Scent of Darkness

Written by Christina Dodd

Narrated by Brittany Pressley

From New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd comes the seductive Darkness Chosen series about an ancient, dark evil that lives in the modern world

A thousand years ago, a brutal warrior roamed the Russian steppes, and struck a menacing bargain. For the ability to change at will into a cold-hearted predator, Konstantine promised his soul—and the souls of his descendants—to the devil. One day a dangerous prophecy reveals the truth: one family has been chosen to battle the darkness—or face damnation.

Ann Smith loves her dynamic boss, Jasha Wilder, but her daring plan to seduce him goes awry when she encounters a powerful wolf who before her horrified eyes changes into the man she adores. She soon discovers she can't escape her destiny ... for Jasha is Konstantine's descendant and Ann is the woman fated to break the curse that binds his soul...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Jan 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9781713531715

Christina Dodd

New York Times bestselling author CHRISTINA DODD builds worlds filled with suspense, romance, and adventure, and creates the most distinctive characters in fiction today. Her fifty novels have been translated into twenty-five languages, featured by Doubleday Book Club, recorded on Books on Tape for the Blind, won Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart and RITA Awards, and been called the year's best by Library Journal. Dodd herself has been a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle.

Reviews for Scent of Darkness

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This urban fantasy has 1000-year curses and shapeshifters. Ann Smith is Jasha Wilder's office assistant. She has harbored a crush on him for all of the years that she's worked for him. The time has come for her to confront him and let him know. She thinks a trip to his mountain home to seduce him is a great idea.However, the time isn't good. Jasha has just learned that the enemies who have been tracking his family for many years have gotten close. Also, his mother had a vision at the annual fourth of July picnic which indicates that they have a limited time to find a mysterious relic that was broken and scattered 1000 years ago if they want to save their father from damnation.Jasha has gone to his retreat where he can turn to a wolf and think about what he can do to save his father. The last thing he wants to do is bring anyone into the danger with him. But Ann arrives and the enemies arrive shortly after. Ann is keeping secrets of her own. She was found abandoned in a dumpster as in infant with a strange tattoo on her lower back. Raised by a convent of nuns, she has been taught that evil follows her and that she has an unknown destiny.When Ann finds the relic during a particularly strong storm, Jasha knows that he needs to protect it and her from the enemies who want to destroy his family. He also wants to convince her that he is her intended mate which might be harder to accomplish than defeating a number of shapeshifters sent to kill him. This was entertaining urban fantasy and is the first of four books in the story arc. I enjoyed the characters and the worldbuilding.

[carolesrandomlife · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. This was a re-read for me. I first read this book around the time of its original release, which was 2007, and didn't remember a whole lot about it besides the fact that the Hero is able to turn into a wolf and I liked it. As I read the book, there were some things that were somewhat familiar but in a lot of ways, it was like experiencing the story all over again for the first time. I am really glad that I decided to pick this one up again.I love the set up for this series. The Wilder family is descended from a man that made a deal with the devil years ago. Since that deal was made, only male children have been born and each of those children is able to transform into a predator once they reach puberty. These are violent men who don't form attachments or marry but take what they want. Jasha's father broke tradition when he married his mother and hid his family from the larger family. Jasha knows that his family is in danger from his mother's prophecy. Jasha is the oldest and is quite the businessman, owning a winery. He is the oldest of the four children in his family and he is able to turn into a wolf at will. Ann works for Jasha as his assistant but has wanted him for a very long time. She doesn't realize that when she goes to see him at his home that she is going to get more than she bargained for. I found this book to be really exciting. I think that the fact that these characters are faced with a situation that is bigger than they are is really interesting. Their goal is really just to keep their family safe and despite the fact that their abilities come from a deal with the devil, they do want to do the right thing. I liked that the enemy could pop up anywhere and really that anything could happen. I did like Jasha and Ann and thought that they did make a good pair. They did have a lot of chemistry and liked each other before the book actually began. I thought that Ann's history was really interesting and I liked the fact that she was able to accept everything going on as quickly as she did. Jasha really did care for Ann although he sometimes did need to learn to include her in the decisions that were being made. I would recommend this book to fans of paranormal romance. I found this to be a fast-paced story with a rather unique premise. I am looking forward to continuing my re-read of the series very soon!

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Scent of Darkness by Christina Dodd
Book #1 in Darkness Chosen
4 stars

Synopsis:
The Wilders must break the pact their vicious ancestor forged with the devil or be cursed for all eternity. On the night Ann Smith decides to seduce her boss, Jasha Wilder, she is astonished to see him transform into a wolf and soon learns that she holds the key to his family’s salvation. Chased by shapshifting assassins, Ann and Jasha must control their passion and work together to outwit these dangerous predators or they will never survive.

Review:
A fresh and invigorating story in a genre inundated with vampires. Christine Dodd has crafted an spellbinding mythology involving demons and holy relics that grip the reader throughout. The characterization is excellent, especially Ann who begins her journey as a naïve girl and develops into a proud and strong willed young woman. The back story regarding her mysterious childhood and tattoo is particularly intriguing. Jasha, however, can be a little overbearing but Ann has no problem putting him in his place.
Recommendation: For lovers of paranormal romance. I will definitely be continuing with the series.

[jetangen4571 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Rich businessman is a shifter, but is also raised with really old-school attitudes, especially regarding women. The dual story was basically a good one, but too much violence and specific erotica for my taste.

[carol420 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ann Smith secretly loves her boss, the virile Jasha Wilder. After much prodding by her friends, including a makeover, a new car, and laser corrected vision, Ann sets out to seduce Jasha in his remote Washington home. Her plans, however did not in anyway include a gigantic wolf in the middle of her boss's living room, especially when "Fido" becomes something else. Have to say I find wolves majorly attractive after this one...lol. Read and you shall understand the connection.

[theyodamom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 it had the cheesy predictable need her/want her/meant to be parts, but it also had a mysterious icon, a freaky tattoo, sexy werewolves, some hot and dirty smut, and an interesting historical factor. It was light enough, funny enough to just sit back and enjoy.

[cynical_ames · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Scent of Darkness danced around the line between seduction and rape but I've decided to call it seduction in the end but only just. Besides Jasha gets slapped around for this later as the heroine tries to explain that it wasn't like that. Hmmm.

But anyway despite this, it was well-written, the plot was interesting, the villains were...not very bright, died quickly and were too few though this was explained away so I'll forgive that but on the plus side the characters all had distinct personalities.

Even Ann Smith, who before her radical transformation seemed as boring and plain as her name though her birthmark certainly sets her above everyone else, making her the perfect bait. That plus her perceptive yet innocent nature and acute business mind placed her as perfect as Jasha's mate, and it's in his best interest to keep her happy considering she was practically running his business.

However, my absolute favourite character was the the patriarch of the family, Konstantine. He was an immensely interesting and hearty character. I only wish there was a book on him and his wife, Zorana so we could see what made him turn away from dark despicable deeds to kidnap a sixteen year old girl, marry her and escape the Russian compound to make a new life in America. Come on, there's definitely a story there, and I want to read it.

And here's the downside: I'm not particularly interested in any of Jasha's siblings' stories except of course Adrik's -the one character that didn't make an appearance but is marked as an outcast for his decision to turn back to the "old" ways aka raping, killing and robbing his way through life. A life to do the devil (and the pact) proud. Dodd tries to intrigue me with Firebird's situation, the 4th non-existent son and Rurik's disappearance but I just can't seem to care.

What next for this series: well for me, I may step over the next book to get to Adrik's but other than that I can't guarantee anything.

[colereising · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I searched this book out because I’d read an excerpt of her most recently published book in this series–I want to read it. :-) When I discovered it was part of a series I decided to start at the beginning and am so glad I did. I loved this story! I stayed up last night to finish reading it. Now to get the next one as soon as possible. :-)

This is my first book I’ve read of Christina Dodd’s. I loved the paranormal elements to it, mixed with the action. Definitely going to have to try other books/series by her. :-)

[bookishbrunette · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I couldn't even bring myself to finish this book! The story line had such promise and I was so anticipating a great book... I thought Ann (the heroine) was a bubble headed idiot. Like I said, the beginning held sooooo much promise! But Ann evolved from a MILDLY likable character to a chick that I could barely stand to listen to!

[mthomas1975 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The concept of the book was really good. A very interesting good versus evil book going back 1,000 years. I am curious to see how the story unfolds so I will finish the series. That being said, there was something that irritated me about the book. I just couldn't buy Jasha having feelings for Ann after her being a complete stalker. I mean who packs their bags, goes to their "loves" house, walks right in the front door and hangs their clothes in the closet? Had I come home to that I would've been beyond pissed and called the cops. I could see her going to his house to seduce him but just making herself at home was wrong like she never thought for a second that he would reject her. Had she been that confident why didn't she approach him about her feelings earlier? Ann seriously irritated me in the beginning. In the beginning of the book, I kept shaking my head and thinking what the hell is wrong with this girl. Is she deficient? I did grow to somewhat like her. On to the good things. Seeing Jasha's battle within was intriguing. He is a demon after all and to see him struggle to keep his emotions under control in order to protect Ann was good. I loved the interaction between Jasha's family. They are the reason that I will continue this series. That and the fact that Ann will not be the focus point in the other books. Seeing his birthright and what Konstantine fought for and left behind for love was beautiful. I want to see if they are able to save his soul and if we will ever meet the mysterious bad brother.

[jamesterck · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book starts out giving background on the Varinski family. Long ago, Konstantine Varinski made a deal with the devil that if he would help him defeat his enemies, he would give the devil his soul. He was given powers and abilities that helped him crush his rivals. The pact didn't just affect Konstantine, it affected all of the sons born into the family as well. Until one of those sons finally broke from "tradition"; he married, moved to America (where he changed their surname to Wilder) and had kids. Jasha Wilder is one of his sons, very successful in the wine industry. His father wants him to marry and give him grandchildren, but Jasha hasn't found the right woman yet. Ann Smith is Jasha's administrative assistant. She has been in love with Jasha for years but she is meek and timid, having been raised by nuns. Finally she decides it's now or never and goes to his vacation house to try and seduce him. When she gets there, she runs into a large wolf...and sees it transform into Jasha! She trys to run away but he stops her and she is overcome by desire even she can't explain. No sooner do they meet but they're on the run together from people who would love nothing more than to exterminate the Wilders, other descendants of Konstantine who resent the way the family is living. Ann plays a bigger part of the puzzle than she ever would have guessed after she finds a priceless relic, one very important to the Wilder family. Jasha knows he must keep her safe, but are his feelings for her just a product of needing to ensure the survival of his family, or because he is falling in love with her? My opinion: When I first started reading, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get into this book. This mouse of a woman just up and decides to do something WAY out of character for her and go to her boss's house uninvited and try and seduce him? When he has no idea of her feelings for him (or so she thinks)? I thought it was crazy, but I guess she figured she had nothing to lose...oh except her job! Anyway, kudos to her for having the guts to do something like that. She had a lot of chemistry with Jasha right away and although they had a lot of ups and downs, he really helped bring her out of her shell. Her parents had given her away when she was born and she was raised by nuns, so she didn't know much outside what she had been taught. She was virgin until she met Jasha! She is shocked by the fact that Jasha can shapeshift into a wolf, but she also has a secret of her own that she takes great strides to hide. I liked how this book set the scene for the books to follow, and I look forward to reading all of them to see what happens to the Wilder family. My rating: 5/5 stars

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ann Smith has always loved her boss, Jasha Wilder, from afar but now she has a chance to beard him in his lair she decides to take it. Little does she know that he's a werewolf and she is destined to help him save his soul.It's pretty predicable but I enjoyed the ride. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

[nicolereising · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I searched this book out because I’d read an excerpt of her most recently published book in this series–I want to read it. :-) When I discovered it was part of a series I decided to start at the beginning and am so glad I did. I loved this story! I stayed up last night to finish reading it. Now to get the next one as soon as possible. :-)This is my first book I’ve read of Christina Dodd’s. I loved the paranormal elements to it, mixed with the action. Definitely going to have to try other books/series by her. :-)

[thebooknerd · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I wanted more from this book. More relationship building between Ann and Jasha, more interaction with the bad guys, more urgency from the good guys when they're supposedly under attack but decide to lie around taking a nap anyway. Just more. I do think the concept is interesting, however, and the characters are mostly likable, so I would recommend this book to anyone who likes paranormal romance.

[phyllis2779 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not bad. Once I got into it, it was somewhat gripping. But I didn't particularly the hero. Overly an alpha male type. I do want to read the sequels so I did get into the family characters and the plot but the romance didn't seem real because I couldn't see what the pretty decent heroine would want with a bullying boss.

[justy_7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the first book of the Darkness Chosen series and it sucked me right in. In this book we meet the Wilder family for the first time and learn about their past. Ann Smith is infatuated with her boss Jasha Wilder, after working for him for years she felt she knew him. The day she surprises him at his castle proves to her that he is more special and different than she had expected. Join this couple as they work together to survive and try to break the curse.

[jenson_aka_dl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ann Smith was raised in a convent and grew to be a serious, straight-laced woman. However, when it comes to her boss and winery owner Jasha Wilder, Ann tends to get a little wild. Determined to make Jasha see her as more than just an ace administrative assistant Ann follows him to his wilderness home and gets more than she bargained for when she discovers her boss' secret, one almost as terrifying as her own.This is certainly a book meant for the beginning of the series. I never really got the feeling I was reading anything more in depth than a series set-up and when the characters finally got on the same page (so to speak) at the end it almost felt a bit rushed. The writing was well executed and I didn't have any problems with that, it was more all the set up. The mythology built here wasn't a traditional werewolf tale so it didn't feel stale or redundant. I think part of my problem was that for some reason I didn't really connect with the characters here.I can certainly see why the story would appeal to lovers of supernatural thriller type romances and certainly think that if you like the genre, this would be a worthwhile read.

[the_book_queen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love paranormal books that combine fantasy, sexy scenes, and romance together and leave you wanting more. So it was no surprise to me when I found myself in love with Scent of Darkness from the very first chapter-- actually, the prolouge was what hooked me and the first chapters reeled me in. The perfect start to a promising new series!Ann wanted a normal life, a perfect life. She wanted a nice house, a great job *which she already had*, maybe some childre, and, oh yeah, Jasha, her boss. Doesn't sound to bad, right? Nothing abnormal there. Of course, Ann doesn't know that her boss, her beloved Jasha, is really a demon, whose family has been 'cursed' and bound to the devil for thousands of years, becoming a preditor at will, in his case, wolf. Ann is horrified, scared... and yet strongly aroused, unable to stop herself from reacting to his coarse passions, demanding and yet somehow still gentle, if only slightly so.When Ann finds an ancient icon of the Madonna, she finds herself to be part of a Prophecy told by Jasha's mother only a short time ago. If the true loves of 'their four sons' do not find the various icons before their father dies, he will be sent to hell and he will not be redeemed of his evils. Every day, Ann finds herself being pulled in farther and farther into a world that she never knew existed, and certainly never wanted to be part of. But now, she finds that world becoming a part of her...especially Jasha, who is steadily becoming a part of her heart- again. But can he love her back? Or is she simply a pretty woman whom he has great sex with and who will be able to help his father to be redeemed before dying? You will be sitting on the edge of your seat from page one until the end, submerged in a world filled with fantasy and demons, curses and legends, love and hate, erotic moments and passionately- lovingly- possesive moments. You want to know what will happen next, what does Ann's unique birthmark mean, and who is watching them-- or, more importantly, how many. Christina Dodd has proven that she can write both tender historical romances and sexy paranormals. Right now, I already have the next two books waiting to be read, and in a bit I will start on the second in her Darkness Chosen series, Touch of Darkness which tells Rourik's story. I can't wait until Firebird's story, the fourth one, due out in August, I believe. She sounds like such an interesting character.. and it seems like she has more secrets hidden from her family than they thought. 5/5 STARS! Scent of Darkness is the perfect start to an amazing new paranormal series. Sexy alpha males, passionate but sturdy heroines, a dangerous legend, deadly secrets.... How can you possibly resist? You can't, believe me! This is a must read for anyone who likes things that go bump in the night...

[phyllisd_5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was my first paranormal romance. I found it very suspenseful. It hit the ground running from the very beginning and didn't stop. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[blingtastic · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Suprisingly an enjoyable read; very fast-paced and sensual. Also involved family relationships, which also was a precursor to future books in the series; looking forward to the next book