ever quit writing this series!! The goddess of Dark & Pure agree with me. You will just have to take my word on that. 😉

shared 2 amazon, facebook

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY SHIT!!!!! all I'm going to say is **Dark Chocolate Fudge Arabian Stallion**

This book had be laughing several times... I'm pretty sure my husband, cat and dog looked at me a little strange with my random bursts of laughter and/or tears.

I love RYU... he might actually be my fave character so far....(ok I feel like I'm going to end up having a have character in every book since this series is fu*king amazing). His story is just amazing and I really really want to know more about his 1st master...I feel like there is something or a lot of something going on. I NEED TO KNOW MORE!!!!

scene when Ava is standing outside the airport with the map in her hand and he rides by (shiver) then he stops to salute her (shiver) and then takes off (drool)

I said holy shit several times while reading this... and will probably re read this book again in the near future. Truly loved both Ava and Ryu even if I loved Ryu a bit more. Also Ava's family is hilarious.

Each book is based on 2 main characters story, but I swear its just so so much more than that. I'm learning and understanding so much about the other characters and cannot wait for the next book so I can understand more...

Another binge read .... I swear i'm never going to get any sleep LOL ❣

[Sunseeker☀️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars- This is my first read by this author. I like the world building as it is a bit different with the Pure Ones and Dark Ones. I however, had a hard time liking Ava’s character. She was so desperate for the hero that it turned me off. But that’s me! I love Alphas males that chase their women not the other way around. I suppose that attitude dates me but each to their own! All in all a decent read.

[Silvia Drascall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing plot... just love ❤️ Ryu & Ava...and the journey...oh, man f*cking fabulastica...💯💯💣🥇🤘

[☾Sabrina♡༄ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“May I have you, Ryu? For a little while if not forever?”

Oh yes! This was woman in STEM done so well.

I was so happy that a big chunk of the book was set in Japan. See my criticism of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and see how this book managed it just fine. I felt so sick with longing to walk around for hours in the streets of Akihabara and Shinjuku again. Especially during a pandemic that keeps us homebound, it’s such escapism to travel vicariously through the characters. Even the passing mention of the colourful stationery and quality papers excited me.

It’s so lovely that Ava was so human. She kept my face burning with second-hand mortification, but I loved it! She’d have her slips of tongue, and I’d be the one slapping my hand over my mouth to stem her flow of words. I don’t even have a crush on Ryu!

Ryu Takamura is yet another man with self-control, reluctant to share his body with others. When he said it was no more than a well-timed full-bodied sneeze, LOL! But I guess men clad in black leather on a motorcycle aren’t my thing. I still preferred Ryu from the flashbacks, probably because of my fascination stemming from Samuel of Laura Kinsale's The Shadow and the Star. There’s something about the amount of self-discipline it takes to complete such a training. Ryu is a man of few words, and it’s always a pleasure when he speaks:

“I see. I am rather possessive of that bathrobe. You’d better give it back to me now.”

“…you, on the other hand…” Ava leaned forward a little, the better to take in a compliment if he was feeling generous. “…Are like a bumble bee.” Oh. She sat back again as her face fell, though she immediately tried to make her expression more neutral lest he saw her disappointment. “Round and furry,” he added salt to her wounds. Worse and worse! What woman wanted to be called round and furry?!

Ava’s candor and open, cheery appreciation of Ryu was such a joy to partake!

He swung a long leg off the bike and came to her in a few efficient strides. Oh, the man could move! Do that again!

“You should take it easy,” he warned, “they are quite potent.” So is your voice and your smell and your face and your body! She wanted to cry.

“I wish I had fangs too so I could sink them into you.”

It’s endearing how mushy brained she is around him that you forget her genius IQ until she talks science. She got so clueless she didn’t even question how her plane seatmate kept reappearing.

And I love-hated Ryu for lying to Ava just as much as I love-hated Alad for lying to Inanna.

Ava kind of reminded me of Alad, actually. So unfazed and encouraging. (Ava’s “That’s a neat trick. Go ahead.” and Alad’s “Take more of me if you wish.”)

I felt like this book had less plot than the previous 2? But I hated Misaki so muchhhh. If I had the skill, I would’ve volunteered to complete the Master’s task myself. Enjoy your rite of passage, my foot! I was SO proud of Ryu.

BTW it was nice to studiously prepare for the book by reading/revising the glossary first. LOL. Anyway the next book better be about Inanna’s father!! I smell a tortured hero!

[Claudie ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ryu is HANDS DOWN my favorite hero in this series so far! 😍 I LOVE a well-written ‘damaged’ hero with self-esteem issues, and he was just so perfect. Oh my goodness, I couldn’t get enough of this guy. I melted into a puddle of goo every time he appeared in all his dark, mysterious, sexy glory. In that, I’m afraid I wasn’t much better than the heroine, Ava.

Speaking of Ava… I couldn’t bring myself to like her, no matter how hard I tried. Compared to such amazing women as Rain and Inanna, she fell short. She was quirky and even funny at times, but she was so damn airheaded! And don’t even get me started on her verbal diarrhea… Combined with her being this super duper smart geneticist, it seemed pretty far-fetched. What can I say, her character just rubbed me the wrong way.

As a couple, they’re in third place right now — because of Ava, and also because I think the couples in the previous books had better chemistry and connected on a deeper level than the two of them. It’s just that Ryu was so emotionally vulnerable here, and Ava kept throwing herself at him all the time (not that I don’t understand her reasons… but still!). It helped that she seemed to be exactly what Ryu needed to come out of his shell and get some confidence, so I think the relationship will progress nicely. Fingers crossed that his new family will help him heal!

There wasn’t much in the way of plot development here, but we got a few tantalizing glimpses of the things to come, and of course MORE QUESTIONS! Who’s this new villain Medusa and what is she trying to achieve? What had happened to Inanna’s dad before he got locked up in the tower? And where’s her mother? Can’t wait to see what happens…

[Danielle's · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark Desires is the third book in the Pure/Dark one's series. It can be read as a standalone.

Ava is smart with genius IQ status. She is good with knowledge but lacking in the social skills department. On her travels from New York to Japan, she meets Ryu. He's a vampire and an assassin. He is part of the Dark Ones. There are two vampire races who are on the verge of war. The Pure ones can only get intimate with the true mates. The dark ones are created and the Pure ones are born. Ava is instantly attracted to Ryu and cannot control her inner thoughts. She is like a cat on heat.

Ryu has a mission and he isn't used to having distractions. Ava is in trouble because of her research. She has got involved with the wrong people. Ryu wants to stop the research so it doesn't get into the wrong hands. He try's to keep Ava at arm's length but it's difficult because he cares about her safety.

The second half of this book was better than the first so I'm glad I stuck with it. The author tried to show Ava's intellectual side but it was mixed with the common tongue. I found the sophisticated writing a little out of place in the overall story. There are also Japanese names/ objects. I found the story to be a little full on for bedtime read. The storyline is easy enough to follow but I wasn't too keen on the choice of some words. I don't mind stories that also teach you about culture but in this book the language was a turn-off.

Dark Desires was an okay read.

*There is a glossary in the back of the book to help with the vampire terminology.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura..devouring books like crumpets · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is just incredible, i devoured this book in a day....

This story in my opinion differs remarkably from the others as its main focus is Ava and Ryu, we get a glimpse at some new problems arising for the dark/pure ones, but the main story is centered on these two.... Dont get me wrong i missed Dalair alot!!!!! but it was refreshing to get away from all the guns and fighting and sit back with more of a intimate installment.

Ava has to be my fave heroine so far she is brilliant



But i do love all Aja characters as they are so unique and different with such amazing qualities.

And Ryu is extremely intense (and hot) i think the Author paired two characters together perfectly.



Another amazing read another well deserved 5 stars and looking forward to next installment!!!!

[Jane GAD · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My first and my last, my only love" this book!! another adventure of the Pure/Dark ones!
Ryu Takamura and Ava Monroe's story and discovery of their powerful love and passion for one another... As you wish my bumblebee!

[Midra · Rating 5 out of 5]

DISCLAIMER : This review may contain some spoilers.

STARS :
GENRE : Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
TRIGGER WARNING : Sexual assault

“I didn’t know what desire was until you”

Woah!! That was THE read of the series. As Aja takes on a joyride through Tokyo, I am damn sure that this will be one of my favourite books of this series if not THE Favourite. (Forgive me for using ‘THE’ too much but after reading this I am all out of words…) And I am not one of those people who dock half or one star just for the probability that things may crop up a few books after because of which my enjoyment of this one may decrease. I will stand by my ratings of 5 Stars. In fact, if it was possible I will give this book 10 stars out of 5 if it was possible. Now I get why AJ is so popular. If her books improve at this rate, then I fear, no author would rank even close to her. (No offence to others)

Enough praising. Coming to the review. Hmmm… I am not sure what to write. Usually, my reviews point out the issues or inconsistencies I found in the story but with this book being sheer perfection, I am finding that I have little to nothing to talk about unless it is about the plot or world-building, which I don’t want to because it would amount to spoilers. Still, I will try my best as I am not very good at waxing poetry about how good a character is. I am more of a critical reviewer that focuses more on negatives because my mind has a habit of going there straight.

A brief description of the MCs. Ryu Takamura, the Assassin of the Dark Ones is a disenchanted and world-weary guy. A fascinating MMC, he holds the reader’s heart with his gruff and shy ways. Ava is a genius scientist with an IQ of more than 200 (greater than that of Einstein) Despite being socially awkward she manages to coax Ryu out of his reticent ways with no holds barred love and affection.

In all the previous books, it felt as if the plot development was the main priority while the romantic plot was just an afterthought but in this one, the romance really shone through. Yes, there was a significant plot development and was by no means unimportant, most of it revolved around these two. The Pure Ones and their temporary allies, the Dark Ones under Jade Cicada (an affiliation that is growing stronger as time passes) make a remarkable stride in getting closer to the mastermind behind it all and most of it was thanks to Ava and Ryu. Not that other characters did not play any role, just that these two, as the MCs, were in the thick of things which was something I wanted from the very beginning. We also got significantly more POVs of our MCs as compared to the previous ones. Guess, I wasn’t still over the ranting I did about this in the review of the first book.

The romance between Ava and Ryu ticked all my boxes. Consistent with the previous two books in this series, Ava was a ‘take charge’ kind of gal, never hesitating to speak out her mind and desires. Her dogged pursual of Ryu should have felt overbearing (and it did to some readers) but I personally felt it was just the right mix of assertiveness and tentativeness.

“You’re made just for me, Ryu Takamura. I want to claim you for my very own.”

Mind you she never forced him or manipulate him to accept her advance just that she never wavered from putting herself out there despite the risk of rejection, something she did face a couple of times. In fact, she did just the opposite, always asking for his permission before proceeding every time, something that was very important to him.

Except for a bit of insta love, which somehow made sense to me and did not detract me from enjoying this immensely. (despite me being staunchly against insta love which really compliments how well this was written)

“What did he tell you about me?” His tone was mildly curious, but his eyes glittered with intensity.
“Nothing,” Ava answered. “We haven’t known each other very long.”
“Yet you love him.” Ava shrugged, as if to say she was helpless against her feelings.
“Do you need a certain amount of time to fall in love or to know you love someone?”

There was parental intervention (and in a good way) and lots and lots of raunchy sex without the word ‘nourishment’ being used every other page.

Ava had me cracking up all the time. Her one of the first descriptions of Ryu was as follows -

Or heck, maybe aroma would be the most appropriate description for the way the volatized chemical compounds he produced from scent glands all over his body, more commonly known as pheromones, made saliva pool in her mouth as if she had just been presented a decadent, dark chocolate fudge wrapped in a crisp white chocolate casing with a graceful swirl of raspberry sauce and an elegant sprinkle of hazelnut on top.

I loved how adorable she was, constantly frazzled around Ryu enough to put her foot in her mouth on every other sentence. By the end of the book, I was so addicted to her bubbly no-nonsense personality that I was sad to reach the end of the book, something that, let me tell you, happens very rarely. Her hilarious ways of thinking, sprinkled throughout the novel, gave this novel a bit of levity even in the tensest of the moments.

“What’s your favorite thing about him?”
Everything.
“He has the sexiest voice,” Ava didn’t mean to blurt out.
“Oohh,” her mother cooed appreciatively. “Call him up so you can record him and send me the file.”
“Mom!”
“Or better yet, Facetime him and record the video.”
“I don’t even have his number!”
“What’s his name?”
Holy Mary Mother of God!
“Ryu Takamura,” Ava said under extreme duress. “Happy now?”
“I’ll Google him and tell you what I find out. Talk to you later, sweetie pie!”

And her mother, seriously, had me dissolving in laughter every time she conversed with her daughter about her ‘future son-in-law’ a.k.a. Ryu. Brace yourself for another one (a lengthy one this time) as the next one is my absolute favourite.

She never got away with anything with her mother.
“He’s taking care of me,” she admitted.
Very very good care of her. There was a screech of glee on the other line and Ava turned her ear away from the speaker and grimaced.
“Put him on the line! I want to talk to him!”
“Mom—”
“And don’t say he can’t come on, because I know he’ll want to make a good first impression on his prospective parents-in-law.”
“Mom!”
“Ava, we don’t bite, you know we’re teddy bears. I can butter him up for you, tell him about all your most endearing traits, the ones that don’t evolve around your work.”
“He’s in the shower and—”
Ava clapped a hand over her mouth while more gleeful screeching ensued half way around the world.
Ryu chose that moment to emerge from the bathroom…
…“What is it?” he asked, taking in her strange expression, a mix between dry-mouthed lust and chagrin.
“Oh my Lord! Is that him? He sounds waayyy sexier than you let on, Ava!”
Ryu froze in the process of running a smaller towel over his wet hair, his eyes darting from the speaker to Ava, whose look of chagrin turned into an uncomfortable wince.
“Ryu? Is that you, honey? May I call you Ryu? This is Ava’s mama, Ana Lucia Monroe.”
Ryu’s eyes widened as he realized the magnitude of the booby-trap he’d stepped into. He looked to Ava for guidance, for help, but she just clamped her mouth shut and stared back at him. And then she shrugged, as if to say, “sorry dude, nothing I can do for you here.”
“I am just so happy you’ve decided to take our Ava out,” Mrs. Monroe continued, not seeming to need much in the way of response from him.
“She’s coming off a long relationship drought.”
Ava slapped a hand on her forehead and closed her eyes. Ryu’s eyes darted to her nervously.
“But you know, that’s because she takes her relationships very seriously. Our Ava is a good, chaste girl.”
Ava’s whole face was now cupped in her hands.
“She can’t say enough good things about you, Ryu,” her mother gushed on, “We, Ava’s father and I, that is, can’t wait to meet you.”
“Mrs. Monroe—”
“Call me Ana Lucia, honey,” Ava’s mother interjected, “or better yet, call me Ma. Ava does.”
At this she giggled girlishly, as if tickled pink at the notion.
“Well, all right, baby girl,” her mother reluctantly conceded, “but be sure to put Ryu on the phone again next time. I love hearing his voice.”
Some muffled grumbling could be heard in the background.
“You know I love your voice best, Gavin Monroe,” her mother called out. “But you gotta face it, the boy’s got something special in that husky baritone of his. Sends shivers down a girl’s spine, it does.”
Ava moaned silently, banging her forehead on the desk she sat at. She didn’t see Ryu look back at her and tip up his lips in a genuine smile of amusement.

I couldn’t restrain myself from quoting this gem of a conversation that had me in stitches. You may think I am exaggerating but in the flow of the novel, it was absolutely hysterical.

Coming back to serious things. Ryu’s background was really horrifying and had me numb with shock how come can a mother do that to her own son? (Personally, I felt that she got off way too easily for her crimes) His portrayal as a tortured hero was excellently done. I can’t say much without giving away spoilers but I’ll definitely say that this tormented hero business was done much much better than the first book. I know I am repeating it but this definitely warrants a repeat mention. Also, Ryu’s father has been added to the slew of characters I consider smack dab in the middle of grey area because I somehow get a feeling, despite all the cruelty he displayed, he is not all bad.

We finally found Inana’s father. Those scenes with the bird had me bawling my eyes out, it was so heart-rending. In a few pages, AJ managed to bring out the pain and suffering that the man is going through which has me in awe of her. This proves that the is not a one-trick author.

One slight niggle I had was because I felt the blurb was a bit misleading. Maybe I am making a mountain out of a molehill, but going into the novel I was fully expecting Ryu to be preparing to assassinate Ava on orders from above (i.e. his queen) but it turned out that assassinating her was a path he would have to take only if she turned out to be collaborating with the evil guys, something he was sent to find out in the first place. I would not have even noticed it if the blurb had not mentioned it explicitly -

Ryu Takamura is the Dark Ones’ Assassin. He has never missed his target…until now.
Until her.

because it blended smoothly with the plotline.

All in all, despite the inconsequential niggle, Aja unquestionably has an excellent writing range which was evident from how much I enjoyed this book. As always, Aja leaves us with several questions, something I have been taking in stride, but barely. The pace never lets off keeps the things intense and full of action but at the same time, we get moments of hilarity that leaves our hearts light. So, on the whole, I will give this book 5 “perfect” STARS.


Another small excerpt because I just couldn’t help myself *shrugs*

“Japanese women are so dainty and elegant,” she said, just a bit enviously. “Even the tall ones I’ve seen are dainty. So slim and graceful.”
“They remind me of praying mantises.”
The comparison was so startling, Ava looked into his eyes again.
“All straight lines and sharp angles. Whereas you, on the other hand…”
Ava leaned forward a little, the better to take in a compliment if he was feeling generous.
“…Are like a bumble bee.”
Oh. She sat back again as her face fell, though she immediately tried to make her expression more neutral lest he saw her disappointment.
“Round and furry,” he added salt to her wounds.
Worse and worse! What woman wanted to be called round and furry?! Ava couldn’t conceal her dismay this time as her shoulders hunched and her head bent and her cloud of frizzy, unbrushed hair fell forward to shield her embarrassed face.
What Ryu kept to himself was that he’d always liked bumble bees.

Plot Summary for Personal Book Tracking. BIG SPOILERS AHEAD. Click at your own risk!!

Ryu is sent to Japan to find out about Inana’s father after their side figures out the last whereabouts of The General being Japan, specifically a shrine where Ryu was abandoned by his prostitute mother after he killed the guy who was going to rape him. Ryu’s mother had sold her own son to that guy thereby taking part in the heinous act.

At the same time, Ryu is asked to assassinate a group of scientists who are planning to replicate vampire genes to mass-produce them. Our heroine, Ava, unknowingly, is a part of that group. Her main reason for participating was the outward reason the head scientist gave her - seeking a cure of diseases that have been incurable till now, especially with her dad suffering from one of those.

Ryu has the ability to turn into shadows while in combat.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryu Takamura is the Dark One known as the Assassin. In fifteenth century Japan he was "raised the first ten years of his life in a whore house and abandoned thereafter at a Shinto Shrine." In present-day Japan he is a ninja vampire who dresses and speaks with extreme care. "Truth be told, he disdained sharing any part of himself with others; including his body."

Ava Monroe is a geneticist with an I.Q. over 200. She has multiple degrees and teaches. Ava was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. She has a loving family. She is awkward socially. She can't handle "simple human interaction with aplomb." Ava avoids feelings "whenever she could because emotions weren't logical, and she very much preferred logic."

Ava and Ryu first meet on a plane heading to Japan. She has an immediate attraction to his smell -- pheromones. While in Japan their paths cross three more times. Each time Ava's expectations rise higher. Ryu parting words should leave no doubt that her expectations will not be fulfilled. He believes "to desire was to want. To want was to expose oneself to weakness. Weakness that could be used to bring endless pain and torment. And it all began with pleasure. Pleasure was addictive. Pleasure spawned desire."

Ava is doing scientific research at the University of Tokyo. She is at the Biotech Center helping to find "the right combination of genes that could cure or prevent debilitating diseases." Ryu's mission from the Dark Ones Queen is to "seek and destroy anything and anyone related to Ava Monroe's genetic engineering project." Yet Ryu protects Ava by ensuring she stays home the night he blows up the lab. Ava forgot her backpack, phone and computer at the Biotech Center. She leaves her home to go get it. Will she die during the explosion? Can Ryu save her in time?

Dark Desires is a spectacular novel. It touches so many emotions and handles them very well. Ava and Ryu are perfect for each other. She is straight forward. He views his existence from a child's viewpoint of abandonment. He sees himself as unloveable and a killer. Ava's mom is a hoot. She provides a break from the tension between Ava and Ryu. The description is superb. The dialogue is realistic to the characters' identities. The pace is emotionally charged. The plot is well thought out. Now to head to the next book, Dark Pleasures.

The author provided me with an electronic copy of her book in exchange for an unbias and honest review.

[TamaraT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! The pacing was awesome and there were only a few perspective changes that made absolutely sense. The way the different storylines came together felt natural and not rushed at all.

The characters:
Ava: LOVED Ava. She is unrepentantly herself and goes for what she wants which is something I both respect and envy. Ok so her 200 IQ was over the top, but her being super smart and her profession gave an interesting storyline. The idea of Vampires trying to manipulate themselves through science is a new twist which was interesting.

Ryu: Sweet, honorable and tragic. My quiet Ninja had quite a bumpy road with a tragic backstory but COME ON!!!! NINJAS!!!! I loved the Japan setting and the flashbacks flowed perfect in the story. The way he held himself back from Ava was more about punishing himself than not wanting her.

My fav moment between the two:
"Afraid I might kiss you again?" she taunted. Yes, he was afraid of her. He was afraid of what he felt when he was near her. What he felt for her.

The Prisoner/General:
I knew from the first scene who he was and though I get why we saw him (the villain Medusa was part of the main story and it tied in Innana and Gabriel neatly) but the scenes with the bird made little sense as well as the fact that he's kind of lucid after centuries...no millennia of torture. Will be interesting to see how his healing process continues.

Special mention: Devlin is smart, sassy and seems sexy. And I was told that his story is next which is awesome!

[Coco.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Blurb:
Ryu Takamura is the Dark Ones’ Assassin. He has never missed his target…until now. Until her.

Ava Monroe is a talented geneticist who holds the key to the vampire race’s future…and perhaps her own as well.

Their attraction is explosive from the first. She would do anything to have him. He would sacrifice all to protect her.

But will their love triumph over seemingly impossible odds as they battle enemies new and old? Especially the demons from Ryu’s past? And deep within his heart?