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Shadow Destroyers #4
Dark Obsession
Scorching desire…fatal consequences.
Shadow Destroyers, Book 4
Demon slayer Rae McAvoy refuses to let anything stand between her and getting the job done. Especially her ex. Loving Parker nearly destroyed her, and if partnering with him one last time means he’ll be reassigned and out of her life for good, bring it on.
If Parker was the only threat to her heart, tracking down one rogue scientist would be a snap. Except the scientist in question is Rae’s father, and his experiments are hitting much too close to home.
Parker Walsh hasn’t forgotten the passion that once burned between them, and he’s determined to remind Rae every chance he gets. But giving in to more than just lust could mean surrendering to the darkness inside him—the same darkness that once drove her away.
Riding the edge of their rising desire pushes them to the breaking point, until an explosion of passion raises the stakes even higher. Especially when long-buried secrets force them to break the last links to their past—or else be consumed by an obsession so dark it could tear them apart for good.
Contains a fierce battle of wills between reunited lovers, explosive sexual tension, sarcasm, gritty demon-slaying violence, scorching sex and a love worth fighting for.
Shadow Destroyers, Book 4
Demon slayer Rae McAvoy refuses to let anything stand between her and getting the job done. Especially her ex. Loving Parker nearly destroyed her, and if partnering with him one last time means he’ll be reassigned and out of her life for good, bring it on.
If Parker was the only threat to her heart, tracking down one rogue scientist would be a snap. Except the scientist in question is Rae’s father, and his experiments are hitting much too close to home.
Parker Walsh hasn’t forgotten the passion that once burned between them, and he’s determined to remind Rae every chance he gets. But giving in to more than just lust could mean surrendering to the darkness inside him—the same darkness that once drove her away.
Riding the edge of their rising desire pushes them to the breaking point, until an explosion of passion raises the stakes even higher. Especially when long-buried secrets force them to break the last links to their past—or else be consumed by an obsession so dark it could tear them apart for good.
Contains a fierce battle of wills between reunited lovers, explosive sexual tension, sarcasm, gritty demon-slaying violence, scorching sex and a love worth fighting for.
Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2010
2 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Sydney Somers
47 books327 followersA born and raised Maritimer, Sydney Somers fell in love with writing when she finished her first story, Jenny and the Glowing Green Mittens. After attempting her first book in high school, she set writing aside to focus on school. While getting her degrees in psychology and education, Sydney tried her hand at journalism between part time jobs before finally returning to her love of writing.
Twenty-five novels and novellas later, Sydney is thrilled to spend her days slaying demons, running with shape-shifter packs and making the people in her head fall wildly in love. When she’s not writing or curled up with a good book, Sydney can be found chasing after her herd of kids, talking her way into a gourmet meal, exterminating rogue dust bunnies or joking about the pending zombie apocalypse. She loves hearing from readers and invites them to contact her anytime.
Twenty-five novels and novellas later, Sydney is thrilled to spend her days slaying demons, running with shape-shifter packs and making the people in her head fall wildly in love. When she’s not writing or curled up with a good book, Sydney can be found chasing after her herd of kids, talking her way into a gourmet meal, exterminating rogue dust bunnies or joking about the pending zombie apocalypse. She loves hearing from readers and invites them to contact her anytime.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 17, 2010
3.5 Stars
Rae McAvoy is the leader of her team of Shadow Destroyers, humans with the special DNA needed to become demon slayers. But right now her biggest problem isn't a demon but her ex boyfriend Parker. Six years ago Rae nearly lost herself to the downward spiral Parker was in and refuses to let herself feel that way again. Her current mission is to track down a rogue scientist who is believed to be repeating terrifying experiments on children. This hits too close to home for Rae because it is her own father that she must find.
Parker is back in Rae's life and he is determined to stay there. He has fought his way out of the darkness that once consumed him and wants to prove to Rae that he is a different man. He knows that she to feels the connection and sexual desire that is still between them and he refuses to back down no matter how hard she tries to keep him at arms length. Together they will search for Rae's father, encounter demons and uncover secrets that may be the one thing will keep them apart.
Rae likes to train, fight and work hard. She has a need for control and I can understand not wanting to repeat the same relationship she had before with Parker. She is a strong woman who doesn't want to be pulled back down again by Parker. What I didn't like was when Rae held back important information from her team. They are more like friends and family rather than coworkers and she was more concerned about how she would look once the information came out instead of the consequences of them not having all the facts. I was glad when she finally allowed Parker to get close to her because she needed the support only he could give. Parker fell into a dark place after it was said that his mother killed his sister and then herself. His denial over what happen cost him his relationship with Rae and sent him tumbling towards a dark abyss. He has since then pulled himself out of it and is back to prove to Rae that he is different. He of course faces resistance and I like that he doesn't try to deny what he did to her. He owned up to his mistakes and wants to prove himself to Rae even now that a mysterious woman threatens to unravel everything he has worked for. You can feel the connection and lust between the two and it draws you in.
With the story I felt a little lost and confused at first. This is the 4th book in the series so relationships have already formed and the story is already moving along. It would have been really helpful if there was some kind of guide to explain the different kinds of demons and what they did. Aside from Rae and Parker, I didn't feel much for the other characters. I didn't dislike any of them. A few were amusing but there were none I would miss. I'm sure if I would have started from book 1 (I was sent book 4 to review by author) then I would have felt differently about the other characters. I really found the history of the demons and the folklore behind them interesting. There is a story about demon brothers and jealousy that started it all and I would have loved to have read more about that. About halfway through is when everything got interesting and from that point on I didn't want to set the book down.
This was my first venture into Sydney Somers' Shadow Destroyers world and it won't be my last. I would like to go back and start the series from the beginning and see how everyone came to be where they are now and I'd like to continue the series to see what happens next.
~Stephanie G
Rae McAvoy is the leader of her team of Shadow Destroyers, humans with the special DNA needed to become demon slayers. But right now her biggest problem isn't a demon but her ex boyfriend Parker. Six years ago Rae nearly lost herself to the downward spiral Parker was in and refuses to let herself feel that way again. Her current mission is to track down a rogue scientist who is believed to be repeating terrifying experiments on children. This hits too close to home for Rae because it is her own father that she must find.
Parker is back in Rae's life and he is determined to stay there. He has fought his way out of the darkness that once consumed him and wants to prove to Rae that he is a different man. He knows that she to feels the connection and sexual desire that is still between them and he refuses to back down no matter how hard she tries to keep him at arms length. Together they will search for Rae's father, encounter demons and uncover secrets that may be the one thing will keep them apart.
Rae likes to train, fight and work hard. She has a need for control and I can understand not wanting to repeat the same relationship she had before with Parker. She is a strong woman who doesn't want to be pulled back down again by Parker. What I didn't like was when Rae held back important information from her team. They are more like friends and family rather than coworkers and she was more concerned about how she would look once the information came out instead of the consequences of them not having all the facts. I was glad when she finally allowed Parker to get close to her because she needed the support only he could give. Parker fell into a dark place after it was said that his mother killed his sister and then herself. His denial over what happen cost him his relationship with Rae and sent him tumbling towards a dark abyss. He has since then pulled himself out of it and is back to prove to Rae that he is different. He of course faces resistance and I like that he doesn't try to deny what he did to her. He owned up to his mistakes and wants to prove himself to Rae even now that a mysterious woman threatens to unravel everything he has worked for. You can feel the connection and lust between the two and it draws you in.
With the story I felt a little lost and confused at first. This is the 4th book in the series so relationships have already formed and the story is already moving along. It would have been really helpful if there was some kind of guide to explain the different kinds of demons and what they did. Aside from Rae and Parker, I didn't feel much for the other characters. I didn't dislike any of them. A few were amusing but there were none I would miss. I'm sure if I would have started from book 1 (I was sent book 4 to review by author) then I would have felt differently about the other characters. I really found the history of the demons and the folklore behind them interesting. There is a story about demon brothers and jealousy that started it all and I would have loved to have read more about that. About halfway through is when everything got interesting and from that point on I didn't want to set the book down.
This was my first venture into Sydney Somers' Shadow Destroyers world and it won't be my last. I would like to go back and start the series from the beginning and see how everyone came to be where they are now and I'd like to continue the series to see what happens next.
~Stephanie G
July 19, 2010
I am not a fan of reading a series out of order, as I have stated here on the blog before. I love series and even when reading a paranormal romance, where usually each book deals with a the happily ever after of a different couple, I feel that I’ve started watching a movie midway through.
Dark Obsession is the fourth is a series I had not read before and there is mention of previous adventures and back stories I know nothing about and wish I did.
Despite all that and thanks to me being proactive and checking out the blurbs for the previous three books on goodreads, I was not only able to really enjoy Dark Obsession, but now I can’t wait to get my hands on the other books in the series.
Centuries ago two powerful brothers lived in harmony until one day one of them got jealous of the other’s life and couldn’t handle the fact that his sibling was the king and he wasn’t. The jealous brother attacked the king and the king, to protect his world, he banished his younger brother to a parallel dimension and made sure he could never feel, anything, again.
Powerful in his own right, the banished brother created a race of shadow demons and even though these demons could not feel, they could feed from human emotions and become easily addicted to them.
Cut back to the present and these demons are still trapped in this other dimension, but now and then, and recently more often then not, these demons cross over and feed on humans.
That’s where the Shadow Destroyers come in, they have a genetic marker that allows them to acquire powers from the shadow demons the first time they are attacked by one. This genetic disposition was the old King’s way of trying to protect the world from his jealous brother.
Dark Obsession is the story of Rae and Parker, two shadow destroyers that share a tragic past. Rae is the leader of her shadow destroyer group and 6 years ago she loved Parker, but couldn’t deal with his destructive nature anymore, so she left him.
Parker found himself working under the woman he loved and that left him years ago. He wants nothing more than to get Rae under him and working with her the past months has been hell, but their past might be too much to get through.
I really enjoyed this world Sydney Somers has created, there is a lot of action, mysteries, twists, sexual chemistry and romance. The balance between plot and the romance is pretty well done and the smex scenes are definitely on the sizzling side, specially with the hotness that is Parker, oh and he is hella sweet too! What is not to love?
"He smoothed the water away from her cheek. “I don’t need you to heal me or be strong for me.” His lips feathered over hers. “I just need you to love me.” "
Rae and Parker are perfect together and I loved that they had actually been together before, but it wasn’t the right time for them. They had to hurt and go through 6 years apart before they could make it work. I really like that, because for me, life is all about timing and everything happens when it is supposed to.
All in all, Dark Obsession is a great Paranormal Romance read and even though I would have rather read the previous books, I was totally able to enjoy this one without them. If nothing less, it has made me crave for the previous installments.
Dark Obsession is the fourth is a series I had not read before and there is mention of previous adventures and back stories I know nothing about and wish I did.
Despite all that and thanks to me being proactive and checking out the blurbs for the previous three books on goodreads, I was not only able to really enjoy Dark Obsession, but now I can’t wait to get my hands on the other books in the series.
Centuries ago two powerful brothers lived in harmony until one day one of them got jealous of the other’s life and couldn’t handle the fact that his sibling was the king and he wasn’t. The jealous brother attacked the king and the king, to protect his world, he banished his younger brother to a parallel dimension and made sure he could never feel, anything, again.
Powerful in his own right, the banished brother created a race of shadow demons and even though these demons could not feel, they could feed from human emotions and become easily addicted to them.
Cut back to the present and these demons are still trapped in this other dimension, but now and then, and recently more often then not, these demons cross over and feed on humans.
That’s where the Shadow Destroyers come in, they have a genetic marker that allows them to acquire powers from the shadow demons the first time they are attacked by one. This genetic disposition was the old King’s way of trying to protect the world from his jealous brother.
Dark Obsession is the story of Rae and Parker, two shadow destroyers that share a tragic past. Rae is the leader of her shadow destroyer group and 6 years ago she loved Parker, but couldn’t deal with his destructive nature anymore, so she left him.
Parker found himself working under the woman he loved and that left him years ago. He wants nothing more than to get Rae under him and working with her the past months has been hell, but their past might be too much to get through.
I really enjoyed this world Sydney Somers has created, there is a lot of action, mysteries, twists, sexual chemistry and romance. The balance between plot and the romance is pretty well done and the smex scenes are definitely on the sizzling side, specially with the hotness that is Parker, oh and he is hella sweet too! What is not to love?
"He smoothed the water away from her cheek. “I don’t need you to heal me or be strong for me.” His lips feathered over hers. “I just need you to love me.” "
Rae and Parker are perfect together and I loved that they had actually been together before, but it wasn’t the right time for them. They had to hurt and go through 6 years apart before they could make it work. I really like that, because for me, life is all about timing and everything happens when it is supposed to.
All in all, Dark Obsession is a great Paranormal Romance read and even though I would have rather read the previous books, I was totally able to enjoy this one without them. If nothing less, it has made me crave for the previous installments.
July 23, 2010
Reviewed by Mandi
Favorite Quote: Another inch closer, another drawn-out pause that left her more on the edge than any legion of demons ever could. A heartbeat shy of when she would have pushed up on her toes to meet his mouth, Parker bent his head.
Rae McAvoy is a demon fighter and carries the gene that allows her (and others) to mutate to carry a demon’s essence. These people then have the same powers as the demon that attacked them – telepathic, war, lust etc. A profiler, Parker is Rae’s ex but has recently been hanging around for an assignment, one Rae hopes is short-lived. Parker carries the lust demon gene, and their previous relationship showed just how lusty he could be.
But after his mother was attacked by a demon and subsequently killed her daughter, Parker’s life was ripped apart. Unable to carry on a meaningful relationship, Rae and Parker finally split. But love is still in the air.
Rae’s latest assignment involves finding missing children. Lawrence, a previous employee was experimenting with children and demons and now he is at it again. Rae has a personal reason why she wants on this case and is desperate to find him. Her boss throws Parker on it too, and together they hunt for Lawrence, fight demons and deal with the immense sexual tension that is simmering right at the surface.
Dark Obsession is the second book I have read by Sydney Somers, the other being Primal Attraction (although in a different series) and I really enjoy her voice. Her characters are witty, very engaging, and she does a great job with combining strong sexual tension with very hot romance scenes.
I think I would have done a little better with this book had I read the three previous in this series. The world was a bit confusing to me. We get a good deal of information right at the beginning, but I still felt like I didn’t have a good grasp of exactly how the demon’s essence gets carried over to certain individuals, nor exactly why and how these people are fighting them. I wanted a slower, more evolved explanation throughout the book.
Parker is a great hero – with his internal struggle fighting his ever growing lust, to his pain and suffering of what happened to his family. Combine that with his need, and obsession to be with Rae, it is a little heartbreaking. But don’t worry – he does not mope nor act pitiful in the bedroom. There he is all man, all in control. Rae tries her best to fight him off, not wanting to travel down the dark road with him again. When his life fell apart years ago, his unraveling nearly killed her too. She doesn't know if she can take that chance again – but Parker makes it very convincing.
I really enjoy the way Sydney Somers writes and will definitely be checking out more from her in the future. This one needed a little more world building or needs to be read from book one. If you read it more for just the romantic relationship, you will not be disappointed.
Rating: 3.5/53.5/5..review to come
Favorite Quote: Another inch closer, another drawn-out pause that left her more on the edge than any legion of demons ever could. A heartbeat shy of when she would have pushed up on her toes to meet his mouth, Parker bent his head.
Rae McAvoy is a demon fighter and carries the gene that allows her (and others) to mutate to carry a demon’s essence. These people then have the same powers as the demon that attacked them – telepathic, war, lust etc. A profiler, Parker is Rae’s ex but has recently been hanging around for an assignment, one Rae hopes is short-lived. Parker carries the lust demon gene, and their previous relationship showed just how lusty he could be.
But after his mother was attacked by a demon and subsequently killed her daughter, Parker’s life was ripped apart. Unable to carry on a meaningful relationship, Rae and Parker finally split. But love is still in the air.
Rae’s latest assignment involves finding missing children. Lawrence, a previous employee was experimenting with children and demons and now he is at it again. Rae has a personal reason why she wants on this case and is desperate to find him. Her boss throws Parker on it too, and together they hunt for Lawrence, fight demons and deal with the immense sexual tension that is simmering right at the surface.
Dark Obsession is the second book I have read by Sydney Somers, the other being Primal Attraction (although in a different series) and I really enjoy her voice. Her characters are witty, very engaging, and she does a great job with combining strong sexual tension with very hot romance scenes.
I think I would have done a little better with this book had I read the three previous in this series. The world was a bit confusing to me. We get a good deal of information right at the beginning, but I still felt like I didn’t have a good grasp of exactly how the demon’s essence gets carried over to certain individuals, nor exactly why and how these people are fighting them. I wanted a slower, more evolved explanation throughout the book.
Parker is a great hero – with his internal struggle fighting his ever growing lust, to his pain and suffering of what happened to his family. Combine that with his need, and obsession to be with Rae, it is a little heartbreaking. But don’t worry – he does not mope nor act pitiful in the bedroom. There he is all man, all in control. Rae tries her best to fight him off, not wanting to travel down the dark road with him again. When his life fell apart years ago, his unraveling nearly killed her too. She doesn't know if she can take that chance again – but Parker makes it very convincing.
I really enjoy the way Sydney Somers writes and will definitely be checking out more from her in the future. This one needed a little more world building or needs to be read from book one. If you read it more for just the romantic relationship, you will not be disappointed.
Rating: 3.5/53.5/5..review to come
June 17, 2010
I presume you know what the book is about. I'm letting you know what I liked or disliked about it.
I absolutely love this book. It is an excellent addition to the series and I think the best book yet. I love it when each addition in a series is better than the last.
Ms. Somers you and yours weave a very fine tale.
I loved meeting Nico - I laughed until I cried when Parker and Nico were, um "reunited" shall we say? Yes, that works! It really endeared Parker to me - he was plenty fine before then but wow did his character and personality jump off the page then or what?!
Rae always has and I suspect always will be a stand out character for me. Not only within the series but in general - she is a true favorite of mine.
I was completely captivated by this book. It holds elements of questions answered, steamy romance, gasp out loud surprises, twists and turns, you name it this read had it all.
I'm a bit bummed all my fingernails are so short now but hey, it comes with the territory.
Okay so now about Darcy and Linc and oh that Scion Amara!?!! That bad/good girl (cuz I know she's both) - this can't be the last time we see her.
And did I say the romance was steamy? Understatement. HUGE understatement!
I absolutely recommend this book and this series.
I absolutely love this book. It is an excellent addition to the series and I think the best book yet. I love it when each addition in a series is better than the last.
Ms. Somers you and yours weave a very fine tale.
I loved meeting Nico - I laughed until I cried when Parker and Nico were, um "reunited" shall we say? Yes, that works! It really endeared Parker to me - he was plenty fine before then but wow did his character and personality jump off the page then or what?!
Rae always has and I suspect always will be a stand out character for me. Not only within the series but in general - she is a true favorite of mine.
I was completely captivated by this book. It holds elements of questions answered, steamy romance, gasp out loud surprises, twists and turns, you name it this read had it all.
I'm a bit bummed all my fingernails are so short now but hey, it comes with the territory.
Okay so now about Darcy and Linc and oh that Scion Amara!?!! That bad/good girl (cuz I know she's both) - this can't be the last time we see her.
And did I say the romance was steamy? Understatement. HUGE understatement!
I absolutely recommend this book and this series.
August 9, 2010
Sydney Somers is one of those authors where the reader can truly see the growth of her writing. Each new character introduced burrowed a bit further into my skin.
Rae has been there since the beginning as the head of the field office, in charge of the other destroyers. It was only a matter of time until her story was told.
In the last book, Parker found himself transferred to Rae's office. Ex-boyfriend Parker, that is. They have a history. And it's dark. And it's deep.
It's great they have a past. It enables both Parker and Rae to truly be infatuated with each other but still focus their mind on their work... with occasional fantasy day dreams by Parker though... always good for a laugh.
They know each other very well. They know the buttons to press. The skeletons in the closets. The ghosts of their pasts. They can go from riling one another one second to being the only person in the world capable of empathizing the next.
This series just keeps getting better and better.
Rae has been there since the beginning as the head of the field office, in charge of the other destroyers. It was only a matter of time until her story was told.
In the last book, Parker found himself transferred to Rae's office. Ex-boyfriend Parker, that is. They have a history. And it's dark. And it's deep.
It's great they have a past. It enables both Parker and Rae to truly be infatuated with each other but still focus their mind on their work... with occasional fantasy day dreams by Parker though... always good for a laugh.
They know each other very well. They know the buttons to press. The skeletons in the closets. The ghosts of their pasts. They can go from riling one another one second to being the only person in the world capable of empathizing the next.
This series just keeps getting better and better.
August 4, 2010
Sydney Somers' Shadow Destroyer series is terrific. I got the first one as a freebie on Kindle, and I loved it so much I went out and bought the first 3 in paperback. When I realized the fourth one was available in e-book only, I decided I couldn't wait for the paperback release. I'm so glad I got it! Rae and Parker have been through so much, both separately and together, and they didn't catch a break during most of this story. I loved that Parker knew super slayer Rae could kick his butt, but he didn't let her intimidate him. He was sexy and caring and funny and... Well, let's just say I completely climbed on board the Parker train. The story made me laugh in places, tear up in others, and I worried about these people. It was great to catch up with some of the characters from the earlier books, and now I cannot wait to read Linc's story.
March 14, 2013
Probably my favorite of this series. Of course I really want book 5 because right now a lot of things are still dangling.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews