DELICIOUSLY DARK, SERIOUSLY SEXY, COMPLETELY CAPTIVATING!!!
Title: Darkness: The Complete Series
Author: Nora Ash
Designation: Books One thru Four of a Completed Serial, Standalone Novel, NO Cliffhanger
Genre: Paranormal Menage Romantic Suspense
My Rating: FIVE SUPER STEAMY STARS *****
I fell head over heels for Darkness by Nora Ash and read and reviewed it as it was originally published in four separate releases. Fortunately for you, Ash has now consolidated all four books into one convenient and economical collection. There's nothing I love more than reading a great book and sharing that love with my fellow readers. And the best way to do just that is by reviewing the books I read. I'm not a professional reviewer but I know what I like, what I love and more importantly, what I don't and I absolutely loved this series, so much so that I'd like to share with you the reviews I posted for each of the books in this collection.
I first began reading Nora Ash last year when she dazzled her readers with the release of her spellbinding Demon's Mark Series and I've been a fan ever since. I loved it and could hardly wait to see what Ash would dream up for us next. Well, here it is and Ash never disappoints! So, light the fires, kick the tires and brace yourself, my lovelies! You're in for one heck of a great read! And believe me when I say, Ash pulled out all the stops and roared toward the finish in this action-packed, super sexy final installment of the story! Oh my glory! The story is exceptionally well crafted and well written as well as original, unique, exciting, thrilling, action-packed, full of danger, romantic, sexy, arousing and hotter than a firecracker on the Fourth of July! In Book One, the narrative was written in the first person from the point of view of the heroine, a naive but stubbornly independent twenty six year old self-employed cultural blogger. As the series progressed, the author added an integral and necessary third person point of view from both of the male protagonists which increased the intensity, complexity and understanding of the story and the characters. I admit, this was my first time reading a book with both a first and third person point of view but it flowed beautifully. The dialogue is smart, witty, well executed and flows effortlessly. The characters are complex, captivating, engaging, seductive, sexy as sin and surprisingly, at times, laugh out loud funny. Oh yes, even with all the danger, drama and life threatening antics, there's a delightful thread of humor woven into the story. I caught myself giggling much of the time. The characters literally explode from the pages, draw you in, grab your attention and capture your heart from beginning to end. Ash skillfully combines these elements into a brilliantly entertaining paranormal/supernatural romance filled to the brim with danger, darkness, intrigue, mystery, suspense, angst, undeniable attraction, and undeniable romance. Once I started reading, I simply could not stop. I eagerly awaited the release of each new installment. It is a completely new spin on paranormal romance and actually has a compelling and fascinating plot peppered with thrills, chills, mystery and enigmatic characters. I find that I not only enjoyed it but really loved it. Different is not always better but in this case, it definitely is! What did I love about this book? Everything! What didn't I like? Not a darn thing, other than the fact that it ended! I wanted to keep reading! Would I recommend it? You bet and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain some super dreamy sex scenes! Will I read this author again? Absolutely!
Book One: Into the Darkness
When you live in a city like St Anthony that has a crime rate of forty percent above the national average, it's safe to say there's always a crime to write about but struggling, small-time, cultural blogger Kathryn Smith never thought she would get her badly needed big break through personal experience. On a late night run to her favorite coffee shop, she's held at gunpoint by two masked gunman while they rob the shop and demand cappuccinos to go. Huh? What self respecting criminal waits for coffee to go? Obviously, the stupid kind! But at least their stupidity results in giving her the chance of a lifetime - an opportunity to interview the masked superhuman hero identified in the press and social media as Lightning. He was tagged with the moniker as a result of his supernatural speed not because of his ability to control lightning, although after seeing him in person, she could imagine that he may actually be able to do just that! He's beyond sizzling hot! So, despite the danger, shattering glass and flying bullets, Kathryn whips out her trusty camera-phone and presses record. However, disappointment soon follows exaltation when she realizes that Lightning is just another typical, cheeky, flirty and obnoxious member of the male species. She would just have to work with what she has even if he isn't the "Golden Boy" she'd always imagined. She could still write an article about him and the other "supes" that would generate some much needed traffic for her blog and she would make sure it's a great article. He had the nerve to question her as a serious reporter?! Well, she would show him exactly how serious she could be. As opposed to all the other journalists who fawned and drooled over him, she would expose him and the other superhumans for the jerks they are! She would be just the opposite and expose the truth, so take that vigilante heroes! Not that she isn't thankful that Lightning had saved her chubby little behind, but his rude comments have jolted her from her hero worship and given her an entirely new perspective on the way the mayor and the city of St Anthony rely on the superhuman vigilantes to protect them from the ever looming darkness threatening to consume the city. The masked vigilantes act above the law, meting out their own justice and punishment, and they definitely should not be praised for their violent, unregulated conduct. They need to be policed and stopped. After being "semi-claimed" during a late night visit from Lightning, Kathryn becomes all too aware of the fact that she knows nothing about the true nature of the superhumans nor their special abilities. She's more determined than ever to uncover the truth but another unfortunate encounter with the criminal element of the city while looking for clues, leaves her in the clutches of the worst superhuman of all - Shade. The infamous Shade makes Lightning look like a poster boy for the Boy Scouts. And he wants to claim her too, but he intends to really "claim" her. Oh my glory!
Book Two: Hidden in Darkness
It has now been four days since that first fateful night when curvaceous Kathryn Smith had been rescued from a robbery and unceremoniously claimed by the popular superhuman hero Lightning. Twenty four hours later, she finds her life at risk again but this time she's rescued not by Lightning but by the infamous, unscrupulous Shade. What? And the price he demands for rescuing her was very steep indeed - her complete submission. Oh yes, Lightning and Shade both have now claimed her. But to what end? Why her and how is it even possible? Kathryn thought she wanted the exciting life of an investigative reporter but now finds that she already misses her former mundane existence as a reclusive blogger of cultural issues and its resulting monotony. Maybe she's just not cut out to be a crack investigative journalist and live life on the edge. Nope, she doesn't like flirting with danger at all - not one little bit. And she certainly doesn't like being claimed by not one but two "supes". Or does she? Hmm...I wonder??? But if that's the case, why does she once again find herself traipsing through the dangerous seedy underbelly of the city following another lead and looking for more clues of the existing corruption and possible links between Mayor Wilkins and the superhuman heroes. Now after several sexual encounters with both irresistibly sexy but not so good heroes wondering who is good and who is bad and finally deciding both are bad, Kathryn soon comes to an awakening and jolting realization. She can't seem to be able to resist either of the handsome supes but in order to protect herself from Lightning and the Shade, and whatever personal vendetta they have against each other as well as the evil machinations of the Mayor, she will need every single journalistic instinct she possesses to survive but little does she know that by questioning the morals and tactics of the mayor and the unregulated, glorified masked superhumans, she has opened Pandora's Box and her actions are about to rain down hell and wreak havoc on her safe, orderly life. And to add to the ever growing danger and risk to her life, Kathryn has inadvertently discovered the identity of the not so charming Shade along with some not so flattering and very dangerous information about him. Will he want to kill her now as well? Will Kathryn be able to figure out what's really going on before it's too late?
Book Three: Shades of Darkness
Kathryn may have two super human heroes laying claim to her but unfortunately, that now means she has also acquired their enemies and has now become a target. She's been kidnapped by Bright, an evil, power-hungry supe, who wants to use her to weaken both Lightning and The Shade. In order to save her, both must make an appearance to the supe Council and they each must claim her together. It's well known in the city that the two supes are bitter enemies and would never work together for anything or anyone. Or would they??? Even if Lightning and Shade do publicly lay claim to her, which is totally unheard of and has never happened before, will it be enough to protect and save her from the Mayor, his goons, Bright and the superhuman Council? And if so, who will protect her from them??? And just exactly what are their intentions toward the beautiful, curvaceous and very naive blogger. Why is Kathryn's college friend Trish suddenly so interested in helping her with the investigation? And how does the supe Mirome, Lightning and Shade's former teacher and mentor, figure into this complicated puzzle???
Book Four: Fires in the Darkness
Oh my! Oh my! Oh my! Fire in the Darkness is the fourth and final book in the riveting new Darkness series by Nora Ash and oh my goodness, it's amazing! Kathryn has been kidnapped - again! She's been betrayed by Trish, her best friend from college. What the heck? It seems Trish is not much of a friend and she's teamed up with Mirome and Bright to bring down Kathryn and her two new superhuman mates. Oops! Yes, I said mates. They have both now laid claim to the lovely, curvaceous blogger...um...I mean freelance journalist. Yep, we have a triad, folks and it's hotter than hot! But Mirome and Bright plan to kill Kathryn, take the city, enslave the humans and why stop there? They want to restore themselves to power and once again, rule the world. Huh? Oh yes, because dragons used to rule the earth. Oops! I may have let a small spoiler slip! Oh well, it's too late now. *wink wink* But the real question, will Lightning and The Shade be able to defeat their superhuman enemies, save the city of St Anthonys and in doing, save the world??? Well maybe - but are they willing to sacrifice their super secret identities to do it? And more importantly, can the two former friends and now enemies put their personal differences aside to work together to save Kathryn and be her mates? We'll see! But never fear - the devil always collects his due and we do find out the identity of Lightning and The Shade! Oh my goodness! This just gets better and better! No spoilers from me - well, not many - but I will say this....Beautiful, intelligent blogger, I mean journalist, who is too inquisitive for her own good-check! Two handsome sexy superhuman heroes who seem determined to claim one lovely journalist-check! Danger, drama, betrayal, kidnapping, mystery, suspense, intrigue, adventure, "superhumans", corruption and malevolent enemies-check! Heated attraction, fiery passion and steamy dreamy sex-you bet! And did I mention an outrageously sexy menage a trois? Oh yes! Thrills, chills and a whole lot more! And just between you and me, these superhumans sound an awful lot like supernaturals, paranormals and shifters. Secrets are exposed and identities revealed and you will be shocked! This is one series you don't want to miss! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!