Dark Hauntings

by C.C. Solomon

In a post-apocalyptic world full of monsters and demons, living without a memory is a dangerous thing.

Hi, my name is Francesca Ross and my life sucks right now. I’m a faerie who doesn’t remember her life beyond five years ago. I used to be a top-ranking warrior faerie but now I’ve become a homeless, unemployed loser with no plans for the future. I was supposed to be a big-time faerie queen with my own unseelie court by now. However, my approval ratings in the fae world aren’t the greatest due to some past infighting, so I’m forced to agree to a ‘special arrangement’ with a popular faerie if I want any chance at winning the throne.

When I get an offer from an arch angel to investigate angel disappearances in a small vacation town in exchange for help recovering my lost memories, I can't say no. I need all the help I can get. Also, I could use a little vacation from doing nothing. I enlist the help of my friend who I may or may not have had a romance with in my past, half angel/half demon, Felix Gonzalez, along with a not so angelic guardian angel and a temperamental succubus. But of course, nothing is as easy as the deceiving angels explained. Now I’m stuck in a town with a mystery more gruesome than I could have imagined and I’m being stalked by several demonic forces, one of whom could have the answers to my hidden past.

Can I save the day, regain my memories, and win a throne? A girl can try.

Genres: Paranormal

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2021

About the author

C.C. is a USA Today Bestselling author originally from Baltimore, Maryland. She has actively written fiction since the age of eleven. She is an avid “chick lit” reader and urban fantasy fan. In 2012, she participated as a writer and actress in the 48 hour film project. In her other life, she works in Equal Employment and Civil Rights for the Federal Government. Before becoming a public servant, C.C. briefly practiced law after graduating from the University of Maryland School of Law. In her free time she is obsessed with travel, horror, anime and K-dramas!

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Reviews

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blown! This book stands well on its own, but I do recommend reading at least the prequel novella (Mystic Memories) first. It explains some of the background of how Fran knows Felix, and how she’s come to be in the situation she is. However, there are references to events in the rest of the Paranormal World series that leave me itching to go read the other books I haven’t yet. I love Fran. She’s feisty and independent – and it’s been a hard-won independence. She certainly has her strengths, but her missing memories leave her vulnerable which made her easier for me to connect to. The quirky cast that surrounds her are all unique, and I’m falling in love with them just as much as I have Fran. There’s a lot going on in this story, but like the threads of a tapestry, it’s all part of the big picture. We get the answers to some of the questions posed at the beginning of the book, yet most of those answers only created more questions. I can’t wait to see where the author takes Fran and Felix next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Brittany Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by this author. I was very interested in the story though when I read the blurb and so I decided to take a punt. What I did not realize is that it is an offshoot from another series and there is a prequel to this book that makes things a lot clearer before you read this. I was a little confused at first as I had not read the previous books, I feel like that would have made things a little more clear but I soldiered on and found it to be quite an enjoyable read.

Francesca Ross, our FMC, is a faerie who doesn't remember anything from before 5 years ago. She gets an offer from an archangel to investigate angel disappearances in a small vacation town, and in exchange, she will get help her recover her memories. She teams up with her best friend, and potential love interest, Felix Gonzales who is half demon/half angel, a guardian angel, as well as a succubus to get to the root of the situation. Francesca is a woman on a mission and there are things to do and a court to claim; Can they unearth the problem and solve it quickly, so she can get on reclaiming not only her memories but her throne as well?

I found that it was a little slow throughout the story- there is a lot of information in this book that I can assume is going to be the foundation for the next books in the series. I was a little on the backfoot with not reading the previous books ( even if it was just the prequel) so I would recommend reading that one first at least. Though the writing was very well done and flowed really smoothly. The characters were all very distinctly different and had their own personalities and ticks. I did find that this book was quite original and gave a different take on the angels vs demons niche.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

When i started reading Dark Hauntings i didnt know there was a series before this one (which leads to this book) or that there was a prequel as such (Mystic Memories). Ones that explained some things that i felt were missing in this book. I havent read mystic memories yet but i will do. Back to this book. Francesca (FMC) has no memories before 5 years ago having had them taken away from her. Being a Nephilim part Demon, part Fae puts her at odds with the Angels that she works with but not with her friend Felix who is a Nephilim himself. These two certainly dance around their attraction for each other in this book thats for sure. More so Fran than Felix. Things get complicated for them when theyre sent on a dangerous mission. So many plot twists and turns that it definitely keeps you guessing. Still its a cracking read though. Im looking forward to reading more books in this series

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read anything by this author, but this book sounded interesting. I dived in knowing that this was an offshoot of another series. I started reading it, and I was confused for a little while because I wasn’t exactly sure what was going on. I found out there is a prequel that clears up these issues, so I should have read that first, but I did keep reading, and once everything started becoming familiar, the book was excellent. Besides that little speed bump in the beginning, this was a well-written, interesting book with characters that were fun to get to know. I admit that I’m not too sure I like Felix but someone else as her love interest. We’ll see how I feel in the next book! LOL! Recommend but do read the prequel first unlike me! I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This was a fantastic read. Amazing and fun characters, incredible world building. Normally, I'm not too fond of amnesia stories but something really drew me into this story. We have this fierce warrior and diverse group of friends. I really enjoyed it. I didn't know (until the blurb) that this was a spin-off of another series. I have never read this author before, I may have to check out her other books!

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a post-apocalyptic world full of monsters and demons, living without a memory is a dangerous thing.“

Meet Fran a faerie whose memory is only five years years old! In this we follow her as she tries to find the truth in this action packed adventure that just captivated me and had me glued to the pages. Mystery, intrigue, secrets and the twists and turns, well I did not see some of them coming! It’s a great journey and I cannot wait to continue it!

[Angela Denny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was slow to start and took me a few chapters to really get into it. Definitely a interesting take on Angel's and demons. A few twists and turns to the plot keep you guessing as to what is going on

[MandyViolete · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked most about this story is the intrigue and interesting characters. The storyline is intricate and unique.

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two of the Paranormal Times series and the main character is Fran (Francesca Ross, a half fairie, half demon, who has no memory of her life before five years ago, after angels stole them. She was a top ranking warrior in the Fae Court of the Unseelie Queen Misandre, who was taken down after siding with the original first Six soulmates who turned out to be evil and were killed. Now there are a new set of Six soulmates, although two of the originals are in some sort of coma like sleep. Felix Gonzalez is one of the Six, half angel, half demon and he wants her to come back to his town, Silver Springs, Maryland with him. He loves her but she has no memories of them being together and while he has gotten his memories back from the angels, hers are more problematic to return apparently. His best friend is Faith, a succubus and a part of the Six and who hates Fran, then there is his angel guardian, Azrael, who also doesn’t really like her. Fran wants to follow her fae side and try to become a Fae Queen, putting her name into the mix to replace the dead Misandre, but she has few supporters and is not well known there. She meets another fae. Marcus, at the ball there for all the nominees, but while he seems to know her, she has no memories of him and must hide that fact. When she gets back, head angel Monica wants her and Felix to travel to a town that seems to have raised up very quickly and is warded against any outsiders. She has lost two lower level angels to the town and it seems no one ever leaves the town.
If Fran checks out the town, St. Michaels, Maryland, then Monica will work on getting her memories back or some other ploy to keep her hanging on, no doubt. Fran doesn’t trust any of the angels! She travels there with Felix, Faith and Azrael. Things seem odd about the town as soon as they are greeted at the ward surrounding it. The two guards are almost like robots, speaking at the same time and even sounding the same. Fran notices there are no children and no old people around, although the former town was a popular weekend getaway before a gigantic flood. Now everything looks perfect, with everything looking well-built and tidy. Monica thinks there must be a high level demon in town, which is able to do something to make people never want to leave town. She and Faith spot some people with what looks like very saggy skin one minute, then back to normal the next! Something weird is happening and the group have to figure it out and get the two angels to go back to Monica. Fran believes she sees a child outside a restaurant, but when she goes to find him, al she finds is the empty skin of what looks like a human, with no visible injuries. None of them have any idea how that could have occurred and now the local sheriff is suspicious of them.
Azrael comes to Fran, worried that Felix doesn’t seem like himself and is turning dark! She had thought he was just sticking up for her more and being assertive. Is it the town having an effect on him or the fact he was pulled into the Underworld? When the child like figure comes back to Fran, he lures her to a home to show her a human like figure chewing down on a dead teenage child. When they stop and kill it, the body melts away into just a skin bag! Weird and pretty gross. The sheriff orders them to stay in town a few more days and Fran’s guardian angel Oscar is called in for help. Maybe he will know what sort of creature is killing people in this town. From their description, even he doesn’t know and he believes the young spirit child/demon figure cannot be freed from its demonic existence. It seems they have walked into a problem that is a lot bigger than expected and one that everyone is involved in. She is going to finally find out the identity of her father and Felix will get answers about his mother, but nothing will be easy for them along the way. Family feuds, a very powerful demonic foe and a high level angel sacrificing them to do her job for her, will bring danger, heartache, injuries and longing for the ones they love! A fight for what it right at the end, but this story is far from over, as Fran tries to figure out her place in the fae and demon worlds. Definitely easier to read if you know about magic coming back to the world some ten years ago, but also the virus that killed many and about the Six and what importance they had in bringing peace and doing good in the world. I received an ARC copy of this book form BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Hauntings is the first book in C.C. Solomon’s Paranormal Times series and while this book has a bit of a rocky start, it gets better as it goes along and really caputres your attention. Fran, a half demon and half fae, has had her memories wiped away. But while the angels have made an attempt at restoring what they took away, a lot is still missing from what she remembers. In a bid to get some information from one of the angels, Fran and a group of “friends” go to a small town in search of some rogue angels. A nasty and dark mystery is waiting, but there will be more answers along the way as well.
Dark Hauntings really piqued my interest with the blurb, but the prologue and the first few chapters almost had me throw in the towel when it came to reading this book. When I started reading I honestly thought that maybe this book was a spin-off from a different series, or that there was a prequel that I should have started with to lay the real groundwork. I was dropped into the middle of a battle, and then the author fast-forwards two months. Everything really felt already established and in progress.
Once I got my footing with the story I was able to get into it. So if the first few chapters throw you for a loop...just hang in there. Once I was able to get into the story I was easily pulled in and this book really becomes a page-turner. The characters are interesting, but the predicament/situations that they find themselves in...are even more so. I love the twists, the surprises and the unique developments. The revelations in some cases literally had my jaw on the floor.
This book could have easily been a five star novel if the prologue and the first few chapters had been worked better. As it is, for me, they are disjointed and end up taking away from the story instead of adding to it and setting the necessary groundwork. I’m choosing to rate this book though 4.5 out of 5 stars. Despite the debacle with the beginning, this book gets to be really good and I’m glad I slogged through the first part. I’m looking forward to what this author writes next in book two.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first time I have read a book by this author, and I am sure it wasn't the last.
Francesca Ross is a half-faerie, half-demon which suffers from memory loss caused by angels. And this condition definitely does not help with faerie politics, dealing with demons, or navigating in past relationships. When she is sent on a mission by archangel going by the name Monica in exchange for a piece of information from her memories, while running a campaign to become the ruler of a faerie court at the same time, Fran's hands are definitely full. Mostly with the supernatural mystery going on in the town that seems to be too perfect.
The wide range of supernatural creatures in this book is impressive. Not only we meet the usual celestial beings from low ranks to the royal elite, but also an interesting selection of other beings like wraiths or skinwalkers. Some of them are outright creepy, some are just nasty, and others are just being their usual annoying self. I also liked the way the idea of balance in good and evil was used here - not every angel is good, and not every demon is bad. They are just representants of their races, and actions speak louder than words. There are many interesting characters, Herrod and Marcus leading among those where I wan to know much more than we got to know now. I definitely plan to continue reading this series.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "DARK HAUNTINGS" This was my first read by this author I found it but confusing at first not reading the previous books would have made things a little more clear but I hung in there & found it to be a very enjoyable read.
Francesca Ross is a faerie who has a memory problem doesn't remember anything from before 5yrs. ago she gets an offer from an arch angel to investigate angel disappearances in a small vacation town in exch to help her recover her memories.
Felix Gonzales half demon/half angel, guardian angel & succubus agree to help Fran she may or may not have had a relationship with Felix previously only time will tell.
I definitely recommend to get this book its slow at first but gets so much better the mysterious small town, being stalked by demonic forces that could have answers to her past.
I'm so looking forward to next book with all these interesting, entertaining characters that bring this unique story to life I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Naurarwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit it took me a little to get into this book, mostly cause I felt like I was missing out on a few events. It turns out I was, and I've seen mentioned in a couple of other reviews that it is recommended to read Mystic Memories which is a prequel novella, so I will definitely be reading that at some point just so I can see what I missed.

I actually really liked Fran though, she's sassy and outspoken, but she does still have some weaknesses, which for me I found it made the character easier to relate to because not everyone can be perfect. This story definitely has a slow pace to what I'm used to reading but it does lay the foundations for future books in this series.

The book has an interesting cast of characters that are all different types of supernaturals and I do love my supernatural books and this one even includes a post-apocalyptic world, once I got into the flow of this one I did enjoy it. Can't see what is to come in the future.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a strong, female lead and that’s exactly what we have here. Though Fran is somewhat weakened by her lack of memories, I enjoyed unlocking them with her. I’ve since found out that there’s a prequel that possibly gives more of incite into Fran’s relationship with Felix and which may have bettered my understanding of certain situations. It explains why I found the start of the book a bit slow too! However, I don’t feel like I couldn’t follow the book as a whole as a result of not reading the prequel. Fran’s lost her memories after all, so she’s as blind as we are! (Though I might read it now just out of interest!). There is plenty of action here and twists and turns to enjoy. An interesting story and world.

[Samantha Silensky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m the beginning, it took me a bit to get into the book, since it started a little slow. Boy am I glad I stayed on for the ride though! This book turned out amazingly, and I’m thoroughly invested in every twist and turn Fran went through and still has yet to go through. I have a love/hate relationship with the angels just like Fran does, and can’t wait to see what happens with Marcus, as well as Felix. The characters were well rounded and there was so much personality in each of them, with them all having their own unique characteristics. The main group of characters through the story were fun to watch interact and change their feelings towards each other. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Dori Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set up as a spinoff from the Paranormal World / Soulmate series, I will say that I had a difficult time initially trying to follow the storyline. While you don't HAVE to read her first series to enjoy Dark Hauntings, my guess is that there are nuances and backstories which would bring added depth to the story. Caveat emptor.

That being said, when I finally managed to move beyond my confusion, the story is pretty good. Francesca and Felix make a very interesting couple, and the rest of the gang feel like they have their own shenanigans to bring yet. It was interesting enough to convince me to go back and find the beginning of the story. I'll be better prepared for the next book now!

[Jennifer Soppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twisted tale of discovery

Francesca, part unseelie fae and part demon, has lost a lot of her memories due to the angels and is desperate for answers. As the story progresses a goal is sought, a mission is given, and the answers sought are not always the answers are given. Dark Hauntings by C.C. Solomon creates a twisted tale of discovery where not all angels are good, not all demons are evil, and the surprises in store for her are definitely a mixed bag that she will have to work through.

I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

[Rachel Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it. When I started this book, I found some of the details a little confusing and I discovered that this book is a spinoff book from a previous series. Although it did take me a bit to understand the world and to get into the story, I did really like the world and the plot. The characters were interesting and really made the story for me. It's a great book and it has definitely made me want to read the previous series to really get the full Understanding and enjoyment out of this book. Overall it's a fun, action packed and intriguing book that any fantasy lover will greatly enjoy.

[Aimee Convoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I was drawn into the magical world where angels & demons are real. Our story starts with Fran, who is half demon and half fae, with no real memories and with a load of problems. However, before she can get her memories back there are a few twists and turns she needs to face first - and it’s not always straightforward. I love the chemistry and banter between Fran and Felix and I can’t wait to see more of that. This book has a bit of everything from friendships, mystery, suspense, secrets and I just love seeing how they all interact with each other. This book is well written and I cannot wait for the next book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Hauntings by C.C. Solomon is Book 1 in the Paranormal Times series. This is a beautifully written story with plenty of action, excellent pace, and wonderful characters. Franny (Francesca) is a half angel/demon fae who has lost her memory. She is given an assignment by an arch angel to find out why angels are going missing in a small vacation town. She enlists the help of Felix (half angel/demon) who she may have known before and two others. What will they find? Will Franny recover her memories? There are many twists that will keep you guessing and turning pages to the end and leave you wanting more. Recommended read. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action Packed

This is the first book I've read by this author, and as the first book in the series, seemed a good place to start. And it is. However, it's worth noting that it's a spin off from another series, and there's also a prequel novella for the two main characters. While it can be read without these, I did feel at a few points that I'd have benefited from having read them. The tale is action packed and keeps you guessing what's happening next. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series and will also go back for the previous books!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the start of the book, I felt quite frustrated, as it seemed like the story was very much based on events based on the previous series. I kept feeling I was missing something, and the mentions of other characters and events didn't make sense to me. Like the connections weren't explored. Besides this, I enjoyed it. This was my first book from this author, and hopefully, not the last. This story was enjoyable and I like the overall premise of the story. I guess I’m going to backtrack and read the other series, too, for this one to make more sense. Yay, more books :)

[Amy Hannagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

So it took me a couple chapters to get into this book, it read a little slow for me, but once it picked up, I was really into it. Fran's character is maturing into a real kick-a** female lead that I think will prove to lead a strong series, I can only hope. The mystery going in this book kept me reading and I'm anxious to see what the author does with the storyline in the next book. All in all, I have to say it's worth the read of a new to me author.

[Michalle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning was a little confusing because it referenced things and this was the first book. Come to find out there was a prequel. Anyway, the story did eventually fill in the holes and it was a great story. I loved the take on the angel/demons and how it played out. The androgynous Angel was very unique. The story ended up being a page turner with plenty of action and twists. I can’t wait to see how Francesca and Felix fare in the adventures ahead.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I have not read the novella or original series this is a spinoff to, so there were a few things I didn't previously know going into this book, I quickly became addicted to the characters we are introduced to in Dark Hauntings. Francesca is a fantastic heroine to follow with an interesting background. There is a lot of mystery since readers are just in the dark as she is with her lost memories, but I am excited to see what is in store next for her and Felix.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Hauntings: A Paranormal Times Novel by C.C. Solomon is an awesome story that I have had the privilege to read and give my honest review on. This is book number one in this awesome series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.

[Chelsea Okamoto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow……. So the story starts out a bit slow but stick with it because it is amazing! Fran is missing her past but she is strong and independent. She gains a group of unique characters to support her. Lots of things happen in this story. Some questions get answered and others open up even more questions. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Fabulous! Can’t wait to find out what is next for these characters! 💜🖤

[Rebekah Tomkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one, Fran is great fun as a character and there are some unique characters threaded through the story. I would recommend reading the prequel first because it explains a lot and I think you kind of need to read it before this one. The angel vs demon theme is original in here and really well done. Great characters and great plot. Lots of information to take in but I can’t wait for the next one.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a bit confusing at first because I did not know that there was a tie in to previous books. It took some patience but it was well worth the effort. This is a well written story that I really enjoyed. By reading on I was amazed at my love for this story and this new world. I am so looking forward to more from this author and hopefully this world.

[Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I began this book, I had no idea it was a spin-off, so I was very confused reading about a bunch of characters and a backstory which did not seem important to the storyline. However, once the story got flowing I really enjoyed it and Fran and Felix seem like an interesting couple. I am excited to see what happens next.