This gave me the ick transparently. The characters read far too juvenile for this plot & nothing ruins the mood worse than an immature main couple.

(I'll admit, I got this ARC last year and spaced on reading it. It somehow got lost in the sea of books on my kindle. I feel pretty bad about that, so please accept my apologies.) From the blurb and other descriptions, I wasn’t sure it would be my cup of tea. And while I did dive into it, I found it to be a… mixed experience.

The premise of two lost souls, Aria and Pax, caught between the waking world and a dream realm where they fight evil—that concept is undeniably intriguing and atmospheric. The dual-world setup and romantic tension across realities have real potential, coupled with emotionally charged stakes and forbidden longing. However, for me, it didn’t fully land.

While the tension and romance simmered nicely, the pacing felt uneven. Some sections dragged, particularly in the middle, where the run-and-fight cycle grew repetitive before things picked back up. The world-building, though creative, felt a bit thin at times, and I found myself wanting more clarity on the mechanics of the magic and deeper immersion in the setting.

That said, the emotional connection between Aria and Pax does shine through. Their bond remains compelling and is what made me want to stick around long enough to reach the end.

Bottom line: Visions of Darkness is rich with potential. The unique premise, brooding romance, dual realities are there, but I wasn’t completely swept away this time. Solid execution and an intriguing foundation, but I’m hoping tighter pacing and deeper world immersion in the next book will elevate the experience.

"Make no mistake, I would break every fucking rule in this world and in that one to keep you safe."

Absolutely obsessed! Ill be honest, I wasn't sure I was going to love this at first. But once I started, I couldn't stop!

"She understood the call. Respected it, and was willing to give. But this? It was too much."

This story follows Aria and Pax, both are Lavens chosen to protect our world from the Demons that we cannot see. When it becomes apparent that Aria is much more powerful than the average Laven, she becomes a target for a Ghorl. Think demon on steroids.

"What do I think Aria?" My voice turned jagged. "I think you're beautiful. And if I dreamed I would dream of you."

Destined to never be together, but knowing their hearts want no one else, they will do whatever it takes to defeat their enemy. But what happens when the Ghorl uses every means necessary to bring Aria to her knees? If she can survive, will their love?

3.75 Stars

While the mutual pining in this was absolutely delicious, the story's world-building felt a bit too thin for me. The age gap was a little concerning and the plot was entirely predictable. That said, I'd still definitely recommend the audiobook, which features an amazing dual narration with Teddy Hamilton and Victoria Mei!

Thank you to Montlake for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm loving this trend of small town, romance authors stepping into romantasy!

I love the two different settings we have to Visions of Darkness. It's a great juxtaposition. I think having two active, frequented worlds was refreshing, because in most fantasy books the characters are either in one world, or leave one world to go to another for a long period of time. The two parallel universes being separated by sleep and consciousness was very unique. It felt very urban fantasy which you don't see as much nowadays in mainstream romantasy. This would be a great revitalization for the sub-genre!

AL Jackson's writing is perfect for fantasy because she tends to write more romantic and flowery, which in fantasy can give you a magical mental picture of the fantasy world you're reading about.

I loved the concept of Pax and Aria only being able to work together in the dream world, while being forbidden from being together in the real world. It made for an angsty, spicy relationship that had you rooting for them to be together. Especially for Aria and all that she's been through.

I am VERY curious to see where the rest of this series goes, since I haven't read something like it in a long time. Can't wait for more fantasy from AL Jackson.

I was completely drawn into this dark, thrilling world from the first page! Aria’s struggle between two realities is compelling, and her journey to fight the sinister Kruen keeps the tension high throughout. The romance with Pax is dangerously irresistible, full of sparks and intensity that made every interaction electric. The story perfectly blends action, suspense, and forbidden love, with Aria’s growing powers adding an exciting layer to the plot. A gripping, immersive read that fans of dark romantasy will devour!

Imagine having such a strong connection with someone, but you only get to see them when you're sleeping, and you technically go to a different kind of reality. Except one day, you're in danger in the real world, and your literal dream guy shows up to help you, except it is forbidden and dangerous to meet up when awake.

Growing up, Aria always had to keep the world of Tearsith a secret, but what child wouldn't want to talk about such a magical place and the friends she has there. Eventually, her parents grow very concerned about her "delusions" and "imaginary friends" and the mysterious cuts and bruises she wakes up with. Thinking she's hurting herself, they decide to send her to a psych institution. What they don't realize is that they are actually putting her in more danger, and when Pax realizes this, he breaks all the rules to go find her and protect her.

This book had me wishing I went to a different world while I sleep, and that is how I find my soul mate. The world building was amazing and very vivid, and I loved Aria and Pax's story. I feel like there is more to Pax's background, and I hope we get more to his story in the next book. I have a feeling that there is way more to who they really are and that Ellis is hiding something important. The connection that Pax and Aria have is so strong that it was eventually going to be unavoidable for them to not get closer. Their connection makes Aria stronger, and her good heart shows when she wants to help people, even though she knows it will drain her.

I am ready for book two already, because after that ending, I need answers and I need more Pax. I also hope we get more on the people from Tearsith.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this eARC. All opinions are my own.

This was an enjoyable reading experience.

This book is something I’ve never seen or read before ..It has one of the most unique plots where chosen people go fight evil while sleeping ! You can’t tell me you are not intrigued ! And then there is Pax … this man is book boyfriend material 👌🫠

While i was addicted at the start i found the middle a bit repetitive and made me disengage easily .. The characters being on the run gave the same pattern over and over between running to a new motel , sleeping , fighting their feelings and killing the evil shadows in the dream world..

I loved the writing and the romance and will definitely read the sequel..

If you're a fan of dark romantasy with a unique premise and emotional depth, Visions of Darkness by A.L. Jackson is a journey you don't want to miss

# Visions of darkness

• 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞
• 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
• 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐲
• 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐧
• 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 & 💀

This romantasy was sooo good! It has forbidden love, a slowwww burn romance, and mutual pining. There is constant action and danger which keeps you on your toes.

Favorite quotes:
“𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑨 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑮𝒐𝒅, 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒓.”

“𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝑰 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒅, 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”

“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍.

The dual realities/Fantasy elements of this were quite fascinating! We have an unseen layer to our Real World harboring a chosen few (the "Laven") that are charged with destroying the sin whispering demons that reside within. Essentially they're like black tendrilled smoke monsters that act as little devils on our human shoulders, coaxing us to give in to our vices and evil. Pax and Aria are soulmated fighters in this realm during the night, when they sleep.

Hiding what they are from the real world during the day (especially as they get wounded by demons) is where it's a challenge for Aria (and i wonder how so many other Laven have managed to hide this). The drama quickly amps up when we learn that Aria is unique in that her abilities are beginning to carry over into the real world and puts her in danger. Pax seeks out to protect her and is every bit the tatooed, scarred, broody but fiercely loving bad boy. There is a wonderful "on the road" section in the book which some may find "sluggish" but I actually really loved because it allowed for a precise and effective slow burn. This is about them staying safe from the demons chasing Aria and them trying to learn about their kind and each other more.

Realistically there wouldn't be much time for lots of Spice but that doesn't mean there's not desire and attraction, and I ate all that tension up (spice does finally hit and i loved how emotional it was)! Pax fears what may happen if he gives in to his desires. There's a warning for their kind that if soulmates meet in the real world, that corruption and evil will take over one of them and destroy the other.

This is book one, so I was totally good with the pace and lower frequency of spice (it's about the character building) . There is plenty of action and momentum that keeps this exciting drama churning! There are white-knuckled moments of tension, taut suspense and a powerhouse couple! I'm all in for book 2!

Great book! I really enjoyed it, I love the bodyguard trope! Beautiful romance and unique premise of them only meeting in the dreamworld!

This is the first fantasy romance by this author and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I’m still trying to get myself into my ‘fantasy era’ & I think this book was the perfect start to do so.
It has all the elements that make for a great story:
🥀Morally gray hero
🥀Forbidden romance
🥀Touch her and die
🥀On the run
🥀Fated mates
🥀The chosen one

While it may have taken a bit for the action to kick in, once it did I was hooked!

That ending was cruel!!! This story got me completely hooked. The magic system was super unique and felt completely original. There's so much left to know about this world, especially after everything that happens in this book.

This is a great start to a series because it leaves you wanting more. I'm desperate to understand more about this world and its rules, especially because some characters hide information (in my opinion). The side characters don't interact much in this book. We are introduced to a few characters in the "dream world" that I would've loved to know more about.

A.L. Jackson knows how to write tension between the MCs. Aria and Pax are perfect. Their love and connection are powerful, and they seem to be able to overcome all the darkness that chases them.

Like I said before, the ending was unexpected and mean!!! I need Book 2 ASAP. Thank you so much

A.L. Jackson's debut romantasy is fantastic! I can't wait to back read this author and dive on future books!

Tropes:
Soulmates
Bad Boy x Good Girl
Chosen One
It's Always Been You

This book had me in a chokehold. It kind of gave me The Harbinger series by JLA vibes. Aria and Pax fight the Kruen, who whisper evil thoughts to humans. They are soulmates, and have known each other most of their lives, but only at night, in their dreams, when they enter Faydor, the realm where they fight the Kruen. They aren't allowed to find each other in the day, or ruin could happen to those around them. The Kruen are after Aria while she's awake, and Pax will stop at nothing to keep her safe.

I loved the realism with these characters. A.L. made them feel like real people who are just trying to survive and do what they were made to do. Pax is the perfect bad boy with a whole lot of cinnamon roll. There is so much respect, love, care, and more between these two. The world building was fascinating, and A.L. knows how to tug on heartstrings. The ending was so shocking, and I can't wait to see where this story goes!

🌶🌶

DNF at 28%. Is that too early to DNF? Maybe but I wasn't getting along with it and was not having a good time. I do think this was a me thing and was impacted by the mood I was in and the genre I was more drawn to at the time so this one very well may get picked up at a later date

When you go to sleep, you are supposed to be safe in your dreams. When Aria goes to sleep her nightmares begin.
Arias Laven. We don’t know how or why. When you are young, you go to sleep and then wake up in another world. While in this world you fight evil things that try to destroy people in the real world. If Aria gets hurt in her dreams the battle wounds are very visible in the real world.
Her parents do not know of her secret identity, so when they find these wounds they think Aria is self harming. They end up putting her in a facility.
While at the facility something happens to Aria that no other Laven has been able to do. With this new talent she is not only in danger in her dreams, but now while she is awake as well.

I like the characters in the story. They have a difficult life, but do what they must for the greater good of other people. The pull between Aria and Pax is strong and they have a special connection.
I wish we received more information about what exactly Aria is and more background. The story follows Aria on the run and I would have liked a bit more action in the other world and her newly discovered ‘talent’.
I’m curious how the Aria and Pax will continue the fight in the next book.

I find this book a really hard one to review.

When I requested this book I didn't know if would be an ongoing series and thought based on the description that it would lean more towards the paranormal and less fantasy. All this to say, my problems with the book may just be a me issue. I personally don't love series following the same couple, don't love romantasy that isn't heavily paranormal, and don't prefer slow burns and we found all of these in here.

The premise of this story is so interesting to me and I thought the idea to have the chapters where we are in the dreamland be in 3rd person made it really easy to identify what "world" we were in.

The things that didn't quite work for me: this felt kinda like nothing really happened by the end cliffhanger and I found myself a little overwhelmed/confused with all the different fantasy terms to learn in this book.

I did like the chemistry between our FMC and MMC and their fight against their forbidden attraction but I feel like we didn't get to see enough of the romance part of this (probably because this is a slow burn and a continuing series so I'm sure more will be present in future books).

I went into this book blind so I didn’t expect a romantacy. I was pleasantly surprised though! It gave Stranger Things vibes to me- Faydor made me think of the Upsidedown. Once I got going with the story, I couldn’t put it down!