Darkness

Darkest Nightmares #1

by Brynn Burke, Elizabeth Knox

Jett

For generations, I have been the being who lurks in the dark. The one that feeds on the screams of pain and fear, cold sweats and the nightmares in which I cause. I am the monster you warned your children about.

No one can escape my clutches, no matter how hard they try; I show them who they truly are deep down.

Centuries ago, I was possessed by a creature of whom I had no name for. I was nothing but your average human, a man who was fighting for his king and slaying many monsters in his name. The next thing I knew, I became that monstrosity that I tried to eliminate every day of my life. In the matter of hours, everything had changed drastically. I was used to fighting the dark and suddenly the dark became part of me.

There is no reasoning for what I have become. I embrace it - embrace the hideousness of my appearance because no one is as grotesque as I.

I am bitter. I don’t want to be the man who surrounds myself in a cloak of shadows, of serpents and arachnids, of smoke and ghouls. I want to return to the glory days. If only it was that simple.

Haven

Throughout my entire life I have felt out of place, that is until one day I discovered a place where I didn’t feel like the outcast that others made me out to be. I didn’t feel ugly, sinister, or even dark compared to those who I surrounded myself with.

I was a human, or so I thought.

I didn’t know that only supernaturals could gain entry into Sanctuary, not until I walked through those doors and began speaking to the others. It’s name is exactly what it is - a Sanctuary for all supernaturals and paranormals regardless of beliefs. It was the one place we could all go to that wouldn’t result in bloodshed, agony or pain.

I have been here for years, becoming friends with the owner of this place and ultimately landing myself a job as a barmaid and having a warm place to rest my head. Still, I do not know what I am. I have talked to the others and they have told me stories of paranormals with great powers who have to wait to discover their abilities.

It seems I am one of these rare and far between. I only wish that things were simple, but I know better. Nothing was ever simple in this life.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 25, 2018

Reviews

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be honest. It took me a bit to get into this story. I was a bit confused when I first started with this story. Be warned that this book is written in 3 characters voices, so that took me by surprise. You have Jett, Darkness (who are the same person), and Haven. Jett is the human host to Darkness. Haven is a human or so she thinks.

Darkness knows what Haven is but all he wants to do is protect her, which is not something he has ever done before. Darkness is all about taking and never giving. So when he makes Jett start protecting her Jett is blown away.

Haven has always thought of herself as human. But when she shows up at Sanctuary she doesn't know that it only lets supernaturals in. When she sees Jett from across the room she immediately feels a connection to him. But it is more the let's get laid chemistry.

This book ends on a cliff BUT it is so worth your time to read!

[Vikki Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is unlike any paranormal book I have read. The twist and turns as this story unfolds keeps you in its grips from start to end. Though it ends in a cliffhanger this is one story that you will want to read. I look forward to yhe other books in this series.

[Shauntelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkness has literally given me life!! Believe me when I tell you that this book leaves you CRAVING more!!! Jett/ Darkness instantly intrigued me and I was all for taking a ride on the dark side. Haven is the perfect fit for Jett/Darkness.

This paranormal romance captivated me from the beginning...great paranormal romance with some added twists thrown in and I loved it!!!

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intense first in series - no spoilers

This ends on a cliffhanger! The kind that has your heart pumping -"So be prepared - no Kindle tossing!
I am attempting to write this with no spoilers- I feel that a lot of the small reveals will make a big impact when you are reading

Characters- there is such a unique blend of personalities that make up the cast for this -
The main characters are intricately detailed and I easily connected with them. They have a presence that you can almost feel
The antagonists (there are a few) -a couple actually had my stomach turning (daddy is seriously messed up - if you think the father is bad just wait) I am looking forward to getting to know them more
Darkness- my inky favorite. He is the primary presence IMO between him and Jett. I am looking forward to his backstory as well as Jett's. We do get some of it in this first book but you can tell there is a lot more to discover
Jett - Darkness' vessel as well as a warrior in his own right
Haven- life has been kicking this heroine in her teeth since before she took her first breath. She is like a tornado just plows right through everything and then she has a moment of calm, hesitates, reevaluates, then proceeds to decimate- I love her
Plot- This is the beginning of a very intense and from what I can foresee bloody battle not real good versus evil more like sane verse psycho
World building 🌎- We get some outlines of the various planes, not enough to sate my curious nature but enough to give me a vague understanding of the realm. Really excited to 👀 see how they are developed in future installments
Cons - I am hoping for a lot more information as this series goes forward,the 🍞 breadcrumb trails have been laid out but I felt a lot of the plots/twists lacked- I needed more details to sink my teeth into- a bit more background or more why? how?. I also had a problem with grammatical errors as well as a couple scene errors

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no coming into the light with the book Darkness.  Talk about a twist into the paranormal realm that I just did not expect.  There were demons, shape shifters, fae and dragons and a little walk on the wild side into a land very much like hell.  Drama, fighting and sex, this book has it all and leaves the imagination running wild while it dangles by the fingertips with a cliffhanger ending.  Elizbeth Knox and Brynn Burke wanted everyone to see a different side to the paranormal and they did a great job with Darkness, the story continues with Artic King (Darkest Nightmare #2).  I give Darkness 5 stars.
 
Haven grew up in an orphanage and had no idea where she came from.  Always on the outskirts she never fit in until she stumbled into the club Sanctuary.  Learning that the club was for the paranormal folk and that she was one of them only brought more questions then answers.  Soon walks in a tall, DARK, and dangerous man named Jett.  Haven catches Jett’s eye but she also catches the eye of Darkness, Jett’s inner demon.  Now the two are in pursuit of Haven and it’s the first time in centuries that they have both wanted a woman and they are determined to get her.  Haven is drawn to the handsome man and just when things are starting to get interesting all Hell breaks loose, literally.  The portals to Xhea have been opened and demons are roaming the earth.  Now it’s up to the High Order and a few more trusted super naturals to help close the portals and kill the demons.  Jett/Darkness will do everything they can to keep Haven safe, even if it means a journey into Xhea

[Ashante Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

WTEF…. A CLIFFHANGER, REALLY??? AND THE NEW BOOK ISN'T EVEN IT YET?!🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️ I can't work like this people. The book does start off with trigger warnings. TRIGGERS: Child abuse & molestation, Domestic Violence, rape, torture and murder. For a paranormal book named "Darkness" it really does take you down into a dark hole but not so dark that you feel sad the whole time. There are some funny moments. The story is spoken in MULTIPLE POV's. Normally this is not my favorite thing, especially for an audiobook, however the author did a great job changing his voice for every character. The main characters are Jett/Darkness and Haven. Haven is paranormal but doesn't know exactly what she is, she does know that she's kick ass and has a strong pull to a beautiful weapon. She works at a bar owned by a Dragon shifter, working side by side with a light fairy. Jett, once human, now shares his body with Darkness himself, he feeds off the nightmares of others. I loved this concept of this book. I could've done without the different points of view but it was a really good story. There's a lot of traveling in this book, meaning the story goes in and out of memories and that makes for some awesome character and world building. There so much drama, so much action. Oh and the Sex is way hot 🔥🔥🔥🔥🥵🥵🥵. I was do into this book I didn't realize how close to the end I was until…. "To be continued…" WTF…. it was getting so good…

[Joyffree · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intense first in series - no spoilers

This ends on a cliff hanger! The kind that has your heart pumping -"So be prepared - no kindle tossing! I am attempting this with no spoilers- I think a lot of the small reveals make a big impact
Characters- there is such a unique blend of personalities that make up the
cast - The main character s are wrk b detailed and I easily connected with them. The antagonists -- actually had my stomach turning (daddy is seriously messed up - you think father is bad)
Darkness- my inky favorite
Jett - Darkness' vessel as well as a warrior in his own right
Haven- life has been kicking this heroine inn her teeth since before she took her first breath
Plot- This is the beginning of a very intense and from what I can foresee bloody battle not real good versus evil more like sane verse psycho
World building 🌎- we get some outlines of the various planes, not enough to sate my curious nature but enough to give a vague understanding . Really excited to 👀 see how they are developed
Cons - i am hoping for a lot more information as this series goes forward , the 🍞bread crumb trails have been left but we are not given anything substantial - I need a bit more background. I also had a problem with grammatical errors as well as a couple scene errors
I'm on my tablet - corrected review to follow

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jett is Darkness. He is a Cimmerian and can smell evil and longs to make it his and feed it to his Darkness.

Haven is a paranormal but has no clue on who she is as she was an orphan growing up.

When Jett sees Haven he is immediately drawn to her and will make her his at all costs. But unfortunately for them both Soraya has opened a portal and the two must work together to survive but what will the cost be?

This was a super interesting paranormal book that was hot and left you needing more.

I liked Jett and I was initially a little confused about the Darkness but it all became more clear as the story went on. It was somewhat strange how one of them would take completely over and I am hoping as the series go on they become more as one whole.

I thought Haven was awesome and she definitely had a lot of spunk and personality! I loved that she was super tough and was not ready to lose the fight that she had come upon.

I also really liked Sapphire and Fern and I hope we see more of them soon.

The ending was tense and leaves you hanging with a few surprises! Looking forward to the next one!

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I’m not gonna lie this book confuse the heck out of me for the first couple chapters. I didn’t know where these two authors we’re going to take me, but then all of a sudden it became clear and I really enjoyed the book. Jett/Darkness has been around for centuries. Jett was cursed by an ex lover and sorceress to have Darkness share a body with him. Darkness is a demon and he and Jett have a symbiotic relationship. They are just existing until they meet Haven and she turns their world upside down. Haven is a paranormal but being an orphan she doesn’t know what species of paranormal she is. She isn’t intimidated when Jett let’s Darkness out.

OK, the ending had me wanting to throw my Kindle!! How can the book and on a cliffhanger when it was just getting to the good part?! But understand why the authors did this because if they wrapped it up the ending would have felt rushed. I can’t wait for book two!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG what a great read Darkness by Elizabeth Knox and Brynn Burke is. This is the first book in the Darkest Nightmares series. This is a PNR book. I was not a fan of PNR books until I read this book. It has totally changed my opinion. This is the story of Jett/Darkness and Haven. Haven is an orphan and knows nothing of where she came from. Jett/Darkness is one human male (Jett) with a demon (Darkness) inside of him. Haven and Jett/Darkness meet one night when Jett/Darkness come into the bar where Haven works. The bar is named Sanctuary and is a free/judgment free zone protected by very powerful spells. They along with all their firends embark on a journey to save the world from demons. This book has highs and lows, fighting, mind control, killing, demons, humans. It is an emotional rollercoaster. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Deborah Willborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! This is a total new experience for me. From MC lover to paranormal lover in just one book....You will be hooked. Jett is from a time where castles and Kings are real. And is best of friends with the King. While following on an order a Sorceress places a demon within Jett’s body for all eternity. Darkness is his name. Sanctuary a bar for paranormals with only good intentions can enter has a feisty sass mouth barmaid cover from top to bottom with tattoos, has attracted the eyes of both Darkness the Demon within Jett and Jett himself. How this is possible it’s so uncanny but they seem to work. Then out of nowhere a portal has opened and demons are entering innocent humans. Darkness has to get ahold of the High Order in to finding out where this Is coming from and will have to travel back to where he was born Xeha. Getting more complicated and at the edge or sofa or bed just grab your copy and enjoy the rest. Can’t wait for the next

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful beginning for a series. This author takes us to Sanctuary, a place where supernaturals are supposed to be safe. The problem is of course power and someone has the power to open the portals and that's not good. There's some thing brewing and little miss Haven and Darkness/Jett are a big part of it. Haven has no idea who or what she is but she has made a life for herself then she catches the eye of Darkness/Jett. What follows is crazy hot sex and so much more that the story keeps you turning the page for more. There's plenty of excitement and shifters and paranormals and such so of course you get a wild blend of everything.

Like I mentioned it's a great start to the series and yes it does end in a cliff hanger so no it isn't a standalone. The characters are interesting and the writing is fun with plenty of excitement. Haven is a foul mouth I can do it myself type of gal and Darkness/Jett is a take control type of being so things are about to get even more interesting.

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. I was enthralled from the beginning and found it hard to put this book down. Jett is complex, and Haven is searching for something more and happens upon the sanctuary, she feels like she belongs finally, she’s special and when she catches Jett’s eye there’s something about her that’s different than the others. She feels the pull to Jett, but he’s different from the other men she’s been with, the attraction is undeniable, but the question is will they act on their feelings and if they do what happens when Haven finds out who he really is? No spoilers here, this is way out of my realm of genre’s but I’m loving it, Elizabeth and Brynn have turned me onto something new and I can’t wait for what’s next. They will have you on the edge of your seat, with bated breath wanting more, wanting answers and now all we can do is wait. Loved this book, highly recommend it.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darkness is full of drama, danger, action, and supernatural creatures of every kind. It took me a bit to learn the terminology used, but there is a handy definition guide at the beginning, and once the story really gets going, things just clicked. We have an instant attraction between Jett/Darkness and Haven and they generate their fair share of steam. The story is told from both perspectives and we also get flashbacks to their pasts as we go along. Haven is sassy and has an independent nature and Jett is all alpha male, so naturally, there are plenty of fireworks between this pair. The story is quite dark and parts are particularly hard to read. It's also emotional and edge of your seat fast-paced. This is the first in the series and a continuing story, which means a cliffy that has me anxiously waiting for the next book. All in all, this is a solid start to a gripping series.

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally I’m not of fan of more than two point of views in story, however, in this instance, it worked brilliantly. I loved being able to see not just in the heroes/heroine’s mind, but one of the villains as well; it gave me full perspective of the story. The detail in the writing was enough to paint a picture for me without over doing it.

Haven is a mystery and I would love to know more of her back story along with what’s in store for her next. Even though her relationship with Jett is destined, Fate has a way of twisting it around sending them into chaos. I don’t want to say any more in fear I would give away the story. Even the side characters had me intrigued and guessing what hands they’ll play into the story.

I highly recommend this book and am waiting impatiently for the next one in this series. There’s so much I need to know!

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

You are hooked from the start with the mysterious Jett and what lurks beneath him as well as those that work and come to the Bar Sanctuary. Jett and Darkness have been together for centuries however have fought over control for just as long until Haven, the barmaid at Sanctuary that has both of them intrigued. Haven doesn't know what she is after being left at an orphanage and at the brutal hand of those who are meant to care for her. The way the past and the now weave together is done really well and the characters are really well done while we get to know some pretty well we are left with wanting more about others. We find out what Haven really is and wow that is a doozie and leads us to finding out more about Darkness and his past. When you get to the end be warned you may want to scream but hopefully we don't have to wait too long for book 2!!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cliffhanger??? Are you kidding me?? Honestly, if an author decides to end a book with a cliffhanger, at least don't make your readers wait a year for the second installment. Well, it's actually been ten months. Still, Darkness was a short read, and the second in the series should have been out by now. For this reason, I'm not giving the book more than three stars.

As for Darkness (Darkest Nightmares, #1), the premise of the plot was unique. It's been a while since I enjoyed a paranormal romance by a new writer. I especially, Iiked the lead characters, and look forward to learning more about the rest. In the earlier chapters, there were a couple of confusing parts and had to reread. The child abuse scene bothered me. I enjoy dark elements in a plot and understand that authors like to go for the shock factor. But that scene could've been more polished.

[Adrianne Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not what I was expecting. I loved reading this book. I can't wait to read more from Knox/Burke, they are amazing together.

I think what I liked most about the book was the character Jett/Darkness. The reason is Jett knows Darkness is stronger than he is but somehow Darkness allows Jett to remain in control until he is very hungry or he's been called to duty by his king.

Heaven is another character I like as she is brass and sassy. They way she grew up made her that way. When she meets Jett/Darkness she doesn't run away instead she is interested in knowing more about him. She has no idea what/who she is until her 25th birthday. That's when she realizes that she and Darkness are the same.

I can't wait for book 2.

[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic start to a new PNR series these authors have knocked it out the park.

I have to be careful what I say because of spoilers and this book is too good to be spoiled. The main characters are fascinating all so very different but are compelling to read. I sometimes feel like I'm rolling my eyes when I've read previous books in this genre but I was so enthralled by the story of just carried me away to this land.

The story was well thought out the characterisation was excellent and the writing was superb. Roll on book two
.

[Book-Lovin-Momma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a distinctly different read from other PNRs, Jett/Darkness was an amazing, sexy duality, while Haven has been through so much yet is so resilient. I loved these characters, and the world-building was set up in a way that I could see the scenes in my head. It was steamy and filled with adventure. It leaves you hanging, but they need this next book in order to give the conclusion the attention it needs.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.. I am loving these two writers together. Definitely a different type story then what I normally read but enjoyable from beginning to end. Didn't enjoy that this was a cliff hanger. Can't wait to find out what happens next. Demons,humans,fairy you have it all in this wonderful book. Gripping storyline from the very beginning to the very end. So well written you can easily enjoy reading about Haven and her demon. Highly recommend.

[Kasey McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jett is sitting in Sanctuary watching everyone. He has to feed Darkness to keep Jett alive. Darkness needs bad memories to feed on. Haven catches the attention of Jett and Darkness in a way that’s never happened before. Haven grew up an orphan so she doesn’t know about her parents or her powers. She works at the bar and hooks up with men but nothing feels like it does with Jett. She knows he’s different but how will she react once she knows what Jett truly is? Will they act on their attraction?

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otay this book started really slow for me. It took me a while to get into the swing of the whole Jett and Darkness two beings one body thing ... I will say that once Haven is in the picture it seems Darkness mellows and Jett comes out more. Jett, Darkness and Haven try to save the world and the ending was no fun! I will say I had some laughs along the way.

[Theresa Willett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I’m not a PNR reader, this book was my first venture into this genre. While keeping an open mind, I turned page after page and found myself intrigued. I was able to see the story, feel the emotions and root for the good guys. Thank you Brynn and Elizabeth for the introduction, I’ll follow this series.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkness Book 1!!

Darkness is a read that i was so not expecting. What i love most about Darkness is that its different from any other paranormal books i have read. It definitely pulls you in from the beginning and till the end. It leaves you with so many unanswered questions ughhhhh.... Now to patiently wait for the ending in book 2.

[Christi Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkness was an awesome start to what will be a hit series. The Darkest Nightmares series is unlike anything I have ever read before. If you want a read that will enthrall you and keep you on the edge of your seat this book is for you. I can't wait to read more from this amazing series. Go one click today.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful collaboration by two very talented authors. The characters were dynamic and engaging and the chemistry between Darkness, Jett, and Haven was off the charts. The storyline was fast paced and unpredictable with lots of twists and turns. It had my full attention from page one. This is a five star must read that will have you anxiously awaiting book two.

[Michaela York · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Darkness? Well you will absolutely love it that is for sure. The story these two amazing ladies came up with is just fantastic! The story grabs you within the first few pages, and trust me it is hard to put down! I definitely recommend this to any romance paranormal reader, and even to those who have never read a paranormal romance before!

[Romaine Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors takes us on a magical adventure into another dimension of an unusual paranormal world. Unexpected twists and turns that keeps you flipping through the pages as a story unfolds. A unique type of love triangle between Jett / Darkness and Haven. A well-written story that takes you on a wild ride to the dark side. The characters are flawless. There is a cliffy but so worth the wait.

[Mona williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was really strange! he was turned years ago now hes half human and demon. she has always felt out of place until she meets them. now she knows where her place is. its a strange ending too.