Continuing the sexy, paranormal Paladins series where Darkness on Fire left off, this original e-novella features larger-than-life warriors in a secret army that battles evil in the modern world.
Fifteen years after Emmett Stone was unjustly imprisoned for a brutal attack, the true aggressor came forward to tell the truth about that fatal night. Shortly before Emmett’s release from prison, he’s visited by two men who understand his strange ability to rapidly heal from anything, and why he’s driven to protect those around him. And they have a very unusual job offer for him…
When Emmett cuts his hand at work, his boss insists he go to get stitched up. To keep up the charade of normalcy, Emmett goes to the free clinic, where he meets Jana. Instantly drawn to her quiet beauty and caring nature, he vows to protect her at all costs. But will his fierce protectiveness and hidden secrets cause Jana to run?
Alexis Morgan grew up near St. Louis and received a B.A. in English from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She and her husband have made the Pacific Northwest their home for more than thirty years, where she launched her career as a writer. She is published in paranormal romance, fantasy romance, American West historicals, and most recently, contemporary romances with her new Snowberry Creek series.
I love the Paladins series and highly recommend them all. I was excited to see a new entry after all this time and really enjoyed the read. It is a novella and introduces two new characters while bringing back series favorites from the Seattle Paladins - notably Devin Blane and Blake Trahern. You could read it as a standalone but the earlier books will make the Paladin mission clearer. In fact, I think a series re-read is in order...
Paladins series
Dark Protector #1 Dark Defender #2 In Darkness Reborn #3 Redeemed in Darkness #4 Darkness Unknown #5 Defeat the Darkness #6 Bound by Darkness #7 The Darkness Beyond #8 Darkness on Fire #9 Darkness Torn Asunder #9.5
Oo catching up with the Paladins was lovely but I must point out that this is a novella and not a full length book. That being said I've missed these larger than life characters with their mission to save the world and this romance featured one or two of those delicious warriors who have entertained this reader previously. For those new to the series the Paladins are a breed who for centuries have felt called to guard the barrier that exists between Humans and the Others, an evil race but the Paladins are not exactly the run of the mill humans but something more . I've no wish to spoil the fun but trust me when I say these mighty warriors offer out of this world skills! So where does Emmett fit into this world where there's a secret war going on? Well fifteen years ago he was sent to prison as at the time he could not prove his innocence due to his remarkable healing powers. Fast forward to present day and the true culprit has found God and confessed to his sins which finally sees Emmett being offered his freedom and liberty but not before two mysterious males show up offering him a job. Emmett is not sure of their motives and what they reveal seems preposterous so he thinks thanks but no thanks and happily manages to get work tending bar. A freak accident takes Emmett to the clinic where Jana works and she awakens all his protective instincts but exactly what does an ex con have to offer? Ok so not as long as I usually prefer and if frank it's not really a leap forward in terms of the Paladin story arc . However what this short story does offer is a believable romance that builds up allowing these likeable characters to really shine. Jana may be slightly out of the dating game but she knows what she likes and has no hesitation in letting Emmett know it. Which is handy really as at times he needs to be told a thing or two. Don't misunderstand me Emmett is lovely and not shy exactly but very much aware of how others might perceive him. Of course he is passionate but his aggressive side really worries him and as he comes to care more for Jana he will do anything to protect her no matter what the cost! I adore paranormal stories but this was all about the romance and I loved it. Well written with just enough of a tease to make me want more from these guys. A must read for fans of the series but works as a standalone I think to introduce new readers to this exciting world. I was lucky to get a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I am a little behind on this series and jumped a few books for this one. To be honest, I completely forgot about this series until I read this. Now I can't figure out why I didn't stay up to date on it. I really like this.
In this installment we get a man released from jail after being able to prove his innocence after quite a bit of time in prison. We are talking years and years in jail. He has always healed really fast from injury, and seems not to age like other humans. Well, he is not human, but he doesn't know. He is approached by a group of men who claim to be different just like he is. They also claim that they are aliens (I know, it sounds silly, but I promise it is good). He writes them off as whack jobs, at first. He meets a cute female doctor at a local clinic after injuring his hand at his new job at a local watering hole. She fixes him up and sends him on his way, but he can't seem to keep himself away from her.
This is VERY well written, and held my interest really well. I love the chemistry the two main characters have. I genuinely cared for both of them and really enjoyed their happily ever after story. The pacing is nice and to the point with just enough details to make it enjoyable.
Recommendation:
For fans of this series and other paranormal romance books, not just this book, but the whole series. I will definitely be reading the few books I missed.
I recieved a electronic copy for review purposes through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This series has been so enjoyable and I'm glad that she has decided to write another series about these guys. I loved the whole series and was sad when it was over and pushed off reading this one because of it. When the author mentioned going back to that world I of course jumped on this one.
Then waited five months to review. What can I say, I'm a little behind.
Poor Emmett, he really got a raw deal in life. He goes to jail for something he didn't do and there is something weird about him that he doesn't understand. Thankfully he soon understand what's going on in his life and learns about others like him.
You won't be able to not feel for Emmett. He's gone through a lot in his life and most of it wasn't even his fault. You want so badly for him to be happy. When he meets Jana you are pretty sure that happiness will happen.
I love these two together. Even though Jana has trouble understanding what's going on she's there for Emmett and believes in him. That's something he really needs in his life. Someone in his corner.
I really loved this story and I thought it was the sweetest romance of all of them. I think if you are going to end a series then this is how you do it. End it on a high note. If you haven't yet read her books and love paranormal then you should give them a try. Morgan's ideas of this world are so different and fun to read about.
This was good, but I'd really like to see this as a full length novel. I feel like if we're introducing a new Paladin, one who doesn't know what he is, not just a new guy, but new to the Paladins' world, that it should merit more page time.
He's also just been released from prison. He's been in for 15 years after a wrongful conviction. Again, more pages for this one please!
Quick version is that Emmett has just been released from prison and a couple of random guys come in and offer him a job. He's all whatever, if it's too good to be true, it's not legit, so he meets with them, and passes on the job. But, in the meantime, he's definitely a Paladin, and his body proves it. He's connected to the barrier and he heals way too quickly for just a human, and he has this innate need to protect.
Enter Jana. She's the nurse practitioner at the clinic in the neighborhood and when he goes in for stitches, they hit it off. They date, but he realizes that he's a time bomb, and he's worried he'll explode near Jana. Devlin Bane and the guys come visit him to let him know the offer's open, but he still says no. Until some Others get across the barrier, and attack Jana. Then Emmett gets to find out what being a Paladin is really about.
It's been a while since I read the book before this one, but I don't recall everything being all tied up nice and neat, so, I definitely would like to know what's going on with the Regents, with their contacts in the Other world, and I also want to know More about what's going on in Kalilthia. I'd like to see some joint missions, or a story with another Kalith hero or heroine. I mean this is such a rich world, and there's so much to work with, that I really hope Alexis Morgan comes back to it again.
But I enjoyed getting back into the Paladins' world and I hope there are more books in this series.
Emmett vows to protect Jana but his fierce protectiveness and hidden secrets may cause her to run in this captivating paranormal romance. I was so excited to find a new Paladin story and while I found the story to be entertaining and still full of those sexy warriors I really have to wish that the story had been longer because I feel that Emmett deserved so much more and I am keeping my fingers crossed that maybe there will be more to come in the Paladin world.
DARKNESS TORN ASUNDER was a brief return to the Paladin universe though most of the story stays on the fringes of the Seattle Paladins since Emmett does not initially believe Devlin and Trahern when they visit him. Unfortunately, I found this one to be fairly average and I don't think that it really added anything to the overall series other than the introduction of two new characters, Emmett and Jana. After getting out of prison Emmett is just trying to keep his head down and move on with his life so meeting Jana is a pleasant surprise. While Emmett's protective nature is very clear, the rest of his personality is fairly stoic and I never really felt we truly got to know who Emmett really is. As for Jana, I did enjoy her and felt like she was the stronger developed character; she even reminded me of Dr. Laurel Young from the first book in the series. She sees the good in everyone and is dedicated to helping those who need it.
Because this book is shorter, Emmett and Jana's relationship develops pretty quickly and for the most part it's smooth sailing. But I never really understood Emmett's worry that Jana would leave him if she found out his secrets, because he reveals them almost immediately. The first night they meet, when Emmett cuts his hand, he tells Jana that he just got out of prison (also, way to blurt that out awkwardly) and then several days later he tells her that he heals really quickly. Jana takes both these things in stride and doesn't seem bothered by them at all so Emmett's worry that she wouldn't accept him seemed a little unfounded. Overall I've really enjoyed this series and though the last few books have not been as strong as the beginning ones I very much look forward to the spin-off series of THE PALADIN STRIKE TEAM.
I forgot how much I liked this series. I might have to do a re-read. This is mostly a romance of a released on proof of innocence ex-con, and a nurse that runs a clinic in a seeded part of town. Right at release time, a couple of Paladins come to offer Emmett a job. He decides to see what they offer, which seems to go to be true. When they show him the diggs and tell him that he is a Paladin, genetically called to, to fight aliens that try to cross the divide, he decides that they are nuts, even after seeing the barrier. He considers it more likely a light show. Yes, he heals fast but that's not enough to sway him either.
He gets a job at a local bar and we get to see him fight his instinct while courting the nurse from the clinic down the street. We get to see the previous character a few times and we know that the two worlds have to collide but this is mainly the story of him and his nurse, except the beginning and the ending.
It was a really good short romance with a little paranormal to add in. I'm glad I got to revisit.
Darkness Torn Asunder by Alexis Morgan is a novella in the Paladins of Darkness series.
I loved how Emmett still remained a gentleman after 15 years behind bars. After being wrongly accused and imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, he could have easily ended up a bitter and hateful man.
Being a kind-hearted and independent nurse practitioner who can see beyond his ex-con label, Jana was the perfect match for him.
Their story developed beautifully and the writing was awesome. Darkness Torn Asunder is another captivating, suspenseful and steamy instalment in the Paladin series. It reminded me how much I missed this series and I would love to read more about the Paladins.
*I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked Jana she was quite character, "wine would be nice.” Then with a wicked look , she added, “And your toothbrush, you know, just in case.” Then she left him staring after her with his tongue hanging out as she drove off laughing." Emmett was quite honest, "he rose over her, his expression serious. “I’m a bit out of practice with all of this. I haven’t . . . not since . . . well, let’s just say it’s been a long, long time." I liked this book.
The characters were interesting and the story moved along fairly well. There was some good interactions with previous characters but for me it was just missing something to get it to the 4 star rating. Overall rating 3 and a half stars
Alexis Morgan is truly a master at her craft, She has delivered yet another amazing addition to the Paladins with Emmett and Jana story and I only hope there are more to come.
This was a change from the other books in the series. It didn’t really revolve around the world of the Paladins, or their fight with the crazed Others and treacherous Regents. This instalment gave us a look into the life of a young Paladin who didn’t know he was a Paladin. One who wanted to live a normal life rather than believe that aliens are real and he was born to protect the world from them.
Following his release from prison, Emmett just wanted to live normally. Refusing to join the Seattle Paladins, he finds a job as a barman and falls in love with a feisty nurse who keeps him on his toes. It’s what he wanted, and he’s happy. However, the longer he’s in the area the more the barrier calls to him – driving him insane. This results in some dumb decisions being made, but it’s okay, he works it out in the end.
Shame it takes a crazed Other attack to make him realise where he really belongs. . .
I really enjoyed this instalment. As with all the other books, it kept me captivated. There is enough steamy romance, suspense, and action in this short story to make it a great read. My only complaint is that it was only a novella, and not a full novel. I'd like to see more of Emmett and his transition into the Paladin lifestyle.
The story no sooner got started, then it was over. It had just a little action. It was instant attraction between the characters. There was no sextual tension.
***A gifted copy was provided by NETGALLEY for my honest review*** ***This is a novella in the world of the Paladins** Emmett Sloan was wrongly convicted of a crime and put behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit and he ended up serving 15 years before he was found to be wrongly convicted and he was fully exonerated and let free to go live his life. Emmett is a great guy and he was dealt such a harsh blow years ago, now he is trying to find his place in this life where people will give him a chance and get to know the real him, not the ex-con. When he is out of prison he meets some people who give him insight on why he can do certain things like heal injuries at a rapid rate and they have a request for him –well it’s a very weird job offer but it’s a job all the same so Emmett takes it. The Real Emmett is a loyal person, a nice guy who is sweet, kind, funny and very hard working. Underneath all that, there is a deep seated anger that is building when people question him about certain things. Jana York is a lovely woman. She runs a free clinic to help everyone in her town. She comes from a big family but they are constantly on her, belittling her for not being “little miss perfect” and that always leaves her hurting. Jana is so sweet, goes out of her way to be very helpful to all but she just wants someone to see her for her and when Emmett comes to her clinic after he hurts his hand and she stitches it up, and there is an instant chemistry. She finds there is this passion brewing within, an animal intensity that she likes whereas Emmett finds he is drawn to the quiet strength within her and he would do anything to keep her safe. He knew immediately that she was his; He didn’t want to ever tar their relationship with his past or his secrets but he is worried would his secrets cause her to turn from him. Would his past catch up with him and cause the only ever good thing in his life to leave him?
This was a wonderful novella and the MC give this new sexy paranormal Paladins story a great boost and I would love to read more in the Paladins series. I highly recommend this book. My only negative is this is short and I wish it was longer to make this a book instead of a novella. Other than that, fantastic story.
Title: Darkness Torn Asunder - The Paladin Book 10 Author: Alexis Morgan Published: 8-17-15 Publisher: Gallery/Threshold Pocket Books Pages: 256 Genre: Erotica Sub Genre: Romance ISBN: 9781501110399 ASIN: B00RM266ZC Reviewer: DelAnne Reviewed For: NetGalley
. After 15 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Emmett Sloan has been exonerated when the person who did commit it steps forward to admit his guilt. Just before his release Devlin Bane and Blake Trahern come to the prison to offer him a job upon his release. When the day Emmett steps out the prison gates Bane meets him and tells him a crazy tale of the Paladin and Regents. Emmett is shown a secret world deep beneath the streets of Seattle. Believing them all insane Emmett tells them thanks but no thanks and walks away.
Taking a job as a bar tender Emmett tries to get on with his life. When he injures his hand knowing he cannot go to the hospital because of his ability to heal faster than any normal human he agrees to be taken to the local clinic. There he meets Jana, a nurse practitioner, who draws him in such a way that he will do anything to protect her, even die. As he gets to know Jana, he learns more about Devlin and his people. He must decide if they are crazy or just might hold the answers he needs.
This story is one that once you begin you will not stop reading until the end. Although it can be read as a standalone I find I would like to read those that came before it so that I can learn more of the other characters mentioned. How they developed and their relationships came into being.
Emmett Sloan’s past, at first glance, is enough to keep away women, coupled with his distant demeanour. His considerate nature, good manners and kind heart are what keep Jana Yorks’ attention, after he is begrudgingly escorted into her walk-in clinic by his boss for an injury. As Emmett and Jana get closer, something inside of Emmett – something he can’t quite understand – threatens their relationship. Can Emmett put the pieces together before it’s too late? The key lies with a group of men who seek him out; men with incredible abilities much like his own...
I enjoyed the book, but I had not read any of the previous titles in the series, and as a result was left with many questions. As frustrating as these questions are, the good part is that now I want to read them all, from the beginning to have them hopefully answered. I found that there was something missing to this story to have me content with it, and my feeling is that more could have been written about the characters. I didn’t really feel for them, even if I liked both Emmett and Jana. The other Paladins came off as a bunch of weirdoes, but I guess that was because I hadn’t read the other books. The connection Emmett feels to the barrier was well done, as well as how it tears him apart; I felt for him. Although Jana seems like an independent woman, some of her dialog didn’t quite seem to fit for this generous and kind medical practitioner. I focussed more on the love story than the general story arc because I didn’t understand it, since I hadn’t read the previous books. I would have loved to read more about each Emmett and Jana, and more about their time together and the connection they developed that doesn’t quite come across to the reader. I am hoping that reading the previous books will shed some light on the Paladin side of the story...
Copy provided by the publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.
I'm so glad to be back in the world of the Paladins, even if this is a short story.
Emmett comes into finding out he is a Paladin very late in his life and after spending 15 years in prison for something he didn't do. He's all the things that a Paladin is even if he's not one of them yet. Strong, loyal, honorable, protective. A fighter for justice and for those who are weak. He struggles with the idea of becoming a Paladin and takes a job as a bartender instead.
The thing I love about this story is I get to visit with some of the previous Paladins I've read about - Devlin, Trahern, DJ, Cullen, etc. It's good to spend some time with these guys again.
Aside from the little reunion, it's also fascinating to see what happens to a person when he rejects his Paladin calling, and it is a calling. It's a constant ache that only gets worse until the person gives in and follows where he's been genetically built to go. Very interesting.
Jana is one of those heroines that I like to describe as a strong, brave heroine, and a fighter. I loved that she fought for Emmett even when he thought pushing her away was the best thing for her. She didn't give up on him, on them. I think it takes a strong woman to see the man you love go through what all Paladins go through many times in their long lives and come out of it sane, and still willing to stick by him. That's what Jana is.
I finished this story and when I got to the end, I teared up a bit. I'm such a sap.
I love Ms Morgan's writing and her Paladin series. I hope she will write more.
The Paladins have always been one of my favourite series, and while it’s been 3 ½ years since the last novella that we believed was the end of this extraordinary world, what a brilliant surprise to find out the saga continues.
Emmett Sloan has been dealt one of life’s most tragic scenarios; wrongly accused and imprisoned for 15 years, before finally being exonerated to move forward with his future. So even though Emmett is a hard-worker, steadfast, loyal and honourable man, it is unsurprising that he questions his worth when a violent turmoil rages within.
Jana York’s character comes from a huge family, but she constantly suffers ridicule for not conforming to their concept of the norm. Jana is self-sacrificing, kind hearted and unconcerned with what others believe her station in life should be. But Jana also has a passion within that has remained dormant until she crosses paths with the larger than life Emmett.
Emmett and Jana are perfectly matched; their story flows beautifully and provides readers with a fast-paced, emotionally charged and captivating read, and the re-emergence of old favourites such as Devlin Bane, Blake Trahern, D.J and Cullen just add to this already exciting tale which is easily consumed in one sitting.
I seriously hope this is not the end for the Paladins.
I'm a big fan of Alexis Morgan and her Paladins series. Every time I open one of her books I'm swept away on a gritty adventure and I don't want it to end. Her Paladins are endearing and I love their interactions with each other. Their constant quips, the fighting, and the camaraderie make for a great read. Each Paladin has a strong woman behind them and I was eager to meet another one in this story.
Since this was a novella, I was concerned that there wouldn't be as much development with the characters as is usual in the full length novels. Unfortunately, I was right. Although Emmett and Jana were easy to like, I found that it was rushed along and their relationship did not seem as real. I love the way Alexis Morgan writes her characters and these two certainly had the potential. Their attraction did seem legit, but it just happened too fast.
Also, there wasn't as much fighting and suspense as I'm used to getting. The action happened at the end and there was no real threat to either of the characters. All in all, Darkness Torn Asunder had all the elements of a great story, but it left me wanting. I really wish for full length novels for future installments, just so it can give it justice to the world of the Paladins.
*I received a complementary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Emmett has been in prison a long time for something he didn’t do yet eventually the man who had committed the crime finally confessed he did it and Emmett was released from prison. Emmett doesn’t know it but he is not human although he does know he heals quicker than any human he knows of but he keeps that to himself. two men show up and offer Emmett a job then tell Emmett some crazy stuff and he says no to the job. Then Emmett gets a job tending bar. Emmett gets hurt even though he doesn’t really need to as he heals so fast he goes to the clinic to keep up appearances. At the clinic he meets Jada who is a doctor there. Jada lets Emmett know she likes him. After a while he begins to care about Jada and would do anything to protect her. After some bizarre events Emmett realizes those met who he thought talked crazy are actually telling the truth and are like him and he now knows what he is. A pretty good story for being a novella. It gives a lot of information for so short a story. The characters were good especially Emmett and Jada and all the ins and outs they go through. I recommend. however I also recommend you read the previous books before this one just makes it that much easier to understand. I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
Reading Darkness Torn Asunder by Alexis Morgan is an exhilarating adrenaline rush. Emmett Sloan and Jana York made a passionate combination in this story. He has secrets. Will those secrets hurt him in the end?
Beware! This story is not for the faint hearted.
Emmett was a soon to be discovered and DNA verified Paladin. The Paladins want his help, but he's hesitate. The job seems to good to be true. Are the people recruiting him crazy?
When Jana is in danger, Emmett protective instincts always kick in. Will he be able to save her? When will Emmett's backup arrive?
The story was awesome and well-written. The author delivered a great story filled with action, suspense, drama, romance, danger, and conflicts. This story was not a cookie cutter story, and it was superb. I finished it in one sitting, and I will read it again.
I could imagine Paladins practicing with swords, and Emmett fighting the Others.
I give Darkness Torn Asunder 4.5 stars! I highly recommend this author, and would buy books from her. I received my copy for free in exchange for a honest review from netgalley.
Darkness Torn Asunder by Alexis Morgan is the 9.5th book in the Paladins of Darkness series. This series must be read in order. I did not and was completely in the dark about a few things. I had to mostly concentrate on the love story of Emmett and Jana to get through this book. Emmett he wants nothing to do with the Paladins. When he is introduced to them because of his powers, he thinks they are all nuts. He prefers to be a simple bartender. Lucky for him they let him do that, and do not force his destiny on him. I liked that he had a choice. Made me love the Paladins. Jana is a nurse practitioner. She really takes knowing about the super natural really easily. I don't know if that us common in this world but to me felt like why does she just accept things like oh yeah everyone can bring themselves back from almost being dead in two days. Yeah everyone can. But hey she does not freak out at anything. These two are really sweet together. I liked their story. This book also made me want to know more about Paladins and how they work in the world. Really fun paranormal read with lots of love inside.