Book Review-Darkness by Laurann Dohnner

Darkness
New Species (12)
Laurann Dohner
Ellora’s Cave
E Book
Published September 23 2014
271 Pages
Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 9781419993183
Author’s Website 

Kat’s boss wants dirt on the NSO. She is sent to Homeland undercover but everything goes wrong as soon as she enters the front gates. She is arrested by a big, powerful, sexy New Species but she is not frightened. He turns her on and things heat up fast between them. Now, she just hopes he does not break her heart.

Darkness admires Kat’s courage but he cannot trust anything she says. He hasn’t been with a female for years because he knows he is too damaged. He is not mate material, despite his desire to possess her in every way. Darkness fears losing control—the one thing that defines his life. He doesn’t think he can tear down the protective walls he’s built, even for her.

Inside Scoop: Kat never realized how much fun handcuffs and dominant males could be until she discovered her kinky side through Darkness’ need for control.

My Review

Kat works for the FBI, and her boss has sent her on a mission, undercover to Homeland and discover secrets on the NSO. However despite her order, Kat has no intention of spying or getting dirt on them for her boss. She has more respect for herself than that. All she plans is to teach some classes, and meet some New Species, but when she arrives something goes horribly wrong, and she ends up being arrested by Darkness-a big and intimidating New Species, but Kat isn’t afraid in the least, she only feels a attraction to this man who stirs her like no other has ever done. Darkness knows he will never be a good male, he has a dark past and has gone through things that not many other species have. He is damaged and refuses to even try a real relationship with anyone, his brother or this woman that stirs him up. There is a instant attraction between Darkness and Kat, but Darkness refuses to let Kat into his heart, and begins pushing her away, but only when Darkness will face his past and fears, will he be able to hold onto Kat, a woman of integrity and spirit.

Darkness is number twelve in the New Species series by Laurann Dohner. Now I just have loved this series, and due to a blogger friend of mine, who got me hooked on Fury-the first book in the series, I was hooked on this series and this author. Now even though this is erotica romance, it has never really felt like it to me. There is always such a focus on the building of a relationship and the love aspect…but there are plenty of HOT and sexy scenes to satisfy anyone…but I will always recommend this series..I have just adored the way that Dohner has created this world of her, and I have been wanting to read Darkness for quite some time. He is one of the darker new species in the series, but what a story this one was. Now Darkness has some real issues, and for that he pushes Kat away…and sometimes I just wanted to knock his head with a brick…just to knock some common sense into the guy. But Kat, Oh how I loved her. She is a fighter and has quite a spirited personality and gives everything she has, and I loved how she doesn’t back down from Darkness. She is really to match him in every step, and she isn’t one to back down from a fight. She is definitely great for Darkness and I enjoyed seeing these two come together.

Now there is a bit of light bondage in the story…but nothing more than handcuffs, and I am not a huge fan of the BDSM action, but in reality there isn’t much of it in this one…which I was happy about. There is quite a few of HOT scenes that will really make you turn on the Air Conditioning but what a wonderful way this author develops a story even will all the bedroom scenes. What I really enjoyed about this one, is seeing Darkness really develop as a character from beginning to end. You see him face some really tough issues and I loved him getting his HEA, he definitely deserved it. We also see more of Fury which was awesome and many of the other characters from previous books. I found this latest installment…intense, vibrant in emotion, and a plot that is ever moving…try to keep up!!! WELL DONE!!

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books in Series
Fury
Slade
Valiant
Justice
Brawn
Wrath
Tiger
Obsidian
Shadow
Moon
True
Smiley

Book Review-Moon

Moon
New Species (10)
Laurann Dohner
Ellora’s Cave
E Book
Published April 2013
263 Pages
Shifter Erotica Romance
ISBN:  9781419940552
Author’s Website

Dr. Joyce Yards has never met anyone as irresistible as 466. Their therapy sessions are growing hotter, his raw sexual hunger becoming aggressive, and he refuses to discuss anything except the possibility of getting her naked. Joy understands the dire consequences if she indulges her passion. It will break her heart but she must walk away.

Moon has been drugged, his memory shattered, and he’s now little more than feral, a dangerous threat to everyone. In their need for help, the NSO doctors turn to the only female Moon ever cared about—the one who left him behind two years ago.

Moon isn’t the same male Joy once knew. There are no rules now. If sex tames the wild beast and triggers his fractured memories, allowing him moments of lucidity, then Joy will give him everything, body and soul. She’ll do whatever it takes to save him—even at the cost of her own life

My Review
Summary 
Moon has been shot with a drug while on patrol, and the results have been disastrous. They have turned Moon into a man the New Species don’t know. Moon doesn’t recognize anyone, and has been reduced to mere animal instinct, and is dangerous to anyone close to him. But there is one person that may be able to help him…a woman he has loved but rejected him. Joy was Moon’s therapist but circumstances started to get more intimate between them, and Joy knew that if she was found out being close to Moon, she would be fired and maybe thrown in jail for doing so. In order to protect Moon from a dangerous situation, and to protect her heart, she left him, knowing that it was for the best, even though she has regretted her choice ever since. When she is asked to come help Moon by the NSO, she is more than willing. However she was never prepared for what has happened to Moon. She doesn’t recognize the man she loves in any way, but for some reason he responds to her in a way that he responds to none other. Joy is desperate to get him back to who he was, no matter the cost. When he starts to slowly come back to her, she wonders if he will want her in his life or to leave him forever…

My Thoughts 
It seems like forever since I have been waiting for this story to come out…I bought it the very day it came out, I could hardly wait to read it. For many of you, you know I don’t read erotica very much, but I have found a love in this series. For me its not just erotica, the stories always strike a chord, and are near impossible to put down, and definitely a “page turner”. The series is about men and women who have had their genetics messed with and have animal traits-some stronger than others. Moon is a canine, and has been known as playful yet fierce at times. In the last book we see Moon being shot by a dart that changes him. I was so excited to read his story–FINALLY. I have been waiting for his for quite some time now. There were quite a few aspects that i just adored. First is the emotional connection we see with Moon and Joy. At first we see that Joy is able to calm Moon down when no one else can. There are quite a few sensual scenes that bring Moon out more and more, but there was also a strong emotional connection as well. I enjoyed seeing Moon in a more primative way, but there was also something unique about the situation. I think I ADORED Joy, she is so protective of Moon and determined to save him even though she knows he may end up killing her. There was many intense scenes and emotions that played out in this story. Their love connection was so sweet and tender at times and fierce and passionate at other times. It seemed to balance out in the end.

Overall a sensual read that instills deep emotion through to the reader, and such talent comes from Laurann Dohner who has a way with her writing that captures your attention immediately. Another great addition to a astounding series which has won my heart over and over!! Looking forward to more to this series!!!

First Line 
Joy tried to relax in the chair but worry over her client made her fidget.

Favorite Quote 
“Kiss me.”
He sucked in air and another soft growl rumbled from him. “I’m going to do everything to you.”

My Grade 
4 Blossoms   

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Book Review-Valiant

Valiant
New Species (3)
Laurann Dohner
Ellora’s Cave Twilight
Kindle E Book
206 Pages
Published September 2011
Paranormal Romance

Book 3 in the New Species series.Tammy has always tried to be prepared for any calamity life might send her way but she never imagined a sexy, lion man-beast in her future. He’s huge, got the most exotic, golden cat-eyes she’s ever seen, and she’s so terrified she’s speechless for the first time in her life. He’s stalking closer, growling at her, and she’s too terrified to even flee.Valiant hates humans. But when he gets a whiff of the adorable human female who has invaded his territory, he starts rethinking. Her fear scents of pure, sweet temptation and the closer he gets, the more appealing she becomes. Once he’s got his hands on her, he isn’t about to let her go. One thought will change his life. MINE Before Tammy can regain her senses, she’s flat on her back in Valiant’s bed. Now he just has to use every inch of his big, buff body to convince her that she should stay with him forever.Reader Advisory: While this book may be read as a standalone, the background story is best enjoyed when the books in this series are read in sequential order

Summary :
The moment Valiant see’s Tammy crossing into his territory, he only knows her as His to keep. No matter the cost, he can’t resist tasting her charms, and plans on keeping her for himself, however Tammy isn’t one to just accept being someone else’s pet. Although the passion is heated and explosive and she is drawn to Valiant in a way she doesn’t truly know how to react to, she also realizes she needs more than possession, she needs love and until she has it she refuses to just accept things as is, and escapes and returns to her normal daily life. But when she is kidnapped, because of coming in contact with New Species, Valiant comes to rescue her, and refuses to let her go this time. Tammy starts to realize how much she has missed him and his magical touch, and she knows that she will stay with him no matter what.

The Hero (Valiant)
Valiant, was one of the New Species that suffered more than most, his genes are closer to that of the animal than human, and his features appear more lion, and so those DNA traits are stronger in him than others. When Tammy enters his life, all he wants to do is possess her and keep her and care for her, but he starts to realize that Tammy is the only one that he would sacrifice everything for.

The Heroine (Tammy Shasta)
Tammy, never has experienced so much fear in her 28 years of life until she meets Valiant, however when she is locked inside his cabin for a period of time, she starts to see the true man behind the beast, a man that could love and cherish, however it takes some time before she is able to trust in her instincts and in her heart to know if she truly loves him. When danger comes to take their future away from them both, she will do anything to stay by his side.

My Thoughts 
Valiant is the third installment in this series, a series I am just starting to get totally hooked on, and in some ways I think I like it way more than the breeds series, I find that there is more of a romance in these, even though its border line erotica, my feeling is that its more toward a romance fiction, and I just love the way the author creates this world, and the characters are so deeply woven in the pages, this reader couldn’t help but just fall madly in love. From the first time I read of Valiant in “Slade” I think I just fell in love with him too!!!~ Valiant is the type of characters that is more Alpha than anything else, he is very loyal and when he makes a commitment to a woman its definitely forever no matter the circumstances. Tammy is the type of heroine that I just love, even though she fears Valiant in the beginning she challenges and defies him, full of courage she doesn’t back down from a fight. I just love that about her, yet there is definitely a gentle nature about her…..and I just loved seeing their romance blossom and was so disappointed when I thought the story ended way too soon for me, I think the pages must have just flown by lol. There was so many things that I loved about this book, and even re read it already because I loved it so much. Five rating for me on this one!!!! Not a thing I can complain about though!!!

My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Fury
Slade
Justice
Brawn
Wrath
Tiger

Book Review-Slade

Slade
New Species (2)
Laurann Dohner
Ellora’s Cave
E Book
209 Pages
Published Aug 2011
Paranormal Romance

Dr. Trisha Norbit is flat on her back in a hospital bed, pinned under a really big New Species male. Though drugged out of his mind, he promises her ecstasy and is determined to deliver-but hospital staff intervenes. 215 is a man Trisha will never forget. But, when she meets him again at Homeland…he doesn’t even remember her The nosy new doctor wants to know all about the breeding habits between humans and Species. Slade proposes a hands-on education but she’s not interested in a one-night stand. He can’t offer more because he’s haunted by the memory of a woman he once tried to claim. He’s shocked when he realizes they are one and the same. He’s blown it-she’ll never give him a chance now.But, when her life is in danger, he’s the only one who can save her. As they flee through the wilderness, their desire ignites and cannot be denied. Hot sex, on the run, has consequences that are even more dangerous and will change their lives forever.

Summary:
When Trisha first meets Slade, she is his doctor after the new species are first rescued and released, and he promised sensual bliss, but when she see’s him again he doesn’t even remember her. Trisha is more than curious, naturally about new species, and now that she is their Doctor, she never thought that when dealing with Slade he wouldn’t remember his erotic promises to her or that hot searing kiss, but she is determined to make him live up to his promises to her. When Slade and Trisha are thrown together for survival in the wilderness, with men hunting them down, they know they must do whatever they can to survive, and sparks fly and before either of them realizes it they don’t want to let each other go when they reach safety but is there a future in store for them?

The Hero 
Slade, the pain and grief from what both he and his fellow people have suffered is still fresh, and even though they are free, they are always in danger, and when he ends up having to save the doc’s life, he doesn’t know if he can let Trisha go, not after he has only had a small taste of her, and Slade knows that he could never let her go now that he has something to hold onto that is His.


The Heroine 
Trisha, is first and foremost a doctor,and loves her work and thrives with the New Species. Despite the danger involved, she has never felt more satisfied with her work, but now she has another complication in her already hectic life…a new species male named Slade. He sends a shiver through her system whenever he is near, and his kiss nearly sends her to her knees but what she fears the most is losing him.


My Thoughts 
Slade, the second installment in the New Species series, was actually pretty good, not as good as the first, however I did enjoy it to an extent, there were a couple of aspects that I didn’t like, it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing throughout the story, however I really liked the romance that develops and I really soaked up all the action and suspense, which was a lot more than I ever expected. Overall it was a average good romance, scorching bed scenes, but there was also a sense of a solid love story. Even though the blurb says it can be a stand alone series, I would disagree, you lose understanding the back story which I think is vital from what I have read so far. Overall a good read, but it did drag a bit in the middle however it picked up later where I felt I could get more into the story. Other than that I would say it would be a good romance. I probably won’t re read this but I am glad that I did read it…..A average good romance that you can be content with on a certain level.


My Grade On This Book 
3.5 Blossoms


Other Books In The Series 
Fury
Valiant
Justice
Brawn
Wrath
Tiger
Obsidian
Shadow

Book Review-Fury

Fury
New Species (1)
Laurann Dohner
Ellora’s Cave
E Book
241 Pages
Published July 2011
Paranormal Romance
ISBN 141993595X

Book 1 in the New Species series.Ellie is horrified to discover the pharmaceutical company she works for is doing illegal experiments. Company scientists have spliced human and animal DNA, creating exotic new species. One such “experiment” captures her heart and she’ll do anything to save him-even if he hates her for it.Fury has never known compassion or love. He’s spent his life in a cell, chained and abused by humans. The one woman he allowed himself to trust betrayed him. Now he’s free and set on vengeance. He vows to end her life but when she’s finally in his grasp, harming her is the last thing he wants to do to the sexy little human.Fury can’t resist Ellie-the touch of her hands, her mouth on his skin, her body wrapped around his. He’s obsessed with the scent of his woman. And Ellie wants Fury-always has. She craves his big, powerful body and wants to heal his desolate heart.But loving Fury is one thing…taming him is another.Reader Advisory: This story contains the heartrending aftermath of a rape scene involving a captive male. Another scene involves capture and forced touching by a hurt, vengeful Fury

Summary: (Goodreads)
Ellie, when asked to gather information and spy on a pharmaceutical company, had no idea what she was getting herself into. When she finds out what they really do…she is horrified, and will do everything she can to bring a stop to it…however after she has gathered all that she can to bring them down…one of their patients is in danger and about to be killed, so she saves him even though she knows he will end up hating her forever. Fury has never known a compassionate touch until he meets Ellie, but when he is betrayed he vows retribution until he finds out the truth and then he finds that the last thing he wants to do is physically harm Ellie he wants to mate with her….and love her forever.

The Heroine 
When Ellie is approached to be a spy and help gather information to bring down a powerful organization Mercile Industries, she wonders if she will be able to accomplish it…however the more she comes to understand what is really happening she knows that she would do anything to bring an end to the horrors occurring. When Ellie knows that one of the patients “Fury” is about to be tortured in the worst way and then killed, she aches for him and knows that she must save him no matter the cost even if the cost is herself. After she is able to help bring down Mercile, and all the prisoners are set free, she is then met face to face with the one man that believes she betrayed him….and even though she cares for him she wonders if he will ever be able to forgive her.

The Hero 
Fury, also known as patient 416, ever since he can remember was abandoned by his mother, and left at Mercile, to be experimented on and tortured continually….but never giving up on the thought of being free one day….but when a young woman comes into his life…he knows he will never be the same. Her sweet and compassionate nature draws him in until she betrays him and abandons him and he vows to seek revenge on her. Fury is filled with determination and so much hatred until he finds out what she really did for him and his people and instead he finds that instead of killing her he wants to just love her and keep her as his for as long as he lives.

My Thoughts 
When I first saw this title on Amazon I was looking for something different, and even though its a bit similar to Lora Leigh’s series…there are differences enough that makes it unique and I think in some ways I like it even more than Leigh’s breeds series but in other ways I would prefer Leigh’s books for the most part though I found that this was the kind of book I could mostly just relax in and enjoy and at the beginning I kinda started to compare the similarities between the two series however as the book continued I got so lost in the story that I stopped comparing and started to really delve into it….Fury is the first story of the series and I would definitely recommend if you start reading the series to start at the beginning. I think one of the things that I loved the most about this book….is seeing the story develop…since there definitely is a back story to the main love story here….but it was also exciting to see Fury’s and Ellie romance spark and sizzle…yet there were calm moments too….I just loved the romance of the story that starts to develop between the two…there is alot of action and suspense and everything that will get you at the edge of your seat but I also found there was an endearing quality to the storyline…that just pulled me in a bit further, and I couldn’t put it down until I finished the last page. I definitely would recommend this to anyone that loves a good romance with a twist of suspense and mystery.

My Grade On This Book 
4 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series 
Slade
Valiant
Justice
Brawn
Wrath
Tiger
Obsidian
Shadow