Reviews

The Darkness Within by Rebecca Hefner

elbow1227's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Thank you to Rebecca Hefner for allowing me to read a copy of this book. Although Darkrip's name makes me laugh, he was a really good character. And Aderin was just so inspirational, and I think she is my favorite female lead out of this series so far. Both of them were made for each other, even though Darkrip is dramatic in the best way possible. There are times where I wanted to punch him, but I also loved this story. I cannot wait to continue this series and see more of this world and these characters, especially Evie. 

pattyfgd's review against another edition

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5.0

The Darkness Within
Etherya's Earth, Book 3
By: Rebecca Hefner
Narrated by: Devon Wilcox

The series continues and it just keeps getting better! This is Darkrip and Arderin's story, and it has a little bit of everything. Their journey is not without the danger and craziness of the current world and it's even worse because of Darkrip's attempt to distance himself from Arderin. Put in a position where her life is on the line though, decisions have to be made, and it could change their course completely. This is an exciting story, not only for the romance, but the world building it creates. I love dark and broody Darkrip. He is carrying so much emotionally it's hard to break through his hard shell. Arderin is much more emotional, easy to read and we know what she wants. While a little entitled, we know her heart is in the right place. The mixture of demons, vampires and slayers keeps us on our toes! I cannot wait to learn more about Darkrip's sister Evie, her introduction has to lead us to more of their past and their vastly different personalities.

Devon Wilcox continues this series with his narration. His voice as Darkrip suits the character and helps to build his personality. He easily voices Arderin, her strength and positivity as she shines some light in the story. I enjoy his performances.

lilbirdh's review against another edition

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4.0

So this is the third book set in the Etherya world and I am really liking it! So far, each book features different characters and they have all been unique with a great romance. More please!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

booked_up_nixi's review against another edition

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5.0

Ah! What a great book!

Lattie’s got to step up his game to compete with this bad boy!

This story is a beautiful tale of redemption, and not just for the main hero! This book beautifully illustrated how love can rebuild broken people into stronger versions of themselves.

The character development in this book was superb, with side characters also receiving some well-needed attention. The love was deep, the characters’ journey hard-travelled, and the spicy scenes were the hottest so far! Then to top it off, the hints at the next installment are enough to make you want to start book 4 immediately.

Absolutely fabulous book!

Trigger warning to take into account: rape, discussion of child abuse.

Note: this is the third book in the series and must be read as such.

I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reader copy and voluntarily leave this honest review.

spicylittleitalian_reads's review against another edition

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5.0

The Darkness Within is definitely the most ominous of the series. The male antagonist Darkrip is a damaged being who always tries to do the right thing but is constantly in the shadow of who his father is. For a character so torn with who he is and what he can be it’s very enlightening to watch him become the character he is towards the end.
Arderin really comes into her own with this book, she shows Darkrip what happiness can look like and gives him the greatest gift of all which is love.
Rebecca really outdid herself with the level of feelings this book delivers, it’s a 10/10 read and one that deserves more than 5 stars!

diannasbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny lighthearted tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Oh this book was packed full of yummy goodness! The spice was great, you’ll find yourself falling in love with a bad guy and love every second of it! I think Darkrip is my favorite so far! This series has me in such a chokehold! I can’t wait to read the next book 🥰

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katkinney's review against another edition

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5.0

A wonderful steamy addition to Rebecca Hefner’s vampire and slayer series. Darkrip, son of the Dark Lord has spent centuries fighting his dark urges that flow from his father’s blood. He swore to his mother that he would change his ways for her. Arderin, whose scenes of longing to live in the human world were some of my favorite, is a temptation and perhaps the key to his happiness. But of course, his evil father gets in the way, trapping them in a cave together and ordering them to produce super-poweful spawn he can use for his nefarious purposes… (cue evil music!) I LOVE this series for its complex world building, snark, hawt steamy scenes and wonderful characters. Darkrip and Arderin were delicious together! Rebecca Hefner writes wonderfully romantic, passionate paranormal romance, and I love that her books not only focus on the main couple we’re getting to watch fall in love in the current book, but we get to continue with the love stories of the couples from the previous books. Paranormal romance fans should check out these slayers and vamps as they find their true mates!

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.

natureofjade's review against another edition

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4.0

I have been waiting for Darkrip and Arderin’s book. I’ve really liked their characters in the previous two books so I was ready to get a whole book of them. Poor Darkrip! He came from such horrible beginnings, he deserved to find happiness. His relationship with Miranda is really cute too. I loved the verbal sparring between Arderin and Darkrip. I was so excited once they stopped fantasizing and finally got together. This is hands down my favorite book of the series so far. I’m definitely curious to see what happens next with Evie. She also deserves some happiness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

bookdrgn's review

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5.0

I’m getting a little annoyed with this Goddess constantly punishing people for the actions of others. Darkrip was not responsible for the circumstances of his birth, yet he is punished. His sister Evie was conceived the same way but she was not. The Vampyres and Slayers were similarly punished for a war neither of them started. Either she can’t deal with the bad guy herself, or she’s also a bad guy. Maybe both. She’s alluded to history between them, so future books will shed more light hopefully.
However, there was less of the enemy in this book, which I appreciate. I still wish he’d die already, I feel the characters are entertaining enough to carry the series forward.
Arderin is brilliant, confident and a little entitled, secure in her place as King’s sister. She comes across friendly and thoughtful while also being demanding and diva-esq but this juxtaposition of character traits makes her incredibly entertaining to read and empathise with. Look up the word determined, and you’ll likely find her picture.
Or Darkrip, who is as determined to avoid her as she is to not avoid him. But as fate usually does, things don’t go according to either plan.
The events of this take place in the same time as the previous book and manages to not give away spoilers for anyone who hasn’t read it yet, which is impressive.
I liked how Arderin interprets Darkrip’s memories in a different light than he does, and how determined he is to still be a good person, despite the overwhelming evil in his blood and upbringing. He’s quickly become one of my favourite characters in the series.
The addition of Evie was good, it’s time we got to know more about her, and her claims she is far more evil than her brother. Reading her and Kenden will be interesting.

book_chick's review

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5.0

I love this series!!! It is unlike any paranormal romance I’ve ever read. I love that is super spicy pretty early into the books but there is still definitely a plot. I also really enjoy that it is multiple pov but still focuses mainly one one couple per book. We just get life update and peeks into who the next book will follow. And the witty banter! There are a couple scenes that are a bit cheesy but I think I would have enjoyed them more if I had read them physically (the male narrator is not my favorite). But please pick up these books! They are so good!