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Destined Darkness (Nephilim’s Destiny – Book 1)
by Tessa Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Slow Burn, Paranormal Romance RH
Available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited
Down and Dirty
A complicated yet enjoyable ride – definitely Kindle Worthy. Read it.
What is it about?
Office Essie Shaw has a secret that could cost her everything, including her life… one born of terror and hatred so resounding, even demons would fear her. Twenty Three years ago, the Archangel Micheal created a rash of Nephilims – monsters crafted with a deep seated darkness especially to destroy the plague that was man. When the other angels, humans and eventually paranormals rose up in protest, the war ravaged the planet and sent the makeshift nephilims to their graves. Now, paranormals and humans live together in an almost peace – though their nightmares still ring with the echoes of an Angel’s folly.
Essie Shaw is one of those creatures of nightmare and fear, yet one born not of experiment and design – but of love. A natural born Nephilim, her existence is supposed to be impossible, yet there she stands – and there she hides. Cursed to live in obscurity, Essie has embraced the human side of her soul, using it as a guise to protect her life in a world gone crazy. As a beat cop, her days are fairly mundane – yet when an early morning robbery attempt sends her careening into the paranormal, Essie comes face to face with her worst nightmare – The Joined Parliament Agency. Now stuck with a handsome and diverse team meant to keep her safe, Essie must juggle her role, her secrets, her desires and her fear – for if they look too close, she could lose everything, including these men who all look far too tempting for her Nephilim heart.
Thoughts
This was a thoroughly enjoyable ride that has spawned countless hours of thought and contemplation. What is going to happen? Will they ever find out? Will they accept her? Where is Micheal? The list is endless, and if you get into this series, you’ll be right in the thick of conspiracy theories too!
It shakes up familiar themes, archetypes and mythos, presenting a new kind of Paranormal adventure that you can really sink your teeth in to. There is no way not to love Essie, nor feel for her as the fear of her exposure permeates the pages. Her struggle is very real, and the attraction she isn’t supposed to feel for the team is almost tangible.
Perspective:
First Person, Single POV
Ending Type:
Episodic with serial hook.
Pros:
- Well written
- Descriptions are palpable
- No insta-love, more like insta-confusion!
- Marcus – he’s my favorite.
- Kol – no, HE’S my favorite!
Cons:
- A couple editing issues, but more like autocorrect replacements, nothing serious.
- FMC’s decision making skills need polishing, but I suppose that’s a plot point! 😆🤷♀️
Verdict

Overall, this was a great book and good start to a promising new series. I am looking forward to reading the rest of Essie’s adventures and can confidently recommend this book for your Kindle Collection.
Published: December 25th, 2018
254 Pages
Please note, this is a Reverse Harem Novel with a heroine who enjoys multiple love interests and will not have to choose between them in the end. Sexual content is more suited for older audiences. 18+
If you enjoyed this review, please be sure to check out a few of my other articles!
- Gifted Connections Book Two by SM Oliver
- Absorb by Analeigh Ford – A Book Review
- Gifted Connections Book 1 by SM Oliver – A Book Review

Your Turn
What are you reading today? Have you found any great books so far this year? Leave a comment, toss me a line – I would love to talk!
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