This is one of those series that whenever I see a new release I snap it up quickly. They are such easy, quick reads. I didn’t even know who the characters were, or how they were connected within the series, when I picked Sentinel of Darkness up. All I knew was that one of the main protagonists was a dragon shifter and the other a human. Once I started reading it was super easy to understand where this couple fit into this world.

Dagen meets his mate when he is stuck in an elevator with her on his way to a meeting with a local woman about some real estate. It turns out Keva is the woman he was supposed to meet and she knows about the existence of his kind and has a relationship with several members of his clan. Once he meets her, he knows that he is his forever and sets out to woo her. His protective instincts get all riled up when Keva’s abusive ex-boyfriend’s brother comes around and starts terrorizing her. It doesn’t take much for this couple to fall for each other. A few dinners, a dragon out to protect his mate, and BAM… it’s love.

This was another super fast, fun read by this author. Dagen and Keva do have the instalust, instamate thing going on but, I expected it and it worked in this short novella length story.

There is a lot to love about author Katie Reus’ Darkness series, but the one thing I can’t get enough of is all the sex-on-a-stick dragons to be found. Every time I read a dragon shifter book, it just underscores that you can never, ever, EVER have enough smoking hot, growly, alpha dragons in your book. Yum.

I’m all about stories featuring battered women who not only rise above their pasts, but who go on to positively soar. I love it when a heroine who has hit rock bottom then grows into a strong woman who is perfectly capable of not only fighting her own battles, but winning them. It took Keva several years to fully come into her own inner strength and the new threat terrified her, but she met it head on and I adored her for it.

Degan was everything I expected him to be, but he also had a vulnerability about him due to a horrific past of his own. I found this trait of his endearing as all get out. The instant bond he found with Keva did not translate to insta-love because both were too cautious for that. Still, even though they didn’t act on things immediately, they freaking sizzled together.

What I didn’t enjoy was how anticlimactic the suspense aspect felt when it was resolved, even after another threat surfaced. It ended up feeling too quick and tidy of a resolution, almost forced actually.

I truly enjoyed the time spent with some of my favorite dragons. Arya and her sisters-in-law kept me smiling and the shifter baby shower had me giggling with all its cuteness. Sentinel of Darkness was quick, fun and seriously sexy—how could it not be with such an alphatastic but oh so sweet dragon.

Rating: 4 Growly Dragons Just Do It For Me Stars

The Darkness continues to pull reader into a fascinating world full of wonderful, bold and sexy characters with its newest addition, Sentinel of Darkness.  Keva is a local artist with a troubled past involving shifters and Dagen has finally met his mate, except he insults her the first time they meet. Keva and Dagen’s romance starts off on a slippery slope full of emotional turmoil and sizzling chemistry, but their attraction is irresistible and the passion erupts in fiery explosive passion that singes readers with every page. 

The plot is fast paced, smooth flowing and full of danger and excitement as Keva’s past catches up to her and its demanding her blood. Dagen will do anything to keep her safe, even if it means dying and readers can’t help but become ensnared in the story as they hold their breath awaiting the outcome of this thrilling predicament. This is a standalone story in the Darkness series, a well-developed world that is full of mesmerizing dragons and wolves, a world that readers find as thrilling as it is sexy.

Another entertaining read in the Darkness series, it was pure reading enjoyment with Keva and Dagen's story. Who wouldn't love a fire breathing dragon that is at your side to protect you? Katie Reus packs a lot of fun reading even in her short novellas, and "Sentinel of Darkness" is one such book. For readers of fun paranormal, I recommend them all, as I have never been disappointed when reading one of this series books. Each book can be read as a standalone. I would like to thank NetGalley and KR Press for gifting me "Sentinel of Darkness". My opinion is my own. This is mine. 4.5 Stars!

Thisbwas such a sweet fun novella. I loved how protective and growly Dagen was over Keva. He was such a sexy alpha. I also loved the intro to all of the other characters in this series. This book made me curious about the rest of this series. Ill have to start at the beginning to get caught up. Overall this was a fun fast sweet read that i would recommend to friends.

Katie Reus is such an amazing author and Sentinel of Darkness is one of the many reasons why. It feels like an entire novel packed into a mere 30,000 words. 

The plot is pretty straightforward: Artist and human Keva has been living in shifter territory for years ever since a dragon shifter saved her from an abusive boyfriend. She’s managed to put her life together as best as she can but soon enough her past comes back to haunt her in the form of her boyfriend’s shifter family and she doesn’t know if she can trust the Dagen, the dragon shifter that has captured her interest. Meanwhile, Dagen knows Keva is his mate and while he didn’t exactly make the best first impression he is determined to win her over and protect her from the enemies that want her dead.

I love it when Reus’ characters have a less than ideal first meeting, and in this case, Dagen really puts his foot in his mouth with Keva but as powerful as he is (Dragon shifter guys!) he isn’t above doing a bit of groveling to get back into her good graces. I love that he isn’t completely confident in his ability to win Keva over, I don’t care for overconfident or arrogant males and Dagen is just the right blend of confidence and humility to make him likable and a hero worth rooting for. And Keva is just one of those heroines that you can’t help but cheer for. She’s a survivor and since the night that she was rescued she has become stronger and more determined to reclaim her life and not let fear rule it. I liked her spirit and her humor too. She made a great partner to Dagen and I loved them as a couple because Dagen never tried to take total control of Keva’s life or hover like a paranoid parent over a child. I really felt that the author balanced out their relationship as best as possible given that Dagen is a dragon shifter and Keva is a human. Overall they just made a great couple.

Sentinel of Darkness is the 8th book in the Darkness series but can totally be read as a stand alone without having previous books spoiled.

I love a good paranormal romance and for me dragons are just the icing on the cake. And this book is nearly all dragons.

There is something so awesome about Dragon Shifters and KR always gives me such amazing characters to root for. Sentinel of Darkness is another 100% safe, HEA read that I went through in one sitting.

Checkout the full review: https://shahlas-world.blogspot.com/2018/10/of-darkness-by-katie-reus-my-rating-i.html

I enjoyed this story. 
Keva and Dagen were a sweet couple. I loved Dagen as our Hero, He knew what he wanted and was patient and kind waiting for bread to catch up. Keva had a hard past and a hard time trusting. I  wish their story was longer and we got to feel her struggle dealing with her past and her recovery. Not to mention Dagen's was just briefly mentioned and it was like a bomb was dropped, you blinked and it was cleaned up. When it was said in the synopsis "he insults her the first time they meet". I was expecting fireworks or even some bump they had to get over. It was kinda like waiting for a huge firework and you get that little sizzle one. The story started off well and I really enjoyed Katie Reus writing. However, I just feel like such a short story didn't give it the wings to explore what these characters needed and deserved. I walked away feeling frustrated because I really did love these two and their story and didn't feel like it was fully told. 

** copy provided for an honest review**

Of course it’s a 5-star-review book! What else could you expect from Katie Reus on her Darkness series. For me, this series is the best of hers, and I loved each and every book so much.

The first novella in the series, yet it still packed full of actions, hot scenes and warm feeling. Just like other books in the series. A fast read that satisfied my need of great paranormal-romance-suspense book. I loved it, and I couldn’t wait for the next Darkness book.

I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher through NetGalley, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.

Sentinel of Darkness by Katie Reus is book 8 in the Darkness series.  This is the story of Dagen and Keva.  I haven't yet read the previous books, so for me this was a standalone book. 
Keva is still dealing with the fall out of a abusive relationship will working to rebuild her life. Dagen also has a past with similar pains so their is a kinder spirits there.  Keva was a sweet caring women and Dagen was somewhat alpha male protective of Keva. I enjoyed this book a lot and want to read more in this series along with this author.

Sentinel of Darkness was the first book by Katie Reus that I’ve read and, now I’ve found this author, it won’t be the last one. Keva, the heroine has been badly hurt in the past by her ex-boyfriend, a wolf shifter and it was only the intervention of alpha dragon shifter Conall killing her attacker that saved her life. This has left her reluctant to trust her own judgement when it comes to any man let alone another shifter.  She’s happy, living her life quietly under the protection of Conall and his clan in their territory.  Dagen, the hero, has also been hurt in the past but he knows instantly that Keva is his mate.  I loved that he didn’t try to push the whole mate thing well except for  growling at any male who spoke to Keva.  He was happy to go at Keva’s pace and be her friend if that was all she wanted.  Gradually Keva comes to see him for the gentle giant he is.  Don’t get me wrong though, he’s no wimp. When the past rears it’s ugly head and Keva is threatened by rogue wolf shifters it isn’t long before he goes all alpha to protect the woman he loves.

I don’t normally read novellas, preferring full length novels where I feel the story can be expanded on in more depth but I honestly didn’t feel that anything was rushed about this book despite its brevity. Another plus for me is that this was book eight in the series so now I can go and read the other books and see how the other characters mentioned in Sentinel of Darkness got together.

This was a good one! I don't do a lot of supernatural and am pretty picky, but Ms. Reus never lets me down! I really liked the dragon shifter element and thought that was pretty unique. Keva and Dagen's love story was believable and heartfelt. They had great chemistry, and I loved Dagen's protectiveness. Even though this is #8 in the series, it absolutely stands alone. This is the first in this series that I have read, but I wasn't lost at all. Now I will need to go back and pick up the earlier installments!

*I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

There is something so awesome about Dragon Shifters and KR always gives me such amazing characters to root for. Sentinel of Darkness is another 100% safe, HEA read that I went through in one sitting.

The slow burn between Keva and Dagen was so sweet and the sizzling tension added just the right amount of spice to their story. I loved that they became friends first and were able to form a genuine bond before things get physical. Their level of communication, understanding and support was unwavering and adorable.

Would I recommend? For safe, sweet, and sexy, Katie Reus is always a must read!

Favorite Moments: I loved how Dagen's dragon was so genuinely happy that he could provide for his mate. The way both the man and the beast basically high fived over the fact that they got to feed Keva was too cute. I really liked that he was sweet and kind of dorky one minute and a total bad ass the next.

4.25 stars-- SENTINEL OF DARKNESS is the eighth novella in Katie Reus’s contemporary, adult DARKNESS paranormal romance series. This is dragon shifter / businessman Dagen, and human / artist Keva Sheehan’s story line. SENTINEL OF DARKNESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory as this particular series arc focuses on the dragons.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Keva and Dagen) SENTINEL OF DARKNESS follows the building relationship between dragon shifter / businessman Dagen, and human / jewellery artist Keva Sheehan.  Four years earlier Keva Sheehan, on the run from her abusive, wolf shifter ex, found solace and safety with the local dragon clan. Fast forward to present day wherein Keva’s past is desperate to uncover the truth about the whereabouts of her missing ex, believing Keva knows what happened and why. Enter dragon shifter Dagen, and the man with whom Keva will fall in love. As the threats against Keva become more personal and physical, Dagen names himself Keva’s person protector with the knowledge that our heroine is Dagen’s fated mate. What ensues is the building romance between Dagen and Keva, and the potential fall-out as Keva is unable to let go of the past, or open her heart to another supernatural lover.

SENTINEL OF DARKNESS brings together several members of the Petronilla Clan of dragon shifters s they pull together to protect one of their own. Dagen knows that Keva is his mate, and offers up his home and protection for the foreseeable future. Keva Sheehan battles memories of the past, and fears her ex-lovers pack are seeking vengeance for  their missing brother. Unable to open her heart to the possibility of love, Keva keeps Dagen at a distance, a distance that continues to close as her past quickly closing in .

SENTINEL OF DARKNESS is a quick read; an entertaining and heated story of fated mates, betrayals, retribution and love. The premise is engaging, inviting and spirited; the romance is passionate and spicy; the characters are damaged, colorful and dynamic. Katie Reus adds another wonderful couple to her Darkness Series of shifters, vampires and dragon mates

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Keva lives on the dragon clan's territory ever since a dragon saved her life years ago. She's finally putting her life back together when danger comes looking for her. Dagen and Keva met in an elevator when they were on their way to a meeting and they don't get off on the right foot. Dagen goes to her shop and apologizes to her about what happened during their first meeting. He knows that she's his mate and wants to spend time with her so he ends up asking her out. They start getting to know one another and getting along. She doesn't want to date anyone or get involved but she agrees to be friends with him not knowing that he sees her as a mate. 

Then a shifter wolf from her past shows up and threatens her and Dagen takes things into his own hands to protect her. I loved how protective he was about her and how safe she felt when he was around. When the danger ramps up Dagen's clan helps out keeping her safe and battling the people who want to hurt her. But she's no push over and proves that she can take care of herself when she has to.

I love dragon shifter stories and this novella was a great quick read that showed the dragons quite a few times. It was filled with romance, danger and fight scenes. I loved Dagen's crazy clan and am looking forward to reading more about them now. 

Disclosure: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Katie Reus has done it again. Sentinel of Darkness (book 8 in the series) is such a captivating and enthralling read. From beginning to end, this book had me hooked. Sexy shifters protecting their mate and finding love. Im not sure how Katie Reus does it but she makes you feel apart of the story, your right there every step of the way. I absolutely love your writing style and your ability to pull me in. Im hooked and will anxiously be waiting to read more!

Keva, to her misfortune, met a wolf shifter and he is despicable. After years of abuse, she finds from him, knowing her death is certain. But then miraculous rescue takes place and launches her into the company of a different breed of shifters: dragons.
 
And wow! For a novella, this has compelling characterization and a full-fledged plot. Not many authors can do justice to a novella without sacrificing something in the story, but Reus shines in this story. The romance and the danger both hook the reader and will make you wish dragons (or dragon shifters) were real.

Sentinel of Darkness is a novella in Katie Reus’ Darkness series. While it may have triggers for some, the past is not dwelled on. In fact, I like how both characters did not allow the past to define who they were now but were resilient and stronger, never bitter. Within there is more concerning Keva’s growth as a survivor, which serve to make you admire her for doing it with such grace.

This story is a shorter addition to the series but quite a satisfying one. It is an instant attraction story, but I enjoyed reading how they got to know each other as friends before acting on the attraction. Dagen is such a wonderfully developed character. Keva is right, he has can go from awkward boy suitor to tough sexy warrior in the blink of an eye. Both sides make him such an attractive male. I also liked how he knew what he wanted, never wavering unlike male characters sometimes do. 

The baby shower made me want to go back to reread Victoria and Drake’s story. Still even with all the appearances by former main characters, it is a stand-alone book. Any background that is needed to enhance Dagen and Keva’s story is given to the reader.

4 Stars
Review by Morgen
Late Night Reviewer 
Up All Night w/ Books Blog

Sentinel of Darkness by New York Times best selling author Katie Reus is book eight in the Darkness series. It is a novella and can be read as a standalone. The main theme of the book is that ready or not, love will find you. 

Keva is a strong-willed, independent and creative human trying to put the past behind her. She knows that shifters exist, but after what she went through with her ex, she could never be in a relationship with one again. 

Dagen is a dragon shifter, is somewhat new to town and is finding his place within the dragon clan. 
He has a past of his own he is trying to move on from. He is business minded, strong, confident and passionate.

Keva and Dagen are thrown together and the chemistry is immediate. They are drawn to each other in ways even they don’t understand. When Keva’s past comes back to haunt her, it breaks something stronger than mere human laws. Dagen takes it upon himself to keep her safe. Can they fight their attraction or will one touch lead to another? 

The story is written in third person giving the reader a full view of the storyline and making the transition between characters smooth. It might be a novella but nothing is missing from the characters depth. I loved the way the story unraveled and kept me hooked. Their passion jumped off the pages. This is a fast paced adventure that you’ll never want to end. My favorite part was getting inside Dagen’s head. The way the author wrote his emotional journey was truly gripping. The side characters are interesting and it was fun getting to know the clan. I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys a fun and passionate shifter romance.

**ARC provided for an honest review**

If you are on the look-out for a sweet, alpha protective, good guy dragon shifter hero, who falls head over his dragon tail for a sweet heroine who definitely needs protecting from big, bad wolves, well, here you go. Dagen was so dang sexy, yet cute as heck when his fire breathing tongue got tied in knots, folks. It was definitely not just insta-lust, but also love for this handsome dragon once he got a whiff and look of Keva, the heroine. She was “it” for him, no doubt about it.

Keva was super sweet and tried to convince herself she was strong and over the physical abuse she suffered at the hands of an ex-wolf shifter boyfriend. However, I couldn’t help but find her rather naive and a tad bit of a lovable, illogical, knucklehead at times. 

Considering what was inevitably lurking in her future, I would have had a panic button within reach at all times linked directly to the dragon clan leader, Conall.  Yeah, I know she loved making jewelry, but you sort of have to stay alive to continue to do it, folks. I would have been using that generous offer of ever vigilant protection 24/7. 

But, not to worry, my fellow dragon shifter romance loving friends. Dagen does get the job done. Keva also proves she can step up when absolutely necessary.

Dagen’s abuse in the past was quite disturbing, as well. These two had quite a bit in common, and it was great to see them get their HEA. 

Title: Sentinel of Darkness, Series: Darkness (Book 8), Author: Katie Reus, Pages: 251, stand-alone but part of a series, alpha protective, good guy dragon shifter, sugary sweet heroine, references to former rape, graphic shifter fighting violence, only a few very graphic smexy scenes, HEA, romance safe, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama, non-virgin main couple, no cheating, insta-love on his part, insta-attraction.

Book 1 - Darkness Awakened (Finn & Lyra), Pages: 161, 11/3/13
Book 2 - Taste of Darkness (Drake & Victoria), Pages: 265, 7/24/14
Book 3 - Beyond the Darkness (Keelin & Bran), Pages: 345, 3/10/15
Book 4 - Hunted by Darkness (Nyx & Bo), Pages: 209, 2/9/16
Book 5 - Into the Darkness (Rhea & Conall), Pages: 350, 4/5/16
Book 6 - Saved by Darkness (Ian & Fiona), Pages: 304, 2/21/17
Book 7 - Guardian of Darkness (Gabriel & Vega), Pages: 250, 3/20/18
Book 8 - Sentinel of Darkness (Keva & Dagen), Pages: 251, 10/16/18
Book 9 - A Very Dragon Christmas, Pages: 150, 11/5/18

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley)