Published by Katie Reus on November 8th 2014
Genres: Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance, Shape Shifting, Vampires
Pages: 252
Format: eBook
ISBN: 0989776646
From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Katie Reus, the first story in her Darkness series. Years ago he ended things between them to protect her… As leader of one of the fiercest werewolf packs in the south, Finn Stavros is in full battle mode 24/7. He has no choice—he’s one of the few beings strong enough to fight the Akkadian demons, whose mysterious escape from hell threatens the entire world. With the battle turning bloodier by the second, Finn is ready for anything…until his vampire long lost love shows up on his doorstep in desperate need of his help, sending his heart into a tailspin. He agrees to help her, unaware that she carries a shocking secret that will turn his life upside down. This time, he’s not letting her go… Vampire Lyra Marius curses the day she met Finn. The ruthless werewolf promised to love her forever, but he rejected her instead—before she could share her life altering news. Pregnant, kicked out of her coven, and cast aside by the love of her life, Lyra struggled to raise their rare shifter-vampire daughter Vega alone among humans. When the 16-year-old is kidnapped and used to fulfill a frightening prophecy, Lyra swallows her pride and turns to Finn for help. But how long can she fight her feelings for him and keep him from guessing the truth about who Vega really is? As they race against the clock to save their daughter, they must defeat the lethal threat imposed by demons infiltrating the human world and a hell gate that could not only reveal their existence to mankind, but destroy the world in the process.
Summary
Finn Stravros and Lyra loved each other but their love was forbidden, he was a wolf shifter and she a vampire, enemies, but they fell hard for each other. But Finn’s uncle would destroy Lyra if he knew about her, so he had to cut all ties to protect her. Lyra was kicked out of her clan, and has lived on her own and raising her daughter, for the past 17 years. She holds a secret that she has been keeping from Finn all of these years, and she knows that she will need to tell him the truth, sooner than later. But when her daughter gets kidnapped, so knows that she will need to go to Finn, to have his help in finding her. They join forces to find Lyra’s daughter, and their time is drawing short, there is a deadline and then Lyra knows that her daughter will be killed. As they hunt for her together, the passion they once had for each other is rekindled, and soon both Finn and Lyra will have to face up to what their feeling, and be honest with themselves and each other.
The Hero
Finn Stavros, is the alpha of his pack, after winning in a match against his uncle and defeating those loyal to him. He now has a pack that are fiercely loyal to him. Finn has led them away from the archaic beliefs, and into a way of life that is honest and good. He would do anything for those he protects but when his ex vampire lover comes back, asking for his help he is in a new element. What I loved most about Finn was how true to his character he was. He is alpha and possessive and has all of those dominant traits, but he is loyal and dedicated, and he has this goodness to him that you instantly respond to. I love his role in this story, and I love how honest his reactions are but even when he learns the truth, he doesn’t get cruel or vindictive or demanding, he listens and even though he gets pretty furious (I know I would be), you also see how understanding and empathetic he is at the same time. Quite refreshing.
The Heroine
Lyra, always loved Finn, and when she found out she was pregnant with their child, she was thrilled even knowing the dangers to her daughter, but when Finn breaks her heart and ends their relationship, she is cast out from her clan by her brother (who is quite insane), and had to learn to adapt to a human way of life, built a life for herself and her daughter, raising her all on her own, and being alone and a single mother for seventeen years. But when her daughter gets kidnapped on her way to meet her father, Lyra must find her. Because she knows why she has been kidnapped, and if she doesn’t find her soon, she will be dead. Lyra was a heroine you could relate with on an emotional level. She has strength and courage and boy can she fight!! Love seeing her go all badass on some evil demons, but you see how much she adores her daughter and you see the emotions she struggles with all the while trying to remain strong. She is a character you are instantly endeared to.
Plot and Story Line
The story begins with seeing Finn fighting some bad demons, and we see a certain bond he has with one of his closest friends and protector. We see the fun bantering and quick-witted humor between these two and the level of friendship they have. Then when Lyra enters Finn’s life again, he has no clue that he has a 17-year-old daughter. He doesn’t suspect a thing, but Lyra gets a bit devious and changes the age of her daughter so he doesn’t suspect. Now this is a “secret baby” themed trope, but the circumstances makes it seem endearing and you get captivated instantly. What I enjoyed was seeing how these ex lovers were able to connect almost instantly, even after all the time that has passed for them. The supporting characters were so fun, and a plus we get on possessive dragon shifter that comes into the mix (his book is next…SO THRILLED because he sure was delicious) We see some engaging members of Finn’s pack, and boy did Lyra stand her ground with them and win their loyalty, which is pretty fantastic considering that vampires and shifters are mortal enemies. Toward the last half of the book, we get an insight into Vega and what she is dealing with. We see how insane Lyra’s brother really is, crazed with power and being the leader of the clan, and how he promotes fear to get his people to do what he wants them to do. Vega is just like her parents though, strong and stands on her own. What we see happen in this story especially toward the latter half of the story, was a tear jerker, just broke me up inside, seeing Finn and Lyra be honest with each other, and finding their daughter together. So many great moments in this story that made it an astounding read for me (despite its shorter length, only 200 pages), but it didn’t feel that short. The plot is well-balanced, the characters written in a way where we see their strengths and weakness and how they face opposition, the romance short and sweet, but definitely strong in emotion and engaging till the end. What I most enjoyed was how the style of this author’s writing captivated me from the beginning, she draws you into the story in such a way that you can’t put it down, she creates a scene at the beginning which is exciting and full of action and then pumps you with emotion that you have to keep reading more, a intense page turner.
The Cover
I know it’s not the best cover in the world, but sexy mouth right ladies? I would mind kissing a whopper on him, and all that scruff…I love scruff (hate beards and mustaches) but that scruff is downright sexy and irresistible.
Overall View
Darkness is a riveting tale of sensual passion, a big secret, riveting emotion, fast paced action, and a thrilling story of redeeming love and sacrifice…HEARTWARMING!!
“I never stopped loving you, Finn. Even when I wanted to hate you, I just couldn’t. Not truly. You stole part of my heart, damn you. And I don’t want it back. I don’t care what we have to face as long as we have each other’s backs.”
Woohoo! I’m so glad that you liked it. I love this series, too, and hadn’t come across anyone I know who read it.
oh yes I fell in love with this one. I know a couple of people that have read it, but not many. Which is a surprise honestly because dang this one was so good. I can’t wait for the second one, because the dragon was sexy and I can’t wait for his story.
I have this one on my shelf. I need to read it! I enjoy Reus and pretty much everything I’ve read by her.