Indie Book Review: Desires Unleashed (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles #1) by D. N. Simmons

Author: D. N. Simmons
Series: Knights of the Darkness Chronicles
Number in Series: 1
Format: PDF
Release Date: April 14, 2012
Pages: 294
Publisher: Rushmore Publishing
Genre: Dark Fantasy/Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance/GLBT/Erotic Romance

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Synopsis from Goodreads

Desires Unleashed is the first novel in the riveting, highly-addictive and sexually-charged Knights of the Darkness Chronicles. Experience the heart-pounding thrill of the chase in this electrifying page-turner as you uncover the mystery behind the series of gruesome killings that have been terrorizing the citizens of Chicago.

When a grisly decapitated corpse pops up on a Chicago Street, drained of blood, the highly-trained, government-funded special police force assigned two of their best detectives to the case. S.U.I.T. Detectives Warren Davis and Matthew Eric delve deep into their investigation to discover just who or what is leaving mutilated bodies in public places. They soon realize that the killer or killers is one step ahead of them and if they are going to stop the menace before another innocent human is viciously attack, they are going to need help.

Natasha Hemingway liked her life just the way it was… normal and supernatural-free. The vampires and shape-shifters were just where she wanted them to be—far away from her. All was going well until an unfortunate accident landed her in the hospital. It was then that she discovered she had an ability that could help her save countless lives. All of a sudden, she finds herself thrust into the dangerous and alluring world of the supernatural and into the arms of two very sexy and deadly vampires.

Original, gritty and sprinkled with just the right amount of humor and wit, the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles will suck you in and take you for a ride you won't forget. You don’t want to miss out on this amazing series!

This book has been previously published and has been substantially revised from its original release.

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      Let me start by saying this is the revised version of Desires Unleashed, so considering some of the older reviews I have seen, I can gladly say this was definitely awesome. Now, let's get the ball rolling.

      Desires Unleashed is a book about a world where the supernatural are known. Of course, there are some who don't like it and some who don't agree with it. When a man is found decapitated (his head was literally ripped off) it seems a very ugly light will be shone on the supernatural. So we follow Detectives Warren and Matthew who are trying to get to the bottom of the case. But the murderer involved is doing nothing but taunting the cops because they have absolutely nothing to go on. The book follows various other characters who may or may not help with the case. Only time will tell who the murderer is.

      I loved this book a lot. This was definitely a more character driven read for the first half of the story. We really get the chance to learn about them and their lives. Detectives Warren and Matthew were fun to know. They had me smiling a lot especially when it came to food. Warren is a werewolf, but no one knows except Matthew. If word got out, he would lose his job as a cop. There seems to be a bit of tension between them (sexually), but neither one of them confront it. We also meet Xavier and Darian. They are a bit neutral. You don't really know whether they are good or bad. They have an open relationship, but they obviously love each other a lot. We also meet Natasha and Annette. They are best friends and roommates. They were my favorites. Annette was wild and fun, Natasha was a bit reserved, but still fun. Natasha is frightened of the supernaturals, she avoids them and their businesses at all cost.

      The plot is like a slow burn. We are mainly focused on the characters in this book. Simmons style is very unique with this since this book doesn't have one main story. Instead we follow four different stories and learn how these stories intertwine later on. Well actually three stories that intertwine. We follow another story with wereleopards named Sergio and Elise. Sergio loves Elise and wants her for his mate, but Elise loves Darian. Elise is a very selfish character we learn, but this story doesn't connect with the rest with the exception of Darian. But I have a feeling they will play a bigger part later. I can't wait because Elise has some great 'villain potential'. But things take a turn when something happens to Natasha and Annette. Natasha makes a discovery that will change her life forever. I won't spoil how this works, but it was quite a surprise and I loved it.

      This is definitely a difficult review for me because any little thing could spoil how this plays out. Simmons style is very unique and open. The romances in this book were very steamy and complicated. Gay, straight, bisexual, we get it all in this book. I love how much we see of their lives and how they end up meeting. There is no main character or couple, there is no main story, well until you get to the halfway point, but still. Out of all the connections made in this book, my favorite was between Xavier and Natasha. I can't wait to see where that goes. The end promises more. This book was a page turner. I read this in a day because I was dying to see how these characters would connect. Highly recommended for paranormal romance lovers and people who like the six degrees of separation. But be sure to get the updated/revised version. 

Rating:

*This book belongs to the following challenge*

BCC's 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2013!
BCC's Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Romance Challenge 2013!

Under The Covers Book Blog 2013 Immortal Reading Challenge!