Dark Light (Dark Light series #1) by S.L. Jennings

LOVE. SEX. MAGIC. Before her 20th birthday, Gabriella was pretty much clueless about all three. In love with her best guy friend since the age of 14 and too crass and intimidating for most of the male population of Colorado Springs, both love and good sex were virtually a myth. And then there's magic. Freakin' magic. There's no way that legend could have a place in her less than exciting life. So why after twenty years of utter obscurity do her adopted parents hit her with the ton of bricks that is her true identity? And how the heck is she supposed to accept all this and instantly become what she was destined to be? Lucky for Gabs, sexy as sin Dorian is more than equipped to help her embrace these new revelations. And while everything about him feels oh so good, she soon learns that there's more behind his crystal blue eyes, chiseled body and exotic beauty. Something dark, menacing and downright unnatural. Yet Gabs is in way too deep to even try to turn away from him now. Dark Light, Book 1 of the Dark Light Series, is the raw, emotional story of a young woman's journey of self-discovery in a world that was not meant for her. And her scorching hot, lip-biting addiction for the man she can't deny, no matter the cost. *Contains strong adult content.

The Plot

Gabriella is a twenty year old woman living what everyone can agree is mediocre. She has no Idea the direction she wants to take her life in. She is undecided about her major, works in retail and hasn’t experienced any meaningful love relationships. This all changes on her 20th Birthday when she discovers she is a one of a kind being, something that has never been seen before. She has a destiny to fulfill but first she has a choice to make. There was quite a major plot twist but one I think that everyone can see coming, that is of course, Gabi.

The Characters

The characters were all intruiging in their own right. Gabriella, is a bit niave that she couldn’t seem to work out certain aspects of the story/events. “What Dorian has been trying to relay to me all along. What I have been trying like hell to run from since my 20th birthday, still trying to hold on to just a shred of normalcy. He knows who I am. He knows I’m the Dark Light, and the beautiful dream boasting colorful images of love, contentment and a future with the alluring man I so desperately love disintegrates right before my eyes, morphing into a horrifying, bloodcurdling nightmare”. Dorian first meets Gabi while at a club and they stare at one another like no one else exists. His presence and the subsequent meeting leaves a lasting impression. He is an enigma for sure, mood swings , mysterious trips to greece and his mysterious changing eye colour. The naughty moments between the two characters were hot and their is definite chemistry between them and not just the magical element. “Because it’s easier to pretend with someone who hardly knows you than to be yourself with someone who loves you for all that you are.” The backing characters were fun and interesting too – Morgan (Gabi’s best friend ) has a small amount of magic in her too and brought some nice lightheartedness to the dialogue. The conflict between Gabi and Jared was intense but I did find myself more rooting for Dorian. I enjoyed the budding romance taking place and although it did come across as an obsession between Gabi and Dorian, the real issue at hand was her magical abilities and the impending issue of her asension.

The Setting

The story takes place in Colorado Springs, although we know that Dorian’s heritage is in Greece. It was interesting to have a character that was from another country and learn the true meaning of Dorian’s surname.

The Writing

This book was the first book that I have read by the author. I did find the first couple of chapters a little bit on the slow side but as the story started getting going it flowed beautifully and I got through the book very quickly. I couldn’t flaw her writing style or pace.

What I didn’t like

The only thing I could possibly say that I didn’t like was , how little that Gabi seemed to connect the dots surrounding Dorian. I think as a reader it was quite obvious what was going to emerge at the end.

I highly recommend this book. I didn’t realise that it was released in 2012, but it still is a very good Paranormal Romance. It produces a lot of FEELS. I need to run and get the 2nd book, Dark Prince , like now. There are so many characters to relate to and fall in love with. It’s a great story, this is completely different from what I usually read but I will dip into Paranormal Romance again.. I’m glad I gave this book a chance and hopefully it’s opened me up to the genre as a whole.