ARC received for review

I have been wanting Gabriel's book since we meet him in the first book, where we also meet teenager Vega. Time has passed and Vega's now a young women who has become a member of the supernatural special ops force.

I was disappointed in this book, and the beginning and middle dragged. I don't remember anything about Gabriel getting a vision of Vega in any of the previous books. Their whole romance lacked the sparks I was expecting from them.

Now are Mira and August going to hook up, and what else is August besides a bear?

Before five years ago, Gabriel had never met Vega, but he knows how she's going to die. He knows he'll be involved... unless he can make sure they never meet, never cross paths, so that his vision will never come true. So he left his pack behind, joined the Stavros pack and was determined to never let that future play out. To never meet her at all. Fate had other plans—and she walked right into his life when he least expected it. For the last five years he’s avoided Vega whenever possible even while trying to keep an eye on her. But when she gets cagey with her pack and disappears, he has no choice but to follow her. Now, circumstances are forcing them to work together and he’s determined to protect her against any threat. If that means dying for her, he’s more than willing to. But she doesn’t want his protection. If anything, she’s determined to prove she’s stronger than everyone thinks.
I’m not sure how I missed this one when I’ve read others from this series, but I did. As with the other books from this author, I really enjoyed this book. I really loved Gabriel and Vega as I followed them on their journey. I enjoyed meeting the secondary characters. I look forward to reading more from this author. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

For those of you that read reviews on our blog or follow my reviews at all, you’ll know that this was a bit of a leap out of my normal reading habits. While I will admit I loved Twilight, I’m not a HUGE paranormal fan. There are some authors that I will go out on a limb for and try their paranormal books for a change of pace. And Katie Reus is one of those authors. I’ve loved her Red Stone Security series and am loving her Redemption Harbor series. So when I had the chance to read and review one of her paranormal books, I decided to just do it. And true to form, she didn’t disappoint! Guardian of Darkness is part of a series but I read it first to see if it should truly be labeled a standalone book. And it really is. There was enough backstory on all the characters that I didn’t feel like I didn’t know who was who, how they all ended up knowing each other, and how they all fit into the story. But it wasn’t too full of backstory that it distracted from the plot of this book, either. The characters were likable (even if you do want to smack Gabriel for being so stubborn sometimes) and the world building was really good. When it comes to paranormal, I struggle with being able to visualize the story in my head as I’m reading. But this was so well written that I honestly could see most of it playing out in my head as I was reading.

NICUnurse’s Rating: I’m going to preface this rating because it’s probably a little biased in the way that I am not a BIG paranormal fan so most of the stories won’t stick with me beyond “The End.” I’m giving Guardian of Darkness 4.5 stars. If you ARE a paranormal fan, it’s most likely going to be a 5 star (or close to it) read for you. With that said, I will definitely continue to seek out this author’s books. Katie Reus is a talented author with a great team behind her because they consistently give us well-written, page-turning, keep-you-guessing-until-the-end books.

Talk about coming full circle!
In the very first story in this series, Vega’s parents were reunited after many years being separated and she finally met her father, and now we get to see Vega find her forever mate in the one man that has held her entranced for half a decade. While this series has evolved and changed, going through different shifter packs, the Stavros pack has been woven throughout the series beautifully and getting to return to the core of it to see Vega get her man was a fun and amazing experience. Gabriel has been haunted by his attraction to Vega for a long time, ever since he looked at her and recognized her as a woman for the first time, but he is determined to keep the vision of her death from coming true. He knows that if he embraces Vega as his mate he will have to watch her die, but more and more the passion between them is irresistible and when circumstances press the bond on them, he is going to do whatever it takes to keep her safe. I loved seeing these two sparring with one another, fighting together against their enemies, and finding their connection building more swiftly than either of them ever imagined possible. The heat and fire in their relationship might have manifested in battles and arguing for a long time, but in the end that passionate nature turned into physical heat and ultimately a love that would burn for eternity. I am dying to see what comes next for this pack and of course to meet the newest member of their pack when he arrives, but in the meantime I will look forward to it by rereading this amazing story to experience Gabriel and Vega’s love over and over again. Thank you for another amazing experience, Katie.

I voluntarily read an advanced review copy of this book and it was really good.

It is packed with suspense, romance and action. Very good read can't wait for what comes next!

GUARDIAN OF DARKNESS is a phenomenal read. It has everything a paranormal fan and romance fan would want in an intriguing set up. Gabriel had a dream in which a woman dies and when he meets Vega he realizes she is that woman, so to screw with fate he avoids her. Nice idea but his protective gene just will not go away and he ends up joining her in her first operation in her special ops branch to stop the traitor. I felt so bad for Gabriel and for Vega who took the brunt of his coolness toward her, not understanding he thought to save her.

The pace of this book is fast, moving smoothly from scene to scene, action to action and the conversations were so well written that you felt the characters were actually doing and saying what you were reading. There are a number of surprises for author Katie Reus' "Darkness" fans, which I will not mention as I feel they might be spoilers.

If you want a romance that is sweet and steamy, a roller coaster ride of emotion and action, characters that will have you engulfed in a read that you will not want to end, then get your hands on GUARDIAN OF DARKNESS.

~Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

The complete review may be found at: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=65825

4.5 Stars!

Vega was first introduced in Book 1 of the Darkness series. She is the daughter of werewolf alpha Finn Stavros and vampire Lyra Marius. Vega is all grown up now and trying to carve out a place for herself. She loves her parents and her pack but knows she is destined for so much more. She’s excited for her first assignment in her new job… until her secret love and biggest pain in the butt Gabriel crashes through her life once more. Vega is ready to strike out on her own and she doesn’t need the babysitter her father sent to keep her out of trouble! It doesn’t matter how gorgeous and sexy he is!

Gabriel is a strong alpha wolf that’s been dodging his future for several years now. He’s been haunted by a vision where he watches his future mate die. Gabriel has been avoiding Vega for years but his thoughts are never far from the beautiful hybrid who is fated to be his. When he’s asked to keep an eye on Vega, Gabriel is torn between keeping the woman he loves safe and staying the hell away from her to keep the vision from coming true.

But if Gabriel thinks he can keep his hands off her or that he’s got any say over what Vega is doing in his old stomping ground on a covert assignment, he’s got another thing coming!

If there ever was a couple that deserved to be together, it’s these two! Gabriel’s macho attitude was no match for Vega’s strong will and determination. She also doesn’t suffer fools and let’s Gabriel know about it! And talk about chemistry! WOW! The chemistry between Gabriel and Vega is a raging inferno with no end in sight! I really enjoyed watching them bump heads as well as every stolen moment of passion.

I also enjoyed the fast-paced storyline! We’re introduced to some new characters as well as visits from old ones while Vega and Gabriel work to unearth a traitor, save lives and prevent Hell on earth… literally! All in a day’s work for this brilliant couple!

GUARDIAN OF DARKNESS has everything you expect from a Katie Reus novel: strong heroines, sexy heroes, dangerous villains, thrilling mysteries, wonderful surprises and a well-earned happily ever after!

I voluntarily read a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

This was one book that I was not expecting to happen. However, it does not mean that I was not happy about it...I am amaze how this turned out.

Vega, the daughter of a very powerful alpha, and a vampire that hold equal power. If you read the series, you will know how she came about. I love her since she was introduce. She was the one thing that made Lyra go back to Finn, and it was the start of the series. Who would have thought that she will have her own HEA.

As for Gabriel, I have to go back and read the rest of the books to remember where I read him the first time. I do love him in his own book. It gave him the chance to understand who this man.

The other charterers in this book, the new ones, I am waiting if Ms, Reus will spin a story for them. Especially the older sister of the ally of the Stavros pack. I would love more stories about those Dragons. And of the other shifters in this world.

Thank you!

I received requested, advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

Years ago an Immortal warrior saw the love of his life, his mate, perish right before his very eyes in a vision. These visions are never wrong, thus Gabriel making a pact to himself to never seek his beloved. No matter how much he aches for it, he is saving her life. But fate has other plans...

"No matter what, my heart will always belong to you. You claimed it a while ago and I don't want it back."

One night, she disappears from her pack and Gabriel having no other choice follows her in the dead of night.
Vega is smothered.......do this do that.... she wants to do and be who she wants... have her own say... But something... or someone makes an appearance and everything changes.

Romance, Sex, Action, and Suspense this is a book you don't want to miss.

This was a really great read that had me on the edge of my seat the entire way through! There was elements of paranormal romance, fated mates, destiny, and even dragons! While I haven't read this entire series from book 1 to book 7 (this one), I don't think you really need to be familiar with the world to be able to dive in here.

Gabriel is trying to do the right thing. He saw Vega getting killed in a vision of his future and he is determined to do everything in his power to make sure it never comes to pass. Unfortunately, he hasn't told anyone about this and has instead been fighting his undeniable attraction to Vega for quite some time. What she saw as his inability to be around her was actually him trying to be noble. It all ends up blowing up in his face when she takes a dangerous job in his old territory.

Vega has worked pretty hard to get out of the shadow of her parents. In a further bid to be independent and strong, she accepts a shadowy job from a band of spies. While lying or telling half truths to those around her, she finds herself in a unique situation of needing Gabriel's help. These two were so entertaining to watch - both fighting their attraction for different reasons but both catastrophically failing in the end. There is a solid HEA, so no worries from that point, but you can see the setup for many future installments, especially in the dragon-related world.

"Guardian of Darkness" is Gabriel and Vega's romance. There are so many great elements to their story, it is a bit hard to put into words without giving too much of their story away. It is not just a shifter story, but has many paranormal elements, great characters both old and new, and is fast paced with many twists and turns along the way. Gabriel being an alpha male fights not just the elements in the story, but must fight with himself for what he believes is the future for him and Vega. Although nothing comes easily for them, this story is a real page turner with lots of suspense, action, and romance that brings a HEA for Gabriel and Vega. This is a standalone read I couldn't put down, and one I recommend for Shifter/Paranormal readers. I would like to thank NetGalley and KR Press LLC for gifting me "Guardian of Darkness". My opinion is my own. This is mine. 4.5 Stars!

If you've followed this series, you know something has been brewing between Vega and Gabriel for a while now. Their connection was something palpable and damn intriguing in past books. Katie Reus spun their love story with a sold history, a little action, some family drama, a whole lot of insta-lust/love and a few new characters sprinkled in to keep things lively. I loved this latest installment of her Darkness series. It gave us some super adorable updates on past favorite couples (won't spoil the whole bit but will say one thing . . . Babies!)

Okay, back to the main story . . . Vega and Gabriel have danced around each other for a while now but since going away to college, their attraction has only gotten stronger. Gabriel tried in vain to put some distance between them and without an explanation, his actions hurt Vega. Thinking that Gabriel requested a transfer away from her, Vega is still smarting for his rejection. But she's worked hard to move on and having just graduated, is focusing on her new and exciting career as the newest recruit of the supernatural black ops division of the US government. Her first field assignment is going undercover to try and catch a shifter turned traitor, willing to sell out the whole supernatural world to the highest bidder.

Years ago, a seer forced on a Gabriel, a vision of his future. A future where Gabriel's mate dies in his arms. Since that day, Gabriel has done everything in his power to keep that prophecy from coming true. He cut ties with his family and his old pack and moved as far away from the only home he'd ever known to try and save the life of a mate he's never even met. But it was all for nothing because when he finally thought he was safe and with a new pack that made him finally feel at home, in walks Vega and all his fears resurface.

Vega's mission brings her right to the last place Gabriel wants her. His old territory and the place where he sees her death play out. But there are more things at work here and of course the future isn't as black and white as it first appears.

What I liked: This was another super safe and steamy shifter/mate romance. I loved Vega and Gabriel. They were both a bit stubborn and determined to keep the other safe - none of which is necessarily a bad thing. I personally love characters like them. They are honest to a fault and selfless in their love for each other which can make them a bit reckless but they are the all or nothing type and makes their love pretty damn epic. They were another great power couple.

I also really really loved all the snippets we get of past couples. Especially Finn and Lyra, who were amazing! I love how the story keeps evolving but still has strong ties to the past and the characters that made this series so awesome.

Favorite Line:

"No matter what, my heart will always belong to you. You claimed it a while ago and I don't want it back." ~ Gabriel

Memorable Moment: I liked knowing that both Vega and Gabriel are still changing and growing into their powers. The possibilities are literally endless and pretty much guarantees I'll be hooked to this series for a while yet!

Would I recommend?Yes. Definitely a series worth checking out. Plus with so many existing and newly introduced characters in need of their own HEA, I don't see an end in sight.

My very first book from this author and I'm happy to announce that I AM. NOW A FAN!

Why haven't I read her books before? This author's writing's just right up my alley. The trope itself was a sure win for me.

The main characters were both very endearing and their chemistry was of the charts! Yay!

I love how the author played the story of the H and h. The heartbteaking separation felt so real for me as if I was the one Gabriel's walking away from. The author rrally knows how to knock you pff your feet.

Vega, the heroine, she was a strong character and I admire her strength and courage for carrying on. That's a great trait for a heroine.

Gabriel, on the other hand, waa swoon-worthy. He's the teal definition and model of a true ALPHA. A protector by nature, he was selfless and I admire his will to keep her future mate alive. And in order to protect her, he left his pack along with his friendship with Vega because of what he "saw" from the future.

But then something happened along the way and he needed to be back for Vega. And so their love story and adventure continues.

This story was one of those unputdownable reads that was full of supernaturals saving the day. Even the seconfary characters was a great help in building the story. It's been a long time since I've been hooked liked this with a paranormal read.

Katie Reus is one hell of a writer and story teller. I'm looking forward to reading all the books that I've missed from this author as well, and most especially the next installment.

I strongly recommend the whole series to everyone especially those who love vampires and werewolves. This book wasn't cheaply crafted you'll see it in the author's writing.


Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this awesome review copy.

This is the first bThis is the first book that I have read in this series but I didn't feel lost at any time.

When Gabriel was forced by a Seer to see his future he has always known that Vega was his mate and would die in his arms so he has tried to avoid any contact with her for as long as he possibly could which was hard since he was working for her father.

As the daughter of pack leaders. Vega has eyes on her and has always been protected, but she wants to be her own person so on the down low she becomes an undercover government agent for a paranormal Black Ops team.

Vega is eager for her first mission and doesn’t expect Gabriel to crash her assignment which is to stop a man who wants to sell out their people to the highest bidder, in order to save her cover they pretend to be a couple and soon realise how well they work together.

Gabriel was a true alpha male and was great, he was fiercely protective and loved Vega but he was also very head strong and determined to stay away. Vega was wonderful, she is confident, strong and being a hybrid has some interesting abilities. I adored their interactions and the way they complimented each other’s personalities.

There were some great side characters! I am especially intrigued by Mena.

Katie Reus has written an entertaining and suspenseful story that has left me eager to get started on the other books in the series. It is written well and had a wonderful storyline and characters.

Thank you to KR Press via Netgalley for the opportunity to read this title..

This is the 7th volume in the Darkness series, in which we come back to characters we’ve known from the beginning. By the way, if it can be read without knowing the rest of the series, I recommend reading the first volume, Darkness Awakened, which is about the reunion of the heroine’s parents.

So here we follow Vega, daughter of the pack Stravos’ Alpha, who has finished college and has been hired by a shifter running black ops for the government. She’s been training in secret for months and is about to begin her first assignment. She can’t wait to prove her worth far from the overprotectiveness of the pack. I really liked seeing the woman she has become, even if she’s still young she’s very mature and has interesting powers. She’s always had feelings for Gabriel and was hurt when he began avoiding her, but she decided to make a fresh start. And when Gabriel comes back in her life she’s determined not to let a vision ruin her chances.

Vega didn’t have the courage to talk to her parents about her job but her father, feeling she’s hiding something, asked Gabriel to follow her discretely and protect her. Gabriel was Vega’s friend until the day he realized he was beginning to fall for her and distanced himself. The reason: years ago, he had a vision showing Vega, whom he didn’t even know then, as his mate dying in his arms. His solution: running away. But the fact of staying near her to watch and protect her is going to revive and amplify his feelings. While I understood his reasoning, I had more trouble with the fact even when they are happy together he still thinks about leaving her to save her life. That ruined a bit the couple’s intimate moments.

As for the rest of the plot we have the investigation to find the former agent who wants to sell to the highest buyer sensible information, which allows the couple reunification and highlights Vega’s surprising powers, and a threat we think is because of a mad dragon that turns out to be a complete other thing, unexpected and interesting twist.

To conclude a good addition in the series, even if I would have liked to see more of the main couple and less of the secondary characters, but it’s the author’s habit to which I got used to.

Terrific paranormal! This is my first of the series and it is well written with a fantastic plot. A hybrid vamp/were determined to make her own way in the world and her werewolf guardian who harbors a secret desire to claim her. Fabulous paranormal world mixed with humans in the know. Loved Vega and Gabriel’s slow burn to love. Story is loaded with action, danger, suspense, intrigue and romance. Worth the read. Thanks to NetGalley I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

Gabriel may be the pack Guardian but he has been on the run from his feelings for Vega for some time. He knew her when she was a surly teenager and she has matured into brilliant and beautiful woman. Add in the fact that her dad is his Alpha and he has seen a vision of her death whilst wearing his mate mark and this strong male has turned tail and run!

Vega always thought that there may have been more between her and Gabriel but she'll never know. He dumper her protection detail and ran home the pack rather than protect her. Now finished college, she has been recruited by a specialist supernatural black ops division. But before she even gets the chance to go on her first mission, Gabriel dumps himself back into her business and her life! Now they are forced to act as an about-to-be-mated couple to flush out a treasonous wolf. How did her life get so complicated?!?!?!

Vega was no pampered princess. She wants to do her part to protect her pack and supernaturals in general. Gabriel's attempts to protect her, even from herself where laudable, even if he did take things a bit far by denying their mate potential! He also was ready to fight by her side rather than box her up and hide here away - even if it was going through his mind. Loved the fact that not everyone is a straight-forward vamp or shifters, there are intriguing blends and all kinds. And of course Dragons, there must always be dragons for a bit of ancient shifter shenanigans/keep the demons out!

I really love this series and I enjoy each book in the series. Although you could probably read this as a stand alone I recommend reading the earlier books in the series first since both characters are introduced in previous books.

Guardian of Darkness centers around Vega and Gabriel who are both reoccuring secondary characters. I've always liked Gabriel and while Vega hasn't been my favorite she did grow on me in this book and I ended up enjoying her. I liked Vega and Gabriel together as well although I thought Gabriel's turn around was a bit abrupt. The couple doesn't spend as much time together as her couples usually do but the plot itself was very well done. I also really enjoyed that we moved to a new location and were introduced to some new characters. (Yes I'm very excited about meeting Judoc and hope we get his story soon and I also found August to be an intriguing character).

I loved the way Vega has matured and her confidence and spirit especially towards Gabriel once he told her about his vision. I also found the humor in this book that I enjoy in this series. I also loved that once the two started working together they didn't keep secrets but were honest with each other.

Overall, a great edition to a wonderful series that continues to entertain!

LICK ;p....love the cover.

Thanks Netgalley for a copy to read and review.


Part of a series but can be read as a standalone which is why I think this book was a little off for me. Tons of character of weird hybrids, seemed like no two shifters alike and various inter species breeding. A whole new world. Dragons, vampires, werewolves, bears...etc. I was overwhelmed which might of been cleared up had I read the other six....I'm guessing.
Did I like it? It was a cute, fluffy read and basically starts on a premonition. A future filled event in which Gabriel's mate Vega dies. How to combat that? Don't mate with Vega....I'm seeing holes in this already..lol. Trying to circumvent the fates is never a real event but an imagined one. I enjoyed parts of it, giving it 3.5 entertainment stars. I'd read another. Some sexy scenes, no cheating here, and I thought it was an interesting concept that a werewolf and a vampire could breed.

I’ve loved catching up with the Darkness series and have wondered how Finn, Lyra and the rest of the pack would take the Pack Princess getting mated. And then to figure out it was to Gabriel…that was the icing on the cake.

Gabriel has been the guardian of the Stavros Pack for decades and has basically been Finn’s right-hand man. He came to the pack when he had a vision forced upon him of his future mate dying on his family’s pack lands. Determined that the vision never happen, he left knowing that while he was ensuring his future mate wouldn’t be killed, he was also making it so they’d never even meet. Heartbreaking! Unfortunately, decades later his mate is brought to the pack as Finn’s daughter that no one knew about.

I liked Vega in past books, but her attempts to show how adult she was came off as immature to me at times. It took a bit, but she does finally settle down and start to make grown-up decisions. This is good because I was beginning to think poor Gabriel got a bum deal when it came to his mate.

I really liked Gabriel. Although I questioned his decision on distancing himself from Vega because of the vision, I did understand it. He navigated the minefield of mating his best friend and alpha’s daughter well. At times his loyalty would be pulled both ways, but he always made the right choice. He was steadfast and wise, and also the type of alpha who made sure his woman was as safe as she could be while also letting her do what she needed to and I adored him for it.

Since Vega joined Augustus’ covert ops unit, there was a heightened level of suspense. With a bad guy to catch as well as a previously unknown danger no one was expecting, there was lots of action. Judoc, Gabriel’s cousin and the area alpha, was all kinds of intriguing to me. But who really got my interest was Mira and her sister, Prima. I would love to read an Augustus/Mira story as I think she’ll lead him on a merry chase.

Barring my issues with Vega, this was a great read. It was fast-paced with lots of mystery and action and of course some sweet sexy times. I’m thrilled we are going to have more to come with this series.

Rating: 4 Can’t Get Enough Stars