Audio Review ~ One Second ~ Dannika Dark

One Second by Dannika Dark
Seven #7
Narrated by: Nicole Poole
Release Date: April 26, 2016
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease
Goodreads

Synopsis
Lexi has faced personal struggles, but nothing has prepared her for the most perilous battle of her life. Shifters are on the brink of war as Northerners target Colorado in an attempt to infiltrate the borders. Texas winds up on the hit list, and the Weston pack prepares to fight for their land...and for their lives.

Austin's courage is put to the test when rogues want to seize his land and slaughter his pack. But that's not all he's facing as two shocking revelations turn their lives upside down. His love for Lexi is unwavering, but their future is uncertain.

Will the local packs set aside differences to fight together, or will this be the end of peace among Shifters?

Stand witness to the epic conclusion of the Seven series.

One Second was the epic ending I was anticipating. I don't think Dark could have done any better with ending this series. I've loved every installment and to have this final one focus on the couple it all started with was perfect.

Lexi and Austin are once again the focus, and I was thrilled. Their love has only grown stronger as has their pack. Facing normal obstacles - growing their pack businesses and their family - would be enough for any alpha couple. Facing a possible war - what they've been worrying about for years - might push them over the edge.

Besides having a story revolving around Lexi and Austin, Dark delivered on elements I adore in this series:

• suspense so nerve-wracking I hated not being able to listen constantly
• pack dynamics via all the Cole brothers, their families, pack members as well as other Shifter packs interacting
• an exciting story
• parallels between Shifter society, other Breed, etc., and society around the world today. I believe I've said before that I appreciate Dark drawing comparisons between how Shifters, etc., were treated historically and currently to how prejudice and bigotry affect our society.

Nicole Poole once again delighted me with her narration. Her distinct character voices and ability to keep the pacing perfect as well as convey every emotion has made her one of my favorite narrators.

One Second was everything I was hoping it'd be and more. Dark is absolutely one of my favorite authors and I look forward to more from this world.

#TravelingtoTerminus Review ~ Twist ~ Dannika Dark

Twist by Dannika Dark
Mageri #2
Release Date: February 26, 2012
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
Months after moving to the mysterious city of Cognito, Silver is developing her gifts as a Marge and learning how to live under new laws. She is forced to give up her old life and live in secret among the humans. There is finally hope of leading an ordinary life...

Until Logan Cross walks into it.

Their chance meeting leads her close to discovering the identity of the nameless Mage who once stole her light and discovered the unique power she possesses. That knowledge poses an unimaginable threat to Silver, fueling the search to find out who he is before he finds her.

Lives are at stake. Truths are revealed. And an unexpected passion ignites.

"An outspoken woman makes the world a livable place. You have fire in you, and I would never put that out."

Oh, Ms. Dark! How I love your stories! Twist is such an amazing blend of action, suspense, an introduction to different Breed, and *sigh* romance, that I had to force myself to put the book down and do things that needed doing. ;)

Silver's life has settled down a bit now that the threat Samil posed has been neutralized. But Justus and Simon are still on the trail of 'the benefactor', and when Silver decides to help, things don't stay calm for long. Then there is the appearance of Logan Cross and he really heats things up.

Ms. Dark did a phenomenal job at weaving in new characters, new plot threads, and a whole lot of action into the overarching plot. It was exciting learning more about Breed and the Breed world - their customs and laws. And I like that Ms. Dark seems to be making a social statement about acceptance and tolerance - something I'm eager to see developed further as the series progresses.

Ms. Dark also deftly creates rich and complex characters. Silver is a kickass heroine whom I adore. She's flawed but has a heart of gold and a sassy mouth. Justus is the perfect mentor for Silver and I know he'd do anything for her. I do hope we get more insight into his aversion to any kindness shown to him from those he cares for. Simon keeps me in stitches but I know there's deeper layers to him as well and although he's not a central character, I hope to dig a little deeper with him as well. Adam will always hold a special place in my heart for having taken dare of Silver when she was most vulnerable. He irritated me at times but I understood the intentions behind his actions...usually. I'm grateful that he's still in Silver's life. And that brings me to Logan... Although the circumstances of their meeting were dubious, I agree with Silver in that he's a man of worth. I'd never have guessed I was such a sucker for chivalry but Logan proved just that. He stood by, behind, and in front of Silver when warranted, and he won me over. 

The action in Twist put Silver and company closer to capturing 'the benefactor' but there were setbacks. It all involved some white-knuckling and I was happy that everyone survived. I'm eager to see 'the benefactor' get his due but appreciated Justus' advice to Silver not to let vengeance rule your life. That's a good lesson.

I'm anxious to continue with Silver as she learns more life lessons in her new world as a Mage. I feel a binge coming on...