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Pure/Dark Ones #7
Pure Ecstasy
Jade: She is a ruthless, cunning vampire queen, the most powerful amongst all the Hives in the world. Beautiful, predatory, and alluringly dangerous, she’s a huntress who revels in blood and sexual pleasure.
Seth: He is calm, cool, and level-headedness personified, as the most effective negotiator and mediator amongst the Pure Ones. Known by the moniker of “Monk,” he thought he could resist any and all temptation.
3 years ago, they made a deal, one that gave the Pure Ones a critical advantage against a deadly foe. But the price he paid still haunts him to this day.
3 years ago, she played a delicious game, not realizing until it was almost too late, how he changed her entire world.
Now, common enemies force their paths to cross again. Only this time, the stakes are higher, the risk is greater, and the love—should they choose to claim it—will be worth every sacrifice.
Seth: He is calm, cool, and level-headedness personified, as the most effective negotiator and mediator amongst the Pure Ones. Known by the moniker of “Monk,” he thought he could resist any and all temptation.
3 years ago, they made a deal, one that gave the Pure Ones a critical advantage against a deadly foe. But the price he paid still haunts him to this day.
3 years ago, she played a delicious game, not realizing until it was almost too late, how he changed her entire world.
Now, common enemies force their paths to cross again. Only this time, the stakes are higher, the risk is greater, and the love—should they choose to claim it—will be worth every sacrifice.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
150 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Aja James
30 books595 followershttps://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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 24, 2020
Update: This book has become my favorite "turn me on" and "make me cry" decadent true love treat! Good lord the emotions the author squeezes out of me!! LOVE IT!!
BTW, Was it you, AlwaysV, who said this series should end with 12 books? I think I know where you got that idea... now that I think of it, it would make perfect sense! BUT I just don't know if she can tell all of their stories, esp. Sophia-Dalair-Creature in only 5 more books, even if she gets another novella in there somewhere... I look forward to reading her brilliance no matter what :)
Sooooooo....where do I begin??? Just to give you an inkling what to expect - I've been waiting for this book for months, basically since I got my hands on 6.5 ARC and gobbled it up in 2 hours. Since then, I've been begging the author to write faster so I can get the next book, which is this book, and then I got it in my inbox and I literally locked myself in my room and screeched at anyone who disturbed my reading until I finished it at 2am in the morning, then woke up and read it again!
(A little hyper right now from all the coffee and the FEELS!!!! from this book!)
In a word, this one was SCORCHING!!!!!
For those readers who are used to AJ's writing, you know that there's plenty of sexiness, but not to the extent of those really smutty books that focus on sex, you know the ones I'm talking about. Probably just right for PNRs.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, this one is...definitely pushing the envelope on the sex-o-meter. IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY!!
But honestly, what do you expect when the heroine's powers feed off sex??? The cover, folks, the cover really represents what goes down (and I mean "GOES DOWN") in this book.
OK, let me back up and actually write the review.
This is book 7 in the RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME Pure/Dark Ones series by Aja James. What's new:
* A dominant vampire queen for a heroine, first ever for AJ. And boy, did she deliver!
Jade is one of those characters that you sorta wanna hate. She's in control, she's badass, she's BEAUTIFUL and sexiness embodied. Kinda intimidating. And there are times you're pissed at her for making our Hero hurt so much. But then you get her too, and you realize she's so strong she's afraid to be weak and when you're in love, you gotta be ready to give everything. I thought her journey in the novel was very believable. She's probably still going to be badass after she got her man. Which is awesome for a female character.
* A dominant male Hero who's every bit the match for our queen
Where does AJ come up with these men??? That's what I want to know. Where can I find some for myself? I mean, Seth is PERFECT! He's the perfect match for Jade. He gives without giving in. He takes, because it's rightfully his. He concedes, because he wants her to win. He sacrifices everything because his love is unconditional. And the body... Can't find a gif that does it justice in my imagination.
Side note: I'm really impressed with how AJ keeps coming up with very different characters in each and every book. This is not true of other series I've read. At some point, usually around book 4 or 5, things start getting repetitive, and the characters all start talking the same way, with similar personalities. Or there are 2 or 3 steroetypes and that's about it.
AJ writes extremely DEEP characters. I still don't really know how to characterize her books - whether it's love story driven, character driven, plot driven or world-building action driven. All of the above, I guess!
Every H and h are so unique, so one of a kind. I love getting to know them all!
Which brings me to my next point--
* The awesome side characters who sometimes steal the show!
Makes me pant for the next book(s) in the series. I'm talking:
Maximus
Alend
Creature
Sophia
Ere
Tal + Ishtar
Ana + Adam (love his name by the way, Adam Morgan, we finally meet :)
The list goes on! And their stories just keep building!!
I can't wait!!!!!
I don't know what else to say, so exhausted and horny and lovesick right now. This book...will be rereading it again and again and again very very soon!
OMG! OMG! OMG! The blurb! The cover!! WHEN CAN I GET MY HANDS ON THIS??????
BTW, Was it you, AlwaysV, who said this series should end with 12 books? I think I know where you got that idea... now that I think of it, it would make perfect sense! BUT I just don't know if she can tell all of their stories, esp. Sophia-Dalair-Creature in only 5 more books, even if she gets another novella in there somewhere... I look forward to reading her brilliance no matter what :)
Sooooooo....where do I begin??? Just to give you an inkling what to expect - I've been waiting for this book for months, basically since I got my hands on 6.5 ARC and gobbled it up in 2 hours. Since then, I've been begging the author to write faster so I can get the next book, which is this book, and then I got it in my inbox and I literally locked myself in my room and screeched at anyone who disturbed my reading until I finished it at 2am in the morning, then woke up and read it again!
(A little hyper right now from all the coffee and the FEELS!!!! from this book!)
In a word, this one was SCORCHING!!!!!
For those readers who are used to AJ's writing, you know that there's plenty of sexiness, but not to the extent of those really smutty books that focus on sex, you know the ones I'm talking about. Probably just right for PNRs.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, this one is...definitely pushing the envelope on the sex-o-meter. IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY!!
But honestly, what do you expect when the heroine's powers feed off sex??? The cover, folks, the cover really represents what goes down (and I mean "GOES DOWN") in this book.
OK, let me back up and actually write the review.
This is book 7 in the RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME Pure/Dark Ones series by Aja James. What's new:
* A dominant vampire queen for a heroine, first ever for AJ. And boy, did she deliver!
Jade is one of those characters that you sorta wanna hate. She's in control, she's badass, she's BEAUTIFUL and sexiness embodied. Kinda intimidating. And there are times you're pissed at her for making our Hero hurt so much. But then you get her too, and you realize she's so strong she's afraid to be weak and when you're in love, you gotta be ready to give everything. I thought her journey in the novel was very believable. She's probably still going to be badass after she got her man. Which is awesome for a female character.
* A dominant male Hero who's every bit the match for our queen
Where does AJ come up with these men??? That's what I want to know. Where can I find some for myself? I mean, Seth is PERFECT! He's the perfect match for Jade. He gives without giving in. He takes, because it's rightfully his. He concedes, because he wants her to win. He sacrifices everything because his love is unconditional. And the body... Can't find a gif that does it justice in my imagination.
Side note: I'm really impressed with how AJ keeps coming up with very different characters in each and every book. This is not true of other series I've read. At some point, usually around book 4 or 5, things start getting repetitive, and the characters all start talking the same way, with similar personalities. Or there are 2 or 3 steroetypes and that's about it.
AJ writes extremely DEEP characters. I still don't really know how to characterize her books - whether it's love story driven, character driven, plot driven or world-building action driven. All of the above, I guess!
Every H and h are so unique, so one of a kind. I love getting to know them all!
Which brings me to my next point--
* The awesome side characters who sometimes steal the show!
Makes me pant for the next book(s) in the series. I'm talking:
Maximus
Alend
Creature
Sophia
Ere
Tal + Ishtar
Ana + Adam (love his name by the way, Adam Morgan, we finally meet :)
The list goes on! And their stories just keep building!!
I can't wait!!!!!
I don't know what else to say, so exhausted and horny and lovesick right now. This book...will be rereading it again and again and again very very soon!
OMG! OMG! OMG! The blurb! The cover!! WHEN CAN I GET MY HANDS ON THIS??????
October 5, 2018
This one is HOTT, kids :P
July 6, 2019
4,5 'ecstatic' stars
I've been eagerly waiting for Seth and Jade's story since they got involved in Pure Healing. I just knew that their love story will be explosive and they definitely delivered. All these emotions!! Passion, heartbreak, lust, sadness, angst, and most importantly love, even if it was one-sided at first. But, of course, somewhere in the deepest part of her heart Jade loved Seth from the start, I'm sure. It should be obvious to everyone. The only ones who didn't know were Jade and Seth. Silly lovebirds. Love indeed is blind.
I understand why Jade was so suspicious about trusting Seth considering her past. In her previous lives, she got repeatedly betrayed by people around her. But still, she got me very much frustrated with her treating of Seth. It was painful to watch him getting hurt by Jade and suffering from The Decline. Being a Pure One truly is a bummer! However, despite all the bad blood between them, they have so many sweet moments (when Jade was in the mood). Those 'husband and wife' moments were pure gold.
And we mustn't forget how hot they were together in bed. They almost set the sheets on fire. Pure ecstasy for sure!!!
As for other side stories... A lot has happened in this book. I was most surprised by Sophia. She definitely made a huge development since her novella. I was so proud of her and her badassness. Go, girl, I know you can do it! I can't quite decide about Ere. I like him but I still hate The Creature with a passion. If there would be a chance to kind of separate these two. And Binu - I have no idea how to feel about him. Also, can someone please listens to Tal? Damn, he's not THE legendary general for nothing. He's just too polite. I totally agree that women have always right but just sometimes we don't. Tal and Benji really should be in charge because apparently, they are the only ones seeing people's true nature. And I need to know more about Rameses like yesterday! God, this guy is so mysterious and I'm looking forward to getting better acquainted with him. And now, finally Maximus. Yay!
******************************
Ok, finally starting it. And the winners of pics inspiration are...
*********************************
Starting this book very soon! Waiting for pics inspiration 😉😉😏😏
"Give me ecstasy. Give me you."
I've been eagerly waiting for Seth and Jade's story since they got involved in Pure Healing. I just knew that their love story will be explosive and they definitely delivered. All these emotions!! Passion, heartbreak, lust, sadness, angst, and most importantly love, even if it was one-sided at first. But, of course, somewhere in the deepest part of her heart Jade loved Seth from the start, I'm sure. It should be obvious to everyone. The only ones who didn't know were Jade and Seth. Silly lovebirds. Love indeed is blind.
The look in his eyes would be seared into her consciousness forever: possessive, primitive, an intoxicating blend of agony and pleasure, strength and vulnerability.
I understand why Jade was so suspicious about trusting Seth considering her past. In her previous lives, she got repeatedly betrayed by people around her. But still, she got me very much frustrated with her treating of Seth. It was painful to watch him getting hurt by Jade and suffering from The Decline. Being a Pure One truly is a bummer! However, despite all the bad blood between them, they have so many sweet moments (when Jade was in the mood). Those 'husband and wife' moments were pure gold.
“I want to know what it feels like…” She regarded him through the filter of her long, straight lashes and finished, “…to be yours.”
And we mustn't forget how hot they were together in bed. They almost set the sheets on fire. Pure ecstasy for sure!!!
“You are not ‘handsome.’ You are desire and lust and sex and passion incarnate. You are pure ecstasy.”
As for other side stories... A lot has happened in this book. I was most surprised by Sophia. She definitely made a huge development since her novella. I was so proud of her and her badassness. Go, girl, I know you can do it! I can't quite decide about Ere. I like him but I still hate The Creature with a passion. If there would be a chance to kind of separate these two. And Binu - I have no idea how to feel about him. Also, can someone please listens to Tal? Damn, he's not THE legendary general for nothing. He's just too polite. I totally agree that women have always right but just sometimes we don't. Tal and Benji really should be in charge because apparently, they are the only ones seeing people's true nature. And I need to know more about Rameses like yesterday! God, this guy is so mysterious and I'm looking forward to getting better acquainted with him. And now, finally Maximus. Yay!
******************************
Ok, finally starting it. And the winners of pics inspiration are...
Six-feet-five at a guess, over two hundred and forty pounds of sturdy bones and steely muscles. Tousled dark, wavy hair and warm gray eyes. A wide, sensuous mouth and a strong blade of a nose.
*********************************
Starting this book very soon! Waiting for pics inspiration 😉😉😏😏
August 19, 2021
I'll say this now... Jade and Seth were heartwrenchingly beautiful together!
I'll admit that when I first realized that Jade was meant for Seth, I was a bit horrified. This woman, who kept him as a blood slave, manipulated him, treated him like a toy, and had sex with multiple lovers (some at the same time) right in front of him, couldn't possibly be his forever mate.
So what if she listened and appreciated his counsel? So what if she understood that what she felt for him was far more than she had felt for any other male? So what if she was lost and devastated without him?
She didn't respect him!
But I changed my mind for many reasons, one of them being that I've learned that not only did she not have real sex with these people, she made sure Seth was completely aware of it.
What I loved most about Jade were her moments of vulnerabilty and fragility. I could appreciate her being a badazz, but her having a soft side... Her humanity is what made her truly endearing.
I didn't find her past to be as devastating to me as the ones I've seen before, however, I felt such sympathy for her. She was once a slave, with no rights and no freedoms, aside from what she was able to manipulate from her masters. I thought it would make her more empathetic with what Seth found abominable. But no.
Honestly, Seth could do no wrong with me. He was so sweet, so kind and considerate, so sexy and loyal and generous, so amazing. I loved this man so much!!
Once again, Aja James had me swooning and engaged and anxious for more.
Find the full review HERE
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I'll admit that when I first realized that Jade was meant for Seth, I was a bit horrified. This woman, who kept him as a blood slave, manipulated him, treated him like a toy, and had sex with multiple lovers (some at the same time) right in front of him, couldn't possibly be his forever mate.
So what if she listened and appreciated his counsel? So what if she understood that what she felt for him was far more than she had felt for any other male? So what if she was lost and devastated without him?
She didn't respect him!
But I changed my mind for many reasons, one of them being that I've learned that not only did she not have real sex with these people, she made sure Seth was completely aware of it.
What I loved most about Jade were her moments of vulnerabilty and fragility. I could appreciate her being a badazz, but her having a soft side... Her humanity is what made her truly endearing.
I didn't find her past to be as devastating to me as the ones I've seen before, however, I felt such sympathy for her. She was once a slave, with no rights and no freedoms, aside from what she was able to manipulate from her masters. I thought it would make her more empathetic with what Seth found abominable. But no.
Honestly, Seth could do no wrong with me. He was so sweet, so kind and considerate, so sexy and loyal and generous, so amazing. I loved this man so much!!
Once again, Aja James had me swooning and engaged and anxious for more.
Find the full review HERE
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January 30, 2021
She wanted to hold onto him and lose herself in his body, absorb him in turn completely into herself, until nothing and no one could keep them apart.
Love me.
But she would never utter that rubbish out loud, even though she wanted it more than she wanted to breathe.
What a fitting title... My eyelashes and eyebrows have been singed off. How does each book manage to get hotter and hotter?! Okay, contrary to what I just said, Pure Ecstasy is more than just a book with some unbelievably hot sex scenes. Pure Ecstasy gives readers more insight to the political playing field and just how high the stakes are. Alliances are being formed and dissolved, and everyone's beginning to show where their loyalties lie. It's hard to keep things spoiler free but I really loved every moment of the fascinating world-building!
I don’t think I give Aja James enough credit for her writing skills, but she’s amazing at writing wonderfully diverse characters and settings. With every flashback, I truly felt like I was transported to an ancient era. The way James is able to weave mythology, history and so much emotion is nothing short of amazing. Truly.
Previously, I hadn’t been quite sure what to make of Jade Cicada, Queen of the Dark Ones, because I couldn’t quite pinpoint her character but I have officially concluded that I FUCKING LOVE Jade. Everything about her just screams power, seduction and beauty. There were times I felt like I should've hated her BUT I JUST COULDN'T. She’s selfish, unapologetic and sometimes just downright mean. But at her very core, she's a damaged heroine with a misguided notion of love and power. Her past was traumatizing and along the way, she became her very own worst enemy and I think that's what makes her worth empathizing with.
In a similar way to Jade, I didn't really know what to make of Seth Tremaine because we don't really get any flashbacks from him. Seth was humble, selfless and sacrificial, but all of this didn’t necessarily set him apart from the other heroes. Thankfully, this all changed when HE MADE THE DEAL WITH JADE. AHHHHHHHHHH! I loved seeing a different side of him, especially the moments he rose to the challenge to outwit Jade. And the sexy times thereupon...??? dammmnn (hehe). But ultimately, it was seeing Seth's pure and selfless devotion to Jade while holding steadfast to his beliefs, that won me over.
“When I love, it is true, and it is forever.”
Jade and Seth's relationship seemed almost impossible at times. The way Jade kept trying to dominate and conquer Seth was absolutely brutal to read... and the way Seth let her take the rein because he understood her pain and saw right through her had me SOBBING. The sex was HOT but what really killed me was the heartfelt moments of vulnerability between the two. The way Seth held her when she slept and bore witness to her tears was so beautiful! They were such a perfect match!
“I hate to break it to you, Pure One,” she said, staring unblinkingly into his eyes. “You are not ‘handsome.’” She reached across the table and took one of his hands in both of hers. “You are desire and lust and sex and passion incarnate. You are pure ecstasy.”
Their protectiveness and jealousy they felt for each was kind of adorable and hilarious too. “She seemed inordinately peeved at his long dead human wife, Seth noted” – made me laugh so hard. I can totally see why Jade and Seth are such a popular pair because they're definitely one of my favorites too. While I understand why some readers were upset with the ending (no disrespect to them), I honestly thought the ending was perfect for these two (and I sincerely hope it stays that way!).
I’m so happy Ryu made an appearance (well duh, he works for Jade)… showing off his badass skills, like that… *swoon*. Sophia also makes an important appearance in this book that made me want to hug her! I’m so happy with her character development. And that darkness within her... Hm...
It’s hard for me to pick a highlight because I really enjoyed everything about this book. I'm glad this one has made it to my 'favorites' shelf! I know I'll surely be rereading this book for years to come. I can't wait to meet the heroes of the next few books! I already know I’m going to like Ramses… he’s so intense! Okay, before this review turns into a thesis... onto Maximus's book, Dark Obsession…
Rating: 5/5
February 7, 2019
4 Pretty, Pretty Good Stars
The 7th book in the Pure/Dark Ones series (which is NOT a standalone --- you should read the books in order!) finally gives us the story of Seth, the Consul to the Pure Ones' Queen and part of her inner circle, and Jade Cicada, the Dark Ones' Queen of one of the most influential "hives." There has been an alliance between the two groups, much to the disapproval of many other Dark Ones who have had their sights set on overthrowing Jade, as working with the Pure Ones (considered the lowest rung on the species chain as they were once the slaves of the Dark Ones) is well beneath them.
Seth made a deal with Jade 3 years ago to advance the Pure Ones' cause - the price was that he would become the blood slave to Jade for 6 months. As much as Jade tried to tempt the un-temptable Pure One, Seth held firm as he refused to give himself fully to anyone he did not love, and Jade swore that she will never love anyone. While their contract ended abruptly the day it was terminated (leaving neither of them satisfied), they both still harbor intense feelings for each other and have been unable to focus on much else since. When they are forced to rely on each other again to stay out of danger, will Seth be able to resist giving all of himself to Jade, and will Jade ever be able to love him?
What I liked:
--- We have had hints of Seth and Jade's "association" in past installments; it was nice to finally have the full story behind the scenes
--- Jade has played a pivotal role in many of the former stories as an ally (and her Dark Ones insiders have been the subject of several of the books); I was glad I got to know more about her and found her to be very likeable (I honestly wasn't sure I would)
--- More information is revealed re the many mysteries guiding the broader series arc
What I didn't like as much:
--- I didn't feel as connected to Seth as I have to the other male leads --- not sure quite why; maybe it was because of the way he was described previously (essentially as a monk: a celibate scholar)
--- The steamy goodness felt off at first (it got better later in the book)
Overall, another excellent addition to this highly addictive series!
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steamy Goodness --- 3/5
Violence --- some but none of the gory variety
Language --- some but not over-the-top, imo
POV --- 3rd
The 7th book in the Pure/Dark Ones series (which is NOT a standalone --- you should read the books in order!) finally gives us the story of Seth, the Consul to the Pure Ones' Queen and part of her inner circle, and Jade Cicada, the Dark Ones' Queen of one of the most influential "hives." There has been an alliance between the two groups, much to the disapproval of many other Dark Ones who have had their sights set on overthrowing Jade, as working with the Pure Ones (considered the lowest rung on the species chain as they were once the slaves of the Dark Ones) is well beneath them.
Seth made a deal with Jade 3 years ago to advance the Pure Ones' cause - the price was that he would become the blood slave to Jade for 6 months. As much as Jade tried to tempt the un-temptable Pure One, Seth held firm as he refused to give himself fully to anyone he did not love, and Jade swore that she will never love anyone. While their contract ended abruptly the day it was terminated (leaving neither of them satisfied), they both still harbor intense feelings for each other and have been unable to focus on much else since. When they are forced to rely on each other again to stay out of danger, will Seth be able to resist giving all of himself to Jade, and will Jade ever be able to love him?
What I liked:
--- We have had hints of Seth and Jade's "association" in past installments; it was nice to finally have the full story behind the scenes
--- Jade has played a pivotal role in many of the former stories as an ally (and her Dark Ones insiders have been the subject of several of the books); I was glad I got to know more about her and found her to be very likeable (I honestly wasn't sure I would)
--- More information is revealed re the many mysteries guiding the broader series arc
What I didn't like as much:
--- I didn't feel as connected to Seth as I have to the other male leads --- not sure quite why; maybe it was because of the way he was described previously (essentially as a monk: a celibate scholar)
--- The steamy goodness felt off at first (it got better later in the book)
Overall, another excellent addition to this highly addictive series!
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steamy Goodness --- 3/5
Violence --- some but none of the gory variety
Language --- some but not over-the-top, imo
POV --- 3rd
March 8, 2019
With deepest gratitude to Aja James for the ARC. My review wasn’t influenced in any way by her generosity and thoughtfulness.
Pure Ecstasy was such a perfect title. No other titles would’ve worked this well. I was captivated right from the start by Jade’s first impression of Seth. She took one look and she knew he was her ecstasy. All she wanted was for him to belong to her, to be her most treasured possession.
Since she was the most powerful Dark queen in the world, she should’ve been able to make that happen pretty easily, right? Wrong!
Seth took more time falling in love with her. He wasn’t blinded by her seductive allure, her breathtaking and stunning beauty, or even her often times cruel dominant acts. He was by her side (in her bed too) for months, observing and learning until he was intimate with all of her strengths and weaknesses. His love was then absolute, unconditional, and eternal. So! Where were the conflicts then? The story should’ve ended in about three chapters, true? Nope!
Seth was her pure ecstasy. The story could only end when Jade learned to love wholeheartedly, to return his love in equal measure. Otherwise, he would die the most painful death.
The entire passionate, sensual, scorching hot, blow-your-mind-away journey to reach the ending must be experienced in person. Trust Aja James’s mesmerizing and poetic writing style to take you there. . . well. . . in ecstasy!
There was so much more I loved about the story. Loved how dominant Jade displayed in her full Dark queen mode! How she defeated the uprising forces without bloodshed! How the plot line kept moving at a fast pace! How powerful and devious the villains became! Best of all? How fluid the worldbuilding was. It grew and developed. No wonder, I never wanted to leave the Pure/Dark Ones world. Hope you love this world as much as I do.
Pure Ecstasy was such a perfect title. No other titles would’ve worked this well. I was captivated right from the start by Jade’s first impression of Seth. She took one look and she knew he was her ecstasy. All she wanted was for him to belong to her, to be her most treasured possession.
"Give me ecstasy. . . Give me you."
Since she was the most powerful Dark queen in the world, she should’ve been able to make that happen pretty easily, right? Wrong!
Seth took more time falling in love with her. He wasn’t blinded by her seductive allure, her breathtaking and stunning beauty, or even her often times cruel dominant acts. He was by her side (in her bed too) for months, observing and learning until he was intimate with all of her strengths and weaknesses. His love was then absolute, unconditional, and eternal. So! Where were the conflicts then? The story should’ve ended in about three chapters, true? Nope!
Seth was her pure ecstasy. The story could only end when Jade learned to love wholeheartedly, to return his love in equal measure. Otherwise, he would die the most painful death.
The entire passionate, sensual, scorching hot, blow-your-mind-away journey to reach the ending must be experienced in person. Trust Aja James’s mesmerizing and poetic writing style to take you there. . . well. . . in ecstasy!
There was so much more I loved about the story. Loved how dominant Jade displayed in her full Dark queen mode! How she defeated the uprising forces without bloodshed! How the plot line kept moving at a fast pace! How powerful and devious the villains became! Best of all? How fluid the worldbuilding was. It grew and developed. No wonder, I never wanted to leave the Pure/Dark Ones world. Hope you love this world as much as I do.
April 30, 2022
I feel strangely elated now that i have finished "Pure Ecstasy" which is the 7:th instalment in the Pure/Dark Ones-series. It have been a long time coming and i finished this book with one swoop in a couple of hours. Aja James fascinating fantasy world of the Pure/Dark Ones still manages to amaze me everytime alongside her strong plots and incredible characters. Already from the start i was excited to get to know what really was going on between the cool and collected negotiater and consul of the Pure Ones, Seth Tremaine whose heart gets captured by the powerful Dark Queen Jade Cicada who refuses to give in to her heart that is hidden behind a icy armor. We get many realizations in this instalment, more enemies to overcome, learning the allure of the darkness that lies within everyone and together with Seth & Jade we learn that love is the most powerful emotion ever in existence. Anything is possible if there is true love. It is always possible to heal THROUGH love.
Jade Cicada is the Dark One Queen i have found much intriguing in the former books. She is this lethal, dark, violent and so utterly seductive energy that takes over the room once she steps into it. She is ancient and have been a human and pure/one in the past, both lives ending in terrible tragedy. She have been abused and used and deceived in her former lives, and learnt to use any possible tool of weapon for her survival, whether it be her mind or body. How her past darkened her soul made me want to weep for her. She grew despite it all, she hungered for power so grand that no one ever would be able to hurt her. Creating a cloak of ice around her heart. To feed her life force she is able to use sexual energy and can manipulate it however she wants, which is also her gift. She also decides she wants Seth the minute she sets eyes on him, as her blood slave. For her to use and dominate however she wants.
Here on came my big issue with her character. She is so utterly selfish in her blood thirst and desires that she made me uncomfortable at times. I know that she has reasons for being that way. But it did not make me like her. I really wanted to strangle her at times with the way she so childishly and ruthlessly hurt Seth so many times. This man was in pain all the time, so naked in his anguish and despair and this FEMALE was so caught up in her own feelings that she did not care about what she did to him. She knew when she hurt him and kept on because it was her way of having power over him, because he refused to be her plaything. He refused to give himself to her when she was not willing to love him in return. Aghhhh how i wanted to claw her eyes out. Even the violence she issued on him during the sex-scenes made me purely disgusted because it was without Seth`s consent.
I hope she does as she promised and does every possible thing to make up for all the hurt she caused Seth IN THEIR WHOLE LIVES FOREVER. Seth loves her, and if he loves her i will try to like her a bit more from now on. But, it will be sooooo hard.
Seth Tremaine is the Pure One consul i have been excited to read about ever since book 1. He is anything other than a "Monk" to me with how actually intense his mind and feelings are. There is this down carved need inside of him that i can sense even if he is this calm and collected mediator that no one can break. I came to love his character with all my heart. His fierce, stubborn, loyal resolve and the way he truly understand what Jade have become to him. I felt so sorry for him and i literally cried when his soul cried out for the Dark Queen. He never could stop himself from falling in love with her during the time he was her Blood Slave. Not even when she hurt him. I love a smitten and possessive hero like Seth. He loved Jade with everything he had inside of him, both her dark and light. He was so drawn to her, so madly in love with her. It just hurt so much. He was willing to even die for that love. Ahhhhh, i just love Seth so much!
I was so happy to meet some of the former couples in the series and some of the characters that will get their books in the later part of the series. Sophia has changed and i am so glad she is fitting into her role as the Queen of the Pure Ones, still determined to find her beloved Dalair. Also love that she was the one who put some sense into Jade. I wouldn`t have minded if she also had bitch slapped Jade in the process, but both are queens and that simply wouldn`t have been realistic in a story sense. I will say this again however, Aja James is one of the best authors in this genre. She just nails every time. It is so obvious how passionate she is when it comes to writing this series. I am blown away again and i am so excited for the next book.
Jade Cicada is the Dark One Queen i have found much intriguing in the former books. She is this lethal, dark, violent and so utterly seductive energy that takes over the room once she steps into it. She is ancient and have been a human and pure/one in the past, both lives ending in terrible tragedy. She have been abused and used and deceived in her former lives, and learnt to use any possible tool of weapon for her survival, whether it be her mind or body. How her past darkened her soul made me want to weep for her. She grew despite it all, she hungered for power so grand that no one ever would be able to hurt her. Creating a cloak of ice around her heart. To feed her life force she is able to use sexual energy and can manipulate it however she wants, which is also her gift. She also decides she wants Seth the minute she sets eyes on him, as her blood slave. For her to use and dominate however she wants.
Here on came my big issue with her character. She is so utterly selfish in her blood thirst and desires that she made me uncomfortable at times. I know that she has reasons for being that way. But it did not make me like her. I really wanted to strangle her at times with the way she so childishly and ruthlessly hurt Seth so many times. This man was in pain all the time, so naked in his anguish and despair and this FEMALE was so caught up in her own feelings that she did not care about what she did to him. She knew when she hurt him and kept on because it was her way of having power over him, because he refused to be her plaything. He refused to give himself to her when she was not willing to love him in return. Aghhhh how i wanted to claw her eyes out. Even the violence she issued on him during the sex-scenes made me purely disgusted because it was without Seth`s consent.
I hope she does as she promised and does every possible thing to make up for all the hurt she caused Seth IN THEIR WHOLE LIVES FOREVER. Seth loves her, and if he loves her i will try to like her a bit more from now on. But, it will be sooooo hard.
Seth Tremaine is the Pure One consul i have been excited to read about ever since book 1. He is anything other than a "Monk" to me with how actually intense his mind and feelings are. There is this down carved need inside of him that i can sense even if he is this calm and collected mediator that no one can break. I came to love his character with all my heart. His fierce, stubborn, loyal resolve and the way he truly understand what Jade have become to him. I felt so sorry for him and i literally cried when his soul cried out for the Dark Queen. He never could stop himself from falling in love with her during the time he was her Blood Slave. Not even when she hurt him. I love a smitten and possessive hero like Seth. He loved Jade with everything he had inside of him, both her dark and light. He was so drawn to her, so madly in love with her. It just hurt so much. He was willing to even die for that love. Ahhhhh, i just love Seth so much!
I was so happy to meet some of the former couples in the series and some of the characters that will get their books in the later part of the series. Sophia has changed and i am so glad she is fitting into her role as the Queen of the Pure Ones, still determined to find her beloved Dalair. Also love that she was the one who put some sense into Jade. I wouldn`t have minded if she also had bitch slapped Jade in the process, but both are queens and that simply wouldn`t have been realistic in a story sense. I will say this again however, Aja James is one of the best authors in this genre. She just nails every time. It is so obvious how passionate she is when it comes to writing this series. I am blown away again and i am so excited for the next book.
September 12, 2021
RTC! Between this and Die By The Drop, I have found the vampire romances just right for me.
FULL REVIEW
I am a historical romance reader and I tend to stay in the past. Give me the ball gowns and priggish dandy lords. Contemporary romances do not interest me at all, buuut after expanding my horizon into the omegaverse, my interest in paranormal romance and specifically vampire romance got re-ignited. I was interested a few months ago but felt discouraged after reading the first few pages of C.L. Wilson, Kresley Cole, or Thea Harrison. Not my cup of tea, to each their own but it felt infantilizing to read.
After reading Die by the Drop, I became obsessed with finding more vampire romances like it, and I think Aja James is IT. I was so intrigued by the book blurb - vampire queen intent on dominating her resistant Blood Slave? Um YES.
This was so damn hot!!! The longing, the desire. Also, I did not know I needed to read about dorsal vein biting but this love biting works for me. I hope it's part of James' other novels! I also felt like this was written very slick and cool - there were moments where it felt like a TV series, particularly the exchange between Anastasia and Adam Morgan.
I jumped into the series and kind of hoped I would understand the Pure Ones and the Chosen Ones. I would say it's not necessary to read it in order IF all you care about are the H+h. Although there were some parts I had to read carefully to pick up on context clues, overall I got the gist of what was going on enough.
I have NEVER read a heroine like Jade Cicada. She is the best and I would love, love, LOVE to read more characters like her. I love that she was a bad person. I love that she was allowed to be a bad person. The one downside of historical romances, especially a bad one, is that they can be punishing towards the heroine - rarely allowed to be human, even when the character is someone who is meant to be dangerous or carnal. Jade was so relatable. She was stubborn, vindictive. She wasn’t a made up construct of “good” or “bad” that would still be palatable for everyone, you know. James created the character and let her go. Jade is a Scorpio FOR SURE.
One thing about the ending is that
Ahh I can't wait to start the series from the beginning! I so want to read Ramses' story but I'm going to try to read it right from the start!
FULL REVIEW
I am a historical romance reader and I tend to stay in the past. Give me the ball gowns and priggish dandy lords. Contemporary romances do not interest me at all, buuut after expanding my horizon into the omegaverse, my interest in paranormal romance and specifically vampire romance got re-ignited. I was interested a few months ago but felt discouraged after reading the first few pages of C.L. Wilson, Kresley Cole, or Thea Harrison. Not my cup of tea, to each their own but it felt infantilizing to read.
After reading Die by the Drop, I became obsessed with finding more vampire romances like it, and I think Aja James is IT. I was so intrigued by the book blurb - vampire queen intent on dominating her resistant Blood Slave? Um YES.
This was so damn hot!!! The longing, the desire. Also, I did not know I needed to read about dorsal vein biting but this love biting works for me. I hope it's part of James' other novels! I also felt like this was written very slick and cool - there were moments where it felt like a TV series, particularly the exchange between Anastasia and Adam Morgan.
I jumped into the series and kind of hoped I would understand the Pure Ones and the Chosen Ones. I would say it's not necessary to read it in order IF all you care about are the H+h. Although there were some parts I had to read carefully to pick up on context clues, overall I got the gist of what was going on enough.
I have NEVER read a heroine like Jade Cicada. She is the best and I would love, love, LOVE to read more characters like her. I love that she was a bad person. I love that she was allowed to be a bad person. The one downside of historical romances, especially a bad one, is that they can be punishing towards the heroine - rarely allowed to be human, even when the character is someone who is meant to be dangerous or carnal. Jade was so relatable. She was stubborn, vindictive. She wasn’t a made up construct of “good” or “bad” that would still be palatable for everyone, you know. James created the character and let her go. Jade is a Scorpio FOR SURE.
One thing about the ending is that
Ahh I can't wait to start the series from the beginning! I so want to read Ramses' story but I'm going to try to read it right from the start!
April 13, 2024
Purchase Amazon September 4, 2019
Pure Ecstasy by Aja James
Genres; Adult, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Suspense.
I keep starting to write my review, but apparently I am still not ready.
I have decided on its star rating.
4.75 Stars
While I thoroughly enjoyed this one, my favorite remains book 6, Eli & Clara.
I ran into a few typos....maybe 3 or 4.
My Delayed & Overdue Review
Seth & Jade has intrigued since bk#1 Pure Healing when they 1st met. It is now 3 years later and they come together again, but things are 'Oh So Different' for both of them. My curiosity of what happened then was on my mind throughout reading this series.
Jade's other lives has been filled with brutality and horrible abuse. She has NO belief in love. Quite frankly, I'm surprised she is understanding and caring for her people and the world she lives in. Her touch can heal you or it can kill you. She is extremely intelligent, but Seth is her kryptonite. From the 1st time they met he makes her feel things that she fights with a vengeance.
Seth & Jade's story is passionate and violent. Many times their relationship is volatile and angry. The feelings that Seth brings out in Jade are turbulent and they scare her more than her worse enemy. She wants to possess Seth. Own him forever. She does not want to 'feel love. For her, love destroys and must be avoided at all cost.
Seth's previous life was very different than Jade's. In his steadfast way, using his heart & his head, he stands by Jade. He gives her everything he is. His body, his blood, his heart.
But Seth is a Pure one. Jade a Dark one. Once a Pure One gives his/her heart to someone who doesn't or can't return that love they begin to decline.
Enemies are plotting and coming out of hiding. Mysteries and Intrigue is in every corner. Jade is so intent on owning Seth that it becomes knowledge to be used against her. The suspense keeps ratcheting up. And Seth will make the ultimate sacrifice to keep her safe.
This story is beautifully traumatic. You will feel so many different emotions. Some will make you smile, others will tear your heart out.
The love scenes are not the only things that make this an Adult read.
I highly recommend this book!
Review Shared to;
amazon, bookbub, facebook, google
Pure Ecstasy by Aja James
Genres; Adult, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Suspense.
I keep starting to write my review, but apparently I am still not ready.
I have decided on its star rating.
4.75 Stars
While I thoroughly enjoyed this one, my favorite remains book 6, Eli & Clara.
I ran into a few typos....maybe 3 or 4.
My Delayed & Overdue Review
Seth & Jade has intrigued since bk#1 Pure Healing when they 1st met. It is now 3 years later and they come together again, but things are 'Oh So Different' for both of them. My curiosity of what happened then was on my mind throughout reading this series.
Jade's other lives has been filled with brutality and horrible abuse. She has NO belief in love. Quite frankly, I'm surprised she is understanding and caring for her people and the world she lives in. Her touch can heal you or it can kill you. She is extremely intelligent, but Seth is her kryptonite. From the 1st time they met he makes her feel things that she fights with a vengeance.
Seth & Jade's story is passionate and violent. Many times their relationship is volatile and angry. The feelings that Seth brings out in Jade are turbulent and they scare her more than her worse enemy. She wants to possess Seth. Own him forever. She does not want to 'feel love. For her, love destroys and must be avoided at all cost.
Seth's previous life was very different than Jade's. In his steadfast way, using his heart & his head, he stands by Jade. He gives her everything he is. His body, his blood, his heart.
But Seth is a Pure one. Jade a Dark one. Once a Pure One gives his/her heart to someone who doesn't or can't return that love they begin to decline.
Enemies are plotting and coming out of hiding. Mysteries and Intrigue is in every corner. Jade is so intent on owning Seth that it becomes knowledge to be used against her. The suspense keeps ratcheting up. And Seth will make the ultimate sacrifice to keep her safe.
This story is beautifully traumatic. You will feel so many different emotions. Some will make you smile, others will tear your heart out.
The love scenes are not the only things that make this an Adult read.
I highly recommend this book!
Review Shared to;
amazon, bookbub, facebook, google
January 28, 2021
4 - 4.5 stars
Re-read 1/28/20
I'll be honest...I struggled with Jade for the first 35% of the book which is where the 4 to 4.5 stars come from. I did not care for her and it bothered me tremendously how callous she could be and how she used her words as barbs. Even though she was deflecting and using those words to create armour, I still struggled because my heart was breaking for Seth.
O Seth, you sweet sweet man. I still find it amazing how James takes a male character and makes him an alpha without making him necessarily dominant.
Moving on, Jade almost dies and we get more insight into her and Seth gets to understand who she is. I mean the sex scene at 47%....*fans self.* I felt like at this point we see the real Seth come out and he was everything. Everything I tell ya.
Jade still drove me mad a few times with her attitude but Seth just slayed me
"I can handle your pain, my lady. You don't have to bear it alone."
He loved every part of her. The good, the bad, the brutal, and the soft and vulnerable sides. Thank goodness for Sophia knocking some sense into her. Because from then on I think she definitely redeems herself in my eyes.
I really enjoyed this installment and per usual, the world building was exceptional.
Side note: My heart is breaking for Dalair. And Sophia.
Re-read 1/28/20
I'll be honest...I struggled with Jade for the first 35% of the book which is where the 4 to 4.5 stars come from. I did not care for her and it bothered me tremendously how callous she could be and how she used her words as barbs. Even though she was deflecting and using those words to create armour, I still struggled because my heart was breaking for Seth.
O Seth, you sweet sweet man. I still find it amazing how James takes a male character and makes him an alpha without making him necessarily dominant.
Moving on, Jade almost dies and we get more insight into her and Seth gets to understand who she is. I mean the sex scene at 47%....*fans self.* I felt like at this point we see the real Seth come out and he was everything. Everything I tell ya.
Jade still drove me mad a few times with her attitude but Seth just slayed me
"I can handle your pain, my lady. You don't have to bear it alone."
He loved every part of her. The good, the bad, the brutal, and the soft and vulnerable sides. Thank goodness for Sophia knocking some sense into her. Because from then on I think she definitely redeems herself in my eyes.
I really enjoyed this installment and per usual, the world building was exceptional.
Side note: My heart is breaking for Dalair. And Sophia.
December 23, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/6/2019)! 🎁
November 17, 2020
Another amazing book that totally rocked my world. PHEW! First, my heart was breaking, then it was racing, then it was breaking and racing at the same time, and finally... HAPPINESS!
Seth was a total badass. And I'm not talking badass like warrior skills (though he has those too.) I'm talking will power, conviction, strength of character. The guy was UNBREAKABLE. No wonder they called him the Monk! Not because he was Mr. Celibate (75% of this book takes place in bed! I'm not kidding!) but because he had the literal patience of a saint. Saint Seth of the Ironclad Will, I bow to thee.
Jade was such a twisted, lovable mess. I wanted to hate her for being such a manipulative b*tch, but I just couldn't because I understood her. And I kinda respected her for it too. And it was so obvious she did love Seth but just had some serious baggage to work through. So, even though I wanted to SCREAM at her (thank you, Sophia!) for like 90% of the book, unlike Ishtar, I felt she totally redeemed herself in every way.
The ending was PERFECT. My brain was reeling like, HOW IS THIS GOING TO WORK?! And then, ta-da! It was beautiful. The perfect sacrifice from her to balance all the sacrifices Seth made for her. And thus, my heart was healed!
I would say I could sleep peacefully now, but it's not 2 AM yet, so I'm probably going to start the next book..............
Seth was a total badass. And I'm not talking badass like warrior skills (though he has those too.) I'm talking will power, conviction, strength of character. The guy was UNBREAKABLE. No wonder they called him the Monk! Not because he was Mr. Celibate (75% of this book takes place in bed! I'm not kidding!) but because he had the literal patience of a saint. Saint Seth of the Ironclad Will, I bow to thee.
Jade was such a twisted, lovable mess. I wanted to hate her for being such a manipulative b*tch, but I just couldn't because I understood her. And I kinda respected her for it too. And it was so obvious she did love Seth but just had some serious baggage to work through. So, even though I wanted to SCREAM at her (thank you, Sophia!) for like 90% of the book, unlike Ishtar, I felt she totally redeemed herself in every way.
The ending was PERFECT. My brain was reeling like, HOW IS THIS GOING TO WORK?! And then, ta-da! It was beautiful. The perfect sacrifice from her to balance all the sacrifices Seth made for her. And thus, my heart was healed!
I would say I could sleep peacefully now, but it's not 2 AM yet, so I'm probably going to start the next book..............
February 21, 2021
Seth's book is everything I expected it to be. It was amazing, I love every single page. Reading this was fun, there was never a boring part. Seth's human life was the easiest but Jade's human life was a horror and the way she died also, no wonder she is the way she is now.
Their chemistry is off the charts, I knew this but the depiction is awesome, I like their connection and how they compliment each other. Despite Jade being a badass and cynical she let's love win. Seth is so kind hearted and open, he never pushed her to love him or do anything, he let's her do things at her own time.
The writing and world building improved, I like that. I love that the other characters were still present in this and the search for Medusa and how to unravel what exactly she wants, we are slowly moving towards her endgame.
I'm so ready for the next book.
Thank you Princess for recommending this series.😘
Their chemistry is off the charts, I knew this but the depiction is awesome, I like their connection and how they compliment each other. Despite Jade being a badass and cynical she let's love win. Seth is so kind hearted and open, he never pushed her to love him or do anything, he let's her do things at her own time.
The writing and world building improved, I like that. I love that the other characters were still present in this and the search for Medusa and how to unravel what exactly she wants, we are slowly moving towards her endgame.
I'm so ready for the next book.
Thank you Princess for recommending this series.😘
February 12, 2020
Can’t get enough!
These books are so amazing I really can’t get enough of them! I loved that Seth got his happy ending and that Jade in turn also got hers. And the fact that they will both be able to grow together just wow! And to see a different side of Jade was so awesome! Amazing! Can’t stress enough that there is just not enough words for this series!
These books are so amazing I really can’t get enough of them! I loved that Seth got his happy ending and that Jade in turn also got hers. And the fact that they will both be able to grow together just wow! And to see a different side of Jade was so awesome! Amazing! Can’t stress enough that there is just not enough words for this series!
November 3, 2019
I think in every series there is “that couple” you just don’t connect with. Seth and Jade are “that couple” for me.
Storyline progresses beautifully. Found myself more interested in the secondary characters and what they are dealing with than the main characters.
Maximus came to the forefront for me. Very excited to see where his story leads!
Aja James is a skilled author. Who knows where she wants this series to go and weaves the tale for us all to love. Even though this wasn’t my fav this is a great author and series!
Happy reading! 💕
Storyline progresses beautifully. Found myself more interested in the secondary characters and what they are dealing with than the main characters.
Maximus came to the forefront for me. Very excited to see where his story leads!
Aja James is a skilled author. Who knows where she wants this series to go and weaves the tale for us all to love. Even though this wasn’t my fav this is a great author and series!
Happy reading! 💕
February 3, 2021
“Are you pretending to be jealous, wife?” he teased. “I am not pretending anything, husband,” she answered. “I am jealous of all your time and attention.”
“You should trust me, wife,” he said quietly. “When I love, it is true, and it is forever.”
I get sad thinking of Seth watching over his human wife, existing in the same plane yet unable to come to her. But as happy as I was for Seth to remain the Monk, too faithful to his love of his wife to even look at another woman, I’m glad he found another love for the rest of eternity.
“What is your request?” he asked steadily, even as his heart hitched with something like hope. She seemed to grow shy, her lashes swooping down as her hands fiddled with the bedsheets. “Pretend I’m your wife for just one day,” she whispered, her eyes still downcast, though her hands had finger-walked to his thighs, as if she couldn’t help touching him when he was near. “I want to know what it feels like…” She regarded him through the filter of her long, straight lashes and finished, “…to be yours.”
Oh, Jade.
“I’d take her out about the town if weather permitted. Stroll hand-in-hand with her as we wound through the bustling city streets. Buy her treats and trinkets that caught her fancy, and find a place high up on a hill to hold her in my arms as we watched the sunset together.”
Seth’s wife must have been the luckiest human to have lived, to have his love and devotion. I loved that he’s known his wife for a long time, that their love grew gradually.
Even though Seth loved Jade, I respected that he had enough self-respect and determination to not accept anything less from her. Even if she promised to forsake all others.
“You would simply give me your word that you’re mine. Only mine.” “I cannot be owned that way,” he stated quietly.
Jade was so desperate to claim him, so terrified of losing him to anyone else. He had so much power over the Dark Queen. She would have given up her throne or conquered every vampire Hive to ensure the Pure Ones’ safety and wage war to keep them safe. Whatever it took to have him stay by her side forever.
Don’t leave. She wanted to beg him, but she never begged. Stay with me. She wanted to command, but he’d already refused her. Be with me. Love me. But she would never utter that rubbish out loud, even though she wanted it more than she wanted to breathe.
I feel bad, but I was laughing at their second negotiation. It was endearing. I mean, she was up against the best negotiator after all.
“You can’t dictate more terms,” she cried, taking umbrage at his continued maneuvering, “you can’t—” “Sevent—” “Fine!” she all but bellowed to cut him off.
Jade was so possessed with her frantic need for him that she couldn’t control herself. She’d lash out, and immediately want to kneel and beg his forgiveness. In contrast, as the Consul, Seth has always been wise and unflustered, all his actions carefully considered. His love is unconditional and asks for nothing in return.
But Seth, thankfully, is another I could resist from Claiming.
I was still hungrier for Sophia-Dalair than Seth-Jade. It was amazing to see Sophia Awakened.
The loss of Dalair will kill me. Just as it did before. But not before I take countless lives with me into the void.
💭Where this book shines, is in the plot reveals.
SO MUCH is revealed, and SO MUCH happens besides the reluctant romance between the Consul and the Dark Queen. It’s sooo satisfying to have all my sleuthing finally confirmed! 🧐💯
And so many pure/dark ones that I’m intrigued by, I can’t wait to start the next book!
“You should trust me, wife,” he said quietly. “When I love, it is true, and it is forever.”
I get sad thinking of Seth watching over his human wife, existing in the same plane yet unable to come to her. But as happy as I was for Seth to remain the Monk, too faithful to his love of his wife to even look at another woman, I’m glad he found another love for the rest of eternity.
“What is your request?” he asked steadily, even as his heart hitched with something like hope. She seemed to grow shy, her lashes swooping down as her hands fiddled with the bedsheets. “Pretend I’m your wife for just one day,” she whispered, her eyes still downcast, though her hands had finger-walked to his thighs, as if she couldn’t help touching him when he was near. “I want to know what it feels like…” She regarded him through the filter of her long, straight lashes and finished, “…to be yours.”
Oh, Jade.
“I’d take her out about the town if weather permitted. Stroll hand-in-hand with her as we wound through the bustling city streets. Buy her treats and trinkets that caught her fancy, and find a place high up on a hill to hold her in my arms as we watched the sunset together.”
Seth’s wife must have been the luckiest human to have lived, to have his love and devotion. I loved that he’s known his wife for a long time, that their love grew gradually.
Even though Seth loved Jade, I respected that he had enough self-respect and determination to not accept anything less from her. Even if she promised to forsake all others.
“You would simply give me your word that you’re mine. Only mine.” “I cannot be owned that way,” he stated quietly.
Jade was so desperate to claim him, so terrified of losing him to anyone else. He had so much power over the Dark Queen. She would have given up her throne or conquered every vampire Hive to ensure the Pure Ones’ safety and wage war to keep them safe. Whatever it took to have him stay by her side forever.
Don’t leave. She wanted to beg him, but she never begged. Stay with me. She wanted to command, but he’d already refused her. Be with me. Love me. But she would never utter that rubbish out loud, even though she wanted it more than she wanted to breathe.
I feel bad, but I was laughing at their second negotiation. It was endearing. I mean, she was up against the best negotiator after all.
“You can’t dictate more terms,” she cried, taking umbrage at his continued maneuvering, “you can’t—” “Sevent—” “Fine!” she all but bellowed to cut him off.
Jade was so possessed with her frantic need for him that she couldn’t control herself. She’d lash out, and immediately want to kneel and beg his forgiveness. In contrast, as the Consul, Seth has always been wise and unflustered, all his actions carefully considered. His love is unconditional and asks for nothing in return.
But Seth, thankfully, is another I could resist from Claiming.
I was still hungrier for Sophia-Dalair than Seth-Jade. It was amazing to see Sophia Awakened.
The loss of Dalair will kill me. Just as it did before. But not before I take countless lives with me into the void.
💭Where this book shines, is in the plot reveals.
SO MUCH is revealed, and SO MUCH happens besides the reluctant romance between the Consul and the Dark Queen. It’s sooo satisfying to have all my sleuthing finally confirmed! 🧐💯
And so many pure/dark ones that I’m intrigued by, I can’t wait to start the next book!
October 24, 2022
Pure Ecstasy is the seventh installment in the Pure Dark Ones series. I was so thrilled to return back to this series and this author. There is something about the writing style of Aja James that just works so much for me and this installment is evidence of the talented capabilities of this author. Its been a while since I have read this series so I just grabbed this book and started delving into it.
From the beginning, I wasn't sure how this story could be redeemed for me if I am being honest. This type of heroine normally doesn't work for me, but somehow this author worked her magic with her because there were these quiet moments of character growth that just grew on me and had me drawn to her even more and more. Now our hero, is a different story. There is something so honorable about him that you can't help but love him instantly. He just has such a good heart and intentions and the way that he is so devoted to his love just had me wanting to give him a hug. He has such quiet strength that you don't see too often in the PNR genre. There is the manner in his patience that is what really worked for the story. The heroine you do need to be patient with, because she has SO much to learn, but with Seth, she is able to learn her way through it all. He is such a strong and steady influence on her, that she begins to see the "light" as it were and its done in such a heartfelt way that just moved me deeply. I am beyond impressed with the way in which this author was able to write this story here. I couldn't seem to get enough of this one here, and am eager to get back to this series and see what happens next because I have to say the teaser that the author left behind on the ending, has me itching for more!
Overall I found Pure Ecstasy to be a brilliant installment that swept me deeply into the story, evoked powerful emotions and stuns the reader from beginning to end! SIMPLY A TANTALIZING GEM!
From the beginning, I wasn't sure how this story could be redeemed for me if I am being honest. This type of heroine normally doesn't work for me, but somehow this author worked her magic with her because there were these quiet moments of character growth that just grew on me and had me drawn to her even more and more. Now our hero, is a different story. There is something so honorable about him that you can't help but love him instantly. He just has such a good heart and intentions and the way that he is so devoted to his love just had me wanting to give him a hug. He has such quiet strength that you don't see too often in the PNR genre. There is the manner in his patience that is what really worked for the story. The heroine you do need to be patient with, because she has SO much to learn, but with Seth, she is able to learn her way through it all. He is such a strong and steady influence on her, that she begins to see the "light" as it were and its done in such a heartfelt way that just moved me deeply. I am beyond impressed with the way in which this author was able to write this story here. I couldn't seem to get enough of this one here, and am eager to get back to this series and see what happens next because I have to say the teaser that the author left behind on the ending, has me itching for more!
Overall I found Pure Ecstasy to be a brilliant installment that swept me deeply into the story, evoked powerful emotions and stuns the reader from beginning to end! SIMPLY A TANTALIZING GEM!
October 15, 2018
Ok i know i've said it before & i'll say it again but this is my favourite book of the series . Aja James drops the biggest bombshell on us before we're even half way in & it's a huge , enormous bomb that leaves us with so many whys , hows & omg's that it will probably take a couple of books to help us get over the shock .(hint hint).
This book mainly covers the previous lives & future relationship of Jade Cicada & Seth Tremaine . two total opposites but both willing to do what needs to be done to save others from harm or pain. At times Jades past almost had me in tears , used even when she believed she was the user & then disposed of when no longer useful , not only a human life behind her but a Pure one & now Vampire , the scars of her past almost destroy her future .Seth knew love & happiness from his marriage as a human willingly sacrificed it all & to save Jade he's willing to do it all over again . As if all this isn't enough we get glimpses into Sophia's new life now she's got her memories back , creatures still plotting & Dalair is fighting to save himself , so many webs spinning & only the author knows which way they are going to take us , an amazing series that leaves you wanting more every time
This book mainly covers the previous lives & future relationship of Jade Cicada & Seth Tremaine . two total opposites but both willing to do what needs to be done to save others from harm or pain. At times Jades past almost had me in tears , used even when she believed she was the user & then disposed of when no longer useful , not only a human life behind her but a Pure one & now Vampire , the scars of her past almost destroy her future .Seth knew love & happiness from his marriage as a human willingly sacrificed it all & to save Jade he's willing to do it all over again . As if all this isn't enough we get glimpses into Sophia's new life now she's got her memories back , creatures still plotting & Dalair is fighting to save himself , so many webs spinning & only the author knows which way they are going to take us , an amazing series that leaves you wanting more every time
June 3, 2019
-I received an ARC from the Author, for an honest review-
Okay WOW!!! Finally some time to write about this fabulous, sexy, pure ecstasy, orgasmic book.
Aja James is such a master mind, she has this technique when writing that I find refreshing and easy to follow. If you are a PNR lover I recommend this series it's such a unique twist on vampires and elves. Its kinda funny, in a previous post I wanted Aja to write about a strong female lead, since their is a greater amount of dominate male stories.
Then WHABAM!!! What better dominate female then JADE CICADA, the Dark Queen!!!
This may be the first time that I've read about a tortured heroine, I liked that she didn't let her fear or torture bring her down if anything it empowered her to continue on and never have to go through those situations again. She used her wit and beauty to gain power and it was ingenious!
Jade and Seth were the perfect yin and yang, were she was a creature of pleasure, emotion and immediate satisfaction, Seth was cool, calm and collected. He never spoke before thinking of the consequences and the amount of power words can have to sway those around him. He was dominate but not arrogantly so, he was always diplomatic and logical and used his strengths for the benefit of both parties. Jade was ignorant of love and feared it, she thought it was weakness and something laughable, something she could never afford to have. Seth in turn new exactly what a nice, loving, respectable love and marriage was like from his human life, but was missing the sexual passion that Jade was an expert in.
"Did he want her to parade her weakness for him out in the open to be dissected and picked at so she'd have everything to lose in their negotiation and he had all the bargaining power? For Dark Goddess's sake , she was a queen! She didn't have to bargain with him. she could enslave him by force if she chose to. With every exchange they had he broke her down some more, and she was downright resentful of it!"
He is one of my favorite male characters he truly did love Jade with no expectations in return.
"But no, he loved all sides of her. the dark, the bright, the good, the bad. He loved her strength, her weakness, her passion, her insouciance. He loved her even, when she hurt him, when she shattered his body, his heart, his soul."
Overall amazing story I literally cant wait for the next one!!
Also!!! Aja is killing me with all these hints to "other" supernatural beings, I'm so curious about them I cant wait to read about them if they truly exsist, would be such an awesome addition to the series.
Also hot damn!!!! Adam Morgan! I've been dying to get a glimpse of you since Ana laid her greedy eyes on you. A hot human who can fight vampires!!! Would love to learn more on how he got all caught up in the Dark/Pure world.
Also, Delair is a sleeping hotty "When you awaken to love's first kiss.Till then, Sleeping Beauty, sleep on"
Also the Creature!!!! IT!!! Can never get enough of his charming evil ways!!
Okay WOW!!! Finally some time to write about this fabulous, sexy, pure ecstasy, orgasmic book.
Aja James is such a master mind, she has this technique when writing that I find refreshing and easy to follow. If you are a PNR lover I recommend this series it's such a unique twist on vampires and elves. Its kinda funny, in a previous post I wanted Aja to write about a strong female lead, since their is a greater amount of dominate male stories.
Then WHABAM!!! What better dominate female then JADE CICADA, the Dark Queen!!!
This may be the first time that I've read about a tortured heroine, I liked that she didn't let her fear or torture bring her down if anything it empowered her to continue on and never have to go through those situations again. She used her wit and beauty to gain power and it was ingenious!
Jade and Seth were the perfect yin and yang, were she was a creature of pleasure, emotion and immediate satisfaction, Seth was cool, calm and collected. He never spoke before thinking of the consequences and the amount of power words can have to sway those around him. He was dominate but not arrogantly so, he was always diplomatic and logical and used his strengths for the benefit of both parties. Jade was ignorant of love and feared it, she thought it was weakness and something laughable, something she could never afford to have. Seth in turn new exactly what a nice, loving, respectable love and marriage was like from his human life, but was missing the sexual passion that Jade was an expert in.
"Did he want her to parade her weakness for him out in the open to be dissected and picked at so she'd have everything to lose in their negotiation and he had all the bargaining power? For Dark Goddess's sake , she was a queen! She didn't have to bargain with him. she could enslave him by force if she chose to. With every exchange they had he broke her down some more, and she was downright resentful of it!"
He is one of my favorite male characters he truly did love Jade with no expectations in return.
"But no, he loved all sides of her. the dark, the bright, the good, the bad. He loved her strength, her weakness, her passion, her insouciance. He loved her even, when she hurt him, when she shattered his body, his heart, his soul."
Overall amazing story I literally cant wait for the next one!!
Also!!! Aja is killing me with all these hints to "other" supernatural beings, I'm so curious about them I cant wait to read about them if they truly exsist, would be such an awesome addition to the series.
Also hot damn!!!! Adam Morgan! I've been dying to get a glimpse of you since Ana laid her greedy eyes on you. A hot human who can fight vampires!!! Would love to learn more on how he got all caught up in the Dark/Pure world.
Also, Delair is a sleeping hotty "When you awaken to love's first kiss.Till then, Sleeping Beauty, sleep on"
Also the Creature!!!! IT!!! Can never get enough of his charming evil ways!!
November 19, 2018
Why are there only five * to give? Pure Ecstasy deserves só much more!
This story has been a constant attack on my heart,not only with the person Jade had to become,and the reasons why. But Seth.....man,if there ever was a man that loved a woman,it was him! What he was prepared to do to make sure the love of his very,very long life would be safe? WOW
Not to mention all the very important things that happen throughout this one! Sophia....i love who she’s become and i wish with all my heart she gets what she,most of all,deserves.....or should i say who?
The Creature even shows a vulnerable side....not too much,but still. It makes you wonder if there’s a little bit of a chance for something good? coming from it....
I know Dark Obsession is in the making. I know it is coming. I only hope i can survive until then. And i sincerly hope i’ll get my hands on it.
Because,let’s face it,i ám an James Junkie!
This story has been a constant attack on my heart,not only with the person Jade had to become,and the reasons why. But Seth.....man,if there ever was a man that loved a woman,it was him! What he was prepared to do to make sure the love of his very,very long life would be safe? WOW
Not to mention all the very important things that happen throughout this one! Sophia....i love who she’s become and i wish with all my heart she gets what she,most of all,deserves.....or should i say who?
The Creature even shows a vulnerable side....not too much,but still. It makes you wonder if there’s a little bit of a chance for something good? coming from it....
I know Dark Obsession is in the making. I know it is coming. I only hope i can survive until then. And i sincerly hope i’ll get my hands on it.
Because,let’s face it,i ám an James Junkie!
June 25, 2021
Hmmmm, I don't even know how to start this review. Maybe saying that of all the books so far, this one was the one that took me the longest to finish reading. And not because it is a bad book, quite the contrary, it is just that it is based on so much suffering and angst and heartbreaking and pain, that I needed to take breaks quite often to be honest.
This is a story of unrequited love, but that part would be okay if not for the rest. What made it hurt so much was seeing the hero sacrificing himself over and over and over again in the name of love. Was seeing how the heroine treated the hero. Was learning her life story. Was all the emotional pain.
This is a 5 star book but if I would only focus on how I felt reading it, it would be a negative 10 stars. XO
This is a story of unrequited love, but that part would be okay if not for the rest. What made it hurt so much was seeing the hero sacrificing himself over and over and over again in the name of love. Was seeing how the heroine treated the hero. Was learning her life story. Was all the emotional pain.
This is a 5 star book but if I would only focus on how I felt reading it, it would be a negative 10 stars. XO
September 22, 2024
UPDATE
Now this is an emotionally intense, super steamy sex, dramatic and plot driven romance!! I LOVE Jade and Seth! I love them so hard!! They might be my fave MF couple EVER!!
Because of Irene’s review, I reread my fave parts of the book (like 80% of it :P) just now and gah!!!! I LOVE MY SETH!!! I love Jade too! My fave MF couple from the series!!
Here’s Irene’s review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'll begin by saying: I'm going to be reading this one again and again and again! (Update: AND I HAVE!!!!! I've lost count of the number of times!)
I think it's my favorite in the incredible Pure/ Dark Ones series by Aja James (tied for #1 with
), and that's really saying something because I can't express how much I love this series!
First and foremost I love the love story that's at the heart of every novel in this series. The world-building, character building, plot, mysteries, all of it is wonderful and why these books are so addictive, but the love story is what keeps me coming back for more, as a devourer of romance. Aja James knows how to write romance! It's heart wrenching, it's uplifting, it makes me ride a rollercoaster of emotions and the bad part is that it ends, and I have to wait another few months before I get on the rollercoaster again! (The good news is I can re-read her books, which I have done and will continue to do).
(Couldn't find a gif for the scene that sticks in my mind. You know the one I'm talking about - where he's hugging her from behind
I don't know how to summarize this book without writing out every scene, it was that good. The blurb give you a good sense what it's about. A bunch of my favorite romantic themes are in this one:
#1 Enemies to lovers or star-crossed lovers
#2 Damaged but strong heroine
#3 Dominant but self-sacrificing Hero
Sex, as usual, is not just sex in James' books. In this one, it's about power and dominance, but also about love and giving and taking and surrendering. This is definitely the hottest of all of her books in the series, which is really saying something! I am still fanning myself just thinking about it.
I'm also kind of surprised I like this book the best (so far, it really depends on my mood and which book I'm currently reading!). It surprises me because I wasn't interested so much in Jade and Seth, amongst all the other characters in the series. They didn't rank in my top three couples.
We met them first in Book 1,
Pure Healing, and saw them a bit in book 2, 
Dark Longing. But then they were sort of just in the background. We know something happened but not exactly sure what. In Book 5, we get a small clue that it relates to the "Blood Slaves" vampires have. Given the story of Tal and Ishtar in Book 5, I started to get interested in what happened between Jade and Seth.
But what happened is not at all how I thought what would happen. It's soooooo much better!
Jade and Seth are two such strong characters, both in charge and sure of themselves, in very different ways. Between the two of them, Seth is actually stronger, because he's never had cause to doubt himself. Beneath Jade's tough demeanor, she's actually very fragile inside. I absolutely loved how he gave her what she needed but always took his stance with her. In many ways, Seth might be the most "alpha" of all the Heroes in the series. Well, maybe Eli from book 6 is up there too, but again, in a very different way.
I could go on... you just have to read it for yourself! If you're just getting interested in the series, start anywhere with any book you want. Trust me, you'll want to read the others after you read one.
I don't know what I'm going to do with myself until the next one comes out...probably rereading all the books again!
Merged review:
What happened to my review??
Well... here's it is...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
so weird...
This is to be THE most intensely emotional book in the series! Even after I read the last book! This still makes my heart hurt more than any other book! Even Tal's!
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Now this is an emotionally intense, super steamy sex, dramatic and plot driven romance!! I LOVE Jade and Seth! I love them so hard!! They might be my fave MF couple EVER!!
Because of Irene’s review, I reread my fave parts of the book (like 80% of it :P) just now and gah!!!! I LOVE MY SETH!!! I love Jade too! My fave MF couple from the series!!
Here’s Irene’s review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'll begin by saying: I'm going to be reading this one again and again and again! (Update: AND I HAVE!!!!! I've lost count of the number of times!)
I think it's my favorite in the incredible Pure/ Dark Ones series by Aja James (tied for #1 with
), and that's really saying something because I can't express how much I love this series!First and foremost I love the love story that's at the heart of every novel in this series. The world-building, character building, plot, mysteries, all of it is wonderful and why these books are so addictive, but the love story is what keeps me coming back for more, as a devourer of romance. Aja James knows how to write romance! It's heart wrenching, it's uplifting, it makes me ride a rollercoaster of emotions and the bad part is that it ends, and I have to wait another few months before I get on the rollercoaster again! (The good news is I can re-read her books, which I have done and will continue to do).
(Couldn't find a gif for the scene that sticks in my mind. You know the one I'm talking about - where he's hugging her from behind
I don't know how to summarize this book without writing out every scene, it was that good. The blurb give you a good sense what it's about. A bunch of my favorite romantic themes are in this one:
#1 Enemies to lovers or star-crossed lovers
#2 Damaged but strong heroine
#3 Dominant but self-sacrificing Hero
Sex, as usual, is not just sex in James' books. In this one, it's about power and dominance, but also about love and giving and taking and surrendering. This is definitely the hottest of all of her books in the series, which is really saying something! I am still fanning myself just thinking about it.
I'm also kind of surprised I like this book the best (so far, it really depends on my mood and which book I'm currently reading!). It surprises me because I wasn't interested so much in Jade and Seth, amongst all the other characters in the series. They didn't rank in my top three couples.
We met them first in Book 1,
Pure Healing, and saw them a bit in book 2, Dark Longing. But then they were sort of just in the background. We know something happened but not exactly sure what. In Book 5, we get a small clue that it relates to the "Blood Slaves" vampires have. Given the story of Tal and Ishtar in Book 5, I started to get interested in what happened between Jade and Seth.But what happened is not at all how I thought what would happen. It's soooooo much better!
Jade and Seth are two such strong characters, both in charge and sure of themselves, in very different ways. Between the two of them, Seth is actually stronger, because he's never had cause to doubt himself. Beneath Jade's tough demeanor, she's actually very fragile inside. I absolutely loved how he gave her what she needed but always took his stance with her. In many ways, Seth might be the most "alpha" of all the Heroes in the series. Well, maybe Eli from book 6 is up there too, but again, in a very different way.
I could go on... you just have to read it for yourself! If you're just getting interested in the series, start anywhere with any book you want. Trust me, you'll want to read the others after you read one.
I don't know what I'm going to do with myself until the next one comes out...probably rereading all the books again!
Merged review:
What happened to my review??
Well... here's it is...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
so weird...
This is to be THE most intensely emotional book in the series! Even after I read the last book! This still makes my heart hurt more than any other book! Even Tal's!
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
July 8, 2020
Another stunner from Aja James!
Possible spoilers...
I love the strength and determination we see from Sophia. Her determination to protect and unite is wonderful. I am really curious about her destructive powers. It was great seeing Sophia not only hold Jade accountable, but herself too. As for Dalair, poor baby. 😭 I am looking forward to the revealing of their past and hopefully their future.
Seth is an incredible character. His quiet strength and steadfast heart are a thing of beauty. Jade, oh my does she frustrate me. Lol I was beyond tired of her lashing out at Seth. I get why, I understand her, but could not condone her behavior. Seth deserved so much more, but thankfully, she redeemed herself. I am amazed by her 180° about face. I love that this tremendous change not only opens the door to so much more. More life, stability, security, love, happiness and "ecstasy" for their growing and changing world.
Creature/Ere/Binu... such an incredibly unique and heartbreaking character. I loved the scene in Dark Dreams and the following with Ishtar and Tal. Can't wait to read more of the Pure/Dark world.
Possible spoilers...
I love the strength and determination we see from Sophia. Her determination to protect and unite is wonderful. I am really curious about her destructive powers. It was great seeing Sophia not only hold Jade accountable, but herself too. As for Dalair, poor baby. 😭 I am looking forward to the revealing of their past and hopefully their future.
Seth is an incredible character. His quiet strength and steadfast heart are a thing of beauty. Jade, oh my does she frustrate me. Lol I was beyond tired of her lashing out at Seth. I get why, I understand her, but could not condone her behavior. Seth deserved so much more, but thankfully, she redeemed herself. I am amazed by her 180° about face. I love that this tremendous change not only opens the door to so much more. More life, stability, security, love, happiness and "ecstasy" for their growing and changing world.
Creature/Ere/Binu... such an incredibly unique and heartbreaking character. I loved the scene in Dark Dreams and the following with Ishtar and Tal. Can't wait to read more of the Pure/Dark world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2019
>>> ARC provided for honest review <<<
Ok why is this series not a bestselling one yet?!
Seriously It needs it's own movies too, sooo good.
Seth is love! He was just what Jade needed.
That bargain scene, it's one of my favorite and highlights their personalities ^.^
I loved Jade from the beginning, her no-nonsense attitude and her strong personality that has deep affection for some few selected. (Her interactions with Inanna in Dark Longing).
Ok why is this series not a bestselling one yet?!
Seriously It needs it's own movies too, sooo good.
Seth is love! He was just what Jade needed.
That bargain scene, it's one of my favorite and highlights their personalities ^.^
I loved Jade from the beginning, her no-nonsense attitude and her strong personality that has deep affection for some few selected. (Her interactions with Inanna in Dark Longing).
February 16, 2019
As a lovestory, Jade/Seth are phenomenal - equals, Alphas, loyal, yet so different in such key ways that even knowing this genre and this marvelous Series would most likely end with their HEA, their romance was nail-bitting. And hair pulling. And tissue sniffing. And forgetting to pee cause ‘I have to finish this chapter...and then this chapter...and...’. The pull each had for the other across the years...the back in time hundreds of years ago comfort Seth gave an abused and dying Jade...shit, I’m tearing up again.
But what really raises this tale, Book 7 or 8 depending on if one reads the Sophia/Dalair novella (and to be blunt, you’re a fool if you do not!) is the best written story in this extraordinary Series yet. The writing brings numerous trajectories together adding a sophistication to the writing (Sophia, that’s Queen to you, Mama & Papa Bear & Baby Boy Bear, save Benji/save the World) and furthers them along as well as introduces new tantalizing tentacles (Ramses!, Ana/Adam, 2 legged Simca ) none of which will make sense to anyone reading a review who hasn’t read all the books.
So go read ALL THE BOOKS!
Since I’m already feeling cocky about my guess at the very start of this journey concerning MY Creature and Ere, and since I do not read spoilers, I’ll throw out another one here...Ms Wan’er does not pass my sniff test.
But what really raises this tale, Book 7 or 8 depending on if one reads the Sophia/Dalair novella (and to be blunt, you’re a fool if you do not!) is the best written story in this extraordinary Series yet. The writing brings numerous trajectories together adding a sophistication to the writing (Sophia, that’s Queen to you, Mama & Papa Bear & Baby Boy Bear, save Benji/save the World) and furthers them along as well as introduces new tantalizing tentacles (Ramses!, Ana/Adam, 2 legged Simca ) none of which will make sense to anyone reading a review who hasn’t read all the books.
So go read ALL THE BOOKS!
Since I’m already feeling cocky about my guess at the very start of this journey concerning MY Creature and Ere, and since I do not read spoilers, I’ll throw out another one here...Ms Wan’er does not pass my sniff test.
May 27, 2020
Seth, Consul for the Pure Ones, known for his negotiating skills. When he meets the Dark Queen to request their help, she ignites his blood and stirs him within like no other female. Queen Jade is no push over and they are well matched, she is used to getting what she wants and she wants him. As they spend days together, the trust grows , he is like a drug she cannot, will not give up. Seth sees the many sides of Jade and begins to love each and everyone. There is just one tiny problem, Jade doesn’t believe in love anymore, she has hardened her heart. Their story takes you on an emotional roller coaster and it’s a bumpy ride.
I just love this series, so many twist, turns and puzzles.
I just love this series, so many twist, turns and puzzles.
October 14, 2018
4.5 ⭐ Arc provided by the author of exchange for an honest review.
So this was a steamy love story between Seth (pure one) aka the Monk and Jade, powerful queen of vampires, they are a very unlikely couple since their love is forbidden between their species.
Seth could lose his life for this love and Jade could lose her throne.
On the other hand we get to read about other characters from previous books and the mystery created by Medusa continues.
This is a page Turner, beautifully written, so if you love paranormal romance, I highly recommend this saga.
So this was a steamy love story between Seth (pure one) aka the Monk and Jade, powerful queen of vampires, they are a very unlikely couple since their love is forbidden between their species.
Seth could lose his life for this love and Jade could lose her throne.
On the other hand we get to read about other characters from previous books and the mystery created by Medusa continues.
This is a page Turner, beautifully written, so if you love paranormal romance, I highly recommend this saga.
March 27, 2019
Jade and Seth is a book to read it has everything you need love, hate pass history on the characters. Learning to trust, love, and care for other peoples feeling. Learning to let people in. I have readed everyone of books in this series. Looking forward to many more books to come with the other characters and new faces in the series.
October 17, 2018
Pure Ecstasy is yet another fantastic book in this series written by Aja James. I have read every book to date and love this series. I admit I am a fan and am always excited when I see another book is released and am happy to say, this one did not disappoint. First of, if you haven't read any of the other books, this one can fully stand on it's own, however there is some clearly a continuous string of the story since it is a series, so I do recommend you start from the beginning, especially since it is a great series and you may as well start from the beginning.
With that out of the way, let's get back to the good parts. I absolutely love how the author dedicates every book to one or two characters for the most part, and really lets you get you to know them. She does some serious character development and one may think this is boring, but she beautifully weaves it together with a plot that keeps you reading on. She does this by introducing the past of the character with some flash backs throughout, while continuing the story. I for one like this a lot because you get to know the character, while the bigger picture continues on.
The author can't help but throws little hints here and there, that let's you put some of the pieces of the story together, and others that you open lots of new secrets that I for one can't wait to find out when they will be revealed and how they fit into the story. In this particular book she has some major story twists and I am still a bit in shock how she ended the book. One was clear what would happen but the ripple effects of it, yeah those had my head spinning and I LOVED that the author did that and I can't wait to see the implications on the future books of it all!
In this book we learn so much about Jade who is quite a unique character among the pure and dark ones, more so than a lot of the others. Yes we have a lot of unique ones like Ryu for example, but her history makes her quite special in my eyes. Is she my favorite character, no, but I enjoyed finding out how she became who she is now a lot. Seth is the other character we learnt a lot about, but he was not in the full limelight in this story, although he had an integral part here. He makes you wish guys like him exist, and maybe they do but they sure hide well.
I can only recommend this book. The pace of it was just right, never dragging out nor did I ever feel that the author was ever rushing me through the story. It has a well developed plot with some great twist in it, fantastic character development, that shows that people can get past what they have been through, some hot steamy romance and a little action. Now waiting for the next, hopefully it won't be too long!
With that out of the way, let's get back to the good parts. I absolutely love how the author dedicates every book to one or two characters for the most part, and really lets you get you to know them. She does some serious character development and one may think this is boring, but she beautifully weaves it together with a plot that keeps you reading on. She does this by introducing the past of the character with some flash backs throughout, while continuing the story. I for one like this a lot because you get to know the character, while the bigger picture continues on.
The author can't help but throws little hints here and there, that let's you put some of the pieces of the story together, and others that you open lots of new secrets that I for one can't wait to find out when they will be revealed and how they fit into the story. In this particular book she has some major story twists and I am still a bit in shock how she ended the book. One was clear what would happen but the ripple effects of it, yeah those had my head spinning and I LOVED that the author did that and I can't wait to see the implications on the future books of it all!
In this book we learn so much about Jade who is quite a unique character among the pure and dark ones, more so than a lot of the others. Yes we have a lot of unique ones like Ryu for example, but her history makes her quite special in my eyes. Is she my favorite character, no, but I enjoyed finding out how she became who she is now a lot. Seth is the other character we learnt a lot about, but he was not in the full limelight in this story, although he had an integral part here. He makes you wish guys like him exist, and maybe they do but they sure hide well.
I can only recommend this book. The pace of it was just right, never dragging out nor did I ever feel that the author was ever rushing me through the story. It has a well developed plot with some great twist in it, fantastic character development, that shows that people can get past what they have been through, some hot steamy romance and a little action. Now waiting for the next, hopefully it won't be too long!
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