Pure/Dark Ones Series by Aja James

*** 2018 Reader's Favorite Finalist ******Reboot of novel in 2020 with new scenes***Enter the world of Pure Ones, a race of immortal, supernaturally powerful beings who protect humankind, where sexual intercourse with anyone other than one’s Eternal Mate leads to a slow, painful death within thirty days.The Healer of the race, Rain, is the only exception to this rule... more*** 2018 Reader's Favorite Finalist ******Reboot of novel in 2020 with new scenes***Enter the world of Pure Ones, a race of immortal, supernaturally powerful beings who protect humankind, where sexual intercourse with anyone other than one’s Eternal Mate leads to a slow, painful death within thirty days.The Healer of the race, Rain, is the only exception to this rule. To harness and accumulate enough energy to heal severe wounds, especially as the war between her people and the vampire hordes accelerates, she must take a Consort once every ten years and draw strength from his blood and body. But as the war wears on, few Pure-males who are strong enough to serve as her Consort remain. Valerius, Protector of the race, is the strongest candidate.Despite their instant attraction ten years ago when they first met, Valerius has staunchly avoided applying to be the Healer’s Consort. The brutality and violence he suffered as a Roman sex slave in his human life ate away at his soul, leaving a dark abyss of torment and self-doubt.Now, as Rain’s strength drains with every healing act, Valerius cannot escape the fact that he may be the only one who can save her, and in so doing, afford his people greater hope for the future as battles intensify.Will Rain and Valerius find their way to each other as the struggles between good and evil evolve?*** Trigger Warning * Sexual Abuse. *** less

“Every story has more than one side, like a crystal that captures and reflects different colors of light. Do not take for granted what you think you know, for until you hold the entire jewel in your palm, the temptation is to fall prey to illusion and deception... more“Every story has more than one side, like a crystal that captures and reflects different colors of light. Do not take for granted what you think you know, for until you hold the entire jewel in your palm, the temptation is to fall prey to illusion and deception.” This is a story of the Dark Ones… Inanna: the vampire warrior Known as the Angel of Death among her kind, she has lived millennia alone, one of the remaining True Bloods in existence, unconsciously longing for the one male she could never have. Gabriel: the forbidden human His soul recognizes hers from the first encounter. With the first touch, he is awakened. Though he does not know it, he has been searching for her across the ages. But even as they are finally reunited, their love faces seemingly impossible odds. Will history repeat itself or will they break all the rules and chart a new course together? less

Ryu Takamura is the Dark Ones’ Assassin. He has never missed his target…until now. Until her.Ava Monroe is a talented geneticist who holds the key to the vampire race’s future…and perhaps her own as well.Their attraction is explosive from the first. She would do anything to have him. He would sacrifice all to protect her. But will their love triumph over seemingly impossible odds as they battle enemies new and old? Especially the demons from Ryu’s past? And deep within his heart?

Devlin Sinclair, the New England Dark Ones’ Hunter, is on a mission to track down the elusive and mysterious Medusa, perhaps the ultimate nemesis the Pure and Dark Ones have been battling in recent years. But he can’t do it alone. Grace Darling has isolated herself from the world since a very young age, after her parents’ death and because of her own social disability. Awkward and brilliant, a born sensualist, Grace agrees to a blind date that changes the course of Destiny... moreDevlin Sinclair, the New England Dark Ones’ Hunter, is on a mission to track down the elusive and mysterious Medusa, perhaps the ultimate nemesis the Pure and Dark Ones have been battling in recent years. But he can’t do it alone. Grace Darling has isolated herself from the world since a very young age, after her parents’ death and because of her own social disability. Awkward and brilliant, a born sensualist, Grace agrees to a blind date that changes the course of Destiny. She has the skills he needs. Their chemistry is off the charts, but will she, can she, give him the love he craves? less

Their love is outlawed by both their Kinds… Tal-Telal, the legendary General who led the Pure Ones to freedom, paid the ultimate price for his people: breaking the heart of his one True Love. Her shattered heart continues to yearn… Ishtar Anshar, once royalty reigning over a vast, ancient empire, lost everything she held dear. Deceived by those she trusted the most, she blamed the one male who sacrificed all to protect her... moreTheir love is outlawed by both their Kinds… Tal-Telal, the legendary General who led the Pure Ones to freedom, paid the ultimate price for his people: breaking the heart of his one True Love. Her shattered heart continues to yearn… Ishtar Anshar, once royalty reigning over a vast, ancient empire, lost everything she held dear. Deceived by those she trusted the most, she blamed the one male who sacrificed all to protect her. No matter the distance and time, love is a renegade that cannot be ruled… Now Fate has reunited them in this modern time to combat a burgeoning threat. Can they put the darkness behind them and forge a brighter future together? less

All his existence, he’s fought for the wrong side… Born and trained to be the most fearsome Dark warrior the immortal races had ever seen, Enlil of Anatolia had only ever known ruthlessness, brutality and rigid control. He was a weapon used by others, his life never his own. Until he spits in the eye of Fate… No longer able to abide by the atrocities he witnessed and engendered, he severs all ties to the past, risking his own life and sanity, and awakens a nameless man without memory... moreAll his existence, he’s fought for the wrong side… Born and trained to be the most fearsome Dark warrior the immortal races had ever seen, Enlil of Anatolia had only ever known ruthlessness, brutality and rigid control. He was a weapon used by others, his life never his own. Until he spits in the eye of Fate… No longer able to abide by the atrocities he witnessed and engendered, he severs all ties to the past, risking his own life and sanity, and awakens a nameless man without memory. And is taken in by a human woman in search of her own Destiny… Raised in an orphanage, Clara Scott has always wanted a family of her own. Full of love, life and hope, she adopts a lost little girl and befriends a homeless man. In his eyes, she sees endless darkness and pain. But through his actions, she sees a strong, noble, imperfect, yet beautiful spirit— She sees a soul worth redeeming. less

I have always loved him. Though that love has evolved, metamorphosed, transmuted over time (and sometimes it felt a little—maybe a lot—like hate), what hasn’t ever changed is that I love him. But I didn’t comprehend the depth of my love, the teeth and claws and desperate prayers of my love, until six hours ago: They say he’s missing… The Royal Zodiac—me and my inner circle—hasn’t been complete these past two years since the attack... moreI have always loved him. Though that love has evolved, metamorphosed, transmuted over time (and sometimes it felt a little—maybe a lot—like hate), what hasn’t ever changed is that I love him. But I didn’t comprehend the depth of my love, the teeth and claws and desperate prayers of my love, until six hours ago: They say he’s missing… The Royal Zodiac—me and my inner circle—hasn’t been complete these past two years since the attack. Every time we get close to a potential candidate to recruit into our ranks, they disappear, the most likely scenario being that Medusa and her minions got to them first. And now she has Dalair. I won’t rest until I get him back. My name is Sophia Victoria St. James. I am Queen of the Pure Ones. This is my Awakening. less

Jade: She is a ruthless, cunning vampire queen, the most powerful amongst all the Hives in the world. Beautiful, predatory, and alluringly dangerous, she’s a huntress who revels in blood and sexual pleasure. Seth: He is calm, cool, and level-headedness personified, as the most effective negotiator and mediator amongst the Pure Ones. Known by the moniker of “Monk,” he thought he could resist any and all temptation... moreJade: She is a ruthless, cunning vampire queen, the most powerful amongst all the Hives in the world. Beautiful, predatory, and alluringly dangerous, she’s a huntress who revels in blood and sexual pleasure. Seth: He is calm, cool, and level-headedness personified, as the most effective negotiator and mediator amongst the Pure Ones. Known by the moniker of “Monk,” he thought he could resist any and all temptation. 3 years ago, they made a deal, one that gave the Pure Ones a critical advantage against a deadly foe. But the price he paid still haunts him to this day. 3 years ago, she played a delicious game, not realizing until it was almost too late, how he changed her entire world. Now, common enemies force their paths to cross again. Only this time, the stakes are higher, the risk is greater, and the love—should they choose to claim it—will be worth every sacrifice. less

He doesn’t know what she means to him until he lost her…Maximus has always been in control. As the Commander of the Chosen, the Dark King’s personal guard, he can’t afford to step wrong. With his eternal familiar at his side, he can loosen up, give in to moments of carefree fun. But all that changed on a fateful night.She will always find a way back to him…Ariel Kyles is an experiment with programmed thoughts but no soul—until a black panther’s spirit possesses her body... moreHe doesn’t know what she means to him until he lost her…Maximus has always been in control. As the Commander of the Chosen, the Dark King’s personal guard, he can’t afford to step wrong. With his eternal familiar at his side, he can loosen up, give in to moments of carefree fun. But all that changed on a fateful night.She will always find a way back to him…Ariel Kyles is an experiment with programmed thoughts but no soul—until a black panther’s spirit possesses her body. Suddenly, she discovers whole new needs, desires, and a primal, irresistible obsession: Maximus.Fate will not be denied…Maximus and Ariel each have secrets about themselves to uncover, and their journey leads them to a fantastic, hidden world. But the most delicious mystery of all may prove to be their Destiny together. less

All my existence, I have loved one woman.But she was never meant to be mine.I loved her when she was the intended bride for another.I betrayed him too.I loved her after they married. I took what wasn’t mine.I paid my penance by dying in his stead.But it wasn’t enough to restore the Balance.When the Goddess gave me a chance to make things right, to serve as a soldier of the Pure Ones, I embraced that offer. Even though what I really wanted to do was stay dead and numb... moreAll my existence, I have loved one woman.But she was never meant to be mine.I loved her when she was the intended bride for another.I betrayed him too.I loved her after they married. I took what wasn’t mine.I paid my penance by dying in his stead.But it wasn’t enough to restore the Balance.When the Goddess gave me a chance to make things right, to serve as a soldier of the Pure Ones, I embraced that offer. Even though what I really wanted to do was stay dead and numb. Never to be reawakened in this world.Never to feel again. To yearn and desire and seethe with jealousy and despair at my own helplessness. The Goddess warned me at the moment of my death and rebirth not to want her again. For our paths would cross in the future, though I wouldn’t know the time and place. Nor would I recognize her physical incarnation. For she was never meant to be mine. Will never be mine.But the moment I realized who she was—the Pure Queen I’d been assigned to protect as the Paladin—the moment I recognized her soul, I Fell again.I wanted. I craved. I yearned. I seethed.I resisted.I pushed her away over and over again. Made her angry and confused.Made her hate me.But Goddess above! I cannot change how I feel. I cannot stop wanting her.Cannot stop loving her. All my existence, my body, heart and soul have belonged to one woman.Even though she can never be mine. I love her still.I love her forever.This is the beginning of the end of our story.Judge me if you dare. less

A lost king…Goya is a rare magical being: a royal Beast. And not just any animal shifter, but the king of the earthly realm--the great white tiger. But now he is a king without a home, cut off from his kin, and trapped in a human body against his will. A single mother…Maddie Peterson is a career-minded single mother who has a fundamental distrust (and often, dislike) of men, especially in light of her cheating ex-husband and manipulative co-worker... moreA lost king…Goya is a rare magical being: a royal Beast. And not just any animal shifter, but the king of the earthly realm--the great white tiger. But now he is a king without a home, cut off from his kin, and trapped in a human body against his will. A single mother…Maddie Peterson is a career-minded single mother who has a fundamental distrust (and often, dislike) of men, especially in light of her cheating ex-husband and manipulative co-worker. But, then, she's never met a male like Goya before. Opposite worlds collide…When Maddie welcomes the silent stranger into her home, there is no denying their animal attraction. She teaches him how to be human, and he teaches her how to be wild. But when he gives his heart and soul to her, the pure spirit of the noblest of Beasts, is she brave enough to accept him as a partner into her life, as well as step into his fantastical, dangerous world? less

Aella Alexander:An Amazon warrior in her human life, Aella has always taken and fought for what she wanted, and what Aella wanted, she got.Until him.Cloud Drako:The mysterious new recruit to the Pure Ones’ team of Elite soldiers is not what he seems. He has a critical role to fulfill to maintain Balance in the universe…He cannot afford to be distracted by her. Destiny is shaped by choices made:The past cannot be changed, a past that neither Cloud nor Aella remembers... moreAella Alexander:An Amazon warrior in her human life, Aella has always taken and fought for what she wanted, and what Aella wanted, she got.Until him.Cloud Drako:The mysterious new recruit to the Pure Ones’ team of Elite soldiers is not what he seems. He has a critical role to fulfill to maintain Balance in the universe…He cannot afford to be distracted by her. Destiny is shaped by choices made:The past cannot be changed, a past that neither Cloud nor Aella remembers. But the future is yet unwritten. In this present time, with this second chance, Cloud must make his ultimate stand: to carry out the role he’s been assigned, or to embrace an uncertain future, knowing that his choice would be irrevocable. Absolute.And that the souls of countless innocents depend upon it…Can Aella help him choose wisely, or will she lead them all to ruin? less

We are who we are…For as long as it can remember, it has been known as the Creature. Neither he nor she, neither Pure nor Dark…a beautiful abomination to all races and Kinds. A faithful henchman of the evil Medusa, it has perpetrated dark deeds beyond redemption, even if its own hands have never directly taken a life.We are who we’re made…Once upon a time, the Creature was conceived in love, a True Love that endured across millennia of trials and tribulations... moreWe are who we are…For as long as it can remember, it has been known as the Creature. Neither he nor she, neither Pure nor Dark…a beautiful abomination to all races and Kinds. A faithful henchman of the evil Medusa, it has perpetrated dark deeds beyond redemption, even if its own hands have never directly taken a life.We are who we’re made…Once upon a time, the Creature was conceived in love, a True Love that endured across millennia of trials and tribulations. Its parents have never given up hope that they would one day recover their lost son. And, too, the Creature was not always as it is now. But circumstances shriveled its heart and suffocated its soul, forging a being who cares about nothing and no one—Until now.**WARNING: EXPLICIT DARK CONTENT INCLUDED.**This is not a romance. But it is a story about love. less

Alend Ramses is not who he seems…The first-ever Dark King, the most powerful vampire ruler in the world, was once the lowest of the low. A slave who became a Consort who became a King…he’s lived long enough to learn from his mistakes and never repeat them.Or has he?Eveline Marceau knows a lot…The Pure Ones’ Seer and Scribe is an intellectual female with hidden depths, which no male across time has come close to uncovering... moreAlend Ramses is not who he seems…The first-ever Dark King, the most powerful vampire ruler in the world, was once the lowest of the low. A slave who became a Consort who became a King…he’s lived long enough to learn from his mistakes and never repeat them.Or has he?Eveline Marceau knows a lot…The Pure Ones’ Seer and Scribe is an intellectual female with hidden depths, which no male across time has come close to uncovering. She is certain that Ramses is no different; she knows what she wants, and he is exactly opposite.But she doesn’t know everything.Their paths cross unexpectedly…Pulled into the Dark Ones’ dizzying world of intrigue, violence and mayhem, the meek little “librarian” shows her steely backbone and holds her own. By all appearances, she is one of the Dark King’s possessions, a symbol and portent for a potential future as tensions between the Dark Ones and their enemies run high. Appearances can be deceiving.Can Eveline work with Ramses to steer Destiny in the right direction, or will history once again repeat itself toward a bloody, oppressive end? less

Who he was…The Creature was not always an “it,” a monster and tool for Medusa’s use. Once upon a time, he was a boy, and then a man. He had a name—Erebu. Twice, he sacrificed himself for love. Twice he died and was revived by his Mistress. In the process, he lost his soul and buried the painful memories where no one could find them, least of all him... moreWho he was…The Creature was not always an “it,” a monster and tool for Medusa’s use. Once upon a time, he was a boy, and then a man. He had a name—Erebu. Twice, he sacrificed himself for love. Twice he died and was revived by his Mistress. In the process, he lost his soul and buried the painful memories where no one could find them, least of all him.Who he is…Now one of Medusa’s most brilliant henchmen, captured by the Pure Ones yet treated like a friend rather than a foe, the Creature is reminded of the soul he lost, the memories he’d forgotten, and the dream he used to hope for. But first, he must confront the past.Who he is meant to be…The Creature realizes that he matters, he has will, even if he is not completely free; that without darkness there is no light, and that darkness can be beautiful too. When his newfound friends—his family—are threatened, will the Creature find the strength to fight for love? Will he make the right choice and change the course of Destiny? less

An unlikely hero…He was once known as the Creature. An indefinable “it.” His life had never been his own, used and abused by despicable beings. Worst of all, he never knew himself.Despite his tortured past, despite the darkness inside him, he has chosen a brighter path. He has a name—Erebu. His first stand was to defy the Master who created him to save his son... moreAn unlikely hero…He was once known as the Creature. An indefinable “it.” His life had never been his own, used and abused by despicable beings. Worst of all, he never knew himself.Despite his tortured past, despite the darkness inside him, he has chosen a brighter path. He has a name—Erebu. His first stand was to defy the Master who created him to save his son. But instead of destroying the greatest enemy of all, he himself was destroyed…An unlikely love…From distant lands, across fathomless seas, someone heard the Creature’s cries. He gave Ere a second chance, a miraculous rebirth that came at a steep cost, remaking Ere with his own breath, body, blood and soul. This mysterious savior has a past of his own to face, and a future to define and embrace. Will Ere be able to find him in time? Will they forge their path together or pursue separate destinies?An end and a beginning…No matter their decision, one thing is certain: they must work together to unite all Kinds if they have a hope of defeating their ultimate nemesis. The end is near… And so is a brand new beginning. less